Riding a raft through whitewater’s rolling waves and frothing foam is exhilarating. Experience the dynamic movement of a river peppered with boulders and narrow passages with whitewater rafting. Montana offers some of the most exciting whitewater rafting adventures in the northern Rocky Mountains.
Whitewater Rafting Around Yellowstone National Park
Near the north entrance to Yellowstone Park at Gardiner, Montana Whitewater Raft Company offers half-day and full-day rafting trips on the Yellowstone River. Ride rolling waves, see scenic vistas and wildlife, relax and swim on this wide river through Paradise Valley. Vacation packages, including horseback riding in Yellowstone Park, are also available. Gardiner features hotels and dining options.
The Gallatin River, near Big Sky and West Yellowstone, is a narrower river known for its continuous rapids and scenic beauty. Half-day, full-day and overnight river trips allow guests to choose between class I (easier) to class IV (more challenging) rapids. Vacation packages include horseback riding, fly fishing and outdoor barbecues. Lodging and dining are available in Big Sky and West Yellowstone.
Rafting on the Madison River, near Bozeman and Big Sky, offers exclusive whitewater rapids through Bear Trap Canyon. Full-day trips through the steep, rocky canyon on class III and IV rapids feature pristine wilderness, wildlife (eagles and mountain sheep) and a picnic lunch. Lodging and dining are available in Bozeman and Big Sky.
Whitewater Rafting Near Glacier National Park
The Middle Fork of the Flathead River at West Glacier, bordering Glacier National Park, is the scene for raft trips and wilderness adventures. Glacier Outdoor Center and other rafting companies offer half-day, full-day and multi-day whitewater rafting on class II to IV rapids. Trout fishing on the Middle Fork of the Flathead, hiking and horseback riding are other vacation activities. Accommodations and restaurants are found in West Glacier.
The North Fork of the Flathead River, on the western boundary of Glacier National Park near Kalispell and Whitefish, offers scenic class I and II whitewater rafting. The North Fork also offers prime fly fishing for cutthroat trout. Wildlife along the river includes bald eagles, osprey, bears, moose and elk. Lodging and dining are available in Whitefish and Kalispell.
The Upper Middle Fork of the Flathead River is a protected wilderness section of the river. Exciting whitewater rafting is available on what is considered the most pristine river in the U.S. The protected river boasts excellent fishing, scenic beauty and abundant wildlife. This part of the river is only accessible by air, horse or foot.
Whitewater Rafting Around Missoula
The Clark Fork River, near Superior and Missoula, offers whitewater rafting through a deep canyon with rose colored cliffs. Roller coaster waves and class II and III rapids are interspersed with quiet, warm pools for day trips. Western Waters, Montana River Guides and River Odysseys West are some of the companies offering whitewater rafting trips on the Clark Fork River.
The Alberton Gorge encompasses the Clark Fork River 30 miles downstream from Missoula toward Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. This gorge offers some of the biggest and best whitewater in Montana as well as wildlife viewing. Half-day and full-day river rafting trips are available with wild rapids, scenery and wildlife. Lodging and dining options are available in Missoula.
The Blackfoot River, upstream from Missoula, offers many different features at a variety of river levels. Class II and III whitewater rapids are found on this river. The Blackfoot River features fast-moving currents and clear pools as well as spectacular mountain scenery and legendary dry fly fishing.
Whitewater rafting offers adventure vacationing at its best, especially in Montana. In the western part of the state, Missoula, Yellowstone and Glacier National Parks have many rivers that are prime for whitewater rafting. Fly fishing, horseback riding and hiking offer more vacation activities for travelers, with many lodging and dining options available. Neighboring states Idaho and Oregon also offer whitewater rafting adventures.
Susan Lynne Hamilton - Award-winning writer Susan Lynne Hamilton is the Topic Editor of Suite 101's Northwest U.S. travel section, showcasing its rich ...
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