In the heat of summer in Montana, there might not be a better spot to cool off than a day or week-long getaway whitewater rafting or taking a river tour throughout Big Sky Country.
Since the Hollinger family was old enough to safely experience the thrill of running the rapids, they have been known to test their tenacity from the north to the south and beyond.
We have so many favorite spots to launch and camp along the crystal-clear rivers that run through the Treasure State. No matter where you go, we encourage you to be safe, check the weather and water levels, and make some Montana memories of a lifetime along the way!
Top Whitewater Rafting and River Float Companies in Montana
Wild River Adventures
West Glacier, Montana
Whether you are looking for an adventure of a lifetime or a slow and scenic afternoon on the Flathead River, the Wild River Adventures team has a variety of options for you. Based in the ultra-scenic settings of the southern and western boundaries of Glacier National Park, the Adventure company’s friendly, experienced, and professional guides will be by your side to ensure a safe and memorable experience. They offer half-day scenic, half and full-day whitewater, evening dinner whitewater, sport rafting, and kayak options as well.
Glacier Guides & Montana Raft
West Glacier, Montana
This is an ideal choice for groups or families that can’t agree on the adventure of the day. The organizers at Glacier Guides offer “Combination Adventures” customized to please the whole gang. With access to miles of river bordering Glacier National Park, the options include scenic floating, kayaking, fly fishing and whitewater rafting. For those who choose to stay on land, they offer guides for biking, hiking and horseback riding, too.
Montana River Guides
Missoula, Montana
Slow and easy or fast and furious, there is a river adventure that awaits you on the outskirts of Missoula. Montana River Guides are the only operation based on the famous Clark Fork River right on the Alberton Gorge. They are known for their custom trips and ability to create the right trip for first-time floaters to the most advanced river runners. Since starting the business in 1994, Montana River Guides is the only company in the state that is certified to teach River Rescue and offer Riverboard Trips in Montana.
Montana Whitewater
Bozeman, Big Sky & Gardiner, Montana
If your plans include sightseeing around Yellowstone National Park, check out this family-operated company that has been in business since 1992. As their website notes it best: “We are passionate about creating experiences that our clients will treasure forever.” Montana Whitewater runs trips on the Gallatin River, Madison River and Yellowstone River. In addition to whitewater trips, they also teach fly fishing, offer scenic tubing tours (complete with rentals), and have two zipline locations, too!
Missouri River Outfitters
Fort Benton, Montana
Since 1965 this operation has introduced “river life” to locals and visitors from around the world along the Upper Missouri River. They are the longest -running outfitter in Montana and thrive on creating custom trips ‘tailored to perfection.’ From day trips to week-long adventures to their “Specialty Trips,” we are sure you will find the perfect option to beat the summer heat. We often about their creative trips that offer a 5-Day Badlands trip and their 4-day White Cliff float trip – accompanied by local or regional musicians to entertain you along the way.
Gates of the Mountain
Helena, Montana
Here’s a nice alternative for those who are not quite ready to go it alone or with a guide on the rapids. Gates of the Mountain offers a scenic boat tour that follows the path of Lewis and Clark on the oh-so-scenic Missouri River. Their options vary, including the opportunity to take in a public scenic boat ride or book a private tour for any special occasion. We recommend the Dinner Tour, here’s why; during twilight, the limestone cliffs turn bright orange and pink as the sun sets. At this time of day, it is highly likely you will see the animals come out to feed after hiding in the shade from the heat of summer.
Pangaea River Rafting
Superior, Montana
With their promotional phrase “Leave Boring Behind,” you know there is fun in your future. And they are creative, too. Think: Whitewater and Wine Tasting, Whitewater Wine & Beer, and Birdwatching too. Their whitewater trips run on the Blackfoot, Clark Fork and Spokane Rivers – all of which have options for those who just choose to float their boat or ride the rapids under the clear sunny skies of Montana. With over 10 trip options, the team at Pangaea promises they will create a customized group rafting experience for all to enjoy.
If living the dream of rafting all summer and skiing all winter seems like an ideal life for you, reach out to Hollinger Real Estate which specializes in Montana lakefront property, mountain cabins and vacation escapes in the “Last Best Place.”
