As the snow starts to melt in Jackson you can’t help but get excited about the upcoming paddling season. Driving past the snake you can’t help but check out the play spots along the river along with the how much the ice has melted on the fall creek waterfall. Jackson Wyoming is not only one of the prettiest places you will ever see, it also has great play boating with some good class 3/4 kayaking. Since the landslide in the snake river canyon, the snake river play spots have changed. Taco and Burrito are no longer there. Double draw over 12,000 is the new spot. It can get a little spicy on the left at certain levels so check it out first. The one draw back is it is a catch on the fly spot with no eddy access.

Over 13,000 CFS the King wave comes in. This wave is awesome. You can throw all wave tricks on this one and it also allows for a great start to your session if you decide to put in at Fall Creek about a ¼ mile upstream with a great 15 foot waterfall. This drop is on private land and cannot be scouted, 4 feet off the right bank and a good boof will keep you smiling all the way to kings which is 5 minutes down stream.

Kahuna at 3 to 5,000 is prime. Lunch counter is awesome from 9,700 to 11,600 CFS.

After a day session on the snake you can drive into Alpine and run the class 3/4 Greys river. This is a short but well worth the time river. It’s roadside, shuttle is easy and you can do laps in a short amount of time.

If you are looking for an easy class 2/3 run the hoback river is the one you are looking for.

If you decide to go into Jackson for lunch or a break I suggest Pearl street meat and fish for sandwiches, soup ect. Once you get re fueled head out towards Teton Park and run the Gros Ventre. The is a constant 3 mile trip of non stop class 3/4 boulder gardens topped off by an amazing water view of the Tetons.

If you loved all those and were looking to get a little harder whitewater then make the short drive to Idaho (40miles) to the Teton river. This is a class 4/5 river through a potato field. It has some fun rapids and an extra little hike at the end to make sure you enjoy those cold drinks waiting for you. Bitch creek is also right there by the Teton and is a class 3/4 also. You cannot go wrong paddling around Jackson. Scenery, rivers, wildlife, and the people make this place a great place to kayak.

If you forgot your spray skirt, stop into Rendezvous river sports and see Aaron or Will and they will get you taken care of. Be safe and have a great year.

Gary