FloatETA estimates how long this float actually takes from live discharge at USGS 06192500 (Yellowstone near Livingston), not a guidebook average. At a typical 2,500 cfs, a raft drifts about 4.2 mph here. Higher flow speeds you up; skinny water slows you down. Kayaks run faster than the current, tubes slower. Optional fishing adds 35 minutes per mile.
The Yellowstone River (Paradise Valley) listing covers 67 river miles across 7 access-to-access stretches (Class I, Class I–II). Times in the table are typical raft hours at that reference flow. Open the live calculator for today's CFS, sunset take-out, water temperature, and rain/UV at the put-in.
See today's Yellowstone River (Paradise Valley) float time
Float stretches on the Yellowstone River (Paradise Valley)
| Put-in → take-out | Miles | Difficulty | Typical raft time | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Emigrant → Mallard's Rest | 14 mi | Class I–II | ~3 hr 20 min | Grey Owl, Dan Bailey, and Loch Leven are optional pullouts along the way. |
| Mallard's Rest → Carter's Bridge | 10 mi | Class I–II | ~2 hr 23 min | Pine Creek is a shorter midway takeout (~3 mi). |
| Pine Creek → Carter's Bridge | 7 mi | Class I–II | ~1 hr 40 min | Braided channels shift every runoff — scout side channels. |
| Carter's Bridge → Mayor's Landing | 6 mi | Class I | ~1 hr 26 min | Short town float through Livingston. |
| Mayor's Landing → Sheep Mountain | 9 mi | Class I | ~2 hr 9 min | Wind can howl through here in the afternoon. |
| Sheep Mountain → Springdale | 12 mi | Class I | ~2 hr 51 min | Below town. Bigger water, fewer people than Paradise Valley. |
| Springdale → Grey Bear | 9 mi | Class I | ~2 hr 9 min | On toward Big Timber. Watch for diversion structures. |
How we time this river
Speed scales with discharge using hydraulic geometry v ∝ Q0.34, calibrated to this gauge. That is why a 1,000 cfs afternoon is a different day than 3,000 cfs runoff. Always scout, wear a PFD, and check Montana FWP boating for closures. Gauge page: USGS 06192500.
Common questions
How long does it take to float Emigrant to Mallard's Rest on the Yellowstone River (Paradise Valley)?
About 3 hr 20 min in a raft at a typical 2500 cfs. Kayaks run a bit faster; tubes run slower. Stopping to fish adds about 35 minutes per mile. Grey Owl, Dan Bailey, and Loch Leven are optional pullouts along the way.
How long does it take to float Mallard's Rest to Carter's Bridge on the Yellowstone River (Paradise Valley)?
About 2 hr 23 min in a raft at a typical 2500 cfs. Kayaks run a bit faster; tubes run slower. Stopping to fish adds about 35 minutes per mile. Pine Creek is a shorter midway takeout (~3 mi).
How long does it take to float Pine Creek to Carter's Bridge on the Yellowstone River (Paradise Valley)?
About 1 hr 40 min in a raft at a typical 2500 cfs. Kayaks run a bit faster; tubes run slower. Stopping to fish adds about 35 minutes per mile. Braided channels shift every runoff — scout side channels.
How long does it take to float Carter's Bridge to Mayor's Landing on the Yellowstone River (Paradise Valley)?
About 1 hr 26 min in a raft at a typical 2500 cfs. Kayaks run a bit faster; tubes run slower. Stopping to fish adds about 35 minutes per mile. Short town float through Livingston.
How long does it take to float Mayor's Landing to Sheep Mountain on the Yellowstone River (Paradise Valley)?
About 2 hr 9 min in a raft at a typical 2500 cfs. Kayaks run a bit faster; tubes run slower. Stopping to fish adds about 35 minutes per mile. Wind can howl through here in the afternoon.
How long does it take to float Sheep Mountain to Springdale on the Yellowstone River (Paradise Valley)?
About 2 hr 51 min in a raft at a typical 2500 cfs. Kayaks run a bit faster; tubes run slower. Stopping to fish adds about 35 minutes per mile. Below town. Bigger water, fewer people than Paradise Valley.
How long does it take to float Springdale to Grey Bear on the Yellowstone River (Paradise Valley)?
About 2 hr 9 min in a raft at a typical 2500 cfs. Kayaks run a bit faster; tubes run slower. Stopping to fish adds about 35 minutes per mile. On toward Big Timber. Watch for diversion structures.
What USGS gauge is used for Yellowstone River (Paradise Valley) float times?
FloatETA uses USGS gauge 06192500 (Yellowstone near Livingston) for live discharge. Speed is scaled from a reference 2500 cfs drift of about 4.2 mph.
Is the Yellowstone River (Paradise Valley) a good tube float?
Tubes lag the current (we use a 0.72× speed multiplier). On Class I–II stretches tubes can work at moderate flows; skip high water and always wear a PFD.