Yellowstone Raft Company

Yellowstone Raft Company brings families onto the rivers of the Yellowstone region for whitewater rafting and scenic float trips that rank among the most exhilarating family activities in Montana and Idaho. Operating on the Gallatin River and sections of the Yellowstone River, this outfitter has been guiding families through one of the most spectacular river landscapes in the American West for years.

For families with children ages seven and up, the introductory whitewater trips on the Gallatin provide exactly the right level of excitement — enough splashing and rapids to get hearts racing, but guided by experienced professionals who prioritize safety above everything else. Calm-water scenic floats are available for families with younger children or those who prefer a more relaxed river experience.

Guides bring the river ecosystem to life with commentary about the geology, fish populations, and wildlife that call these rivers home. Eagles, ospreys, river otters, and the occasional moose are regularly spotted by sharp-eyed families floating through the canyon sections.

The experience begins with a thorough safety briefing and proper gear fitting, so even nervous first-timers feel prepared and confident. All necessary equipment — life jackets, helmets, and paddles — is included. After the trip, the shared memory of conquering the river together as a family is the kind of thing that defines a vacation.