Please review our frequently asked questions about whitewater rafting Jackson Hole. ASK A QUESTION about any of our whitewater rafting, scenic float and combo trips.
Is whitewater rafting scary?
The honest answer is that it depends on your personality. If you’re naturally adventurous and love excitement, you’ll find whitewater rafting thrilling and exhilarating. On the other hand, if you tend to be more on the anxious side, you might be nervous and tense as you get started. Most people find the experience enjoyable even if they start out feeling a bit timid.
How difficult is whitewater rafting?
The difficulty involved in whitewater rafting depends on the stretch of the river involved. Some sections are a little rougher than others. We tailor our trips to a variety of skillsets to ensure that all of our guests have a fun day out on the river.
Do I need to know how to swim?
You do not need to know how to swim in order to go whitewater rafting. You will have a lifejacket and we will provide you with detailed instructions on what to do in case you fall out of the raft.
What if I fall out of the raft?
First and foremost, stay calm. Try to get back into the raft quickly; your guide will assist you. If the water sweeps you away from the raft, turn your body so your feet face downstream and you can see where you are headed. Float on your back with your face out of the water, keeping your feet above the surface of the water, until you are able to reach safety.
Can I go whitewater rafting if I’m pregnant?
It’s not advisable to go whitewater rafting while pregnant. Even if you are only a few weeks along and not visibly pregnant, the experience is likely to cause nausea.
Can I go rafting if I’m a bit overweight?
Yes, if you are a little bit overweight, it’s not a problem to go whitewater rafting. Be aware that we do have a weight limit, though. This is for your safety.
Are our kids ready for whitewater rafting or is a float trip a better match?
For whitewater rafting trips, our minimum age for children is 6 years old (approximately 45 pounds) for most of the summer season. However, high water levels during the early rafting season may increase the minimum age up to 8 – 10 years old and require a more careful screening of all young participants.
For scenic float trips, our minimum age for children is 4 years old (approximately 40 pounds) for most of the summer season. However, high water levels during the early rafting season may increase the minimum age. Safety is always our first priority.
What is your safety record for river trips in Jackson Hole?
We have an outstanding safety record and are honored to provide leadership in the river outfitting industry in Jackson Hole. We are an Authorized Permittee of the Bridger-Teton National Forest. For a third-party contact that can offer you a non-biased opinion, please feel free to contact the BTNF. They are a great resource.
What do we wear and bring for our whitewater rafting or float trip?
For Jackson Hole Scenic Float Trips, bring an extra layer. It’s always better to have too much than not enough. Wear comfortable soft-soled shoes. Cameras and binoculars are welcome and generally not at risk.
For Whitewater Rafting Trips, wear a swimsuit or clothes that you don’t mind getting wet. Cotton is not the best material to wear on the river; synthetic fabrics such as nylon and polypropylene work the best because they dry quickly. For cool days, we have neoprene wet suits and river booties. You may opt to rent these items when you check in for your trip. Shoes that are secure on your feet are required (please no flip-flops).
Bring a towel or dry clothing to change into at the end of your whitewater rafting trip, so you’re comfortable on the 40-minute return ride to Jackson. There are forest service restrooms for you to use at the landing. Sunglasses (secure with Croakies), hats and sunscreen are a good idea; cameras and binoculars are not recommended on whitewater rafting trips.
When and where do we meet for our whitewater rafting or float trip?
For Whitewater Rafting, Combo Trips and the First Light Scenic Float, meet us 30 minutes prior to the scheduled departure time. For the Breakfast and Lunch Scenic Float Trips, meet us 15 minutes prior to the scheduled departure time. Our meeting place is in Jackson at 945 West Broadway in The Hillside Building. A great landmark is the large American Flag. Use the Scott Lane/Budge Drive stoplight intersection for access to our parking area. Please let us know in advance if you are traveling to Jackson by motor home or pulling a trailer, and we will direct you to an alternative parking area.
OVERFLOW PARKING FOR MOST TRIPS AFTER 9 AM!
If the parking lot is full, please use our overflow parking area in the Grand Teton Plaza next to The Gun Barrel Steak & Game House, located at 862 West Broadway. Follow the sidewalk south to stoplight, cross the street to the right at the light. Head left toward the huge American flag, and you will see our Barker-Ewing River Trips check-in office.
What class are the rapids on the Snake River in Jackson Hole?
The whitewater rafting section of the Snake River is Class III, perfect for people of all ages and experience. River classifications are graded on a scale of I to VI. Class I is flat water. Class V is the most difficult. Class VI is not run-able.
Do we still go whitewater rafting when it rains? What about our float trip?
Our Whitewater Rafting and Scenic Float Trips go rain or shine. On Whitewater Trips, you’re going to get wet anyway! On Scenic Float Trips, showers generally come and go quickly. In the event of extreme weather, we may decide to cancel or reschedule a trip. Feel free to call us about the weather forecast an hour before your trip, but a final decision will not be made until you meet us at our meeting location for your scheduled rafting trip.
Are group rafting rates available?
Yes, we do offer a discount for groups. See our booking page for more information.
Where can we find the whitewater rafting photos that were taken of us?
There are two companies that take photos of your raft going through the rapids while you whitewater raft in Jackson Hole.
Float-O-Graphs | 888.478.7427
What is your cancellation policy for all river trips?
We have a 48-hour Change/Cancellation Policy for our Whitewater Rafting Adventures and Teton Views Floats. For larger groups and for all of our private trips, we have a 1-week Change/Cancellation Policy. Your prepayment is fully refundable if we cancel your trip due to extreme weather, or if we receive your notice within the specified time period.
Where can I read your privacy policy and Terms & Conditions?
Read our privacy policy in detail here and our Terms & Conditions here.
