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
Yellowstone River rafting · Gardiner, MT
Rafting near Yellowstone National Park
Four ways to raft the Yellowstone, and every one launches right behind our shop in Gardiner, less than a mile from the park's North Entrance.
Pick your trip
From a two-hour splash to a night on the river
Rafting isn't allowed inside Yellowstone National Park, so the river trips start where the Yellowstone leaves it: here in Gardiner. Prices are all-in, taxes and fees included.
Most popular
Real whitewater18-Mile Raft Trip
Yankee Jim Canyon: about 6 miles of consistent Class III, with lunch on the river.
- Back by early afternoon
- Lunch included
- Best in June and early July
✓ Fits your crew
From $176.00per adult, all-in
Your family: $176.00 all-in
Scenic Float
The guide rows, you relax. Calm water and big views for grandparents and little ones.
- About 2 hours
- The guide does the work
- An easier put-in
✓ Fits your crew
From $92.40per adult, all-in
Your family: $92.40 all-in
Only one in GardinerOvernight Raft Trip
Two days on the river and a night at our private riverside camp, with real beds and hot showers.
- 2 days, 1 night
- Guide-cooked meals
- 4-person minimum
✓ Fits your crew
From $456.50per adult, all-in
Your family: $456.50 all-in
Not sure which fits your crew? Find your trip in four questions
Want a horseback ride too? Paddle & Saddle pairs a morning ride above Yellowstone with the 8-Mile in the afternoon. See Paddle & Saddle
Side by side
Compare the rafting trips
Swipe the table sideways to see all four trips.
| 8-Mile | 18-Mile | Scenic Float | Overnight | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fits your crew? | ||||
| Time | About 2 hours | 9:30 to about 2:45 | About 2 hours | 2 days, 1 night |
| Water | Fun splashes and rolling waves | The town stretch, then Class III in Yankee Jim Canyon | Calm: the guide rows | Class II–III, finishing through Yankee Jim Canyon |
| Departures | 9:15, 11:15, 1:15, 3:15, 5:15 | 9:30 (check in 9:00) | 9:15, 11:15, 1:15 | Check in 3:00 pm |
| Who can go | Kids about 45 lb and up | Ages 5 and up, about 45 lb+ | Little ones and grandparents | Families; 4 guests minimum |
| Food | Bring a snack | Lunch on the riverbank | Bring a drink or a snack | Dinner, breakfast and lunch |
| Best for | Families passing through, first-timers | Teens and active adults | Anyone who'd rather stay dry | Families making memories |
| Next open departure | ||||
| From (all-in) | $92.40 per adult | $176.00 per adult | $92.40 per adult | $456.50 per adult |
| Your family, all-in | $92.40 | $176.00 | $92.40 | $456.50 |
| Book | Book the 8-Mile | Book the 18-Mile | Book the Scenic Float | Book the Overnight |
Not sure which fits your crew? Find your trip in four questions, or call or text 406-848-7510: the owners answer the phone.
The river & park today
The water is typically 45–50°F in May and early June, and warmer later in the summer. Today’s reading (USGS)
Park roads and entrances today (National Park Service)
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
What rafters say about their guides
“What a fabulous experience!!! From the moment we got there, the Flying Pig team were welcoming and organized. Four of us were all inexperienced rafters and they put us at ease and made sure we had alot of fun on our trip!”
“Rented the raft for my family of 6 with Mac as our guide. She killed it, the family had a blast… We saw a mother elk and babies cross the river in-front of us before we went head first into the rapids.”
“Years ago I had a terrible experience white water rafting, but after rafting with Flying Pig I have a completely different perspective and overcame my fears.”
Before you go
Rafting questions, answered
Can you go rafting inside Yellowstone National Park?
No. Rafting isn't allowed on rivers inside the park. The Yellowstone River flows out of the park at Gardiner, and our trips launch right there, less than a mile from the North Entrance.
Do I need to know how to swim?
Definitely not. Every rafter wears a commercially rated life jacket, and every guide is trained in first aid and whitewater rescue.
Which rafting trip suits young kids?
We go by weight more than age. Kids about 45 lb and up can do the 8-Mile; for littler ones, the Scenic Float is the calm choice.
What should we wear rafting?
Quick-dry clothes or a swimsuit and shoes that can get wet. We provide wetsuits and splash jackets when the water calls for them. More on what to wear
Do you raft in the rain?
Yes, we raft rain or shine. If we cancel a trip for weather or river conditions, you get a full refund.
Should I tip my guide?
Tipping is never expected but always appreciated. Most groups tip 10 to 20% of the trip cost.
Pick a time and get on the river
Book online in a couple of minutes, or call and an owner will help you choose.