You've got five vacation days and three kids asking "what are we doing today?"

Here's your guide for options on the water in Jackson Hole.

Pick Your Adventure: Jackson Hole Whitewater vs. Scenic Floats

Got thrill-seekers? Go whitewater.

Want Teton views without getting soaked? Choose scenic floats.

Can't decide? Book a combo of both - seriously, they're that different.

Jackson Hole Whitewater Rafting: The Crowd‑Pleaser for Adults, Teens & Big Kids

Eight classic rapids in Snake River Canyon - Big Kahuna and Lunch Counter included - pack a punch but stay Class II - III after peak runoff (late June onward).

Quick Facts:

• Best window: mid‑June thru mid‑August for splash + sunshine
• The water is COLD in the early summer. When you are offered a wetsuit, we recommend accepting it - wear swimwear underneath
• Trust the safety talk; it's there for a reason
• Minimum age usually 6 - 8, varies with water level - ask when booking
• Duration 3-4 hours total, 8 miles of rapids

Local Tip: Want something truly unique? Check out guided inflatable kayak (ducky) trips with Rendezvous River Sports. They are great for families with teens and keep the trip exciting even when the water levels are lower in late July and August.

Little Know Fact: Surf Wyoming is a real thing! You may see surfers on Lunch Counter. Keep your eyes peeled.

→ Explore Jackson Hole Whitewater Trips Here →

Snake River Scenic Floats - Easy Miles, Epic Views

Jackson Hole offers two mellow stretches of the Snake, where the guides do the rowing and you take the camera shots. Each section has its own personality:

Grand Teton National Park stretch (Deadman's Bar → Moose, roughly 10 miles, 2‑3 hours)

• Park‑licensed guides handle all the rowing and shuttling.
• You'll float beneath the Tetons, through cottonwood forests.
• Likely wildlife sightings: moose in the willows, bald eagles & osprey overhead, maybe an elk grabbing a drink, and beavers swimming by with tree branches in their mouth.
• No roads, no roofs - just you, the river, and a camera card that fills up fast.

South of Jackson stretch (Wilson Boat Ramp → South Park Landing, about 13 miles, 3 hours)

• Launch is fifteen minutes from Jackson's town square.
• Teton views for the first few minutes; then you'll be floating through Wyoming ranch land towards the Snake River Range.
• Expect bald eagles on driftwood perches and the odd ranch‑side elk.
• More departure slots and a lower age minimum (three years) make it a solid pick for mixed‑age groups.

Permits? Already handled.

When you book with a permitted outfitter, every sticker and launch reservation is included in the price.

Bottom Line

Can't go wrong with either. The Grand Teton National Park floats are the Instagram winner. The south of Jackson floats give you more flexibility. Both deliver the "wow, we're really in Jackson Hole" moments.

Ready to float the stretch that fits your crew?

→ Find Your Perfect Scenic Snake River Float →

Local Tip: Book the 7 AM or 6 PM trips. Animals are most active, light is perfect for photos, and you'll miss the crowds.

DIY Options: Kayaks, Canoes & SUPs Rentals

Want to paddle at your own pace?

Where to Go (Ranked by Family-Friendliness)

• String Lake - No motorboats, easy parking, great for SUPs + water so clear you can see the fish swimming under your board.
• Jenny Lake - Incredible Teton views but crowded (go early).
• Jackson Lake - Only for confident paddlers; afternoon waves can take you by surprise - wear a PFD.
• Snake River - Thrilling, swift and cold. Go only if someone in the group has whitewater skills and everyone is wearing a PFD. Check on river flows at the rental shop before you go.

Permits and Safety Gear

Inside Grand Teton National Park

• Grand Teton Boat Permit - $25 for your annual sticker for canoes, kayaks, rafts, or SUPs. Available at Recreation.gov or Moose and Colter Bay visitor centers.
• Wyoming AIS Decal - Just $5 for Wyoming residents or, $15 for non‑resident non‑motorized craft.
• AIS Inspection - Every vessel, 10 or more feet must stop at the Park's inspection station (usually just takes 5 minutes).

South of Jackson: Snake River Canyon (Wilson to Alpine)

• Snake River Recreation Day Pass - $5 per vehicle from May 1 to November 1. Buy on the Recreation.gov app.

Safety Musts:

• Every boater should have a properly fitted PFD. It's Wyoming state law for kids under 13 and smart for everyone else.
• Morning glass may turn to whitecaps in the afternoon; plan to return before the wind picks up in the afternoon.
• Keep one charged phone in a dry bag and tell a friend about your launch and take‑out plans.
• Also consider a whistle, it helps get attention from others nearby in the event of an emergency.

Local Tip: Don't skip your permits - rangers check and fines are steep.

→ Browse Jackson Hole SUP and Kayak Rental and Tour Options→

Jackson Hole Guided Fly Fishing Trips

Love the idea of a scenic float but want more action than just pointing at eagles? Enter fly fishing - same peaceful drift down the Snake, except you're the one creating the splash.

Jackson's native fine-spotted cutthroat trout have called these waters home for centuries, and trust me, landing one beats any wildlife photo you'll take.

Your guide handles the rowing and the tricky stuff (like which fly actually works today), while you get credit for the catch.

When to Go

• July - mid‑September: run‑off is over, water clears, and cutthroat rise to dry flies all day. Guides call it "prime time" for float trips.
• April - June (Jackson Lake Dam tailwater): even while the rest of the river is chocolate‑milk, the first miles below the dam stay cold, clear, and fishable - perfect for an early season half‑day.
• September - early October: lower flows bunch fish into pods; crowds thin and the fishing can be lights‑out.

Trip Styles That Fit a Family Schedule

• Half‑day drift on the Snake - You cast, the guide rows. Great for first‑timers and kids 8‑plus.
• Walk‑and‑wade spring creeks & side channels - Sight‑fishing in ankle‑deep water keeps short attention spans engaged.
• Tributary sampler (Gros Ventre, Hoback, Flat Creek) - Cooler water and smaller fish, but big on solitude.

Logistics - Handled by the Guide

• Drift‑boat permits, shuttle, rods, flies, food/water and life jackets are baked into the price.
• All you buy is a Wyoming fishing license (quick online or at any local fishing shop).

Ready to cast?

→ View our Jackson Hole Fly Fishing Outfitters list - they're happy to answer your questions.

→ New to the sport? Read our Beginner's Guide to Jackson Hole Fly Fishing for insights on gear, regulations, and where to find those native cutthroat.

Still Deciding? Use the "Yes‑No" Filter

Do we love roller‑coasters?

• Yes → Whitewater.
• No → Scenic Float.

Do we need nap time for little ones?

• Yes → Early‑morning Scenic Float (back by lunch).
• No → Half‑day Whitewater or full‑day DIY paddle.

Want photos > splashes?

• Yes → Scenic Float or SUP at String Lake.
• No → Whitewater or Ducky Trip.

Next Steps - Pick, Click, Go

→ Scenic Floats | → Whitewater Trips | → SUP & Kayak Rentals

Tap the page that matches your answers, pick your guide, and cross "water day" off the vacation list. See you on the Snake!

FAQs

Do I need permits to paddle my own canoe, kayak, raft or SUP?

Yes. Inside Grand Teton National Park you must display a $25 non‑motorized boat permit and a Wyoming AIS decal ($15 for non‑residents, $5 for residents) on the hull, plus stop for a free invasive‑species inspection before launching.

Outside the park - Wilson to Alpine - you'll also pay the Snake River Day Pass: $5 per vehicle (May 1 - Nov 1). Groups of 16‑30 must book a timed launch and pay $3 per person in advance on Recreation.gov.

If I book a guided scenic float or whitewater trip, do I handle any of that paperwork?

No. Licensed outfitters bundle every permit, pass, and shuttle into the trip price. You just sign the waiver and show up on time.

What's the minimum age for whitewater rafting?

Most companies set it at 6 years old once runoff subsides; they may bump it to 7‑8 during high water in early June. Scenic floats usually start at age 4.

How cold is the Snake River? Do we really need wetsuits?

Even in mid‑July the water hovers in the low‑ to mid‑50s °F - cold enough to numb feet in minutes. Outfitters rent wetsuits and booties, and they're a smart choice on cool mornings or spring trips.

What is the best month for water activities in Jackson Hole?

• Whitewater: mid‑June through August - big waves, warm air.
• Scenic floats & DIY paddling: late May through September; early mornings bring calm water and wildlife sightings.

Can we bring our dog?

DIY launches south of Jackson allow leashed pets at ramps and in boats; BTNF rangers will check the leash. Commercial trips and all GTNP waters prohibit pets.

Who needs a Wyoming fishing license?

Anyone 14 and older. Kids under 14 may fish for free if they share the licensed adult's limit. Purchase licenses online or at fly shops in town.

Will my phone work on the river?

Expect dead zones in the canyon and inside the park. Screenshot or print all digital permits before leaving town.

What should we pack for a day on the water?

Quick‑dry layers, brimmed hat, sunscreen, full water bottle, light snacks, and a dry‑bagged phone. For DIY trips add PFDs, throw‑rope, spare paddle, and bear spray for shore stops.

How far ahead should I reserve?

Sunrise and sunset scenic floats and mid‑morning whitewater slots often sell out 2 - 3 weeks in advance during July. Rental SUPs for String Lake disappear by noon on busy days - book online the night before.