One of the must-do adventures for any visitor to Jackson Hole is a whitewater or scenic float boat ride down the iconic Snake River.
“… And a (Mad) River Runs Through it.”
As its name suggests, the Snake River slithers its way past the magnificent Teton Range, through Jackson Hole and down into the steep canyons south of town. Its rapids are classified between I and III, making guided river trips with Mad River Boat Trips one of the best ways to experience this wildly beautiful body of water.
Mad River is a professional river outfitter that has been running the Snake River for more than 45 years. With experience on its side, the rafting company can help make a river trip outing more than memorable.
See Jackson Hole By (Fast-Running) Water
The whitewater excursions bring you down the churning 8-mile section of the river that is not only rich in geological features but also includes no fewer than eight rapids of varying degrees of hold-your-breath action. This adventuresome tour provides participants the opportunity to see Jackson Hole from a unique and special perspective.
Experienced Guides
Mad River prides itself on the professionalism and friendliness of its river guides, all of whom have either a Wilderness First Aid or Wilderness First Responder medical certification. A bonus is the fact that the average amount of years a guide has been with Mad River is eight—and the majority of river runners are year round residents of Jackson Hole. This means they are invested ambassadors of our magical area of Wyoming.
Mad River also has the longest-running river guide school in Jackson Hole.
Mad River guides are well versed in the fauna, flora and history of the area—and the Snake River in particular. In addition, Mad River maintains a library of books about the Snake, the indigenous wildlife and more, and encourages its guides to take advantage of the resources available.
Quick Facts
River trips take place between June and September.
Whitewater trips last 3-1/2 hours and launch times vary depending upon the size of the boat and date trip is booked. Cost: $110 per adult; $110 for children age 6 and older. Private Boat starting at $780 for 8 people.
What to wear: Footwear that can get wet; synthetic layers (not cotton); for colder days, wetsuits may be rented from Mad River; sunglasses; sunscreen.
Reservations: (800) 458-7238; mad-river.com
Unforgettable Thrills
The high water conditions on the Snake River dictate the intensity of your whitewater adventure—especially in late spring and early summer due to the snowmelt from the mountains. But make no mistake about it: Mad River’s goal is to give you the thrill of a lifetime no matter how high or low the river is running.
The fun on the Snake is complemented by the range of wildlife you’ll see, including osprey, eagles and river otters as well as the occasional mule deer or mountain goat, among other four legged residents of Jackson Hole.
Boats range in size from the “super-small” 6-person craft up to the standard size raft that can accommodate up to 16 people. This larger size boat has both paddling and non-paddling positions; the smaller rafts require all participants to paddle.
The check-in location for trips is at Mad River’s office at 1255 So. Highway 89, just 2 miles south of Jackson Hole.
For more information, call Mad River at (800) 458-7238, or visit mad-river.com.