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Whitewater Rafting Adventure in Jackson Hole - Small Boats

Recommended by 99% of travelers
Badge of Excellence
Jackson Hole, USA
Great choice
10+ bookings last month.
  • 3 hours 30 minutes (approx.)
  • Mobile ticket
  • Offered in: English

Why travelers loved this

4.9
·
· Annemarie_D ·
Sep 2025
Fantastic experience with Kolton on the Snake River. He was kind, engaging, interesting and encouraged us to become friends with strangers. We all got in the 60 degree water and it was wonderful! He pointed out eagles, ospreys and beavers. So much fun I’d do it again in a heartbeat!
· Stephanie_K ·
Aug 2025
From start to finish, the process was streamlined and easy. The ride with our guide Ailsa was phenomenal. We felt safe and had an amazing time on the water. Would highly recommend!!

Overview

Paddle the whitewater rapids on the Snake River during this 3.5-hour small-boat adventure in Jackson. In a small group of eight paddlers and a guide, take on the rapids and plan to get wet. Multiple departure times available; this trip is suitable for those who can paddle and are in decent physical shape.
  • 3.5-hour small-boat rafting trip on the Snake River from Jackson Hole
  • Brave the rapids with your small group of just 8 paddlers
  • Experienced river guide
  • Choice of departure times

What's Included

  • Coast Guard approved personal flotation device (PFD)
  • Professional River Guide
  • Transportation to and from the river
  • Gear Rentals (wet suits($10), booties($5) and jackets($5) are available for rental)
  • Gratuities (it is customary to tip your guide and bus driver)

Meeting and Pickup

Meeting point

  • 1255 US-89, Jackson, WY 83001, USA

    When: 30 minutes prior to your scheduled trip time Where: Mad River, 1255 South Highway 89 Jackson Wyoming 83001. Just 2 miles south of the town square, between Whole Grocer and Smith’s Grocery. Transportation from the Mad River Boat Wedge to the river and back is provided on every Mad River trip.

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

Itinerary

Make your way to the departure point, a couple of miles south of Jackson town, in time for your chosen tour time. Be sure to wear water-safe shoes that won’t fall off your feet. Get an orientation and paddling lesson along with the others in your boat; the raft has six paddling positions and two non-paddling positions

Launch from West Table Boat Ramp in the Snake River Canyon, traveling 8 miles (13 km) over the course of your trip toward Alpine, Wyoming. Rapids range from Class I to Class III and you will definitely get wet. Listen to your guide talk about the history and ecology of the river as you paddle through rapids such as the Bailing Straights, the Guaging Straights, Lunchcounter, and the Million Dollar Fishing Hole. Keep an eye out for local residents such as mule deer, elk, osprey, river otters, and bald eagles.

Please note: This trip is for those who are physically able to paddle; the raft and guide depend on your help to move the boat along. Please wear a bathing suit and quick-drying clothing on top.
1

Snake River Canyon

1 hour 30 minutesAdmission Ticket Free

2

Mad River Boat Trips

30 minutesAdmission Ticket Free

Additional Info

  • Confirmation will be received at time of booking
  • Bring a change of dry clothes, a towel, and a sweatshirt on the bus with you. It will be waiting for you at the end of your trip.
  • Conditions can be variable; you may experience a cold day on the river. (Not to worry, it will still be a lot of fun. You just have to dress appropriately!)
  • Not wheelchair accessible
  • Please wear shoes that can get wet that will not fall off your feet. An old pair of running shoes or water shoes would be your best option. You must wear footwear in the raft, so we do have booties available for rent if you do not have footwear. Sizes run 2 – 15 and can be rented upon arrival for $5.00 per pair.
  • Please wear synthetic clothing if possible and bring layers. Synthetics are best for the river because they dry faster than cotton. A bathing suit underneath shorts and a t-shirt is fine for a nice, warm, summer day.
  • Near public transportation
  • Splash gear is complimentary. On a cold day, you’ll want a bathing suit to wear under the wet suit.
  • Sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat are highly recommended.
  • We have wet suits & wet suit jackets available for rent. Wet suits are $10.00 to rent. Wet suit jackets are $5.00 to rent.
  • Not recommended for travelers with back problems
  • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
  • No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
  • Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
  • Please note kids must weigh at least 50 pounds or more to go rafting!
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 8 travelers

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

Traveler Photos

Gallery picture 1 (from a traveler's review)
Gallery picture 2 (from a traveler's review)
Gallery picture 3 (from a traveler's review)
Gallery picture 4 (from a traveler's review)
Gallery picture 5 (from a traveler's review)

Featured review

John_R
Staff is very friendly. Had an awesome time. Definitely would go back. Fitz our raft captain was very knowledgable and friendly

Reviews

4.9
based on 168 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

Best time in Jackson!

Annemarie_D, Sep 2025
Fantastic experience with Kolton on the Snake River. He was kind, engaging, interesting and encouraged us to become friends with strangers. We all got in the 60 degree water and it was wonderful! He pointed out eagles, ospreys and beavers. So much fun I’d do it again in a heartbeat!

Fantastic adventure

John_R, Sep 2025
Staff is very friendly. Had an awesome time. Definitely would go back. Fitz our raft captain was very knowledgable and friendly

This was a blast and our...

TERRI_D, Aug 2025
This was a blast and our guide was the best! He explained everything to us and made the experience so much fun.

Fun+Exciting Rafting Trip in Jackson

Max_A, Aug 2025
Had an amazing time out rafting with Mad River! The small boats were perfect if you haven’t done much rafting but still want to get the feel of good rapids. Our guide Ree was great and made sure we had a fun and safe time out on the river. Would definitely do again next time in Jackson.

Great time, would do it again!

Teresa_S, Aug 2025
Annie was our tour guide and she was fabulous! We were in a small eight person boat. It was comfortable, fun and we all got wet :-)

August is a great time to...

Glenn_T, Aug 2025
August is a great time to go. Our guide Pony Boy was amazing and funny. He took us on a great journey down the Snake River.

Highlight of our trip

Stephanie_K, Aug 2025
From start to finish, the process was streamlined and easy. The ride with our guide Ailsa was phenomenal. We felt safe and had an amazing time on the water. Would highly recommend!!

Our experience with Ailsa...

Taylor_A, Aug 2025
Our experience with Ailsa was amazing! She told stories and jokes the entire trip down the river, so there was never a dull moment. She also hit the most beautiful lines down the bigger rapids!

We had the most...

Wanda_T, Aug 2025
We had the most incredible time on our white water rafting adventure! Our guide, Kevin, was absolutely fantastic — knowledgeable, fun, and made everyone feel safe and confident on the water. He gave clear instructions, shared fun facts along the way, and made the entire experience unforgettable. The rapids were thrilling, the scenery was stunning, and Kevin’s positive energy brought it all together. Highly recommend this trip to anyone looking for an exciting and memorable outdoor experience.

Love Family

Mindi_L, Aug 2025
We had the best time!! My kids want to go again!! We were paired up with another great family with kids similar in age. Everyone got along great. Our tour guide, Ree, was the absolute best. I felt liked I’ve know her for years. She kept the tour very lively and really made our experience one to remember. Highly recommend!!

This is a terrific...

Phillip_S, Jul 2025
This is a terrific experience. No experience needed and you get to experience grade 3 rapids, and a long ride too at over an hour with about 8 sets of rapids in the Snake river. Our family had a lot of fun. We were able to swim in the cool water while floating between rapids. My kids took turns "riding the bull", sitting on the front of the raft with legs hanging off while shooting the rapids. This was a top highlight of our trip to Jackson. Our guide Annie was awesome. Very warm, knowledgeable, and gelled with all of my family members during our ride. Highly recommend.

Fun and Exciting Experience

Katherine_P, Jul 2025
We had the BEST time on our white water rafting adventure. Our guide Ailsa was fantastic, knowledgeable, and very engaging. Our group was ages 9-67 years old, and we all had a wonderful time. We had plenty of time to rest in between rapids and we spotted a lot of wildlife. The bus ride to and from is a quick 25-30 minutes. There is a short uphill walk after you load the boats and return life vests. 10/10 recommend Mad River Ourfitters!

Great experience!

Lara_O, Jul 2025
We loved the rafting! Very exciting for all the family! Rapids were just the right level for our 7 year-old onwards!

Mad river rafting

Nicole_L, Jul 2025
We had a wonderful time, Annie was great and made our trip so fun! The rapids were just the right amount of difficulty for us.

Exceptional experience

Dana_G, Jul 2025
All the staff were really good. Seeing the otters was unexpected but we loved it. Pony boy made the experience exceptional.

Awesomeness

Sabrina_A, Jul 2025
It was absolutely amazing. Highly suggest doing this! I was a little nervous at first but the staff put me at ease and I was able to completely have a blast!

Great excursion

Brian_S, Jul 2025
Fitz was a great tour guide who pointed out many wildlife and kept it very entertaining even in subpar weather. Great ride down the river with various mild to moderate Rapids.

Had a great time. Perfect...

Sean_G, Jul 2025
Had a great time. Perfect weather. Everything. Pony Boy was a great guide. Parking for the shuttle was the only drawback.

Heart pumping!

Susan_L, Jul 2025
Kaleb ensured we had a BLAST. 2 young kiddos (6 and 8) loved it, too. This was the best thing we did in Jackson.

Wow, what an experience!

Steven_M, Jun 2025
The scenery and water was absolutely beautiful. The guide pointed out several bald eagles throughout the trip. We had an amazing time and the guides were friendly and informative. They let our sons ride the front of the boat through some small rapids. They made sure we were safe the entire time. We had a memorable time.

Great rafting experience!

Lisa_W, Jun 2025
It was thrilling, beautiful and well organized Ailsa was a fantastic rafting guide. Everyone was so nice and accommodating and I felt very safe. It was a fabulous experience!!!

We had a great time Caleb was great showd us fun time water was great!

Lori_R, Jun 2025
It was fun and great for the whole family weather was great staff was super friendly! Sue was a great driver and informive!

Great time on the water!

Scott_C, Jun 2025
Greater experience and level of difficulty for new whitewater rafters. Annie was hoot as our guide!!!! Highly recommend everyone try this fun time.

Well worth it!

David_D, Jun 2025
This was a great trip we went early June. Recommend using what suits and boots offered only wear moisture wicking shorts and T-shirts underneath no other clothes needed to bring so you don't need extra clothing just close the word there and to change into tour guides were great they took care of everything. Recommend hat and sunglasses and something to keep your sunglasses on sunscreen for face if needed.

Beautiful trip down the...

Laura_H, Jun 2025
Beautiful trip down the snake river with 5-6 sections of rapids. The raft was clean, well maintained and our guide was very knowledgeable. She made it a great trip.

Awesome!!!

Robin_H, Jun 2025
Amazing experience! Our guide Bobby was knowledgeable and fun !! It was a beautiful day on the Snake River. Great fun !

fun!

BethA_T, Jun 2025
Great experience. Bobby was a fantastic and personable guide. Rental of wet suit and booties at a nominal price is a plus

Awesome! Very organized!...

Alexandra_V, May 2025
Awesome! Very organized! Everyone is friendly. The guides are very experienced and knowledgeable! Would do it all over again.

Great Experience

Jeremy_R, Sep 2024
Aaron was an awesome guide, super kind and knowledgeable. We had a blast and definitely amazing time as first-timers!

Book It!

rmh831, Sep 2024
Booked on Viator for Mad River rafting in Jackson, WY. Staff kept us up to date on our trip, checking in with us the day before due to a shortage of people and possibly having to move our rafting trip for safety as we were the only two signed up. We did get more people and were able to keep our original time and we had an absolute blast! Great customer service and facilities, and our rafting guide was phenomenal. He knew the river, read our crowd, and shared a ton of knowledge and fun on our experience! Thanks Fitz!

From $130.38

per person

up to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)

Book ahead!
On average, this is booked 42 days in advance.

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