West Yellowstone Rafting, Kayaking, Canoeing

There's no better way to cool off on a hot summer day than to enjoy one of the many rivers or lakes surrounding West Yellowstone. Whether you prefer taking an exciting whitewater trip down the Gallatin River, a relaxing canoe or kayak ride on Hebgen or Quake Lakes, or plan to fish the depths of Cliff or Wade Lakes for large trout, you'll enjoy yourself no matter what the pursuit. There are a variety of water sports available in the West Yellowstone vicinity including, whitewater rafting, scenic float trips, kayaking, canoeing, riding personal watercraft, boat fishing and sailing.

Gallatin River
The Gallatin River runs north out of Yellowstone National Park through a deep canyon. The river is narrow and swift in the early summer and has rapids ranging from class I to class IV.

Yellowstone River
The Yellowstone River flows north out of Yellowstone National Park, through the town of Gardiner, MT (32 miles from West Yellowstone). The majority of the river is flat, but there are class I to class III rapids near Gardiner.

Madison River
The Madison River runs west out of Yellowstone National Park, flowing just north of West Yellowstone. It then flows through Hebgen Lake and shortly after Earthquake Lake, before turning north through a deep canyon. There are class I to class IV rapids on the Madison.

Hebgen Lake
Upon leaving the Yellowstone National Park boundary, the Madison enters Hebgen Lake just 10 minutes north of West Yellowstone. It is one of Montana's most popular attractions known for awesome fishing, enjoyable sailing and boating, personal watercraft skiing, sea kayaking and canoe trips.

Boating in Yellowstone
A permit is required for all vessels including float tubes (permits can be purchased at various locations throughout the park). A Coast Guard approved wearable personal flotation device is required for each person boating.

All vessels are prohibited on park rivers and streams except the channel between Lewis and Shoshone Lakes, where only hand-propelled vessels are permitted.