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RiverBrain

Montana – US

Class
III- to III+
Length
8 Mile(s)
Put-in elevation
5,246 Feet
Take-out elevation
5,147 Feet
Typical season
January to December

Current Flow

4,810 CFS

Gauge height: 3.65 FT

Reading from Jul 10, 2026 10:00 PM

-3.33/hr (12h) -1.67/hr (24h)

Running

Hit some laps

Primary gauge
Yellowstone River at Corwin Springs MT Gauge detail & alternatives Live gauge ↗ NOAA river forecast ↗

Recommended levels

Minimum2,000
Average8,000
Maximum16,000

Recommended use

  • Kayaking
  • Rafting
  • Canoeing
  • SUP
  • Packrafting
  • Fishing

Struck-through craft are not recommended for this run.

Flow history — last 6 days

Photos

No photos added for this run yet.

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Description

This run begins at the confluence of the Gardiner River and the Yellowstone River.  This is just North of the Yellowstone Park boundaries where river running isn't currently allowed.

For rafters there are waves, for kayakers there is surfing and for tourists there are commercial companies that will gladly accept money to take you down this stretch.

Expect flatwater in places combined with several rapids.  This section has a rapid, pool drop feel to it so even if you do go for a swim you should be ok regrouping with your boat.  As with any open moving water, take precautions.  Always wear a life jacket and use common sense.

If you want to skip the last 5 miles of flatwater, then take out at the airport access site.  Otherwise enjoy the float past Devils Slide and take out at Joe Brown where Yankee Jim Canyon starts.

Rapids

No rapids added yet.

Access

Type Name Elevation Camping Water Boat ramp Vehicle access Description
Put-In Gardiner Town Put In 5,246 Feet No No No All Vehicles

From the heart of Gardiner, MT follow E. Park Street east to where it ends in a hotel/lodging part of town.  Just beyond that is a small dirt area where the Gardiner and Yellowstone rivers meet.  This is the typical put in for this run.  Parking can be an issue during crowded summer months.  It is harder to get rafts down here than it is kayaks.  Use your own judgements while putting in and don't do anything illegal.

Take-Out Airport Access 5,147 Feet No No Yes All Vehicles

This access point is just north of the Gardiner airport off of Highway 89.  You can use this to take out before the flat water section in Paradise valley, or you could put in here for a full family friendly scenic run.

Take-Out Joe Brown Boat Ramp 5,041 Feet No No Yes All Vehicles

This is the take out for the Gardiner Town Run or the put-in for the Yankee Jim Canyon run.  This is just off of Highway 89 about 7 to 8 miles north of Gardiner MT.

Camps

No river camps added yet.

Permit

No permit is required, or permit info hasn't been added yet.

Fishing

No fish species have been associated with this run yet.

Community Run Notes

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