About
Snake River, Wyoming — 1805 Lewis Clark Named, 1906-1912 Jackson Lake Dam, 1942 Ansel Adams, Grand Teton 80-mi. From South Park to Palisades Reservoir, 26 miles of the Snake River cut through Teton County's Alpine Canyon at an average 6,800 CFS — big water that ranges from Class II warm-up runs to sustained Class III-IV whitewater through the canyon's middle section. The West Table to Sheep Gulch stretch delivers eight miles of technical drops that define this as one of the West's premier big-water runs, optimal between 4,000–12,000 CFS on gauge 13022500. Commercial outfitters Dave Hansen Whitewater and Mad River Boat Trips guide the canyon regularly, though private boaters with Class IV skills can obtain permits through Grand Teton National Park. The upper 10 miles from South Park to West Table offer Class II water with direct views of the Teton Range; below Sheep Gulch, the final eight miles cool down to Class II as the river approaches Palisades Reservoir. Wild & Scenic candidate status reflects the undeveloped character of this corridor through some of Wyoming's most concentrated alpine terrain.
River conditions are community-verified. CFS ranges, difficulty ratings, and access points may not reflect every flow level or seasonal change. Always check current conditions, scout unfamiliar rapids, and paddle within your skill level.