When to go, and what the river's doing today
June brings the biggest, coldest water from snowmelt; by August the river is lower, warmer and easy for kids. Every month has fun waves.
River & Park Today
Flow—cubic feet per second
Water—temperature
Loading the latest reading…USGS gauge: Yellowstone River at Corwin Springs
Park roads and the North Entrance: current conditions from the National Park Service.
If we cancel for weather or unsafe conditions, you get a full refund.
At every point in the season, there are fun waves that will produce splashes over the top of the boat.
Month by month
May: opening weeks
Rafting, Paddle & Saddle and horseback rides start in mid-May.
In May and June, snow melts in the mountains and runs into the Yellowstone River, creating bigger rapids and colder water.
June: big water
Peak snowmelt: in 2024–26 the highest daily flows (10,700–15,800 cfs) fell between May 31 and June 10.
Early in the season, some sections of our full-day trip have more difficult whitewater.
The Overnight River Camp, the Ride + Cowboy Cookout and the ranch stays begin in early June.
July: the heart of summer
Our busiest month: book ahead for July.
As the season goes on, the water drops and gets warmer for swimming.
Anglers: don't miss the Salmon Fly hatch in July.
August: warm, mellow water
The lowest water of the summer: August averaged about 1,700–2,200 cfs in 2024–26.
Great for younger kids and swimmers, and still splashy.
The season winds down at the end of the month.
September: fishing season
Walk & Wade fly fishing runs into late September.
What runs when
| Trip | Runs |
|---|---|
| 8-Mile Raft Trip · Scenic Float | Mid-May – Aug 31 |
| 18-Mile Raft Trip | Mid-May – Aug 30 |
| Overnight River Camp | Early June – late August (mostly Monday–Friday departures) |
| Paddle & Saddle Express · Full Day | Mid-May – late August |
| 1-Hour and 1.5-Hour Rides | Mid-May – Aug 31 |
| Ride + Cowboy Cookout | June 1 – early August (Sunday–Wednesday) |
| Walk & Wade fly fishing | Late May – late September |
| River Float fishing | Late June – late August |
Park tips
- No vehicle reservations are needed to enter the park, just a park entrance pass (National Park Service, 2026).
- Fees and passes: park entry & fees.
- Lamar Valley, about 45 minutes away, is best at dawn for wildlife.
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