Montana Adventures

WanderWest Day 6 – Montana Adventures 🇺🇸

Happy Fourth of July from the river!

Today was all about thrills, splashes, and a little bit of shivering. We booked a white water rafting trip with Absaroka River Adventures on the Stillwater and Yellowstone Rivers. From the moment we pushed off, it was nonstop excitement. Our raft dove straight into rapids with names like Sideswipe, Beartooth Drop, Dew Drop, and Play Pen—basically an aquatic rollercoaster. 🤣

Our guide, Ribbon, a college student from the area and an absolute joy, kept us laughing and feeling safe as she navigated us through the rapids. She even offered us the chance to jump off cliffs, swim, and float in the Yellowstone. The only catch? The water was freezing and a rainstorm was right on our heels. But hey, adventure doesn’t wait for perfect weather. 


We shared our raft with Peter and Suzy, a retired couple traveling the country who instantly became new friends. Dan and I paddled up front, while Olivia and Maddie held down the middle seats on their first-ever white water ride. Their favorite part? Getting blasted in the face by waves and paddling through the rapids like pros.

Cold, soaked, and grinning ear to ear, we agreed it was an unforgettable way to celebrate the Fourth—and definitely one of our Montana highlights.

 

 

 Fourth of July Evening

Still shivering and after peeling off our soggy gear, we made a pit stop at Canyon Ridge Brewery to refuel. The space was really cool, the beer was decent, and the food truck delivered what has officially become the girls’ trip obsession: cheese curds. These were hands-down voted the best yet.

On our way back, we spotted a little roadside fireworks stand and couldn’t resist. The staff were so sweet, helping us pick out an assortment of goodies. For just $30, we left with a solid stash of Roman candles, sparklers, and a few of those funny spinny things that ended up not being as exciting as we hoped.

Back at the house, we had a pasta bar dinner, then headed out after dark to an open area overlooking the Beartooth Mountains. From there, we were treated to a panorama of fireworks shows—at least five or six lighting up the horizon for nearly an hour.

As we set off our own fireworks and watched the girls laugh and wave sparklers under the mountain sky, it struck me how sometimes the simplest moments become the most perfect memories.

WanderWest Day 7 Begins– Into Yellowstone!

And now…the next chapter begins.

Today we’re heading into the first camping portion of our trip: Camping in Yellowstone!

We’re feeling a mix of anticipation and, if we’re honest, a bit of anxiety. For the record, our camping history is…less than stellar (it has rained every single time we’ve tried it 😅). But maybe this time will be different?

So please, wish us luck and send all your prayers and good vibes.

Oh—and stay tuned. The great mystery of which tent we’ll end up using will finally be solved today.

🔗📸 For all the images of our this leg of the journey, click here! 

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