Whitewater Wilds

September 1, 2011 By Brian Yaeger

“Shortly after Big Sky,” enthuses Walsh, “the Gallatin Canyon’s steep and narrow walls cause the river to move faster. Here a whitewater rafter or kayaker will find good Class II to IV+ waters. Two whitewater rafting companies will take you on guided trips. These are Geyser Whitewater (raftmontana.com) located in Big Sky and Montana Whitewater (montanawhitewater.com),” located closer to the city of Bozeman. “Both companies are excellent.”

He describes riverbanks flanked with old Model T’s and suck holes with names like Hilarity and Whacker. The real thrill, though, replete with Class III to V rapids, is the stretch known as the Mad Mile. “From that moment―it’s on!”

And for those less addicted to adrenaline but who love the water, farther down the river, west of the town of Belgrade, Walsh points out that the lower stretches are excellent for a “lazy day float―especially on hot summer days―if you have your own boat. The fishing isn’t bad either.”