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Get low to the waterline and paddle the Snake River’s most aggressive run in a 14-foot, paddle-only raft. This high-adventure Jackson Hole trip covers 8 miles of Class II–III whitewater over roughly 3.5 hours.
Get low to the waterline and paddle the Snake River’s most aggressive run in a 14-foot, paddle-only raft. This high-adventure Jackson Hole trip covers 8 miles of Class II–III whitewater over roughly 3.5 hours.
You push off from a narrow ramp and the Snake River answers immediately — cold, fast, and insistent. In a 14-foot paddle-only raft you sit low, every wave rising to meet you. The canyon walls close, wind stings your face, and the guide’s commands become the rhythm that keeps the boat moving. This run puts you closer to the water than the big oar rigs: surf a face, brace through a hole, haul when the current demands.
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Operated by Lewis and Clark River Expeditions · Jackson, Wyoming
You push off from a narrow ramp and the Snake River answers immediately — cold, fast, and insistent. In a 14-foot paddle-only raft you sit low, every wave rising to meet you. The canyon walls close, wind stings your face, and the guide’s commands become the rhythm that keeps the boat moving. This run puts you closer to the water than the big oar rigs: surf a face, brace through a hole, haul when the current demands.
Geology carves the feel of the trip: glacial outwash and volcanic flows created the Snake’s braided channels and the ledges that make rapids like Lunch Counter and Big Kahuna. Jackson Hole’s ranching and mountain-park history frames the river — a working valley that became a playground after early outfitters began guided runs in the mid-20th century.
Expect 8 miles of Class II–III whitewater, about 3.5 hours door-to-door, launched from the Snake River Canyon at roughly 6,200 ft elevation. The trip is team-focused; you and up to seven others paddle hard through successive rapids with only a paddle and a guide calling the line.
Practicalities: arrive 30 minutes early at the Jackson office for check-in and wetsuit fittings; bring quick-drying clothing, secure shoes, and a dry bag for post-trip clothes. You will get soaked — splash jackets and Type V PFDs are provided. Not recommended for pregnant guests or those with serious back/heart conditions. If this sounds intense, inquire about private or paddle-assist options.
This is river travel in its most immediate form: fast, wet, and unfiltered.
challenging.
3–4 hours.
Good cardiovascular fitness and upper-body endurance; participants should be able to paddle vigorously and hold seated bracing positions.
Very wet—this is a paddle-only small-boat experience designed to expose you to the rapids; splash gear is provided but you should expect full splashes and some waves over the bow.
Yes, wetsuits and booties are available for rent at the office and are recommended on cooler days or for children under 12 who get the free wetsuit policy.
The trip requires moderate to strong fitness and is not recommended for pregnant travelers or people with serious back or heart conditions; check with the outfitter for exact age minimums.
Yes — call the outfitter to inquire about private boat upgrades or to switch to a paddle-assist (classic) trip if your group prefers less aggressive rafting.
Outfitters have run commercial trips on the Snake River since the mid-20th century; Jackson’s river culture grew alongside regional conservation and park development.
The river corridor is managed in part by the Bridger-Teton National Forest; pay required user fees and follow Leave No Trace—avoid soap in water and pack out trash.
Lewis and Clark River Expeditions operates guided outdoor trips and adventures with an emphasis on safety, stewardship, and memorable experiences.
You push off from a narrow ramp and the Snake River answers immediately — cold, fast, and insistent. In a 14-foot paddle-only raft you sit low, every wave rising to meet you. The canyon walls close, wind stings your face, and the guide’s commands become the rhythm that keeps the boat moving. This run puts you closer to the water than the big oar rigs: surf a face, brace through a hole, haul when the current demands.
You push off from a narrow ramp and the Snake River answers immediately — cold, fast, and insistent. In a 14-foot paddle-only raft you sit low, every wave rising to meet you. The canyon walls close, wind stings your face, and the guide’s commands become the rhythm that keeps the boat moving. This run puts you closer to the water than the big oar rigs: surf a face, brace through a hole, haul when the current demands.
Geology carves the feel of the trip: glacial outwash and volcanic flows created the Snake’s braided channels and the ledges that make rapids like Lunch Counter and Big Kahuna. Jackson Hole’s ranching and mountain-park history frames the river — a working valley that became a playground after early outfitters began guided runs in the mid-20th century.
Expect 8 miles of Class II–III whitewater, about 3.5 hours door-to-door, launched from the Snake River Canyon at roughly 6,200 ft elevation. The trip is team-focused; you and up to seven others paddle hard through successive rapids with only a paddle and a guide calling the line.
Practicalities: arrive 30 minutes early at the Jackson office for check-in and wetsuit fittings; bring quick-drying clothing, secure shoes, and a dry bag for post-trip clothes. You will get soaked — splash jackets and Type V PFDs are provided. Not recommended for pregnant guests or those with serious back/heart conditions. If this sounds intense, inquire about private or paddle-assist options.
This is river travel in its most immediate form: fast, wet, and unfiltered.