Snake River

One of the most popular ways to enjoy the river's rushing white water is rafting through Snake River Canyon. Join a guide on a Snake River tour to safely navigate Class III rapids from Jackson Hole in Wyoming, or head out on a trip from Grand Teton National Park for amazing mountain views.

Floating trips offer a calm alternative with chances to see animals like moose, deer, and river otters in their natural habitat, while jet boat tours cover the most miles in the least amount of time. Alternatively, make a full day out of exploring Grand Teton National Park from Jackson Hole to combine a white-water rafting trip with hiking and sightseeing.

• Dress for the weather, as this is an outdoor activity.

• Find a tour that matches your comfort level, from easy floats to fast rapids.

• Consider bringing a waterproof camera and binoculars.

The largest portion of the Snake River is in Idaho, but the river flows through Wyoming, Nevada, Utah, Oregon, and Washington, where it joins the Columbia River. It's easy to access from several US parks, including Yellowstone National Park and Hells Canyon National Recreation Area, roughly six hours from Portland.

Visit during the summertime for the most pleasant weather. Note that many river tours only operate seasonally, generally from May through September.

The Snake River was created by a volcanic hot spot that today sits under Yellowstone. Once known as the Lewis River, the name comes from a mix-up: Early pioneers misunderstood the Shoshone peoples' hand signal for fish and thought they were signifying snakes.

Spotting wildlife is a highlight of floating the Snake River—and from bald eagles to osprey, moose, and elk, many species are most active at twilight. Early morning and dusk are two of the best times to float the Snake River, though spectacular wildlife sightings are likely throughout the day.

Most float trips on the Snake River last 2–4 hours—some fishing float trips are full-day adventures. Not all float trips cover the same stretch of river. Trips vary in length, too, and generally cover a distance between 8 miles (13 kilometers) and around 14 miles (23 kilometers).

Yes, you can float the Snake River on your own, but there are good reasons most visitors choose guided excursions. You'll need a permit to float the Snake River, whose braided channels, frequent logjams, and sometimes fast-moving water can complicate navigation. Booking a guided float trip ensures a safe, fun experience.

You don't need specialized gear or a wetsuit for a Snake River float trip. Wear comfortable clothing and soft-soled shoes, and bring a jacket or sweater if it's cool outside. You might also want sunglasses, a brimmed hat for shade, and a bathing suit for swimming on warm and sunny days.

Most float trips happen between May and September. Spring conditions generally mean fast-flowing water, while the height of summer brings warm days and more leisurely conditions. As many wildlife species migrate in spring and autumn, these months are best for spotting animals—though the viewing is great all season.

The most popular tours of the Snake River are float trips, which take in mountain scenery, migrating wildlife, and big views from a stretch of relatively calm water. Other options include adventurous white-water rafting through rippling rapids and guided fishing trips targeting the river's native Snake River fine-spotted cutthroat trout.