PRICES:

Adults $79

Ages 13 & Up

Children $69

Ages 5-12

Early Bird Special $65

Starts at 8:30 a.m., $65 for adults, $55 for children

Private Trip $600

Includes up to 6 people. After 6, each additional person is $79 for adults and $69 for children.

Requirements

Minimum Age: 5
Minimum Number of Participants: 4
Each trip requires at least 4 people to participate. If this requirement isn’t met, we’ll notify you to reschedule.

About Our 8 Mile Whitewater Trips

Experience the best rafting in Yellowstone on our half-day, 8-mile whitewater trip, perfect for first-time rafters and seasoned adventurers. Paddle along the Yellowstone River, just outside Gardiner, MT, through legendary rapids like Maneater and California Curler. Along the way, take in Yellowstone’s breathtaking mountain scenery, spot local wildlife, and marvel at natural wonders like the terraced La Duke Hot Springs and the Devil’s Slide. Our expert guides make this rafting trip safe, fun, and educational for all skill levels.

This unforgettable Gardiner, MT, rafting adventure delivers two hours of thrilling rapids and extraordinary views on one of the West’s most iconic rivers.

Know Before You Go

Check-in

Please arrive at our office (206 Park St. Gardiner, MT 59030) 30 minutes in advance to prepare and get your rafting gear. To save time, please fill out your waivers online via the link in your confirmation email.

Transportation

Provided to and from the river.

What to Wear

All necessary whitewater rafting gear is included, like helmets, life jackets, booties, splash jackets, and wetsuits. We recommend wearing river sandals, athletic clothing, fleece, and synthetic/wool socks (Avoid denim and cotton).

Trip Length

Plan for 2 hours round-trip.

Who Can Ride

This trip is open to guests ages 5+.

FAQ: 8-Mile Whitewater Rafting

The half-day 8-mile trips last 2-3 hours, covering 8 miles of thrilling rafting through Class II-III rapids. This is perfect for first-timers and families looking for a quick adrenaline-packed adventure. The full-day 18-mile trips last 5 hours, covering 18 miles of Class I, II, and III rapids. It is more physically demanding, making it perfect for those wanting a more immersive and adventurous experience.
With rapids like "Maneater," "California Curler," and "Sleeping Giant," you’ll experience stretches of Class II–III rapids that are exciting but beginner-friendly. Class II rapids can reach up to 3 feet high while Class III rapids can reach from 3–5 feet high.
Yes, reservations are required to guarantee a spot on a specific date or time—walk-ins are only accepted if there’s availability. We recommend booking as early as possible—either online or by calling us directly.
Please check in 30 minutes before your trip at Yellowstone Raft Company: 206 Park St. Gardiner, MT 59030. (Look for the big white tent across the street from the Yellowstone National Park sign.) Here, you will sign waivers, receive gear, and meet your guide.
From May to June, plan for the water to be around 45–50°F, with warmer temperatures when summer progresses.

Testimonials

We did a last minute booking which meant we couldn't do the white water rafting and instead did a scenic float. It ended up being a lovely day that was the perfect temperature. With two rafts they put the families with kids in one and the adult groups in the other which made it fun and enjoyable. The guides were charismatic and had many tales to tell of their previous experiences and what its like working in Yellowstone for the season.
Tayla Frances
September 2021
Currently working out of their sister company’s office (Paradise Adventure Company) in case you can’t find their building! But Yellowstone Raft Company are delightful!! The scenic raft was nice and peaceful, no feeling of danger at all. Wear shoes you don’t care about or bring spares! They will get wet. They do offer booties if you’d like as well. Really fun, a definite must do.
Alexa Wolfe
July 2021
Our captain Cora was such a fun tour guide during our family ride on the river. We were a group of 8 (including a 1.5 yr old). I felt safe, had fun and the scenery was beautiful. Would recommend this tour to anyone!
Lorell Constantino
September 2021
We went on the 8 mile whitewater rafting trip with Blake as our guide and it was a great experience. Blake was friendly, knowledgeable, and super funny which made the trip even better. As we went along he gave us historical information about the landmarks we were passing and told some stories and jokes throughout the ride. When we come back to Yellowstone we would definitely book another trip with Yellowstone Raft Company, hopefully with Blake as our guide since he was half the fun!
Chantal Caraco
August 2021
We decided to mix up our visit to Yellowstone with river rafting so the kids could enjoy something different. It was their first time and they loved it. Abby was a great guide and was very knowledgeable and confident . Kids want to do more rafting trips now and this was certainly a highlight of our vacation. It was easy to book and arrange. Would highly recommend!
Jennifer Wu
July 2021
Company accommodated a last minute reduction in our party size without charge. They were on time and gave a thorough safety brief. Our guide, Rob, was professional, funny and informative. You should be prepared to do a little work both carrying the boat and paddling. This is not a passive experience if you opt for the whitewater trip. It was great to learn a little about the history of the Yellowstone around Gardiner. The lunch sandwiches had Mayo and mustard so if you prefer a different topping, recommend you let them know in advance. The water was low when we went in September. This means that the Rapids were class 1 and 2 vice 3 or 4. The advantage of the low water later on the year is that it was warmer and afforded us a chance to swim and jump off some low rocks into the river. We would absolutley recommend this experience for anyone 12 to 65. Thanks for the great family memories.
James Langlois
September 2021
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