The Snake River runs through four states, starting in the northwest of Wyoming. It flows into Idaho, passes through Oregon, until it joins the Columbia River in Washington. Traveling over a thousand miles starting from the Rocky Mountains through a series of mountain ranges, canyons, and plains, it is perfect for white water rafting.

You will find plenty of white water rafting outfitters along the river but the more popular ones are in Jackson Hole in Wyoming and at the Hells Canyon along the border of Idaho and Oregon.

In the Jackson Hole area the rapids vary from Class II to as much as Class VI, giving both unskilled beginners and hardened experts a place to have their own kind of fun.
You can take your children sailing along the Snake River to expose them to the wonderful sight of eagles, hawks, herons, storks and other migratory birds skimming tall tree tops. They can also take a good look at the breathtaking Teton Mountain Range of the Rocky Mountains. And all the while, teaching them how to face the challenges of white water rafting in Class II to III waters. Fourteen-man rafts are suited for this adventure allowing participants to either help in paddling or simply sit in the middle of the boat watching the trees and the mountains and listening to the birds and the river.

Experienced rafters will probably go for the more difficult phases of the river where the waters churn, swirl, surge, and even convulse. Huge rapids named Lunch Counter, Big Kahuna, and The Ropes are certain to bring a smile to the pros as their raft is tossed and spun. To make the course even more challenging, some outfitters offer 8-man rafts that require a more intense paddling and navigating of the raft.

Hells Canyon is the deepest gorge formed by a river in North America. In order to preserve its pristine condition, a large portion of the area has been declared protected sites. In the Snake River in these places, there are plenty of Class II and III rapids with large waves, twists, and drops. These are mild enough, though, for your kids 12 years old and above. There are also Class IV and V portions that present even more of a challenge for the more experienced.

In between the rapids you may even catch a glimpse of black bear, bighorn sheep, or mountain goats and deer. You may also take a break from the rapids long enough to throw your fishing line and pray for a white sturgeon, or a rainbow trout, or a small mouth bass. July, August, and September are good months for this.