Whitewater Rafting Jackson Hole: Class II-III Rapids

Paddle hard through Class II and III rapids and come out soaked

Whitewater rafting on the Snake River in Jackson Hole puts you on an 8-mile stretch with Class II and III rapids, a guide, paddle and personal floatation device included. The raft holds eight paddlers, so your strokes matter. You'll hit Big Kahuna, Lunch Counter and Champagne rapids over roughly four hours. Guests 16 and older pay a $3 Bridger Teton National Forest user fee at check-in. Children from age 6 can join.

Step-by-step itinerary

Whitewater rafting on Snake River

• Start at downtown Jackson shop
• Raft 8-mile Snake River stretch
• Navigate rapids: Big Kahuna, Lunch Counter, Rope
• Enjoy scenery and wildlife

The experience

The Snake River Canyon run starts at the shop in downtown Jackson and takes you through a mix of calm sections (where the limestone cliffs, lodgepole pines and Grey's National Forest peaks come into focus), and stretches where the river demands everything you've got. Big Kahuna and Lunch Counter are the rapids that earn their names. Champagne, an underwater waterfall, adds its own chaos. On an 8-person raft, every paddle stroke counts, so the guide positions you and calls the rhythm while you work the current.

The trip runs about four hours and you will get soaked. Wear synthetic clothes, not cotton. Bring a change for after. A personal floatation device and paddle are provided. Wetsuits are available to rent separately if the water temperature matters to you. The office staff will walk you through check-in procedures (including e-waivers and any wetsuit rentals) before you head to the river, so the time in the shop stays short.

This is the only whitewater rafting stretch in Jackson Hole, and the operator calls it the highest concentration of laughter in Wyoming. You need at least a moderate level of physical fitness. The rapids and the paddling demand it. No food or drinks are included, so plan accordingly. Souvenir photos are available to purchase after the run.

What’s included

• Personal floatation device and paddle.
• guide leading you through the rapids.
• roughly four hours on the water navigating Class II and III whitewater.

Before you book

Days and timesNext departure: 15 May 2027

Book up to4h before

AgesAdult (14 and older) · Child (6 to 13 years) · Under 6: can't be booked

GroupUp to 16

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

ConfirmationConfirmation within 48 h

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Moderate physical effort

Operated by Dave Hansen White Water Scenic River Trips

Is this one for you?The guide speaks English and leads the whole group together, so anyone with a moderate fitness level and a willingness to paddle hard can follow the rhythm through the rapids: no prior rafting experience needed.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (6 to 13 years). Children under 6 can't be included in the booking.

What rapids will I paddle through on the Snake River?

The Snake River run includes Class II and III rapids: Big Kahuna, Lunch Counter, and Champagne, an underwater waterfall. The 8-mile stretch also has calm sections where you can take in the canyon scenery and wildlife.

How many people fit in the raft?

The raft holds eight paddlers plus the guide, so it stays small and your paddle work directly affects how the boat moves through the rapids.

What should I wear for whitewater rafting in Jackson Hole?

Wear synthetic clothes, not cotton, because you will get soaked. Bring a change of clothes for after the trip. Wetsuits are available to rent separately at check-in if you want extra protection from the cold water.

How long does the whitewater rafting trip take?

The trip runs about four hours on the 8-mile stretch of the Snake River, including the time to paddle through the rapids and the calmer sections of the canyon.

What's included in the rafting trip?

The guide, paddle, and personal floatation device are included. Wetsuits, food, drinks and souvenir photos are not included. Wetsuits and photos are available to purchase separately.