No, rafting is prohibited on all rivers inside Yellowstone National Park. But you can find guided whitewater trips on several rivers just outside the park near most entrances. The North Entrance in Gardiner, Montana, right next to the Yellowstone River, has the biggest and closest whitewater to Yellowstone.
Why Can’t You Raft Inside Yellowstone National Park?
The Firehole River in Yellowstone National Park
To protect Yellowstone’s waterways, unique habitats, and wildlife, the National Park Service prohibits boating on all park rivers. You can take motorized boats, canoes, and kayaks on Yellowstone Lake and Lewis Lake, but every river inside the park is closed to all watercraft.
But you don’t have to go far to find fun rapids to ride. The best rafting near Yellowstone is right outside each entrance.
Rafting the Yellowstone River Near Gardiner (North Entrance)
The river has distinct sections with different levels of whitewater:
- Scenic Stretch (Class I–II rapids): Gentle current and small waves just outside the park. Great for families with young kids, including infants, or anyone who wants a relaxed float with mountain scenery and wildlife.
- Town Stretch (Class II–III rapids): This is where most first-time rafters discover they love whitewater. Nice-sized rapids give you splashes, speed, and plenty of thrills.
- Yankee Jim Canyon (Class II–IV rapids): The biggest water on the Yellowstone. Bigger rapids make this a full-day adventure, plus the canyon itself is striking, with steep walls and awesome whitewater.
Gardiner, Montana is a convenient basecamp for any Yellowstone trip. It sits right at the North Entrance, and most visitors combine a morning of rafting with an afternoon in the park (or the other way around).
Rafting the Gallatin River Near Big Sky
(West Yellowstone Area)
If you’re staying near West Yellowstone or Big Sky, Montana, the Gallatin River is nearby and has half-day and full-day options. The upper sections have gentler rapids for families, and the lower canyon includes the famous Mad Mile, a technical stretch of whitewater.
Rafting the Madison River
(West Yellowstone Area)
The Madison River flows out of Yellowstone National Park and is better known for world-class fly fishing than whitewater, but it does have rafting options. Scenic floats on the Madison are mellow so they’re a good option for families with younger kids who are staying on the west side of the park.
Rafting the Snake River Near Jackson
(South Entrance)
If you’re exiting Yellowstone via the South Entrance into Grand Teton National Park, the Snake River in Jackson, Wyoming has fun guided whitewater trips and scenic floats. Some stretches even run through Grand Teton National Park with views of the Teton Range.
Rafting the Shoshone River Near Cody
(East Entrance)
Coming through the East Entrance? The Shoshone River flows from just outside the park gate toward Cody, Wyoming. You can select from several trip types like short scenic floats, have-day trips, and full-day trips through the Shoshone National Forest.
Ready for a Yellowstone Whitewater Rafting Adventure?
While you can’t raft inside Yellowstone National Park, there are plenty of fun whitewater options close to Yellowstone. We run exciting whitewater rafting trips just a few minutes from the North Entrance of the park, so you have a thrilling raft adventure and plenty of time to explore Yellowstone.
Book Your Yellowstone Rafting Trip Today!
Questions about which trip is right for your group? Call our Gardiner office at 406-500-5534.