Snake River Canyon
Welcome to the Snake River Canyon
The Upper Snake River is known worldwide for it’s crystal clear waters, unique geology, numerous recreation adventures, and amazing varieties of wildlife. The ability to experience wild water, world-class fishing, great hiking, and memorable camping are just a few of the reasons we all visit the Snake River Canyon. The privilege of use carries the responsibility to help care for this unique watershed.
Each summer from the June to August, the portion of the Snake River between South Park Bridge and Sheep Gulch hosts over 200,000 visitors. This is an extremely crowded and sought after section of the Snake River due to the great variety in boating challenges, fishing opportunities and beautiful scenery. Special use permits are required for groups over 15 people, for individual day users, and for institutional outfitters.
If you are a single kayaker, or a small group we encourage you to help us further reduce congestion by launching at East Table or Elbow boat ramps rather than at West Table boat ramp.
Check the water levels before you go. The river can be very different depending on how high or low the water is, creating new challenges every day. Get current river flows and make sure your skills and experience are ready for what the river has to offer for the day.
Before your trip make sure you know what the river is running like. Even though you may have floated this portion of the Snake many times, the water levels and conditions may differ. Making sure your skill and experience level matches that of the section you plan on floating and bringing plenty of safety equipment including suitable life jackets, throw ropes, spare warm clothing, etc. can help make for a successful float.
There are several river accesses and campgrounds along the river. If you are launching a boat, you are required to use the existing boat ramp facilities at access points. Please browse our Activities list below for river access sites and campgrounds along the Snake River.
Headwaters Act - Act designating the Snake River and it's tributaries as Wild and Scenic Rivers,
General Information
The Upper Snake River is known for its crystal clear waters, unique geology, numerous recreation adventures, and amazing varieties of wildlife. This portion of the Snake River is fee-free.
Each summer from the June to August, the portion of the Snake River between South Park Bridge and Sheep Gulch hosts over 200,000 visitors. This is an extremely crowded and sought after section of the Snake River. In an effort to alleviate some of the crowding, special use permits for non-commercial groups over 15 people and for institutional outfitters are required. There are several river access points and campgrounds along the river. If launching a boat, you are required to use the existing boat ramp facilities at the access points.
The Snake River Canyon is located south of Jackson and runs along Highway 89 to Alpine, Wyoming. At Hoback Junction turn right at the fork in the road and travel across the bridge over the Snake River and onward. Visit the Snake River Canyon page on the Bridger-Teton National Forest web site to learn more about seasonal and safety information.
Contact Name: Jackson Ranger District
Contact Phone: 307-739-5500
Getting There
Directions
The Snake River Canyon is located south of Jackson and runs along Highway 89 to Alpine, Wyoming. At Hoback Junction turn right at the fork in the road and travel across the bridge over the Snake River and onward.
Facility and Amenity Information
Restrooms
Restrooms are not available at this site.
Water
Potable water is not available at this site.
