In the hustle and bustle of a summer in Jackson Hole, our blog fell off the face of the cyber planet. When fall came knocking on the door, we were busy trying to catch our breath. Then, in a flash, snow arrived and Thanksgiving came and went. Taking pause to reflect on a monumental 50th year at Barker-Ewing Whitewater, we owe an infinite number of thanks. Thank you for being invaluable team players and working with us. Thank you for sharing a part of your summer vacation memories with us. Thank you to the Ewings and Barkers who paved the way before us. We would not be here with you.

Two men who loved the great outdoors and, even more so, running rivers began floating Jackson Hole’s infamous Snake in the late 1950s. Their names were Dick Barker and Frank Ewing. 

Once each man came to the realization that he could make a career out of guiding eager guests doing what he loved best, Dick and Frank began guiding guests down the Snake River in 1963. After some time, Barker-Ewing quickly established a strong name not only in the Jackson Hole valley but internationally as well. Recognized for ingenuity: Frank and Dick envisioned and designed a raft, the Snake River model, that would become the craft of choice still used today. Recognized for trailblazing: Frank was “on the oars” on that fateful day the rapid Three Oar Deal was named and remains just one of Frank’s many adventures in the Snake River Canyon. Recognized for setting a standard of excellence: “We’re more than ever dedicated to our core principles: close attention to detail, insistence on quality and safety, belief in the wonder of what we offer, and a firm grounding in the reality of the rafting trips we are privileged to share with our clients. These principles have served our clients, our staff and our family well. They won’t change.”