Jackson Hole: Whitewater Rafting Family Standard Raft

Summary

Raft big waves at Kahuna & Lunch Counter with family or friends

You’ll jump straight into Jackson Hole’s wild side—rafting big waves at Lunch Counter and Kahuna with a local guide who keeps things fun (and safe). Expect cold splashes, real laughter from everyone in your raft (even grandma), and a few quiet moments drifting past pine-covered cliffs before you dry off on shore.

What’s the experience like?

I barely had time to second-guess myself before we were sliding the raft into the Snake River. Our guide, Sam—Wyoming accent and all—cracked a joke about “city hands” as he tightened my life jacket. The air smelled like wet pine needles and river mud, which I weirdly liked. My youngest was already giggling, eyeing the foam-tipped water up ahead. There were maybe twelve of us in the raft, a couple of families, one grandma in sunglasses who looked way too calm for what was coming.

The first stretch felt almost lazy—sun on our faces, limestone cliffs drifting by, everyone pretending they weren’t nervous. But then Sam shouted “Paddles forward!” and suddenly we were right in it: Lunch Counter rapid. Water smacked me square in the face (cold enough to make me yelp), and my son lost his grip on the paddle for a second but didn’t care—he was howling with laughter. I could hear someone behind us yelling “Go left! Go left!” but honestly, I just held on and hoped for the best. The raft bounced hard over Kahuna next; I swear my heart was pounding louder than the river itself.

Somewhere between rapids, Sam pointed out an osprey circling above us—he said they nest along this stretch every summer—and told us about something called Champagne Falls underwater (which sounds fancy but mostly meant more splashing). I tried to say thank you in his style (“cheers, partner”) and he grinned at me like I’d just passed some Wyoming test. We got soaked through our synthetic shirts (definitely listen when they say no cotton), but nobody seemed to mind. The kids kept daring each other to sit closer to the front next time.

By the end of those eight miles, my arms felt like noodles and my cheeks hurt from laughing so much. There’s something about sharing that kind of wild water with strangers—by the last rapid, it felt like we’d all known each other longer than just a morning on the Snake River. Even now, if I close my eyes, I can still feel that mix of nerves and excitement right before Sam yelled “hold on!” again.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Whitewater rafting adventure in Jackson Hole

• Check in and pay forest user fee
• Board the standard raft
• Paddle through class II and III rapids
• Navigate The Lunch Counter rapid
• Experience The Big Kahuna rapid
• See underwater waterfall Champagne
• Enjoy scenery of limestone cliffs and pine hills
• Complete 8-mile rafting stretch

Top questions

Is this whitewater rafting trip suitable for families with small kids?

Yes, the standard raft is great for larger families or people with small kids who want more stability while still enjoying big waves.

How long is the Jackson Hole rafting trip?

The trip covers an 8-mile stretch of river near Jackson Hole.

What class are the rapids on this tour?

You’ll experience class II and III rapids including Lunch Counter and Big Kahuna.

Will we get wet during this whitewater rafting tour?

Yes, you will definitely get soaked! Wear synthetic clothing—no cotton recommended.

Is lunch included on this rafting tour?

No food is included; plan to eat before or after your trip.

Are there any extra fees?

Guests 16 and over pay a $3 Bridger Teton National Forest User fee at check-in.

Do I need previous rafting experience?

No prior experience needed; guides provide instructions and safety gear for everyone.

What should I bring for the day trip?

Bring a backpack with dry clothes to leave on the bus while you’re out on the water.

What’s included

Your day includes all necessary gear—a personal floatation device, paddle, and plenty of guidance from your local river expert. Pickup is provided at the river launch point so you can focus on paddling (and laughing) instead of logistics.