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 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.
General Information
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.
Parking:
Parking can be very limited at river access points. This is especially true for West Table Boat Ramp, (the main put-in for the whitewater section), and for Sheep Gulch Boat Ramp (the main take-out for the whitewater section. Anything you can do to reduce the number of vehicles for your group will help create space for other river users to also be able to access the river.
Activities
Campground Camping
Recreation areas with activity Campground Camping:- East Table Campground
- East Table Group Campground
- Little Cottonwood Group Campground
- Station Creek Campground
- Station Creek Group Campground
- Wolf Creek Campground
River and Stream Fishing
Recreation areas with activity River and Stream Fishing:- Astoria Boating Site
- East Table Boating Site
- Elbow Boating Site
- Pritchard Boating Site
- Sheep Gulch Boating Site
- West Table Boating Site
Viewing Wildlife
Recreation areas with activity Viewing Wildlife:Viewing Scenery
Recreation areas with activity Viewing Scenery:Scenic Driving
Recreation areas with activity Scenic Driving:Boating - Non-Motorized
Recreation areas with activity Boating - Non-Motorized:- Astoria Boating Site
- East Table Boating Site
- Elbow Boating Site
- King's Wave Kayak Access
- Lunch Counter/Kahuna Overlook
- Pritchard Boating Site
- Sheep Gulch Boating Site
- Taco Hole Kayak Access
- West Table Boating Site
Commercial River Guides
The following outfitters are the only companies holding commercial permits issued by the Bridger-Teton National Forest, Jackson Ranger District for the Snake River between South Park Bridge and Palisades Reservoir.
***If you are not booked with one of the below outfitters, you are floating with an illegal company who may or may not have liability insurance, adequate safety equipment, or qualified river guides. Contact the Jackson Ranger District at 307-739-5444 if you have any questions about operators not on the list below. ***
List of current permitted outfitters for the Snake River Canyon.