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.