Snake River Whitewater Rafting
Classic Whitewater Rafting
Quick-Glance Overview
- Duration: 8 Miles (Approx. 3 hours round trip, including transportation)
- Trip Type: Whitewater Rafting (Class III Rapids)
- Difficulty: Beginner-Friendly
- Meeting Location: Teton Whitewater Office, Jackson, WY
- What to Bring: Water bottle, sunscreen, quick-dry clothing
- Raft Size: Up to 16 riders (12 riders in mid-August for lower flows)
- Minimum Age: 6 years old (may increase during high water flows)
- Season: May – September
Highlights
- Thrilling 8-mile journey with beautiful Snake River Canyon scenery.
- Push through iconic rapids like Lunch Counter and Big Kahuna.
- Opportunities to swim in the refreshing, cold waters of the Snake River.
- Fun for the entire family, with safe and exciting whitewater thrills.
- Classic rafts for up to 16 riders (seasonal midsized rafts for lower flows).
- Wildlife sightings along the riverbanks, including bald eagles and osprey.
Classic Snake River Whitewater Rafting
What to Expect
Our classic Snake River whitewater rafting trip will take you on a thrilling adventure that’s perfect for your entire group. The trip is 8 miles of beautiful scenery and whitewater thrills.
Push through rapids like Lunch Counter and Big Kahuna, refresh with a quick swim in the cold water of the Snake River for the bravest of the group, and take in the beautiful scenery of the Snake River Canyon. This adventure is fun for the whole family, and will be sure to leave smiles on everyone’s faces!
Our classic rafts accommodate up to 16 riders and the minimum age requirement is 6 years old. In mid-August, we switch to a mid-sized raft that will accommodate up to 12 people in order to account for the lower water flows. The minimum age for our Snake River whitewater rafting trips may increase during higher water flows. Check out our Snake River flows and water levels page for more information!
To find the perfect trip for you and your group, be sure to take a look at all of our Snake River rafting trips.
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Recommended Gear
You should plan to get wet during your Jackson Hole whitewater rafting trip! Here are some key recommendations to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience:
What to Wear:
- Quick-dry clothes or swimsuits (avoid cotton materials).
- Wetsuits for colder days (available upon request).
- Rain jackets for rainy weather.
- Shoes that stay on your feet and are comfortable when wet (required).
What to Bring:
- Snacks and water for before & after your trip. You can bring your water bottle on the raft, but there is no guarantee it will stay in the boat!
- A dry set of clothes for after your trip.
- Sunscreen (apply before your trip).
What to Leave Behind:
- Cameras and phones (two professional companies take photos and videos at the largest rapids; information on purchasing will be provided after your trip).
- Personal items can stay on the bus during your float!
Changing rooms are available at the office for your convenience. Be sure to hydrate before your trip. All necessary safety gear and equipment will be provided.
Cancellation Policy
- Standard Trips: 48-hour cancellation policy for a full refund.
- Groups of 10+: 1-week cancellation policy for a full refund.
- Groups of 32+: 1-month cancellation policy for a full refund.
We are limited by the National Forest Service in the number of people we can bring down the Snake River on a trip. If you cancel within the allowed window, we will provide a full refund. However, if you cancel outside this timeframe, we can only refund your payment if we are able to fill the vacated spots.
Bridger-Teton National Forest Snake River Special Recreation Permit
Beginning in the 2025 season, the Bridger-Teton National Forest will implement a Special Recreation Permit of $3/person ages 16 and older. Special Recreation Permits are issued to ensure extra measures are required for natural and cultural resource protection, the health and safety of visitors, or to allocate capacity and/or disperse recreation use. The Bridger-Teton National Forest intends to use the Snake River Special Recreation Permit Fee proceeds to:
- Enhance the safety and overall experience of recreational users of the river canyon,
- Facilitate, sustain, and maintain needed services due to increasing use levels,
- Pursue facility changes that offset impacts, and
- Further establish Wild & Scenic River monitoring, mitigation, education, and fortification programs designed to reduce the impacts of increased recreation on water quality, fish, wildlife, scenery, and other outstandingly remarkable values in the corridor.
The Special Recreation Permit fee is included in Teton Whitewaters pricing for our Standard Ticket (ages 16 and older).
Reviews From Our Guests
Frequently Asked Questions
HOW EARLY SHOULD I BOOK MY TRIP?
We encourage you to make your booking as soon as possible just to make sure you secure your spot!
The larger your group or family, the earlier you should book. For groups less than 10 people you can call and cancel and get a full refund as long as you do so at least 48 hours (two days) before your trip. For groups over 10 people, the same rule applies except you must call and cancel at least one week before your trip.
WHAT SHOULD I WEAR?
For Scenic trips, you shouldn’t get wet and normal casual clothes are encouraged; it’s always a good idea to bring a light jacket or sweater as well. Your feet might get wet, so please keep that in mind and be sure to choose appropriate footwear. Scenic trips include complimentary water as well as blankets and ponchos in case of inclement weather. Feel free to bring some snacks as well
For Whitewater trips, swimsuits and sturdy footwear are encouraged! You might even want to consider renting wetsuits or booties from our office to help you stay warm!
WHAT CLASS OF RAPIDS ARE ON THE SNAKE RIVER?
The Snake River is a Class II-III stretch, making it an intermediate run. There is plenty of splash for the adventurous, but it is friendly enough for beginners!
Be aware that high or low water flows can change river conditions and the experience you might have. Stay informed, and plan your trip accordingly. Our safety record is top-notch, and we focus on mitigating risk, and always put safety first.
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN WHITEWATER TRIPS AND SCENIC TRIPS?
Our scenic trip is a 13 mile Wilson Scenic float. It’s a beautiful stretch of the Snake River with typically 8 to 10 people on one scenic boat. The Wilson float is great for seeing bald eagles, moose, and other wildlife and scenery!
Our 8-mile whitewater rafting trip includes splashy rapids like Big Kahuna, Lunch Counter, Ropes, and Champagne, so you are sure to get tons of splashes and have a lot of fun!
Both trips include an experienced and trained guide, ask them whatever you want! Both scenic and whitewater trips are amazing and by far the most fun you’ll have in Jackson Hole!
WHAT IS YOUR CANCELLATION POLICY?
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