The Big Sky: Full Day Gallatin River Raft Trip promises an exhilarating 6-hour adventure for families and friends. Navigating the iconic Gallatin River, thrill-seekers will encounter heart-pumping rapids while taking in stunning Montana vistas. With provided safety gear and a flexible cancellation policy, this trip offers a chance to experience the great outdoors. What’s in store for those who embark on this captivating journey?
Key Points
- A full-day (6-hour) whitewater rafting adventure on the famous Gallatin River, featuring thrilling rapids like Mad Mile and House Rock Rapid.
- Includes a riverside lunch and opportunities to spot wildlife such as bald eagles, marmots, and moose.
- Suitable for adults and children over 8 years, with shuttle transportation and safety gear provided.
- Begins with a safety briefing and navigation of the winding upper sections, followed by the intense lower sections of the river.
- Flexible cancellation policy allows for last-minute changes or unexpected events, providing peace of mind for travelers.
Trip Overview
The Gallatin River Raft Trip is a full-day adventure that takes participants on a thrilling journey through the renowned Gallatin River, featured in the classic film "A River Runs Through It."
A thrilling full-day adventure through the renowned Gallatin River, featured in the classic film "A River Runs Through It."
This 6-hour excursion includes navigating the river’s exciting rapids, such as the renowned Mad Mile and House Rock Rapid, as well as a riverside lunch and opportunities to spot local wildlife like bald eagles, marmots, and moose.
The trip includes shuttle transportation, safety gear, and professional guides certified in Swift Water Rescue, First Aid, and CPR.
Suitable for adults and children over 8 years, this scenic raft trip offers an unforgettable experience in Montana’s rugged wilderness.
Looking for more options in Gallatin Gateway? We've reviewed plenty of other experiences.
Activity Details
Guests begin their Gallatin River raft trip by checking in at the office, where they’re outfitted with wetsuits, booties, and splash tops free of charge.
After a shuttle ride to the river’s starting point, they receive a safety briefing before hitting the water.
The adventure then unfolds as they:
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Navigate the winding upper sections of the Gallatin
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Tackle more intense lower sections, including the thrilling Mad Mile and House Rock Rapid
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Enjoy scenic views of the rugged Montana wilderness
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Keep an eye out for wildlife like bald eagles, marmots, and moose
The trip culminates with a riverside lunch before returning to the office.
Experience Highlights
As guests embark on this Gallatin River raft trip, they’ll navigate the famous river featured in the classic film "A River Runs Through It," taking on thrilling rapids like the Mad Mile and House Rock Rapid.
Along the way, they’ll enjoy a riverside lunch and have opportunities to spot wildlife such as bald eagles, marmots, and moose.
The scenic views of Montana’s rugged wilderness will surround them as they float through the winding upper sections and tackle the more intense lower sections of the river.
Participant Information
This raft trip is suitable for adults and children over 8 years old.
Children under 8 and pregnant women aren’t permitted to participate.
Participants should wear a bathing suit or quick-drying synthetic layers beneath provided wetsuits, booties, and splash tops.
Beneath provided gear, participants should wear a bathing suit or quick-drying synthetic layers.
Personal items can be stored in vehicles at the office during the trip.
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Wear a bathing suit or quick-drying synthetic layers
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Prepare to get wet and wear appropriate clothing
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Personal items can be stored in vehicles at the office
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Not suitable for children under 8 and pregnant women
Itinerary
The day begins with check-in at the Gallatin Canyon office, where participants get outfitted with wetsuits, booties, and splash tops provided free of charge. Next, a shuttle transports everyone to the river’s starting point. After a safety briefing, it’s time to hit the water and navigate the famous Gallatin River, featured in "A River Runs Through It". The trip includes:
| Section | Highlights |
|———|————|
| Upper Gallatin | Winding sections |
| Lower Gallatin | Intense rapids, including Mad Mile and House Rock Rapid |
| Riverside Lunch | Refuel midway through the adventure |
| Wildlife Sightings | Bald eagles, marmots, and moose |
| Scenic Views | Rugged Montana wilderness |
Inclusions
The Big Sky Gallatin River Raft Trip includes a shuttle service to and from the river, as well as all necessary safety gear – including a helmet, paddle, and Type V personal flotation device.
Participants will be led by professional guides certified in Swift Water Rescue, First Aid, and CPR. A riverside lunch is also provided.
Additionally:
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Trip photos are available for purchase
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Wetsuits, booties, and splash tops are provided free of charge
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A safety briefing is given before hitting the water
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Opportunities for wildlife sightings (bald eagles, marmots, moose) are present.
Meeting Point
Gallatin Canyon office (63960 Gallatin Road) serves as the meeting point for the Big Sky Gallatin River Raft Trip.
Participants check in at this location before the adventure begins. The office staff will outfit guests with wetsuits, booties, and splash tops free of charge.
After check-in, guests board shuttle transportation that takes them to the river’s starting point. This convenient meeting location ensures a seamless transition from land to water, allowing the group to maximize their time on the river for an unforgettable whitewater rafting experience.
Cancellation Policy
With the Big Sky Gallatin River Raft Trip, guests can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
This flexible cancellation policy provides peace of mind, allowing travelers to plan their trip with confidence:
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Cancel anytime up to 24 hours prior to the start of the tour
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Receive a 100% refund of the total booking amount
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No questions asked, no hidden fees
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Ideal for last-minute changes or unexpected events
This policy ensures guests can book the Gallatin River adventure without worry, focusing on the excitement of the whitewater experience.
Ask Away
Can I Bring My Own Life Jacket or Helmet?
You’re welcome to use your own life jacket or helmet, but the outfitter provides these free of charge. They must meet safety standards, so it’s best to use the gear provided for your protection.
What Types of Snacks or Beverages Are Provided?
The trip includes a riverside lunch, but no additional snacks or beverages are provided. Participants are welcome to bring their own snacks and non-alcoholic drinks to enjoy during the float trip.
Is There an Option to Extend the Trip Duration?
There’s no option to extend the trip duration. The full-day Gallatin River raft tour lasts 6 hours and includes a riverside lunch. The tour operator doesn’t offer any longer excursion options.
How Experienced Do the Tour Guides Need to Be?
The tour guides must be highly experienced, certified in Swift Water Rescue, First Aid, and CPR. They’re responsible for leading the thrilling rafting trip and ensuring the safety of all participants throughout the adventure.
Are There Any Discounts Available for Larger Groups?
There are group discounts available for larger parties. Guests booking in groups of 4 or more can receive a 10% discount off the per person rate. Larger groups should inquire directly with the tour operator for specific pricing details.
Final Words
This exhilarating Gallatin River raft trip immerses adventurers in Montana’s stunning wilderness. Traversing thrilling rapids, enjoying a riverside lunch, and spotting wildlife create an unforgettable outdoor experience. With provided safety gear and a flexible cancellation policy, this 6-hour journey is perfect for families and friends seeking an adrenaline-fueled day in the Big Sky country.
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