Water World

Chasing Montana's whitewater.

Bozeman—and Montana as a whole—isn’t exactly known for whitewater, especially when compared to other states in the American West. The rivers of Montana are generally renowned for their fishing and floating opportunities instead of the roaring, high-volume rapids or secluded, multi-day stretches of river found in states like Colorado, Utah, Idaho, and Oregon.

There’s still plenty of fun to be had under the Big Sky. All you’ve got to know is where to look.

All said, we’re not much of a destination for seasoned boaters and paddlers hungry for carnage—but that’s their loss. There’s still plenty of fun to be had under the Big Sky. All you’ve got to know is where to look.

Where to Go

Yellowstone River
The Yellowstone is the only major river in the contiguous United States that is undammed in its entirety. The ‘Stone is free to flow however she pleases, which means that high water season can get pretty damn rowdy, though mid- to late summer is less exciting.

For more excitement, put in at Yankee Jim and take on its three major rapids—Boat Eater, Big Rock, and Box Car—and take out at Carbella campground.

The Gardiner town section is a fun stretch for intermediate boaters and oarsmen alike. Put in at Confluence Park and get ready for some action—the first waves are just 50 yards from where you launch, but things slow down quickly once you’ve passed the airport. If you’re looking to get multiple laps in—or have other plans later that day—consider taking out at McConnell fishing access area. Alternatively, you can enjoy the carefree float down to Cinnabar or Yankee Jim.

For more excitement, put in at Yankee Jim and take on its three major rapids—Boat Eater, Big Rock, and Box Car—and take out at Carbella campground. At median water (6,000-12,000 cfs), this float can be a challenging and exciting ordeal. But watch out when flows get over 15,000 cfs, as all three rapids can easily flip your boat.

Gallatin River
The Gallatin—or more affectionately, the Gally—is one of the premiere sections of whitewater in the Gallatin Valley, and the most easily accessible for folks living in Bozeman. It’s a great stretch, and there are plenty of access sites to choose from depending on what you’re looking for and how long you’d like your float to be.

Depending on water levels, the rapids can be anywhere from class II to class IV, including the infamous House Rock rapid.

For non-stop action that you can lap all day long, put in at the Lava Lake trailhead and take on the infamous Mad Mile. It’s a fast-paced, boulder-ridden ride that’s sure to satisfy even the most adrenaline-driven boaters. Depending on water levels, the rapids can be anywhere from class II to class IV, including the infamous House Rock rapid. Take out on river left at Lower Storm Castle, shuttle the rigs, and enjoy the whole 4-run ordeal all over again. If you’re looking for a longer float, consider putting in at Moose Flat or Greek Creek.

Madison River
The Madison’s claim to fame has always been its world-class fly fishing (not to mention the oft-mentioned bikini hatch in mid-July). While the lower sections of river belong to the leisure floaters, tubers, and driftboaters, the upper section—Bear Trap Canyon—belongs to whitewater fanatics.

Bear Trap is as exciting as it is scenic. Here you’ll find two bona fide class IV’s: Double Drop and the Kitchen Sink.

Starting just below the Ennis Dam at the Trail Creek day-use area, Bear Trap is one of—if not the—most exciting sections of water in southwest Montana. Tucked away in the solitude of the Lee Metcalf Wilderness, Bear Trap is as exciting as it is scenic. Here you’ll find two bona fide class IV’s: Double Drop and the Kitchen Sink. The latter can really be a doozy, so be sure to scout or portage on river right if you’re feeling trepidatious or unfamiliar with swimming technical whitewater. Take out on river left at Black’s Ford, or continue downriver to enjoy the bikini float.

Essential Gear
If you’re looking to get on the river this summer, the first thing you’re going to need to find is a suitable personal floatation device (PFD). It’s undoubtedly the most important piece of gear in any boater’s arsenal, and one that you shouldn’t skimp on. Be sure to find something comfortable, as you’ll be wearing it every day you’re on the water. Next, it’s time to look for a dry bag. A standard 10- or 20-liter roll-top bag will work fine for most day trips, as they can hold all the essentials—phone, keys, extra layers, and a first-aid kit.

Montana rivers are pretty cold for nine months of the year, so if you’re hoping to partake in some early- or late-season boating, I’d strongly recommend you invest in cold-water gear, like a wetsuit or drysuit. Wetsuits are significantly cheaper, and easier to care for. Conversely, drysuits are significantly warmer—you can layer-up to your heart’s content —underneath—but they’re pricey, harder to maintain, and like Gore-Tex waders, can become drowning hazards should they fill with water during an unexpected plunge.

Montana rivers are pretty cold for nine months of the year, so if you’re hoping to partake in some early- or late-season boating, I’d strongly recommend you invest in cold-water gear, like a wetsuit or drysuit.

Lastly, if you’re looking to buy a boat but don’t know what’d best suit your needs, check out “Face-Off: Kayaking vs. Rafting” on outsidebozeman.com.

Etiquette
Boating etiquette is pretty straightforward and can be boiled down to one simple principle: don’t be a jackass. No one person owns the river. Be efficient at the boat ramp, and be courteous to others who are waiting to launch. Don’t crowd other folks when you’re on the water—they’re probably not interested in listening to your tunes or getting into an unannounced splash fight. Similarly, give anglers a wide berth, and don’t blow through their fishing holes and spook all the trout—unless you’re seeking a fistfight at the takeout.

Don’t crowd other folks when you’re on the water—they’re probably not interested in listening to your tunes or getting into an unannounced splash fight.

If it seems as though several boats are moving downriver as a group, let them be and don’t cut into their pod. If you’re a kayaker surfing a wave and see a boat approaching you, eddy out so they can maneuver through without worrying about running you over or comprising their line. Finally, don’t be a drunk. Nobody wants to deal with your shenanigans, and they didn’t sign up to be your personal rescue party if something goes awry.