Snake River White Water Rafting Trips in Jackson Hole

When you're ready for a thrilling adventure, take a whitewater rafting trip on the Snake River just south of Grand Teton National Park.

Overview
You can’t come to Jackson in the summer and not take a Grand Teton white water rafting trip. It’s just not heard of! A Grand Teton rafting trip gives you the chance to relax and get an adrenal rush all on the same trip.

Enjoy calm sections of water intermixed with whirling, churning sections of whitewater rapids. It’s a great way to cool off during a hot summer day.

Snake River scenery includes the majestic Teton Mountain Range, the limestone cliffs of the Snake River Canyon, and the impressive horizon of Grey's National Forest. There is an amazing wealth of wildlife along the river. Bald eagles, moose, marmots, pelicans, beavers, and osprey are just a few of the species that frequent the valley.

Where to go Whitewater Rafting
Just south of the park and Jackson Hole, a number of Snake River Rafting companies can take you for an exciting ride, combining whitewater with a pleasant float through the Snake River Canyon. There, the river narrows and forces its way between the canyon walls, creating faster, wilder water.

Keep your eyes open for such rapids as Big Kahuna, Lunch Counter and the California Curler!

Rentals and Fees
Costs and fees vary according to the type of trip you take and how long you want to be on the river.

You can cool off for 2-3 hours, or you can make a full day of it. Combination trips are available including chuck wagon cookout and river trip, river trip and horseback ride, an early am hike with a pm raft trip, and others.

Costs range from $65.00 up. Many companies also have wetsuits, water shoes and other accessories available for rent.

There are age restrictions on children so be sure and check with local outfitters and guides, as well as Park Service and Forest Service personnel before planning your whitewater trip.

Hire a Guide
Guided float trip options include whitewater rafting in the Snake River Canyon, scenic floats in Grand Teton National Park, and scenic floats on the South Park section.

Experienced, professional, knowledgeable and friendly guides are familiar with the raft and the area. They can point out the sights on the calmer sections and help you navigate through the whitewater rapids.

There is no preparation necessary. The guide does all the work out of it for you, both before, during and after the trip. Oh, you may have to put your oar in the water from time to time and help paddle, but it is all part of the fun!

Safety Precautions
Paddling through whitewater rapids with new and old friends is a great way to spend a morning or afternoon. Since there is no single, federal agency that oversees safety, it is up to you and the outfitter with which you raft to ensure your trip is a safe one.

Following a few safety tips helps your trip be one in which you create happy memories and escape injuries.

• Select a reputable outfitter.
• Safety gear check: Most tour companies will give you the safety gear you need and would want, but it always is a good idea to check ahead of time
• Wear a life jacket - life jackets keep you afloat should you be thrown out of the raft as you paddle over rapids.
• Protect your head - while not always required, wearing a helmet could be the difference between life and death if you are tossed out of the raft and hit your head on a rock.
• Cover your feet – Old sandals or tennis shoes are essential for a safe rafting trip. When you are out of the raft, you will need to walk in water underneath which may lay sharp stones, shells, or other potentially dangerous objects.
• Drink plenty of liquids - Whitewater rafting is very fun and you may not even realize how much work it is. Combine the amount of exertion with the time you spend out in the sun and your body can become dehydrated very quickly. Be sure to carry along more water than you think you will need and to drink often. 
• Plan on getting wet – because you will!