Snake River — Snake River Canyon
Wild & Scenic🏞 National Park
Teton Co. · 26 mi · Class III–IV
4,080CFS/ 4.37 ft
Optimal
Stable· +40 cfs in 3h
Water temp: 48°F — Hypothermia risk, wear a drysuit
Optimal: 4000–12000 CFS · USGS #13022500
Rapids verified by local paddlers·
26 mi
Length
Class III–IV
Difficulty
4000–12000 cfs
Optimal
6,800 cfs
Avg Flow
6,200 cfs
Hist. Median
#13022500
USGS Gauge
Wild & Scenic Candidate · Grand Teton National Park

The Snake River through Alpine Canyon below Jackson Hole delivers the biggest whitewater in Wyoming — 26 miles of Class III–IV rapids framed by the Teton Range. Grand Teton National Park headwaters feed world-class Yellowstone cutthroat trout fishing alongside genuine big-water excitement. The canyon section from West Table Creek to Sheep Gulch packs eight named rapids into 8 miles.

Trip sections
South Park to West Table — 10 mi, Class II warm-up with Teton views
West Table to Sheep Gulch — 8 mi, Class III–IV Alpine Canyon whitewater
Sheep Gulch to Palisades Reservoir — 8 mi, Class II cool-down
Notable Rapids
KahunaClass III+
Big wave train — the biggest feature in the canyon at most flows. Huge standing waves, great surfing.
Lunch CounterClass III
The most famous wave on the Snake. A massive standing wave that kayakers surf and rafters punch. Iconic.
RopeClass III
First significant rapid in the canyon. Fun wave train, sets the pace.
ChampagneClass III
Bubbly, aerated whitewater — hence the name. Fun, fast Class III.
Outfitters
Dave Hansen Whitewater
Jackson Hole Snake River guided trips
Mad River Boat Trips
Alpine Canyon whitewater and scenic floats
72-Hour Flow Forecast
NOAA NWPS
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10-Year Flow Patterns
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Data Quality

River conditions are community-verified. CFS ranges, difficulty ratings, and trip sections may not reflect every flow level or seasonal change. Always check current conditions, scout unfamiliar rapids, and paddle within your skill level. If you spot an error, use the Improve This River button at the top of the page — your local knowledge is what makes this atlas accurate.