Snake River float trip Jackson: 13 miles, wildlife, Teton views

Drift past snow-capped peaks while the river does the work

A 13-mile scenic float trip on the Snake River in Jackson, Wyoming puts you in a boat drifting through a valley framed by the Tetons, Snake River Range and Gros Ventre Range, with a guide pointing out wildlife and the area's geology and history. The trip runs about three hours, includes a personal flotation device and blankets, and suits all fitness levels from age 4 up. Book ahead. These trips sell out in advance.

The Experience

The float starts west of Jackson, in the section of river that runs between Grand Teton National Park and Bridger Teton National Forest. You'll drift 13 miles downstream in a comfortable, secure boat while the current does the work. The guide narrates as you move, calling out the geology of the ranges rising on either side and the ecology that supports the wildlife you're watching for: bald eagles, osprey, beaver, river otters, and the occasional moose or elk wading in a back eddy or drinking from the bank.

The Tetons dominate the view, snow-capped even in summer, and the guide will point out where osprey dive for cutthroat trout in the river below them. You'll have time to take photographs and simply sit with the landscape. The pace is set by the current, not by a schedule, so there's no rushing between stops or climbing in and out of a vehicle. A personal flotation device and blankets are provided: mornings and days can run cool on the water, even when the air feels warm on shore.

Three hours on the water is long enough to feel removed from town but short enough to fit into a day that includes other plans. The trip suits all fitness levels. You're not paddling or hiking, just sitting and watching. Children from age 4 are welcome, though you'll want to dress them for the weather and bring layers you can shed if the sun comes out.

What’s included

• Personal flotation device and blankets.
• experienced guide providing insights into the geology, ecology and history of Jackson Hole.
• all fees and taxes.

Good to know

Easy physical levelPublic transport nearby

Operated by Snake River Park Float Trips

Is this one for you?Book this float if you want to see the Tetons and the wildlife that lives along the river without leaving a boat. The current carries you for three hours while the guide handles the navigation and the narration, so you can focus on the landscape and the animals.

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Top questions

What wildlife am I likely to see on the Snake River float?

Bald eagles, osprey, beaver and river otters are common sightings. Moose and elk appear occasionally, often wading in the shallows or at the river's edge. The osprey diving for cutthroat trout beneath the Tetons is one of the signature moments the guide watches for.

How long does the 13-mile float take?

The trip runs about three hours from start to finish. The current carries you downstream at a steady pace, so there's no paddling or physical exertion required.

Is this float trip suitable for young children?

Yes, children from age 4 are welcome on the Snake River float. You'll want to dress them in layers and bring extra clothing, since mornings and days on the water can be cool even when it's warm on shore.

What's included in the float trip price?

The Snake River float includes a personal flotation device, blankets for chilly mornings or days, and all fees and taxes. Your guide is an experienced interpreter of the area's geology, ecology and history.

Where does the float trip start and end?

The float operates on the 13-mile section of the Snake River west of Jackson, nestled between Grand Teton National Park and Bridger Teton National Forest. This is the stretch where the Tetons and the Snake River Range frame the valley on either side.