Home

10%

"The Box"

Tyler Bradt takes us on a lap down the Clarks fork of the mighty Yellowstone

By KAVU

September 12^th, 2017

where water cuts stone

The third deepest canyon in the continental United States, the Clarks Fork of the Yellowstone is one of the best and most challenging multi day rivers in the Northwest for keen and adventurous paddlers.

"The Box"

"The Box"

flow

Known as ‘The Box’ for the sheer canyon walls towering on each side of the river, it's a place of both beauty and unforgiving nature. Difficult whitewater and long portages, no trails and steep terrain all help to define this unique and compelling river canyon.

"The Box"

"The Box"

"The Box"

timing

Only runnable at lower flows, the Box is unique because, when most other rivers are getting too lean to kayak, this epic section of whitewater miraculously comes into it’s prime.

"The Box"

"The Box"

adventure is better when shared with friends

I had the opportunity to paddle the Box twice this year, with back-to-back descents. The first with Dan McKay and Andrew Gonzoles. The second with a group of friends from the mountain town of Bozeman, Montana.

"The Box"

"here we go!"

The first day we dropped into the Box was absolutely incredible. It had been five years since my previous descent and 15 years since my first descent at the ripe old age of 16.

Whitewater began rolling away behind us and by mid afternoon, we we’re into the first big portage - the "Green Giant" - our gateway into the Box.

"The Box"

"The Box"

committed

After carrying our kayaks for an hour over steep boulders, shaped by unimaginable flows, we followed three miles of flat water to another big portage leading us into the heart of the paddling. From there, Class V drops begin to string together - one after the other - deep inside the ever tightening canyon.

"The Box"

"The Box"

"The Box"

reverence

Mountain Goats and solitude frequent the cliff walls which overhang the river. The beauty and magnificence of the sheer canyon provides the perfect backdrop to some of best whitewater around.

"The Box"

kavu days!

Six mandatory portages, countless rapids, and nights spent sleeping next to this epic, clean river made this the experience of a lifetime... especially when you're fortunate enough to drive back to the top and do it again!

"The Box"

"The Box"

Footnotes

Tyler Bradt is a KAVU Original Gangster. He’s from Montana but lives where adventures are.....Local Worldwide!!

FootNotes

Tyler Bradt is a KAVU Original Gangster. He’s from Montana but lives where adventures are.....Local Worldwide!!

© 2026 KAVU

By: Julia Botelho Morgan

Living a KAVU Life

Hartman Rector

Under the Stars in Moab

By: Neil Amonson

Adventure Buddies

By: Neil Amonson

Peace and Balance

By: Felicia Sturgeon

An Adventure in Feltre, Italy

By Nick Greece

Loading, please hold on.