The Snake River in Jackson Hole, Wyoming is a Class III rapid and depending on the day and season the weather can change in an instant. Educate yourself with the information below to ensure a great time during your visit.
*****Please note that scenic float times and whitewater trips on the Snake River can vary during the season. Call us if you need more details on the timing of any scenic or whitewater trip when you are in town. The times listed are estimated and do vary from week to week and month to month.
Whitewater Trips: We suggest wearing lightweight clothing that you don’t mind getting wet. We advise against heavy cotton such as jeans and sweatshirts as it does not insulate when wet. Swimsuits work the best, but fleece, wool and polypropylene work well to insulate. We have splash jackets at no extra charge on the river and for those that get cold easier than others; we have new wetsuits that work great with plenty of changing rooms at the boathouse! Whether it is just the top or the entire suit including neoprene booties for your feet, we can keep you warm on the river. We also recommend bringing an extra sweater or jacket to keep in the transport vehicle. This will make your trip back to the boathouse more comfortable.
You want to wear shoes that can get wet including Teva’s, sneakers, or water shoes, as long as they will stay on your feet. Sorry, no flip flops or barefeet though. We also have great wetsuit boots that will keep your feet warm available for a small rental fee here at the boathouse.
Scenic Trips: Due to the fact that the scenic trip is a completely dry trip, head to toe, we suggest layers that you will be comfortable in. Mornings can be cool but it warms quickly as the sun raises overhead. In the case of the occasional rain shower, we have ponchos on all the boats that work great keeping you dry and therefore warm. Since our experienced drivers stay with the vehicle, it is secure to leave any unneeded clothing on the bus you decide you will not need. We also include a great set of self-adjusting Bushnell binoculars for you to use while spending time with us on the river and recommend bringing cameras.
WHAT CLASS RIVER IS THE SNAKE?
The whitewater rafting section of the Snake River is Class II and III, perfect for people of all ages and experience. River classifications are graded on a scale of I to VI. Class I is flat water. Class V is the most difficult. Class VI is not run-able.
WHAT TEMPERATURE IS THE RIVER WATER?
The water temperature varies. May and June you can expect it somewhere in the mid 40’s to mid 50’s. July and August mid 50’s to the mid 60’s and September and October back in the 50’s. One reason our season lasts as long as it does is because it is fed from a dam, the Jackson Lake Dam.
I WANT TO BRING MY KIDS….HOW OLD TO THEY HAVE TO BE?
We would love to have your kids join us but there are some age restrictions…
WHITEWATER TRIPS: Children 6 and over. There are exceptions to the age limit. Please call if you have any questions.
SCENIC TRIPS: Children 4 and over are allowed on this section of the Snake River.
If you have any questions about bringing your children on either the whitewater or the scenic trips please don’t hesitate to call. The cutoff age for children’s prices on all trips is 12 years of age.
SHOULD I BRING A CAMERA?
We don’t recommend bringing cameras on whitewater trips unless they are waterproof. BUT we highly recommend bringing your camera on the scenic and combo trips.
We also assume no responsibility for phones, sunglasses, binoculars, etc. brought aboard.
BUT WHAT IF I WANT TO TAKE PICTURES OF MY TRIP?
Never fear! Photos and video of your whitewater trip are available through two companies:
Float O Graphs | 307.733.6453
Snake River Photo | 307.880.2912
WHERE CAN I STORE MY BELONGINGS?
Use your bus seat as a locker! You are welcome to leave anything you bring with you on the bus as your bus driver will stay with the bus the whole time you’re out on the river.
WHAT ABOUT SAFETY?
Jackson Hole Whitewater has an excellent safety record and we can back this claim up…just call and “ASK US ABOUT OUR SAFETY RECORD”. All of our guides are returning to us after years of previous experience.
We at Jackson Hole Whitewater have taken great effort to insure a safe and comfortable Whitewater experience. Please acknowledge that there is some risk associated with any outdoor activity.
HOW DO I MAKE A RESERVATION?
The best way to make your reservation is to give us a call at 1.800.700.RAFT(7238). We would love to tell you more about our trips and even give you advice on other things you can do while you’re in Jackson.
Or you can use our online form. Either way, you should receive confirmation that your reservation has been received within 24 hours.
WHAT ABOUT CANCELLATIONS?
We reserve the right to alter or cancel departure times due to river conditions, poor weather or insufficient number of reservations. A full refund will be made under these conditions. A 100% deposit is required with all reservations. 50% deposits will be accepted if needed. Full refunds are available only to those who cancel at least 48 hours prior to departure time. Groups of 10 or more and private trips must cancel 7 days prior to departure time to receive a full refund.
DO WE STILL GO RAFTING IF IT RAINS?
If there are severe storms or heavy rain, rafting is not safe. Otherwise, we will still go rafting as scheduled even if it’s raining.
HOW DANGEROUS IS WHITE WATER RAFTING?
There are dangers involved in whitewater rafting, but these are minimal when rafting with experienced guides and a company with an excellent safety record like ours.
WHAT DO YOU DO IF YOU FALL OUT OF THE RAFT?
First, it’s important to stay calm. Your guide will try to assist you in climbing back into the raft. If the water sweeps you out of reach, turn your body so your feet are above the surface of the water and facing downstream. Float on your back with your head out of the water so you can see in front of you until you are able to reach safety.
CAN YOU GO WHITE WATER RAFTING PREGNANT?
You should not go whitewater rafting while pregnant. During the first trimester, you are likely to experience nausea and vomiting; after this time, it is dangerous for you and your baby.
IS WHITE WATER RAFTING SAFE FOR SENIOR CITIZENS?
Absolutely, especially when you’re rafting with our experienced guides. If you are healthy and physically fit, there’s no age limit for whitewater rafting.
DO I NEED TO KNOW HOW TO SWIM?
Knowing how to swim isn’t a requirement for whitewater rafting. You will be provided with a lifejacket and we will also give you detailed instructions on what to do in the event that you fall out of the raft.
