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Grab a paddle and take control on a single or double duckie through riffles and playful waves on the Gallatin River. Small groups and instructional guides make this an ideal introduction to whitewater near Bozeman and Big Sky.
Grab a paddle and take control on a single or double duckie through riffles and playful waves on the Gallatin River. Small groups and instructional guides make this an ideal introduction to whitewater near Bozeman and Big Sky.
Book with Montana Whitewater - Gallatin
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Montana Whitewater - Gallatin · Gallatin Gateway, Montana
Gallatin River Inflatable Kayak in Gallatin Gateway, Montana delivers a compact, high-energy river day that puts you in control of a single or double "duckie" inflatable kayak. Located at 63960 Gallatin Road in Gallatin Gateway, the trip runs about three hours door-to-door with 1.5–2 hours on the water, and the launch sits roughly 35 minutes from both Big Sky and Bozeman. The Gallatin River here cuts through a steep, glacially sculpted valley with clear, cold water that threads riffles and class II–III drops between cottonwood-lined banks and exposed volcanic and sedimentary outcrops. Expect lively waves, playful eddies, and the possibility of spotting river otters, trout, or elk grazing near the shore. The river's geology and flow create technical yet approachable whitewater that makes duckies an ideal craft: low to the water, nimble, and forgiving when you flip. This small-group trip prioritizes instruction and hands-on learning. Guides teach paddling technique, river reading, and safety basics in compact groups of three to twelve so they can give real-time coaching. The company provides all safety gear and changing rooms at the office; participants sign waivers online, check in at the Gallatin Gateway office, and ride a shuttle to the put-in. Minimum age is 15, price is listed at $134 per person for ages 15 and up, and trips run rain or shine with a 48-hour cancellation window for full refunds. What makes this outing special is how active it is: rather than coasting in a raft, you steer, punch through currents, and learn to read the river under expert supervision. Because boats are single or double inflatable kayaks, every paddle stroke matters and the experience feels more personal and educational than a large raft-run. Guides emphasize skill-building, making the trip a great bridge between a first float and self-guided whitewater paddling. Practical notes: participants must have basic mobility and fit into provided PFDs (maximum 56-inch chest), pregnant guests are not permitted, and trips require at least three people to run. If you want more time on the water, the operator offers multi-adventure discounts for pairing other local activities. Historically the Gallatin River and surrounding county were named for statesman Albert Gallatin; today the corridor remains a high-value recreational asset and a working river corridor that benefits from careful stewardship. Book early in summer to secure a slot and arrive ready to paddle. Guides stop at calm eddies to coach strokes and point out riparian life, and groups receive a photo gallery after the trip so you can relive runs. The operation's teaching-first approach and capped group sizes make this an ideal introduction to river skills for travelers who want active engagement rather than passive sightseeing in one of Montana's most accessible whitewater corridors.
Minimum age is 15 for this trip; guests under 14 must be accompanied by an adult on other tours.
Allow about 3 hours door-to-door with 1.5–2 hours on the water; plan extra time for check-in and gearing up.
Price includes guided instruction, kayak (single or double duckie), PFD, helmet, and shuttle to the put-in; changing rooms are available at the office.
Guides teach bracing and recovery; duckies are stable and forgiving, and guides assist with re-entries or swims if needed.
No—pregnant guests are not permitted for safety reasons.
Free or fully refunded cancellations are permitted if made outside 48 hours before your trip time for pre-paid bookings.
Montana Whitewater - Gallatin operates from Gallatin Gateway, Montana, offering guided river and zipline adventures on the Gallatin River and nearby Madison River. The outfitter provides a range of experiences for different skill levels, including family-friendly ziplines, multiple half-day and full-day whitewater rafting options, inflatable kayak trips, and exclusive small-group canyon runs. Guides deliver safety-focused instruction, professional river stewardship, and local expertise. Trips include beginner and less challenging routes as well as more technical, adrenaline-focused options such as the Mad Mile and House Rock rapids. Ziplines range from shorter family-friendly zips to longer super zip tours that traverse treetops and cross river zips. Groups can choose private tours or shared departures. Full-day rafting trips include riverside lunches and opportunities for wildlife viewing. Exclusive Beartrap Canyon trips run on the Madison River and emphasize small-group experiences with scenic stretches and swimming holes. Inflatable kayak trips are guided and designed for active beginners and thrill-seekers seeking personal paddling. Equipment and guides follow standard commercial river safety practices, and trip descriptions specify challenge levels so guests can choose appropriate adventures. The outfitter’s Gallatin Gateway location offers easy access for visitors staying near Bozeman and surrounding areas. For families, first-timers, and experienced paddlers, Montana Whitewater - Gallatin presents a variety of curated outdoor experiences focused on safety, local knowledge, and memorable river and zipline days. Booking information, age and weight guidelines, and departure times are provided on reservation pages so guests can prepare for their selected Gallatin River and zipline activities and safety expectations.
Book with Montana Whitewater - Gallatin