White Water Rafting Near Yellowstone

From gentle floats to heart-pounding rapids — find the perfect river adventure for your group, right at Yellowstone's doorstep.

The Rivers Are Calling

Yellowstone's surrounding rivers offer some of the most spectacular rafting in the American West. Whether you're looking for a mellow morning float with the kids or a full-day Class IV expedition that leaves your arms shaking, we've partnered with the region's best outfitters to bring you handpicked experiences. Every trip listed below is available to La Résidence guests — just let our concierge team know which one catches your eye, and we'll handle the booking.

Half-Day Trips

Short on time but big on adventure? These 3–4 hour trips fit perfectly into a packed Yellowstone itinerary.
Half-Day Trips

Scenic Float — Easy / Family-Friendly

A relaxed 3-hour drift through calm stretches of the Yellowstone River. Perfect for families with young children, first-timers, or anyone who wants to soak in the canyon views without getting soaked themselves. Class I–II rapids.

Half-Day Classic — Moderate

The most popular trip for a reason. Four hours on the Gallatin River with a mix of calm pools and splashy Class II–III rapids. No experience necessary — just a willingness to paddle and laugh.

Half-Day Whitewater Rush — Challenging

A fast-paced 3.5-hour run through the Gallatin Canyon's tightest sections. Class III–IV rapids, cold spray, and non-stop action. Prior rafting experience recommended. Minimum age 12.

Go all in. Book a full-day expedition.

Spend 6–8 hours on the water, break for a riverside lunch, and cover miles of Montana's most beautiful canyons.

Full-Day Adventures

For those who want the complete river experience — longer runs, bigger rapids, and a hot riverside lunch included.
Full-Day Adventures

Full-Day Explorer — Moderate

A 6-hour journey down the Yellowstone River combining scenic floats with Class II–III whitewater. Includes a catered lunch on the riverbank. Great for groups with mixed comfort levels — something for everyone.

Full-Day Gallatin Gorge — Advanced

Eight hours of serious paddling through the Gallatin Canyon's most demanding sections. Class III–IV rapids, technical maneuvers, and remote stretches most visitors never see. Lunch and gear included. Ages 14+.

What's Included With Every Trip

All outfitters we partner with meet the same high standards — so you can focus on the river, not the logistics.

  • PFDs, helmets, and wetsuits provided

  • Certified guides on every raft

  • Action photos available after your trip

  • Shuttle service to and from put-in points

Compare Your Options

Which trip is right for you?

Not sure where to start? Here's a quick comparison to help you decide.

Relaxed & Scenic

Gentle floats and easy rapids — ideal for families and first-timers.

Class I–II Rapids

Ages 4 and up

No experience needed

Half-day available

Classic Adventure

A solid mix of calm water and exciting rapids. The crowd favorite.

Class II–III Rapids

Ages 6 and up

Half-day & full-day options

Lunch included on full-day

Adrenaline Seeker

Big water, technical rapids, and bragging rights for years to come.

Class III–IV Rapids

Ages 12–14+ depending on trip

Prior experience recommended

Full-day expedition available

Relaxed & Scenic

Gentle floats and easy rapids — ideal for families and first-timers.

Class I–II Rapids

Ages 4 and up

No experience needed

Half-day available

Classic Adventure

A solid mix of calm water and exciting rapids. The crowd favorite.

Class II–III Rapids

Ages 6 and up

Half-day & full-day options

Lunch included on full-day

Adrenaline Seeker

Big water, technical rapids, and bragging rights for years to come.

Class III–IV Rapids

Ages 12–14+ depending on trip

Prior experience recommended

Full-day expedition available

Gallery

On the Water
A taste of what's waiting for you just minutes from your La Résidence home.

Gallatin Canyon

Towering walls and turquoise water

Paddle Through the Spray

Paddle Through the Spray

Class III rapids on a sunny afternoon

Riverside Lunch

Riverside Lunch

Full-day trips include a catered break

Yellowstone River Sunset

Yellowstone River Sunset

The reward after a long day on the water

Common Questions About Rafting Near Yellowstone

Most outfitters run trips from late May through early September. Peak whitewater (highest water levels) is typically late May through June. July and August offer warmer water and a mix of rapids and scenic stretches.

Not for the scenic floats or moderate trips. Your guide handles the hard part — you just need to follow their paddle commands. For Class III–IV trips, some prior rafting or kayaking experience is strongly recommended.

Quick-dry clothing, secure sandals or water shoes, and sunscreen. Wetsuits and splash jackets are provided on all trips when water temperatures call for them.

Absolutely. Scenic floats welcome children as young as 4. Moderate trips typically require ages 6+, and advanced whitewater trips set minimums at 12–14 depending on conditions.

Most put-in points on the Gallatin and Yellowstone rivers are within a 20–45 minute drive from our properties. Shuttle service is included with every trip.

Yes — that's what we're here for. Just reach out to our concierge team with your preferred dates and group size, and we'll coordinate everything with the outfitter directly.

Eyebrow here

Ready to hit the rapids?

Contact Our Concierge