Jackson Hole Whitewater

With a 4.9-star Google rating across 818 reviews, Jackson Hole Whitewater isn't just well-regarded — it's in a category of its own. And for families visiting the Jackson Hole area, a Snake River float trip is often the activity that ends up being the most memorable of the entire trip, even for kids who were skeptical beforehand.

Jackson Hole Whitewater offers two main flavors of experience. The scenic float is the family-friendly choice: a calm, guided journey down the Snake River where the focus is on wildlife watching, Teton views, and the natural beauty of the river corridor. Guides are skilled naturalists who can spot a bald eagle's nest from 300 yards and explain the river ecosystem in ways that engage kids of all ages.

The whitewater sections offer more adrenaline — classes II-III rapids — and are better suited for older kids and teens who want more action.

For families with kids 7-12, the scenic float is the sweet spot. You'll float through cottonwood forests and open meadows with the Tetons rising behind you, and the wildlife sightings are consistently excellent — moose in the willows, osprey diving for fish, bald eagles on riverside snags, sometimes river otters. Guides use the trip as a running wildlife education session, which keeps kids engaged even during the quieter stretches.

The logistics are smooth: Jackson Hole Whitewater handles all gear (life jackets, paddles, wet suits for cold days). The put-in and take-out points are handled by the company, so you're not managing vehicles on opposite ends of the river. Plan on 2-3 hours for the river portion plus travel time.

One important note: wear clothes you're okay getting wet. Even on scenic floats, you'll get splashed. Water shoes or sandals with heel straps beat flip-flops. And book early — this outfitter sells out routinely in peak summer, often a week or more in advance.