10 Class I-IV Whitewater Rafting Jackson Hole Tours
Whitewater rafting Jackson Hole tours are plentiful in the area, which doesn’t exactly make your job any easier. From numerous tour operators and endless unknowns like when to go, the different classes of the rivers (and what this means for you), and how to prepare, that’s a lot of research to be done!
But, having done some of these tours ourselves, we have narrowed down the best of the best so you don’t have to. We’ve also included all of the information you’ll need to know before going and exactly what you can expect during the excursion.
Once you select your tour, you can rest assured knowing you’ll be visiting one of the most beautiful destinations in North America for whitewater rafting. From the rushing Snake River to the wide-open Grand Teton National Park, there’s something here for every kind of traveler.
Don’t have time to read the entire post? No worries!
This Jackson Hole Whitewater Rafting: Small Boat Excitement Trip is easily the #1 rafting trip you can take in Jackson Hole, Wyoming! With 4 hours on the Snake River with a professional guide & rafting expert, and nearly 300 5-star reviews, this trip books up very fast so be sure to book soon!
Whether you’re a thrill seeker or just want to take in the views while taking a scenic float trip downriver, there are plenty of options available.
So grab your life jacket and helmet and prepare yourself for an amazing journey through one of the most adventurous excursions you’ll ever take in your life!
Best Whitewater Rafting Tours in Jackson Hole
🚣1. Jackson Hole Whitewater Rafting: Small Boat Excitement
What’s Included? ⤵️
- 4 hours in duration
- Personal Floatation Device
- Paddle
- Wetsuit add-on available
With visits to the region’s most exciting and impressive rapids including Big Kahuna and Lunch Counter, this whitewater small raft tour from Jackson Hole is the ultimate excursion for everyone in your group!
Not to mention its Badge of Excellence Award from Viator along with nearly 300 5-star reviews, this is easily one of the best river boat trips you could take.
Just be sure to book soon because this 8-mile rafting trip fills up months in advance!
🚣2. Jackson Hole Whitewater Rafting: Family-Friendly Standard Raft
What’s Included? ⤵️
- 4 hours in duration
- Personal Floatation Device
- Paddle
- Wetsuit add-on available
If you want to learn how to paddle yourself down Class II, III, and potentially IV rapids, this is your chance! Enjoy stunning views of snow-capped mountain peaks across the Grey National Forest during this 8-mile, 4-hour long epic rafting adventure.
Along the way, be sure to keep your eye out for bald eagles and potential elk sightings near the local refuge.
We saw dozens of elk during our excursion, so we suggest bringing your phone in a waterproof bag (or a GoPro) attached to your person in case you see one on a calm part of the river!
🚣3. Whitewater Rafting Jackson Hole Family Friendly Classic Raft
What’s Included? ⤵️
- 3-4 hours in duration
- Personal Floatation Device
- Paddle
- Wetsuit add-on available
We loved going white water rafting with our families, so we can attest to the importance of finding a rafting tour that’s suitable for all ages!
Focusing on Class II and III rapids, this amazing family-friendly rafting trip from Jackson Hole is perfect for everyone.
With visits to Champagne, Big Kahuna, Lunch Counter, and even Ropes (all well-known spots for some fun but typically manageable rapids), this is the best white water rafting Jackson Hole tour for the whole family!
🚣4. Whitewater Rafting Small Boat Adventure Snake River Jackson Hole
What’s Included? ⤵️
- 3.75 hours in duration
- Professional rafting guide
- Roundtrip transportation from the river
- Splash jacket
- Hotel pick-up (contact for availability)
- Coast Guard Approved Type V Life Jacket/PFD
For all of you serious adventure-seekers, this is YOUR tour! Boasting the smallest boat on the Snake River, you are guaranteed an untamed ride through the canyon.
You’ll be taking on intense rapids on an 8-person raft with seemingly endless bumps, rattles, shakes, and splashes as you head through Grand Tetons.
As you make your way toward Sheep Gulch, you can expect heavy rapids intertwined the calm stretches perfect for a quick dip. If you’re looking for one of the most exhilarating whitewater rafting tours Jackson Hole can offer, then this is it!
🚣5. Snake River Whitewater Rafting Classic Boat from Jackson Hole, Wyoming
What’s Included? ⤵️
- 3 hours in duration
- Continental breakfast
- Roundtrip hotel transportation from Jackson Hole
- Class III Rapids
- 16-passenger raft
- Suitable for all ages
Another tour boasting Viator’s Badge of Excellence Award and nearly 200 5-star reviews, this is a fantastic, all-inclusive whitewater rafting trip from Jackson Hole!
With a lovely continental breakfast to start your day along with roundtrip transportation to and from your accommodation in Jackson Hole, this is the ultimate tour for tourists not looking to rent a car or have to figure out all of the details on their own.
Plus, with Class III rapids and a 16-passenger raft on an 8-mile trip downriver, this is one exciting ride that can be shared with the entire family (yes, even kids are allowed!)
🚣6. Scenic Wildlife Float in Jackson Hole
What’s Included? ⤵️
- 3 hours in duration
- Expert guide & professional rafter
- Personal flotation device
- State-of-the-art inflatable raft
- Blankets (to keep warm!)
- Ponchos (for the brisk river spray!)
Now that you’ve heard all about the more intense rafting trips from Jackson Hole, it’s time to learn more about the scenic float trips that also take place in this region.
This lovely 3-hour tour carries you down a section of the Snake River that is well-known for amazing wildlife sightings among stunning rock faces and geologic structures ideal for the nature lover in your group.
Whether you want to enjoy a leisurely stroll down the Snake or you are hoping for some impressive wildlife photos, this is an amazing tour to add to your trip to Jackson Hole!
🚣7. Half-Day Snake River Scenic Float Trip from Jackson
What’s Included? ⤵️
- 3 hours in duration
- Bottled water
- Expert river guide for the 13-mile rafting trip
- PFT/Life Vest
- Ponchos
As one of the longest journeys in this list, guests who take this amazing 3-hour scenic float trip from Jackson Hole will be rewarded with some of the best views in the Snake River Canyon!
Ideal for photographers, nature enthusiasts, seniors who aren’t up for the hustle of the white rapids, and families with young children, this is one lazy day on the river that’s perfectly paired with snacks, a good camera, and good company!
🚣8. Snake River Scenic Float
What’s Included? ⤵️
- 3 hours in duration
- Life vests & rain gear (ponchos)
- Bottled water
- Air-conditioned vehicle
- Set of binoculars
Don’t want to sit on a hard piece of wood or metal for 3+ hours? I totally get it. Luckily for both of us, this modern raft is equipped with comfortable, padded, high-back seats for all of its guests!
So, you can sit back and relax on this tour as your professional guide shares his knowledge of the river and canyon with you while you use the provided binoculars to spot some bald eagles nesting in the distance.
🚣9. Private Snake River Scenic Float
What’s Included? ⤵️
- 3 hours in duration
- Completely private rafting trip
- Expert local guide
- Hotel pick-up and drop-off
- Lunch onboard
- Bottled water
Have a large group traveling with you and everyone wants to go whitewater rafting in Jackson Hole? No problem! This tour can seat up to twelve adults and is completely private, so only you and your friends will participate.
Not only can this save you a pretty penny on per person bookings, but you’ll also get some incredible group photos from your trip!
Grab some lunch and drinks before you get to the dock for a relaxing and fun experience on the Snake River.
🚣10. Snake River Scenic Float Private Guided Tour
What’s Included? ⤵️
- 2 hours in duration
- Air-conditioned vehicle
- Bottled water
- Binoculars
- Poncho and life vests
Another highly-rated private group tour, guests can also enjoy comfortable, padded, high-backed chairs for their float down the Snake!
You and your group can enjoy this private tour to its fullest owing to its scenic path through the Snake River Canyon, large quantity of bald eagles and other local wildlife, and its impressive expert guides.
This tour is perfect for families with kids or anyone not looking for a rough and tough ride through the national park!
Jackson Hole Whitewater Rafting Photos
Want a better look at what you may experience during your rafting trip?
From bald eagles to elk and other beautiful wildlife along the way and the potential for some real adventure, check out these incredible photos!
Tips for Whitewater Rafting in Jackson Hole
1. Wear a life jacket and helmet at all times while rafting
2. Listen to the instructions of your guide and follow their recommendations
3. Be aware of your limitations and don’t take risks beyond what you are comfortable with
4. Choose an experienced company for white water rafting in Jackson Hole
5. Stay seated in the boat during rapids, even if it looks like fun to stand up
6. Keep all sharp objects (like knives or scissors) away from the river as they can damage other boats or puncture inflatable vessels
7. Bring sunscreen and sunglasses to protect yourself from the sun (the water’s reflection can be a killer!)
8. Always stay with the rest of your group when stopping for breaks along the way
9. Drink plenty of fluids throughout your trip to prevent dehydration
10. Have fun!
You can read more tips from expert whitewater rafting guides here!
FAQ
In this next section, we’ve answered some important questions in regard to white water rafting including what to pack, what kind of rapids you can expect, our personal tips, and more!
Does Jackson Hole Have White Water Rafting?
Jackson Hole has some amazing white water rafting with a suitable class for all ages!
From family-friendly Class I and II rapids, to thrilling Class IV and V rapids, the region is well-known fir the Snake River and spectacular options for rafting.
What are the Different Types of Whitewater Rafting?
The different classifications of whitewater rafting will depend on the particular river you choose to explore. Generally speaking, there are five classes that range from Class I (very mild rapids) to Class V (very difficult rapids).
Class I rivers are the most beginner-friendly, with small waves and little to no risk of overturning. Class II rivers offer a bit more excitement, with splashing waves and some moderately-sized rapids.
Class III rivers feature slightly more difficult rapids, with mild to moderate waves and stronger currents. Class IV rivers provide a great challenge for experienced rafters, as they include strong rapids, powerful hydraulics, and technical maneuvering.
For the most daring adventurers, Class V whitewater rafting offers extreme challenges that require expert knowledge and advanced skill.
If you’re a beginner, it’s best to follow the advice of your guide and, depending on your comfort level, stick to Classes I-III.
What Class are the Rapids in Jackson Hole?
The rapids in Jackson Hole range from Class II to Class IV, depending on which river you are exploring.
The Snake River is the most popular option for rafting in Jackson Hole and features rapids ranging from Class II-III primarily, with some Class IV rapids on occasion, though Class I can be found on the scenic float trips I mentioned above!
Can You Go White Water Rafting in Grand Tetons?
Nearby Grand Teton National Park is well known for its whitewater rafting trips along the Snake River which flows through the national park along with Jackson Hole.
We absolutely loved how you could easily travel between Yellowstone (situated on the border of Jackson Hole) and Grand Tetons, and a rafting trip is a great way to beat the road traffic!
What Class Rapids Does the Snake River Have?
The Snake River features Class II and Class III rapids for most of the year, however, during the annual runoff that accompanies the snow melt in spring, the Snake River Canyon can see rapids as high as Class IV.
To achieve the desired class level for your rafting trip, it’s best to contact the local company to determine the optimal time to go. Water levels fluctuate throughout the year which directly influences the class level.
How Much Does It Cost to Go Whitewater Rafting in Jackson Hole?
Generally speaking, a half-day float trip can range from around $50 to $100 per person. A full day excursion is usually between $75 to 150 per person.
We have continued to find that the cost of whitewater rafting in Jackson Hole will depend on the company you choose, the length of your trip, and any additional amenities such as lunch or equipment rentals.
For more extensive trips with multiple days of rafting or camping included, prices can range from $250 to over 500 per person.
What Should I Pack for Whitewater Rafting Jackson Hole?
Important items to bring with you on your whitewater rafting trip include swimwear, waterproof sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, a light raincoat, and water shoes.
If your tour company provides a dry bag, it’s also recommended that you use it to store your valuables!
Typically, all companies require additional safety equipment such as life jackets and helmets, but these are usually included with your tour price.
Are There Any Risks Involved in Whitewater Rafting Jackson Hole?
As with any activity involving water and moving rapids, there is always a risk involved in white water rafting. That being said, the risks can be greatly minimized by following all safety instructions provided by your tour company and wearing the appropriate gear.
Additionally, most companies will have an experienced guide on board to help mitigate any possible risks and ensure a safe and enjoyable journey downriver.
Jump to the bottom of the post? No worries!
This Jackson Hole Whitewater Rafting: Small Boat Excitement Trip is easily the #1 rafting trip you can take in Jackson Hole, Wyoming! With 4 hours on the Snake River with a professional guide & rafting expert, and nearly 300 5-star reviews, this trip books up very fast so be sure to book soon!
Whitewater rafting in Jackson Hole is a thrilling and exciting experience that all adventure-seekers should try. By following the tips outlined above, you can ensure your safety while having an unforgettable time on the rapids of the Snake River.
So grab your life jacket and helmet, pack up some sunscreen and sunglasses, and get ready to participate in one of the top USA summer bucket list options!
