Class II (IV) Snake River, WY

The Snake River Headwaters encompasses parts of Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks, the John D. Rockefeller Memorial Parkway, the National Elk Refuge, and the Bridger-Teton National Forest. The river lies at the heart of the Greater Yellowstone Area, often referred to as one of the last intact functioning temperate ecosystems on earth. Thus, the rivers included in the Snake River Headwaters Legacy Act of 2009 are among the most pristine in the nation. They have many outstandingly remarkable values and offer myriad recreational opportunities.

The Snake River Headwaters is a place where visitors have been encouraged to establish memorable relationships and a ‘sense of place.’ There is a diverse spectrum of year-round, river-related activities within a variety of settings, ranging from easily accessible social opportunities to rustic peaceful settings along low volume gravel roads to wild quiet settings accessible by horse or foot trails, where solitude is a primary value.

The diversity of landscapes and waters—ranging from small fast moving streams to meandering rivers and challenging whitewater—also provides recreationists opportunities for skill development progression whether the activity is bank fishing, float fishing, kayaking, rafting, hiking, horseback riding and backcountry camping along the waterways.

All rivers and streams come together before the Snake River flows out of Wyoming in a culmination of beautiful scenery, frequent wildlife sightings, great fishing and exciting class III rapids in an 8-mile section known as the Snake River Canyon (a.k.a. Alpine Canyon or Grand Canyon of the Snake). Rafting, kayaking, and float-fishing are common, and there are a number of outfitters offering their services. With Highway 89 running alongside the river, scenic drives are popular especially during vivid fall colors. Mountain goats, beaver, otter, moose, bald eagles, bears and elk are sometimes spotted early or late-day.

Expect to share the space with others as this section of river is popular. The Canyon is considered the 4th biggest attraction in Wyoming with 150-200,000 visitors coming to run the river each summer. Groups over 15 people are required to obtain a free permit ahead of time, and camping in the corridor is limited to developed campgrounds only from May 1 through Labor Day. (Source: Dave Cernicek)

 

For More Information Visit:

Snake River Headwaters - rivers.gov

Snake River Permit Information