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Wildlife you might see on a river trip…

M-Float-3

Often we get the question what kind of wildlife might we see on our river trip… we live in such a special place and are surrounded by nature!  General rule of thumb is wildlife is more active in the early and latter part of the day.  During the heat of the day, often they are less likely to be seen….

The opportunities are seemingly endless.  Throughout the Snake River corridor, the bird life is phenomenal!  We see Bald Eagles, Osprey, Red Tail and many other types of hawks, Sand Hill cranes, Great Blue Heron, song birds galore, many species of ducks, woodpeckers, and don’t forget my favorite, the amazing little hummingbirds!  Perhaps we will see a beaver busying his/herself on their never ending workload; or an otter family playful, shy and curious in the current, a great treat indeed!

Then we move to the land dwellers!  Deer, Moose, Mountain Goats (specialty of the Snake River Canyon) Elk, Coyote, Fox, Bear, Wolf, Mountain Lion…. listed from more common sightings to a rare gift.  I have been lucky enough to see all these creatures great and small while on the Snake River here in Jackson Hole!  The thing about wildlife is we just never know! The more time you are able to be in the field, the better your chances will be!

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Black-Bear-Running

Barker-Ewing Whitewater WINS Silver Medal for Best Outfitter in Best of Jackson Hole 2013!

Best of Jackson Hole 2013This is a huge honor, and we are so grateful for the recognition! From horseback to fishing to biking outfitters, we were voted by locals and beyond for 2013’s Best Outfitter Silver Medal. Thank you to everyone who participated! We are Celebrating 50 Years this summer, so this just adds icing to the cake. We appreciate your loyalty and your confidence in us as a river outfitter and hope you’ll jump on board a raft and celebrate with us this summer! Ready. Set. Go… Rafting! 1963 – 2013

The Clintons and Barker-Ewing Whitewater… a float down memory lane!

The last official Barker-Ewing River Trips sighting of the First Family was in August 1996 when I had the honor of taking the Clinton family down the Snake River on a float. In total, there were 11 boats in the floatilla. For a while, I was pretty sure they had the wrong guide in mind when I was pulled aside and counseled on what to do if we were shot at… yikes, I thought! Isn’t that what the two “counter assault” rafts are for?

All in all, it turned into a beautiful afternoon with wonderful conversation in my boat and a huge education for me looking at the bigger picture. Mostly, it was a great honor that I was chosen to share what I consider to be one of the most special places on earth with Bill, Hillary & Chelsea Clinton!

I hope there will be another summer visit by the Clintons to Jackson Hole – and that they might consider joining me on another float trip along the now “Wild & Scenic” Snake River.

– Heather Ewing