Yellowstone Scenic Boat Tours in Paradise Valley | Custom River Floats in Montana
Jun 10, 2025
Floating Through Paradise: Dobbs Laird on Yellowstone Wood Boat Tours
Tim sits down with Dobbs Laird, founder of Yellowstone Wood Boat Tours, to talk about a one-of-a-kind scenic float experience in Paradise Valley, Montana. These handcrafted wooden boats offer a dry, relaxed, and customizable way to experience the Yellowstone River near Livingston. With charcuterie boards, pastry breakfasts, and room for up to six guests, it’s a float trip like no other.
Click here to listen to the audio-only version on Spotify.
A New Take on an Old Tradition
Dobbs shares how he took inspiration from traditional church-pew-style boats in Jackson, Wyoming, and turned the concept around—literally. “Everybody’s turning around to talk,” he says. “So I switched the seats around.” Now, guests sit face-to-face, with the river scenery stretching out in both directions and a shared table in the center holding breakfast or appetizers.
More Than Just a Boat Ride
These Yellowstone scenic boat tours aren’t just floats—they’re experiences. Each one can be customized. Think morning pastries with coffee, cocktail-hour mixers with a view, or even full event floats like weddings and yoga sessions on a riverside beach.
“You’re not getting wet,” Dobbs notes. “It’s not a rubber raft. This is wood. The experience is elevated.”
Weddings, Yoga, and Custom Floats
From bridal parties to floating yoga sessions, Dobbs makes it clear they’re open to creativity. With a dry-foot guarantee and space for up to six guests (depending on weight and age), the experience is as tailored as the scenery is wild.
“If you have a vision, we’ll help you float it,” he says.
Plan Your Trip
Trips typically run 2 to 3 hours and start in Livingston, Montana, just outside Yellowstone National Park. Yellowstone Wood Boat Tours operates in the heart of Paradise Valley—a scenic gem with views that speak for themselves.
To book your tour, visit https://yellowstonewoodboattours.com/ or call 406-223-2488. Julia or Dobbs will help you plan your float.
Mountain Mule Media is a production of Mountain Mule Transportation, your reliable partner for luxury SUV and pickup transportation throughout Montana. Whether you're headed to Paradise Valley or a wedding in Big Sky, we’ll get you there in comfort and safety.
