Understanding the Whitewater Classification Scale

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Even if you’re the type who’s always up for a challenge, it’s important not to get in over your head when you’re whitewater rafting. (If you get in over your head figuratively, you’re more likely to get in over your head literally when you’re out on the water!) Here’s what you should know about the whitewater classification scale before your whitewater rafting trip.

Whitewater Classification Scale: The Basics

Rivers are rated on a class scale that ranges from I to VI, with I being the calmest and VI being the most difficult to traverse. Here’s a brief description of each level.

Class I

Class I describes a river with little-to-no waves and a current that pulls the raft along at a calm, relaxing clip. If you’ve been on a scenic float tour, that’s about the same pace you can expect from Class I waters.

Class II

Class II waters are essentially easy rapids—waves may be up to three feet tall, but they’re easily spotted and channels are wide enough to discover without the need for scouting.

Class III

If you’re looking for a thrill without too much of a risk, Class III is for you. Sections of river that are Class III have waves that are up to four feet high and narrow passages. Expect to get wet!

Class IV

Now we’re onto the classes that require a bit more experience to navigate. Class IV has difficult rapids in addition to narrow passages. There’s turbulent water and the stretches of rapids are long.

Class V

Class V waters have large waves, complex rapids, and you can expect your raft to spin and twist as you make your way downriver.

Class VI

These are expert-level stretches of river that include extreme rapids that are essentially unrunnable and even the occasional waterfall. You won’t find any outfitters organizing trips here—they’re strictly for the most experienced daredevil adventurers.

It’s important to note that the whitewater classification scale is fluid. (No pun intended!) A long river may have sections that rate a Class I on the scale in flat valleys and others that are a Class VI near headwaters in more mountainous areas. Additionally, different times of year and different weather conditions may change the classification. After snow melts in the springtime and after large amounts of rainfall, a river may be a notch higher in the whitewater classification scale than under normal conditions.

Snake River Whitewater Classification

The stretch of Snake River used for Barker Ewing whitewater rafting trips is rated Class III. Some sections may be Class II and others a Class IV in times with a significant amount of run-off, but prior to your trip, we’ll alert you to current river conditions that you should be aware of.

With a Class III rating, you can expect a fun time out on the water—without the danger of a Class V or Class VI river. Class III is excellent for whitewater rafters of all ages and experience levels.

Book a Jackson Hole Scenic Float Trip

Contact us today at 307-733-1000 to learn more about our Snake River whitewater rafting trips or book online now to reserve a spot. We look forward to seeing you in beautiful Jackson Hole!

Whitewater Rafting vs. Scenic Float Trip: Which Should I Choose?

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Whitewater Rafting vs. Scenic Float Trip: Which Should I Choose?

Looking for outdoor recreation ideas for this summer? If you’re planning your summer vacation, one of the best ways to stay cool while enjoying a beautiful natural landscape is to spend some time on the water. Wyoming, especially Jackson Hole, has some amazing scenery (like The Grand Tetons) along the Snake River. Parts of the river are full of rapids for exciting whitewater rafting adventures, while other parts are calmer, allowing you to drift along lazily in the cool water while enjoying the beauty around you.

If both of these options sound nice, it may be hard to decide which option is right for you. Read on for more detailed descriptions of what each experience is like to help you decide which type of trip you would prefer.

White Water Rafting 

The Snake River in Jackson Hole, WY is one of the best places for white water rafting. With rapids ranging from class I to VI (with I being calm water and V being large rapids) you’ll experience an ideal mix of exciting rapids and calm waters to rest your arms.

White river rafting is a thrill-seeker’s dream. The boat will hit rapids like a brick wall, rise over the top and fall back down to the water like a roller coaster, and potentially even flip over. You will certainly get wet, it’s just a matter of how wet.

Even so, whitewater rafting is very safe. You’ll wear a helmet and a life jacket. Falling out of the boat is common and not a big deal.

Benefits of Whitewater Adventures

  • Fun and excitement. If you like adventure, you’re sure to like whitewater rafting. There is nothing boring about it. You’ll be kept busy paddling, experience the ride of your life, and all with an excellent view of the Grand Teton Mountains.
  • Family bonding. Family river rafting is quality time together that doesn’t involve a screen. Working as a team to paddle your raft is one of the best ways to bond with each other, even siblings who seem to never get along. Children as young as 6 years old can participate in rafting when the water level is low enough.
  • Team building. Group rafting trips are a great team-building exercise for coworkers, church groups, and other teams of people. Working together toward a common cause (paddling the boat and conquering the rapids) is an effective way to strengthen the bonds between members of a group.
  • Appropriate for beginners and those with experience. You don’t have to have whitewater rafting experience to go on a guided adventure. You can learn everything you need to know before you get in the raft and during the trip itself.

Scenic Float Trip

If you’re looking for a scenic view while you gently drift down the river, a scenic float trip may be just right for you. You’ll have amazing views of the Grand Tetons as well as plenty of wildlife sightings along the way.

You can expect to stay dry during this trip, so feel free to bring along your camera to capture the scenery and wildlife you spot along the way. There’s virtually no chance of your boat turning over or getting caught in the rapids.

This is a relaxing trip. Nothing strenuous, no paddling involved. Your guide will paddle as needed and gently steer the boat down the calmer waters of the Snake River. You can take the half-day trip or the full day trip, depending on the time you have available.

Benefits of the Scenic Float Trip

  • Time to enjoy the scenery. Jackson Hole float trips move at a much slower pace. You’ll have time to take in all the beautiful views around you and even capture photos if you wish.
  • Relaxing. Do you prefer your vacations to be restful and peaceful? The Grand Teton float trip will be very laid back. You can sit back and relax and take deep breaths of crisp mountain air as your boat gently bobs and floats on the water.
  • Appropriate for children as young as 4. Some Teton scenic float tours allow children as young as 4 to go along while others require children to be at least 6. If you want an excursion that will allow younger children to participate, the float trip would be a better option than whitewater rafting.
  • Appropriate for older adults. For adults who would find whitewater rafting too strenuous, the Snake River scenic float trip would be more pleasurable.

Still, Having Trouble Choosing? Try Both

The good news is that you don’t have to choose between the two types of excursions. Barker Ewing Whitewater is one of the best places for white water rafting and scenic float tours alike in Jackson Hole, WY. We offer white water rafting for beginners as well as experienced paddlers so that everyone can have a good time.

Call us to book your trip or if you have any questions! 800-448-4202

What to Wear on Your Whitewater Rafting or Scenic Float Trip

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One of the most common questions we get asked by people who are booking a Jackson Hole whitewater rafting or scenic float trip is what they should wear on their excursion. Above all else, the one requirement for both trips is that you should wear something comfortable. Other than that, the two experiences couldn’t be any more different. Here’s what you should know before your rafting trip.

What Do You Wear on a Float Trip?

Many people wonder if they’re going to get wet on a Snake River scenic float trip. Nope! There’s no splashing on this trip—if that’s what you’re after, we recommend a whitewater rafting trip instead. A scenic float trip takes place on calm waters, allowing you to enjoy the view as you leisurely float down the river.

It can be chilly on the river even in the summertime, so bring an extra layer of clothes if you’re going on one of the morning or lunch trips. Both your clothes and your shoes should be comfortable, and shoes should also be soft-soled. Wear sunscreen and bring the bottle with you; also bring a hat and sunglasses if you have them.

What Should I Take on a Float Trip?

In addition to sun protection, you are welcome to bring your camera (or smartphone) and binoculars.

What Do You Wear White Water Rafting in Jackson Hole?

The main difference between a Snake River float trip and whitewater rafting in Jackson Hole is that with whitewater rafting, you can expect to get wet! If it’s a warm summer day, you can wear a swimsuit or lightweight synthetic fabrics that dry quickly like nylon or polypropylene. When the weather is a bit cooler, you can rent neoprene wetsuits, river booties, and fleece.

You’ll need shoes that fit securely on your feet—no flip-flops, but make sure you’re wearing shoes you don’t mind getting them wet. We provide complimentary splash jackets and pants too.

What Do You Need for Whitewater Rafting?

Leave your camera, binoculars, and phone behind—you don’t want them to get wet and you won’t have much of a chance to use them anyway when you’re riding the rapids. Do bring a towel and dry clothes to change into once your whitewater rafting trip is done. The drive back to Jackson is 40 minutes and you won’t want to be sitting in wet clothes the entire time! It’s also a good idea to bring sunglasses, hats, and sunscreen to protect yourself from UV rays.

Book a Whitewater Rafting or Scenic Float Trip in Jackson Hole

If you’d like to learn more about our whitewater rafting trips or scenic float tours, contact us and we’ll be happy to answer any of your questions. Ready to reserve your place on one of our rafts? Book now and we’ll see you soon!

What Is the Best Time of Year to Visit Jackson Hole?

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No matter what time of year you visit Jackson Hole, you’ll find no shortage of fun activities to keep you busy. In fact, there’s so much to do here, you could probably visit during every season and have a completely different experience each time! Here are some common questions we get from visitors planning their trips to Jackson Hole.

What Is the Best Month to Visit Wyoming?

The answer to this question depends on what you want to do. Do you and your family love winter sports like downhill and cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and snowboarding? If that’s the case, then you’ll want to visit Jackson Hole during the winter months. Your best chances of visiting when there’s snow on the ground are in December, January, and February; November and March are iffier and sometimes if you’re very lucky, you might encounter snow during the last half of October and the first half of April.

As with many other vacation destinations in the United States, June through August are the most popular months for visiting Wyoming. The weather is warm, kids are out of school, and it’s the perfect time for partaking in outdoor activities like hiking, exploring national parks, mountain biking, and, of course, rafting. Whether you’re interested in the adventure of white water rafting Jackson Hole or a leisurely Snake River float trip where you can enjoy the scenery and spot local wildlife, our offerings are popular with all visitors to the area, from scouts, family reunions, and even wedding groups.

That’s not to say that you shouldn’t visit in fall or spring either, though—although the weather is a bit cooler, there are fewer tourists during these times, so if you’re not fond of crowds, this might be the perfect time to plan your trip. Our whitewater rafting and scenic float trips both run during spring and fall months too.

What Is Jackson Hole Famous For?

Jackson Hole is best known for skiing and snowboarding. In fact, Jackson Hole is considered to have some of the best terrain in North America for these winter sports and the ski resorts in town are a testament to how popular winter activities are in the area.

Winter sports are not the only reason to love Jackson Hole. There’s the scenic Snake River, the mountains, national parks, and even a lively arts scene in the city.

How Many Days Do You Need in Grand Teton?

Most visitors plan for spending two or three days in Grand Teton National Park, but it depends on how much you enjoy outdoor activities, what else you have planned for your trip, and how long your stay in Jackson Hole is.

What Is the Best Time of Year to Visit Grand Teton National Park?

To get the most out of your trip, it’s best to visit between mid-May and late September. During this time, all of the park’s activities, visitor centers, and hiking trails are open and available to the general public.

Learn More About Visiting Jackson Hole

We love helping visitors to Jackson Hole learn about the area and everything it has to offer. Contact us today to learn more or to book a rafting trip or scenic float tour.