What to wear rafting, and your other questions

Synthetic, fleece or wool layers under the neoprene (athletic leggings and fitted tops work well), plus a windproof jacket, wool socks with your water shoes, a hat and gloves. Water in May and early June is typically around 45–50°F, so layer up even when it's sunny. We'll suit you up at check-in.

Closed-toe, sturdy shoes like sneakers, long pants, an extra warm layer and a rain jacket. Each horse has a small saddle bag for a camera and a water bottle. For the raft part of a Paddle & Saddle, bring water shoes or heel-strap sandals.

A light overnight bag: a change of clothes for camp, dry shoes and socks, a light jacket or sweatshirt, a headlamp and toiletries. We provide clean sleeping bags, blankets, pillows and towels, plus shampoo, conditioner and body wash, and we take your bag down to camp for you.

Yes. If you have essential medication such as an inhaler, epi-pen or insulin, our guides will carry it in their dry bags. If you have a medical condition, check with your doctor first.

For whitewater we go by weight more than age: about 45 lb and up. Littler ones are welcome on the Scenic Float, where the guide rows and the water is calm.

There is a 300 lb per person limit on the 18-Mile, the Overnight Raft Trip and Paddle & Saddle.

Riders must be at least 7 years old. No riding experience is needed.

No. Everyone wears a commercially rated life jacket, and there are gentle stretches where swimming is allowed and encouraged.

The 8-Mile is the classic family trip: about two hours of fun splashes, five times a day. If anyone in your crew doesn't want to get wet, choose the Scenic Float.

Often, yes. If online booking has closed for the time you want, call or text us and we'll fit you in if we can. Paddle & Saddle can't be booked on the same day, because the horses are limited.

On most rafting trips, yes, and in July we add boats through the day. Booking ahead online holds the time you want.

Day trips can be cancelled free up to 48 hours before; within 48 hours there is no refund. The Overnight Raft Trip, the 3-Day and ranch stays have longer windows: see the cancellation policy.

Yes. Every price on our site includes taxes and fees, so it matches your total at checkout.

Tipping is optional. Typical tips are 10–20% of your group's trip cost. Never expected, always appreciated.

Yes, of every rafting trip, and you can preview them at the shop afterwards. There are no photos of the horseback part.

At our raft shop, 511 Scott Street West in Gardiner. Check in 30 minutes before a rafting trip. Getting here

On the street, right next to the shop or just across the street.

You walk. Our rafts launch right behind the shop, down a short path to boats already waiting in the water. There's no bus ride to the put-in. After the trip, one of our buses brings you back to the shop.

It's downhill, as everywhere in Gardiner on the way to the river. If someone in your group can't manage the hill, tell us when you book: on the Scenic Float we can use an easier put-in.

The shop has changing rooms, cubbies for clothes and numbered boxes for phones, keys and wallets.

Easily. The 8-Mile is about two hours and leaves five times a day, and the North Entrance is less than a mile from our shop. Mammoth Hot Springs in the morning and the river in the afternoon is a classic Gardiner day.

No. It leaves in the morning and you're back by early afternoon, with time to drive to Lamar Valley or back toward West Yellowstone.

No. Our shop is in Gardiner, outside the park, so you don't pass the entrance to reach us. Park entry fees are on Getting here.

Many of our guests drive over, especially for Paddle & Saddle. Bozeman is about an hour and a half away. Call us and we will help you time it.

We raft rain or shine, and the wetsuits and splash tops help on cool days. If we cancel a trip for weather, mechanical problems, unsafe conditions or too few bookings, you get a full refund.

Typically around 45–50°F in May and early June, and warmer later in the summer.

The 8-Mile has big rolling waves and splashes over the front of the boat, mixed with calm stretches. The 18-Mile adds Yankee Jim Canyon, about six miles of consistent Class III whitewater, best in June and early July.

Unintentional swims are rare. Our guides are trained in swiftwater rescue, every boat carries throw bags, and other Flying Pig rafts are usually close by.

Anywhere from 3 to 14. Bigger groups ride in several rafts on the same departure.

It's common to see elk, deer, antelope, osprey and bald eagles along the river, and even the odd otter or beaver.

Our partner ranch, Hell's A-Roarin', above Gardiner. You check in with us at the shop, then drive yourself up to the ranch.

About 20–30 minutes up a maintained gravel road that is steep in spots. Most cars and SUVs are fine at 15–25 mph; it is not suitable for large RVs, travel trailers or motorcycles.

The Express is a one-hour ride and the 8-Mile, about four and a half hours, morning or afternoon. The Adventure is a longer ride, lunch in Gardiner and the 8-Mile in the afternoon, most of a day. Compare them

Small: up to 10 riders per wrangler, on a nose-to-tail trail ride.

A one-hour sunset ride and a steak dinner at the ranch, with dinner at 7 pm. Vegetarians can be accommodated on request. Horseback rides

Check in at the shop at 3:00 pm; the trip starts at 4:00 pm.

Our private riverside camp has wall tents with real beds, mattresses, sleeping bags and pillows, and a bathhouse with flush toilets, running water and hot outdoor showers.

Dinner and breakfast are cooked by your guides: think steaks, fajitas or build-your-own pizza, then bacon, eggs and pancakes in the morning. We call the day before to check on dietary needs.

Yes: the trip runs with at least four people. Smaller party? Call us and we can talk it through.

From early June to about mid-August. Most families book it in the spring, from March on.

Priced per party, all-in: from $660 for a half day or $770 for a full day, for 1–2 anglers. A third angler adds $110 (half day) or $165 (full day).

No. Beginners and experienced anglers are both welcome.

No. Inside the park you need a Yellowstone fishing permit; outside it, a Montana license.