Rafting the Yellowstone River is the best way to add excitement to any Yellowstone National Park vacation. The river’s whitewater sections are minutes away from Yellowstone’s North Entrance, so you can spend the morning watching wildlife in Lamar Valley and the afternoon paddling through exciting whitewater.
You don’t need any rafting experience to book a Yellowstone rafting trip. Whether you’re looking for a calm scenic float with the family, or the big Class III and IV waves of Yankee Jim Canyon, there’s a trip that fits your group.
Here’s what to expect on the water, how to choose the right trip, and what you need to know before you book.
Is Yellowstone River Rafting Good for Beginners?
Splashing through rapids on a Wild West Rafting trip.
The Yellowstone River is a great place to try whitewater for the first time. Feeling nervous before your first trip is normal and our guides are experts at making people feel safe on the water. Each rafting guide is professionally trained and certified in First Aid, CPR, and Swift Water Rescue.
The river’s three main rafting sections have the perfect range for all comfort levels—a mellow scenic stretch, Class II and III water in the Town Stretch, and bigger Class III and IV rapids in Yankee Jim Canyon for anyone ready for adventure.
You can pick the experience that matches your group. If you’re rafting with kids, you can also read more about whether whitewater rafting is safe for kids and how dangerous whitewater rafting really is.
When is Yellowstone River Rafting Season?
Commercial rafting trips on the Yellowstone generally run May through September. The river runs high and cold from mountain snowmelt early in the season, which means bigger water and the most intense rapids of the year.
Yankee Jim Canyon, the most challenging stretch, runs all season long, but it changes a lot depending on flow. The canyon hits its peak during high water in late spring and early summer, when the rapids are at their biggest and most powerful.
As summer goes on the water warms up and mellows out, which is perfect for families and swimming. Whenever you go, your guide reads the river that day and runs the canyon to match the conditions.
Choosing Your Yellowstone River Rafting Trip
The Yellowstone has different levels of excitement, so the right trip depends on your group and how much of a thrill you’re after. If you’re curious about the whitewater classification system, check out our blog,What Class Rapids Are on the Yellowstone River.
For every Wild West Rafting trip, you’ll gear up at our office and your guide goes over all safety concerns before you get on the river.
Enjoying a refreshing spray on a Yellowstone rafting trip.
Scenic Float: Calm Water and Beautiful Views
If you want to put your feet up and relax, a Scenic Float is the trip for you. Your guide does all the work while you take in the surrounding mountains and watch for wildlife along this calm 6-mile route. There’s no whitewater on this stretch, which makes it a great choice if you’re bringing infants, older family members, or anyone with a mobility concern.
Best for: Families with very young children, guests with limited mobility, relaxed sightseeing, anyone who wants to float the river without any rapids.
Half-Day Trip: 8 Miles, Fun Rapids
The “Town Stretch” is the Yellowstone’s Class II and III section of whitewater, an 8-mile run with rapids and scenery the whole way. It works for every experience level and is a great way to see the river. Our most popular trip, the Classic Half-Day, runs on this stretch and you’ll definitely get wet.
The first 3 miles move fast with few breaks, and the last 5 miles alternate between scenic water and whitewater. Ask your guide about the good swimming holes along the way.
Best for: First-timers, families, and anyone who wants real whitewater that’s still manageable.
Full-Day Trip: 18 Miles, Big Water
Yankee Jim Canyon is the most famous section of the Yellowstone to raft, with four main rapids: Revenge, Big Rock, The Pinch and the legendary Box Car, a notorious boat-flipper. These Class III and IV rapids run through a 4-mile whitewater stretch squeezed between big granite canyon walls. It’s a thrilling section of river, with incredible scenery.
Our Full-Day raft trip runs through Yankee Jim Canyon, covering all 18 miles and includes a riverside picnic lunch of deli sandwiches, chips, watermelon, and cookies. Let us know in advance and we can accommodate your dietary needs.
Best for: Anyone who wants big water and dramatic scenery on the river.
Are There Age or Weight Requirements?
For whitewater trips, the requirement is based on weight, not age. Families with younger children or infants can book a Scenic Float, which is calm and suitable for all ages. For all other trips, children must weigh at least 40lb, which makes sure our Coast Guard-approved life jackets fit securely. That typically applies to kids around age 4 and up.
What to Wear and Bring
Bring a swimsuit, quick-dry clothing, and a towel at a minimum. For a complete list read our blog about what to wear whitewater rafting.
We provide all the gear you need, including wetsuits, splash jackets, life jackets, and water shoes at no extra charge. Wetsuits and splash jackets are highly recommended for early-season trips, when the river is cold from snowmelt.
If you’d like to bring your own footwear, pack water shoes or sandals that strap securely to your feet. For more details, check out:what shoes to wear whitewater rafting.
Ready to Raft the Yellowstone?
Whether you want a calm float or the big waves of Yankee Jim Canyon, there’s a Yellowstone River rafting trip that fits your group. Come join us this summer!