Snake River - WY

America Outdoors outfitters offer whitewater rafting and fishing on the Snake River in the Bridger-Teton National Forest, Grand Teton National Park and Yellowstone National Park.

Flowing west from its source in the Teton Wilderness, the Snake River enters Yellowstone National Park, then flows south through the John D. Rockefeller, Jr. Memorial Parkway and into Jackson Lake in Grand Teton National Park. Regaining its free-flowing character downstream of Jackson Lake Dam, the river winds through the the Grand Teton National Park.  The Snake is a complex river, and there are different sections for different levels of experience.

SECTIONS:

• Beginner Level

• Jackson Lake Dam to Pacific Creek

• These areas provide scenic views, calmer water, and few obstructions.

• Length: 5 miles

• Intermediate Level

• Pacific Creek to Deadman's Bar

  • This stretch drops significantly creating swift water and braided channels that make route-finding difficult. Boating experience on lakes has proven to be of little help on the Snake River 

  • Length: 10 mile

• Flagg Ranch to Lizard Creek Campground

• The braided channels make route-finding a challenge. The river winds through the Parkway for 6 miles to Jackson Lake. During the 4 miles on the lake, southwest winds can be moderate to strong. Strenuous rowing or paddling is required.

• Length: 10 miles

• Advanced Level

• Deadman's Bar to Moose Landing

• This is the most challenging stretch of river in the park.  The river drops more steeply, with faster water than in other sections south of Pacific Creek.

• Length: 10 miles

• Moose to Wilson

• This section of the river is as difficult as the preceding section. Advanced boating skills are required due to fast current, braided channels, and logjams. The park boundary extends 5 miles downriver of Moose on the west bank and 2 miles downriver on the east bank; there is no take out or access to the river at the park boundary. The next takeout is at Wilson, 14 miles downstream from Moose.

• Length: 14 miles

• Southgate to Flagg Ranch

• The steep and narrow river provides challenging whitewater for rafters and kayakers. In spring, increased water flow creates standing waves, haystacks, laterals, and large holes capable of flipping rafts. Scout by walking the rim trail along the west bank of the river. At more than 4000 cfs the rapids are Class III (not recommended for canoes). Below 4000 cfs, only canoeists with advanced whitewater skills should attempt this section.

• Length: 3 miles

SNAKE RIVER CANYON

As the Snake River exits the open valleys of Jackson Hole, the geology changes, channels merge, and the the Snake River Canyon begins.  This canyon stretch offers great fishing, scenic floating in the upper stretch of the canyon, and an 8 mile run of Class II/III whitewater.  Eagles, osprey and bird life are abundant, with the occasional siting of larger game in early and late season.