The Jackson Hole Whitewater Rafting Experience -Get Wet!!Jackson Hole whitewater rafting takes place on the Snake River, south of where the Hoback River flows into it (Alpine Canyon). The river here can get wild and woolly. The rushing water is a gorgeous green color (teal green...look at the photos!). There are lots of companies operating out of Jackson that will vie for the privilege of floating you through the rapids. Just do it!! It rarely happens, but the rubber rafts sometimes do flip over in big rapids. I only experienced this the one time, and ironically it was the time I talked my hydrophobic mother into going with me. I had to do a lot of convincing to sell the idea to a woman who NEVER got wet...EVER. She feared drowning, hated to get her hairdo wet...you probably know someone like this too. Well, she just happened to be in the raft that flipped completely over in the Lunch Counter Rapid...the biggest in June when we went. We all got thrown in the water, we all survived, we all made it to shore in the relatively calm stretch of river just barely downstream from that roller coaster of a rapid. Jackson Hole whitewater rafting is variable through the summer. Water is high and fast early in the summer. Late summer trips last a little longer as the flow slows, but some of the rapids are also more exposed in lower water. Either way, it's exciting. If you go, I recommend a trip in which everyone paddles. It makes you a part of the crew. You'll enjoy feeling as if you're contributing to a successful trip. But even more important, you'll stay warmer because you're working! Elderly or very young riders may prefer to sit in the interior of the raft while the paddlers sit on the sides. Strong paddlers, able to follow the captain's commands well and set a good pace for their side, sit in front. The rafts have watertight containers for cameras, but what's the point? Cameras usually wind up staying in the containers. There are photographers perched on the rocks above the big rapids (Lunch Counter or Big Kahuna, depending upon the time of the season), waiting to take your picture as you go by. Let them. Leave the photos to the pros and make your focus listening to the orders from your captain...paddle like crazy to get through without a flip. Yes, you make a difference. Later, the photos are available for viewing and purchase back in town. Bring warm, dry clothes to change into before boarding the bus to town. You'll be glad you did. All that being said, my advice is don't miss a taste of Jackson Hole whitewater rafting if you go in the summer months. What a ride!!
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Whitewater rafting is so much fun and pretty much guaranteed to put a smile on your wet face. If possible, pick a sunny day (although the need to make a reservation could make that choice a luxury). I have ridden those waves on numerous occasions. It's always tons of fun and one time it was even kind of scary.
The camaraderie of the survivors was an interesting example of people bonding over a dramatic shared experience. Even Mom got into it once she was on dry land. We all acted hyper, cameras came out and addresses were exchanged. Mom even went again years later, to share the whitewater experience with her grandchildren. And, she always liked to brag about the time we flipped.
Kids can crouch on the floor of the raft, holding tightly onto ropes. This is called "hanging face" by some. Usually, everyone gets wet and those non-paddling folks seem to shiver a lot. So, if you're physically able, paddle. If not, wear extra layers. Remember that wool is warmer when wet. They will supply ponchos and life vests. Wear the life vest, of course, but skip the poncho if it's a sunny hot day. Bare skin dries more quickly. Bring "croakies" for your glasses. 