Yellowstone’s 18-Mile Rush: Rafting Class 1–3 Rapids out of Gardiner

GARDINER RAFTING FIELD GUIDE

Yellowstone’s 18-Mile Rush: Rafting Class 1–3 Rapids out of Gardiner

An 18-mile guided run on the Yellowstone River featuring Class 1–3 rapids, riverside lunch, wildlife viewing and fully certified guides — a concise, on-river briefing for travelers.

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Yellowstone’s 18-Mile Rush: Rafting Class 1–3 Rapids out of Gardiner.

Duration
Contact operator
Location
Gardiner
Operator
Flying Pig Adventure Company
Category
Rafting
Robert Eric Crews
Founder & Editor, The Adventure Collective
Published Verified

From Gardiner, Montana, the 18-Mile Raft Trip threads down the Yellowstone River across a varied stretch of whitewater and calm, offering Class 1, 2 and 3 rapids, scenic river corridors and the chance to spot wildlife. Expert, fully certified guides lead the journey and a riverside lunch is served mid-trip, delivering a compact day of thrills and landscape that suits both first-timers and seasoned paddlers.

Highlights

Outing Highlights

THE RIVER

Eighteen Miles of Varied Whitewater

The trip covers an 18-mile stretch of the Yellowstone River and includes a succession of Class 1, 2 and 3 rapids that define the run’s energetic rhythm.

THE SCENERY

Wildlife and Big-River Views

Between rapids the river opens to broad views and opportunities to see wildlife and riverine scenery that punctuate the float.

THE SERVICE

Riverside Lunch and Certified Guides

The run includes a riverside lunch and is led by guides who are fully certified in swiftwater rescue, first aid and CPR; the operator emphasizes experienced, entertaining staff.

What the day feels like

What the Day Feels Like

The 18-mile float unfolds as a steady progression of river moments: bumps of Class 1–3 rapids, stretches of calm that frame wide views, and a pause for a riverside lunch. Guides manage the boat and safety, interpret the river, and set the tone—practical, reassuring and entertaining—so the emphasis stays on the water, the scenery and on enjoying the ride.

Suitability

Who it's for

Who this run is set up for, based on the operator’s published participant categories and rates.

1
Adults (13+)Adults are classified as ages 13 and up and are charged the adult rate listed by the operator.
2
Youth (5–12)Children ages 5–12 fall under a youth category and are priced at the youth rate published by the operator.
3
Families with school-age childrenFamilies traveling with children aged 5–12 can book with the youth pricing applied for that age bracket; the trip includes rapids and a riverside lunch.
4
Mixed-age groupsPricing is tiered by age: adult (13+) and youth (5–12); use these categories when planning group bookings.

Practical planner

Details to review before reserving

What to Bring

The provided source does not include a detailed gear list. Confirm recommended clothing, footwear and any personal-gear requirements with Flying Pig Adventure Company before your trip.

Safety & Equipment Details

Guides are fully certified in swiftwater rescue, first aid and CPR. Specifics about provided safety equipment are not listed in the source; contact the operator for those details.

Booking Notice

Review cancellation policies before reserving.

Frequently asked questions

Planning Your Outing

How long is the trip in distance?

The run covers 18 miles on the Yellowstone River.

What class rapids will we encounter?

The trip navigates Class 1, Class 2 and Class 3 rapids.

Is food provided on the trip?

A riverside lunch is served during the trip.

Who runs the 18-Mile Raft Trip?

The trip is operated by Flying Pig Adventure Company.

Are the guides certified?

Guides are fully certified in swiftwater rescue, first aid and CPR.

What are the published rates?

Published rates in the source are: Adult (13+) $160.00; Youth (5–12) $145.00.