Montana Whitewater Rafting & Zipline Tours

Montana Whitewater Rafting & Zipline Tours is a family-owned Montana outfitter running guided whitewater rafting, scenic floats, ziplining, fly-fishing, and tubing on the Gallatin, Yellowstone, and Madison Rivers. Bases in Gardiner (north entrance to Yellowstone), Big Sky, and Bozeman. The right fit is travelers extending a Jackson trip with a Yellowstone-area drive into Montana, or visitors basing on the Montana side wanting multiple activity formats. The wrong fit is travelers staying in Jackson without a planned Montana side-trip; for whitewater closer to Jackson, route to Snake River outfitters.

What you'll find

A multi-river, multi-activity outfitter on the Montana side of Yellowstone. Whitewater rafting on the Gallatin (a stronger whitewater river than the Snake at peak flow), scenic floats on the Yellowstone, fly-fishing on the Madison, and zipline courses adjacent to the rafting bases. Family-owned operation with multi-day options and combination packages. Tubing programs for warm-weather casual river days. Operates seasonally, late spring through early fall.

Why people book here

Three reasons. First, Gallatin whitewater. The Gallatin runs more aggressive whitewater than the Snake at most flows; for adrenaline-seeking rafters, this is a different-tier experience. Second, Yellowstone-side basing. Travelers exiting Yellowstone's north entrance through Gardiner can hit a rafting day or zipline run on the way back to Jackson without a long detour. Third, the activity mix. Combining a raft day with a zipline afternoon makes for a more varied family day than a single activity.

How to plan a visit

For Jackson-based travelers planning a Yellowstone road-trip, build a Montana day or overnight into the itinerary; the drive from Jackson is roughly 2.5-3 hours to Gardiner and longer to Bozeman. Reserve activities ahead, especially July-August. Bring quick-dry clothing, sunscreen, layers, hat with strap, and shoes that can get wet. PFDs and zipline gear provided.

Honest tradeoffs

Three honest tradeoffs. First, the drive from Jackson is real; 2.5+ hours each way means a single-day trip is tight. Second, this is Montana, not Wyoming; calibrate expectations for the river systems and pace. Third, weather drives river-flow plans.

Local note

For Jackson-based visitors planning a Yellowstone trip, build the Montana whitewater day into the Yellowstone exit through the north entrance. Drive Yellowstone south-to-north over a day or two, exit at Gardiner, run a Gallatin half-day, and return to Jackson. The pattern justifies the drive in a way that a dedicated Montana rafting day from Jackson doesn't.

Worth it?

For Montana whitewater, scenic floats, ziplining, and fly-fishing on the Yellowstone-area river systems, Montana Whitewater Rafting & Zipline Tours is the right call when your trip extends north into Montana. Plan around the Yellowstone trip, reserve ahead, and use the activity mix.

FAQ

How far from Jackson?

2.5-3 hours to Gardiner; longer to Big Sky or Bozeman.

Are zipline and rafting available in one trip?

Yes. Combination packages available.

Is this in Wyoming?

No, Montana. The bases are in Gardiner, Big Sky, and Bozeman.

What's the season?

Late spring through early fall.