Due to its remote location and rugged terrain, Jackson Hole is widely considered one of the last places Europeans explored and settled in the lower 48 states. But despite its relatively recent discovery, the area is steeped in fascinating history.

The Shoshoni, Crow, Blackfeet, Bannock, and Gros Ventre American Indian tribes all left evidence of their passage in the form of fire pits and tools at archeological sites scattered across the valley. John Colter—a member of the Lewis and Clark Expedition—first entered Jackson Hole in the early 1800s to scout for a fur trading company.

Below, we’ve listed three must-see attractions in Grand Teton National Park for history buffs looking for Jackson Hole summer activities. Visit the Jackson Hole Historical Society and Museum in downtown Jackson for more information.

Menor’s Ferry—Homesteader Bill Menor built Menor’s Ferry near Moose, Wyoming in the late 1800s to access his 148-acre property on the west bank of the Snake River. The site, which includes cabins and a store, was purchased and restored by John D. Rockefeller, Jr. in 1929. The site played a part in a number of pivotal events in Jackson Hole’s history including the first ascent of the Grand Teton and the founding of Grand Teton National Park. It was listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places in 1969.

Park Service employees restored the ferry in 2009.

The Murie Ranch—Located just south of the Craig Thomas Discovery and Visitor Center, the Murie Ranch is considered the cradle of the modern day conservation movement. Olaus and Mardy Murie, and Adolph and Louise Murie purchased the STS dude ranch in 1945.

From the Murie Ranch, the family played host to preeminent wildlife biologists and advocates. The family argued passionately in favor of the 1964 Wilderness Act, and Mardy Murie was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom for the effort in 1998.

Today, the ranch is home to the non-profit Murie Center, and ranger-led tours of the site are available from the visitor center.

Mormon Row—Tucked away on the north side of Blacktail Butte, Mormon Row was first settled by members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the 1890s. The community eventually grew to include 27 homesteads, and was listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places in 1997.

Today, several of the original buildings still stand in an expanse of pasture land that is the summer home of Grand Teton National Park’s bison herd.

Dating back to the first European explorers to climb the Grand Teton, Jackson Hole has a long and distinguished reputation as an outdoor sports Mecca. Now, with its world class rafting, skiing, mountain biking and climbing, there’s little doubt that Jackson Hole is North America’s premier destination location for adrenaline junkies and casual adventurers alike.

After you’ve shot the Lunch Counter and the Big Kahuna rapids on a rafting trip with Barker-Ewing Whitewater, be sure to check out some of our other favorite summer activities in Jackson Hole:

1. Climbing — With Exum Mountain Guides, mountain climbers benefit from the oldest and most experienced guide service in the United States. Their expert staff has trained and guided people on trips up the Grand Teton for more than 80 years. Exum offers climbing adventures for people from ages 8 to 80 for everything from a fun day bouldering with the family to epic alpine adventures. 

2. Horseback riding — Owned and operated by Dustin and Laura Child, Horse Creek Ranch offers horseback riding, trail riding, pack trips, backcountry fishing and big game wilderness hunting for a true western adventure. For a shorter trip, contact Teton Village Trail Rides.

3. Cycling — In the last 10 years, the Bridger-Teton National Forest has spearheaded a concerted trail-building effort on Teton Pass and the Greater Snow King area. Couple that with a pathway system that will soon reach from Teton Village, through Jackson, south to Hoback Junction and north to Jenny Lake in Grand Teton National Park, and Jackson Hole into one of the nation’s premier cycling destinations. Contact Teton Mountain Bike Tours for great cycling trips.

Hoback Sports also has bike rentals and maps.

4. Tram ride/Paragliding — Jackson Hole Mountain Resort operates its iconic aerial tram in the summertime too. Take a trip to the top of Rendezvous Mountain for a spectacular view of the Tetons. The more adventurous can sign up for a paraglide ride down 4,000 vertical feet to the valley floor.

5. Fly Fishing — If your rafting trip with Barker-Ewing Whitewater leaves you thirsting for more, consider a combination rafting-fly fishing package with Jackson Hole Fly Fishing School. Other fly fishing pros include the guides at Mangis Fishing Guide Service for trips on the Snake, Salt, Green or New Fork rivers. Beginners are welcome and trout are guaranteed!

Welcome Summer 2015!
Barker-Ewing Whitewater Blog

A New Year, New Guides

After a very mild and warm Spring, we are finally out and running trips! We’ve got a few new guides, but about 80% are returning from years previous. Our guides come from all over the United States with diverse and interesting backgrounds. All of our trips are guided & our guides go through extensive training to make sure you are in good hands on the river. Click here to read more about our guides!

New Office Staff, too!

We’ve got four new office workers that are busy booking trips and answering questions. In just a week we ask them to learn our entire reservation system, all of our trips, and so many more logistical details that go along with each river trip. Lindsey (NC), Mike (OR), Caroline (GA), and Jean (WY) have been doing a great job so far!

We are up and running and ready to give you the trip of a lifetime! If you have any questions, are planning on visiting the Jackson Hole area, or want to book a trip give us a call at (800) 448-4202!

Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter to get behind-the-scenes looks and find out about any deals or promos we have going on!

Ever wonder what goes into the making of a whitewater trip? The coordination between office staff, boat house managers, river guides, and bus drivers? Well, look no further. Read on for a behind the scenes look into how all the different parts of Barker-Ewing come together to give you the trip of a lifetime!

• Office Workers

  Ring ring ring… they’re here to answer your questions all day long. Taking calls, booking trips, and answering questions is their forte. Our “Main Office” workers are the super friendly people you talk to on the phone. They answer any of your questions from “what happens if its raining” to “whats the difference between an 8-man and 14-man raft.”

• Trip Check-in Office Workers 

  Our “Hillside” office staff makes sure everyone has their risk forms signed because safety is our #1 priority. They also give out wetsuits and watershoes for chillier days on the river. They can sell you snacks, drinks, and Barker-Ewing swag to go home with. Make sure you meet us at 945 West Broadway… and not our booking office!

• Bus Driver/Van Drivers

  The wheels on the bus go round and round. Our bus driver squad brings you where you need to be when you need to be there. They’re especially known for their impeccable driving skills and corny jokes.

• Boat House Crew 

  These team players do all the dirty work. They are in charge of organizing and scheduling which rafts will be where on the river. They’re also in charge of making sure the rafts are up and running! This can be very hard because there is no cell service in the canyon, so we use radios to stay in touch. Over and out!

• River Guides

  These ladies and gents are in charge of making sure you have fun and that you are safe on the river. They teach you their know-how and tell you river stories while you’re rafting down the Snake. Their main mission is that everyone has fun- and gets wet! See who could be taking you down the river here.

• Servers/ Camp Staff

  Dinner is served! These folks give you a fine dining experience in the middle of the woods. How do we do it? With killer staff that love food and care about how tasty your dinner is. On our breakfast, lunch, dinner, and overnight trips we serve you both delicious meals and a good time.

PHEW.. glad all that works done. Work hard play hard!