Flying Pig Adventures: Yellowstone Whitewater Rafting

Q: Is the $84 price worth it versus renting gear myself?

For day trips, the price includes a guided experience, safety briefing, and provided life jackets; renting gear and guiding would generally exceed that cost and require your own transport.

Q: What if I need to cancel due to weather—do I get a refund?

Overnight trips have a clear refund schedule; weather-related cancellations are handled by the operator and are typically refunded or rescheduled per policy.

Q: Can my 8-year-old keep up on the 8-mile trip?

Whitewater requires basic paddling and a minimum weight; children can raft on some trips with conditions checked in advance—availability varies by trip.

Q: Do the guides really know where the best spots are, or is it luck?

Guides are Swiftwater Rescue, First Aid, and CPR certified; the route choices and spotting of calmer or faster stretches come from trained professionals, not luck.

Flying Pig Adventures Yellowstone Whitewater Rafting

+2 more

Type

Whitewater Rafting / Scenic Float

Overview

About This Activity

Whitewater on the Yellowstone River runs Class II-III with some big sections. Choose an 8-mile trip for a quick adrenaline dose or the 18-mile option for a longer push; both start with a thorough safety briefing. If you want easier, scenic floats are available, but be prepared for cold water and strong currents.

Highlights

Book If / Skip If

BOOK IF: You want small-group whitewater on the Yellowstone with flexible trip lengths. SKIP IF: You’re not prepared for water exposure, cold temps, or a physically engaging outing.

What Makes It Unique

Walk-from-store to raft in Gardiner; small-group whitewater options near North Entrance

The White Glove Test

Check-in at the center with a thorough safety briefing; gear sizing and raft assignment handled on-site; punctual departures noted by guests.

The Equipment Check

Provided gear includes life jackets and water booties; equipment is kept in good condition and maintained for safety-critical use.

The Smart Move

Book well in advance for peak months; confirm the trip length and gear needs during checkout; Overnight trips require full payment upfront.

Best Time to Visit

May–August for rafting; peak season is June–August; book early, mornings are often calmer and less crowded.

Activity Tips

Wear water shoes with secure heel straps; avoid cotton clothing.
Bring a quick-drying shirt, hat with brim, and sunglasses.
Pack a compact waterproof bag for a phone or camera and a carabiner for your water bottle.
Arrive about 30 minutes before your departure for safety briefing and gear check.

Details

Activity Details

Type: Whitewater Rafting / Scenic Float

Options: 8-mile whitewater, 18-mile whitewater, Scenic Float 8-mile, Overnight Raft Trip

Locations: Yellowstone River rapids and scenic stretches; Gardiner vicinity

Wildlife: Bald eagles, osprey, deer, elk, and bison

Educational content included

Boat/Rafting Details

Boat Type: Raft

Route:

Rapids and scenic stretches along the Yellowstone River

River Section: Yellowstone River, Gardiner segment near North Entrance

Rapid Class: Class II-III

Requirements

Skill Levels:

Fitness Level: Moderate

Health Considerations:

Consult a physician if pregnant or have serious back/heart conditions

What to Wear: Water shoes with heel strap; quick-drying shirt and bottoms; avoid cotton

Equipment & Rentals

Available: Life jackets, paddles, water booties

Rental Periods:

What's Provided:

Life jackets and water booties provided

What to Bring:

• Water shoes or secure closed-toe shoes; quick-drying shirt and pants; hat with brim. • Sunscreen and sunglasses; water bottle with carabiner. • Waterproof bag or box for phone; extra change of clothing and warm layers; towel. • Avoid cotton; pack a small plastic bag for wet clothes.

Safety briefing provided

Booking & Hours

Hours: Monday: 7:00 AM – 10:00 PM Tuesday: 7:00 AM – 10:00 PM Wednesday: 7:00 AM – 10:00 PM Thursday: 7:00 AM – 10:00 PM Friday: 7:00 AM – 10:00 PM Saturday: 7:00 AM – 10:00 PM Sunday: 7:00 AM – 10:00 PM

Check-in: 30 minutes prior to departure

Book Ahead: Recommended

Cancellation:

Overnight trips: 100% refund up to 60 days in advance; 50% refund between 30-60 days; no refund less than 30 days; date changes allowed up to 30 days prior, subject to availability. Other trips: not specified.

Parking available

Accessibility:

Most put-ins require walking on uneven ground; some stairs to river edge

Family Info:

Scenic Float is suitable for all ages; whitewater has weight minimum and physical activity considerations—plan accordingly.

Reviews

★★★★★

5.0 /5

Based on 1847 Google reviews

Based on 1847 guest reviews

" Reviewers consistently cite safety-minded guides, small-group attention, and dependable gear. Trips can sell out in peak season, but crews emphasize clear safety briefings and realistic expectations for water temperature and exertion."

Reviews from Google

This was my first time rafting. I had always wanted to try it and am very glad I did. Somehow, this trip gave us BOTH the excitement that my friends wanted and the relaxing "float" my anxiety was looking for. Our guide (Preston) was phenomenal. He was informative, entertaining, and just really good at his job. We set out with several other rafts and all of the guides were clearly good friends. Their friendly banter really added to the overall experience. There were only three of us in my group, but the guides made it feel like we were all a big group of buddies having fun. Flying Pig even took pictures for us so we could have something to remember the day with. This trip was an absolute blast !!!

An Unforgettable Rafting Experience for Our Entire Family!We had an incredible day on the river rafting with Flying Pig! Our group of 17 family members—ranging in age and experience—was warmly welcomed and exceptionally well taken care of. From the moment we arrived, the staff was friendly, organized, and clearly passionate about what they do.They made sure everyone felt safe and comfortable, while still delivering an exciting, adventure-packed trip down the river. The guides were not only knowledgeable about the rapids and safety, but also shared fun facts about the area and kept everyone engaged and laughing the whole time.Coordinating a large group isn’t easy, but they handled it flawlessly. Everything ran smoothly, from check-in to the ride back. It truly felt like they went above and beyond to ensure we all had a fantastic experience.One unexpected bonus—they took beautiful action photos throughout the trip! It was amazing to relive the adventure through such high-quality shots, especially since we were too busy paddling and having fun to worry about capturing the moment ourselves.If you’re looking for a professional, fun, and family-friendly rafting company—look no further. We’ll definitely be back!

Such a fun experience for the whole family! The whole process from the time we arrived to the time we returned after the float was easy and enjoyable. Our guide, Owen, was fun and super knowledgeable. Also always a plus in our book when there are dogs around! Will definitely book again when we’re back in town!

Showing 3 of 1847 reviews

FAQs

Do I need rafting experience or can a complete beginner do this trip?

No prior rafting experience is required. Basic paddling ability and following the guide’s instructions keeps you safe on Class II-III rapids.

Is the $84 price worth it versus renting gear myself?

What if I need to cancel due to weather—do I get a refund?

Can my 8-year-old keep up on the 8-mile trip?

Do the guides really know where the best spots are, or is it luck?

📖 flyingpigrafting.com 📖 advcollective.com 📖 yellowstoneescapes.com 📖 destinationyellowstone.com 📖 youtube.com 📖 visityellowstonecountry.com 📖 cabinsontheyellowstone.com 📖 visitusaparks.com 📖 Current time information in Park County, US. 📖 planyellowstone.com 📖 reddit.com ⭐ Google Reviews 📝 YourNPGuide Editorial

Information is compiled from official sources, verified traveler reviews, and editorial research. Learn how YourNPGuide works →

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Flying Pig Adventures Yellowstone Whitewater Rafting