Yellowstone River runs through southeastern Montana and northwestern Wyoming. It is approximately 670 miles long, traveling through Yellowstone Lake and Yellowstone National Park before flowing northeast toward the Missouri River. If you are thinking about trying out rafting or kayaking for the first time, Yellowstone River is the perfect place. More experienced rafters will also enjoy several rafting tour options.
Yellowstone National Park
Yellowstone National Park opened in 1872 and spans Montana, Idaho and Wyoming. It is most well-known for its spectacular geysers, particularly "Old Faithful." Nature enthusiasts will enjoy the wildlife in the Park as it abounds with wolves, grizzly bears, bison and elk. There are opportunities for camping, fishing and hiking, as well as programs facilitated by rangers, exhibits and films. If you plan to go rafting in Yellowstone National Park, you will need to be aware that the weather is very unpredictable--with changing temperatures, storms and even possible emergency situations. You should call Yellowstone before you make a trip there to check on possible road closures.
River Ratings
Whitewater rafters use the International Rapid Rating Scale to compare the difficulty of river sections.
Class I: Easy for the inexperienced to ride fast-moving water with riffles and small waves and few obstructions.
Class II: The novice will encounter simple rapids with wide, clear channels. Occasional maneuvering may be required; however, rocks and medium-sized waves can be easily avoided.
Class III: Intermediate rafters will enjoy rapids with moderate, irregular waves that can be difficult and maneuvering may be necessary when facing a fast current. Some large rivers may also have strong eddies and powerful current effects to contend with.
Class IV: Advanced rafters face intense, powerful turbulent waters that require precise boat handling. Rafters may encounter significant unavoidable waves and holes or constricted passages, so they will need to be able to handle quick maneuvers under pressure.
Class V: Expert rafters master extremely long, obstructed or very violent rapids. Drops can be hazardous, as they may contain unavoidable waves and holes or steep, congested chutes with complex, demanding routes. Rafters at this level need to be in good physical condition to withstand rapids that continue for long distances between pools.
Class VI: Only for the most experienced rafter who knows how to deal with the difficulty, unpredictability and danger of such rapids. Any mistakes can be very serious and rescue may be impossible. Even when a team of experts undertakes rapids at this level after close inspection and at favorable water levels, they will still need to keep their wits about them and take all precautions.
Rafting for Beginners and Novices
The Montana Whitewater Raft Company is located in Gardiner, Montana at the north entrance of Yellowstone Park. They offer a "Half Day Paradise" rafting tour, which is good for first-time rafters and will accommodate children as young as five years old. Boats can hold from eight to 12 people. This company also offers a full-day tour through scenic Paradise Valley and Yankee Jim Canyon, which have a river rating of Class II and III.
If you want to learn kayaking, try a "duckie," a very stable kayak that is designed to keep you from flipping over when you hit big holes and waves. When you navigate through class II rapids, a guide will assist you. You must have good swimming ability.
The western scenic tour is a more relaxing rafting tour that will take you down Yellowstone River. The shortest raft tour is called "The Blast." It is an exciting one-hour trip on rapids; however, it is not normally offered in May or June, when the water is running faster than during the rest of the year.
Higher-Rated Rafting on the Yellowstone River
If you are experienced enough to handle Class III and Class IV whitewater rapids, check out "Wild West Rafting," located just north of Yellowstone National Park. They provide splash gear, wet suits, neoprene booties and type V life jackets. Family rafting tours will allow children as young as five as long as they weigh at least 40 lbs. Tours range from two to six hours. You also have the option of an inflatable kayak trip, which has a minimum age of 12.
Flying Pig Rafting Company is located in Gardiner. They offer rafting and kayak tours and 5 percent of their profits are donated to non-profit organizations such as the Make A Wish Foundation and Boys and Girls Clubs. Also located in Gardiner, Yellowstone Raft Company offers half- or full-day kayaking or rafting tours on the Yellowstone River.
Rafting Rules and Safety Tips
Getting wet is a given when rafting, so be sure to wear something comfortable such as a T-shirt and shorts with a pair of shoes that have a back and are waterproof, preferably lycra water shoes or, at least, Velcro-strap sandals. A waterproof disposable camera fares better if you want to capture shots of wildlife and stunning landscapes. You should also wear waterproof sunscreen, as you are closer to the sun in Yellowstone Park in high country.
Always wear a personal flotation device (PFD). After you clip all the fasteners, ask another rafter to lift up on your PFD to ensure it won't slip off. If you are rafting a Class III or higher rated river, wear a helmet with a secure chinstrap. Don't let the paddle drag in the water while you are at rest. It is important to hold the paddle in the correct T-grip; otherwise, it could be painful if the blade of the paddle hits a rock.
Make a mental note of where the perimeter rope is located. It goes all around the raft and you could grab on to it should you fall out of the raft. If a rope is thrown to you, place it over your right shoulder and let the other rafters pull you to the raft; don't wrap it around your body.
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