Most popular8-Mile Raft Trip
Fun splashes and rolling waves, right from our shop. The easy family win.
- About 2 hours
- 5 departures a day
- Kids about 45 lb and up
✓ Fits your crew
From $92.40per adult, all-in
Your family: $92.40 all-in
Real whitewater
18-Mile Raft Trip
Most of a day on the Yellowstone, finishing with about six miles of consistent Class III whitewater in Yankee Jim Canyon. Lunch on the river, and back by early afternoon.
- The canyon
- About 6 miles of Class III
- Departs
- 9:30 from our shop
- Back
- About 2:45, earlier in high water
- Lunch
- On the riverbank, included
- Who can go
- Ages 5 and up, about 45 lb+
- Best water
- June and early July
$176.00per adult (13+), all-in: taxes and fees included
✓ Fits your crew
for , all-in
Big water, the real canyon, and still back for the park
Yankee Jim Canyon is about six miles of really good, consistent Class III whitewater, and it's at its best in June and the first week of July. The 18-Mile is the trip for teens and active adults who want as much whitewater as the day allows, though first-timers do it all the time too.
It's a full trip, not a full day. You leave the shop at 9:30 and you're usually back around 2:45, earlier when the water is high in spring. That leaves time to drive back to West Yellowstone, or to catch the evening light in Lamar Valley.
Before the canyon you get the town stretch's named rapids, a float past LaDuke hot springs and a riverside lunch. Every rafting guide is trained in first aid and whitewater rescue.
Your day
From the shop to Yankee Jim
- 9:00: check in at the shop
Get fitted for your life jacket, wetsuit and splash jacket. Helmets come out when the water is higher.
- 9:30: walk down to your raft
It's already waiting at the water: we lower the boats by cable, so you never carry one.
- The town stretch
Queen of the Waters, Sleeping Giant and Creighton's Hole, right through Gardiner.
- LaDuke hot springs
Your raft floats right past this hot spring on the riverbank.
- Lunch on the river
Deli sandwiches, fruit, dessert and a cold drink on the riverbank.
- Yankee Jim Canyon
Revenge, Boateater and Boxcar: big waves and consistent Class III.
- Back to the shop
A short bus ride from the take-out back to Gardiner, usually around 2:45.
What's included
Included
- A guide in every raft
- Life jacket, wetsuit and splash jacket; helmets at higher water
- Lunch on the riverbank
- The ride back to the shop
Bring
- A water bottle with a clip
- Sunscreen and sunglasses with a strap
- A towel and dry clothes for after
Dietary needs? Tell us when you book and we'll plan lunch around them.
18-Mile or 8-Mile?
Up for the canyon, or keep it short?
Both start with the same walk down from our shop. Pick the 18-Mile if your crew wants the biggest water of the day; pick the 8-Mile if you want splashes and your afternoon free.
| 8-Mile Raft Trip | 18-Mile Raft Trip | |
|---|---|---|
| Fits your crew? | ||
| On the water | About 2 hours | 9:30 to about 2:45 |
| Rapids | Splashes and rolling waves through town | The town stretch, then Class III in Yankee Jim Canyon |
| Food | Bring a snack | Lunch on the riverbank |
| Youngest riders | Youth 4–12, about 45 lb and up | Youth 5–12, about 45 lb and up |
| Choose it if | You have little ones or a big park day planned | You have teens or adults who want real whitewater |
| Next open departure | ||
| Your family, all-in |
Reunions and big groups
Booking for a big group?
Put everyone on the same departure with one link. Each family books and pays for its own seats.
Create a group link
Departure · Sun May 16Sample availability: not real departures
Seats aren’t held until each family books. A big group? Call us and we’ll help get everyone on one departure.
Launch from the shop
Boats in the water. Walk down. Jump in.
Our rafts launch right behind the shop in Gardiner. There's no bus ride to the river in a life jacket and no hauling boats: your raft is already waiting on the water.
- Park in town
Street parking right by the shop on Scott Street.
- Check in and gear up
Wetsuits, splash jackets, life jackets and helmets are all included.
- Walk down to the river
A short path down the hill to boats already in the water.
Running a few minutes late? Because we launch at the shop, we can often still get you on the river.
Reviews
Rafters on the 18-Mile
“So happy we picked Flying Pig for our family rafting adventure! As promised our group of 23 started together and enjoyed a fun day on the water! Half our group did the 8 mile run and half did the 18 mile run and everyone had a great time!”
“Fantastic experience I'll never forget! Thank you so much to our helpful guide for answering all of our many questions and providing us with a great trip! We loved the rafting and want to do it again and again!”
Good to know
18-Mile Raft Trip: your questions
How big are the rapids in Yankee Jim Canyon?
Yankee Jim is known for big waves and consistent Class III. The water is biggest in May and June; later in summer it's still a lively canyon.
What time do we get back?
Usually around 2:45. Early in the season, when the water is high and fast, it can be as early as 1:30.
Is lunch really included?
Yes: deli sandwiches, fruit, dessert and a cold drink, served on the riverbank. Tell us about any dietary needs when you book.
Can first-timers do the 18-Mile?
Yes. It's a favorite with people who have rafted before, but beginners do it all the time. Every guide is trained in first aid and whitewater rescue.
Can our group split between the 8-Mile and the 18-Mile?
Yes. One group of 23 sent half on each and met back at the shop. Book each trip separately, or call and we'll set it up.
What happens if someone falls in?
Unplanned swims are rare. Everyone wears a life jacket, and your guide is trained in whitewater rescue.
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Ready for the 18-Mile?
Book online in a couple of minutes, or call and an owner will help.