Join Montana Whitewater on a lively inflatable kayak trip down the Yellowstone River near Gardiner. Perfect for all skill levels, this three-hour journey offers thrilling waves and wildlife sightings against Montana’s rugged backdrop.
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
3 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels; basic paddling skills are enough.
Wildlife
History
The Yellowstone River has been a vital route for indigenous tribes and early explorers for centuries.
Conservation
Montana Whitewater emphasizes conservation by practicing responsible tourism and minimizing environmental impact.
Montana Whitewater - Yellowstone
Join Montana Whitewater on a lively inflatable kayak trip down the Yellowstone River near Gardiner. Perfect for all skill levels, this three-hour journey offers thrilling waves and wildlife sightings against Montana’s rugged backdrop.
Montana Whitewater - Yellowstone operates out of Gardiner, Montana and delivers guided river and zipline adventures featured on The Adventure Collective. The company specializes in family-friendly and high-adventure outings on the Yellowstone River, including full-day rafting, half-day and express raft trips, private boat options, inflatable kayak excursions, a multi-line Yellowstone Zipline EcoTour, and scenic floats through Yankee Jim Canyon.
All guided trips depart from Gardiner and focus on safety, expert instruction, and wildlife viewing. Certified guides lead every rafting and kayak experience; some guided trips include safety certifications and complimentary safety gear. Full-day trips provide a locally sourced lunch on the river float, while private-boat options and small inflatable rafts accommodate groups and families seeking a tailored experience.
Trip offerings cover a range of difficulty from gentle scenic paddles to class I–III whitewater, and the operator advertises options for beginners, families, and experienced paddlers. Highlights include floating the Gardiner Town Stretch, navigating rolling wave rapids on the 8-mile Paradise route, and crossing four zip lines and a sky bridge on the EcoTour.
The business emphasizes responsible outdoor recreation, with routes chosen for scenery and wildlife viewing opportunities such as elk and bald eagles. Reservations are available for private and public departures during the season. For visitors in Gardiner and Yellowstone National Park, Montana Whitewater - Yellowstone provides a convenient way to add guided river rafting or zipline adventure to a park visit. Equipment is provided for most trips, and guides brief groups on safety procedures, making trips suitable for multi-generational families and first-time rafters. Seasonal schedules vary.
Location
Gardiner, MT
Gateway to Yellowstone National Park
Tours Offered
10 trips
Family and private options
Certified Guides
Certified
Guides hold safety certifications
Trip Lengths
1–Full Day
Short to full-day excursions
Book a family-friendly raft, private boat, or zipline EcoTour in Gardiner — certified guides and safety gear included on many trips.
Wear quick-drying clothing
Clothing that dries quickly will keep you comfortable during splashes and potential weather changes.
Bring sun protection
Apply sunscreen, wear a hat, and sunglasses to protect against strong mountain sun during the float.
Secure personal belongings
Use waterproof bags to keep valuables safe during your float trip.
Arrive early for check-in
Arriving 15 minutes early helps ensure a relaxed start and proper safety briefing.
Quick-drying clothing
Keeps you comfortable during splashes and early morning or late afternoon chills.
summer
Sunscreen
Protects your skin from strong UV rays during the river float.
summer
Waterproof bag
Keeps your valuables dry and secure while on the water.
Hydration pack
Stay hydrated in the warm weather during your adventure.
summer