Is Well Known for Extreme Sports

By Staff
Waterhead™ Watersports
November 1, 2011

The Snake River is a tributary of the Colombia River. In fact, it is its largest tributary and it flows through several states of the United States. These include Wyoming, Idaho, Oregon and Washington. The river meanders through many a terrain to make its way to the Pacific Ocean. Its drainage basin covers almost six states. The Snake River arises from the Rocky Mountains. It is the confluence of several headstreams at the Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming.

The River Rrun

The course of the river is rather fascinating and makes it an excellent waterway for water sports and recreational activities. It also makes a fine subject of interest for geographical and topographical study. The river runs its first 50 miles through Jackson Hole valley. From here, it makes its way through the Teton Range and the Continental Divide. Thereafter, the river moves northwest and enters the Snake River Canyon. In Eastern Idaho it flows through the Snake River Range where it is joined by the Hoback and Greys Rivers. At the Palisades Reservoir it encounters the Salt River. Once it has passed via the Palisades Dam the river flows into the Snake River Plain. The Snake River Aquifer is one of the largest sources of groundwater in the area.

The river continues its journey towards the south west, where the Henrys Fork joins it. It is also often referred to as the North Fork of the river. It continues its southward flow through the Idaho Falls, past the Fort Hall Indian Reservation and moves through the American Falls Reservoir. The Portneuf River joins the Snake River and it moves westwards towards the Snake River Canyon of Idaho. The Shoshone Falls is a landmark water fall and is well known as the upriver limit of migrating salmon. After following its course to Twin Falls it shifts direction northwest.

What’s in the name?

Unlike what many may believe, the river does not get its name not from its diverse and lengthy course. Thousands of years ago this area was dominated by the Nez Perce Indians and the Shoshones. It was also where the natives same in contact with the Europeans. The Lewis and Clark Expedition crossed the Rocky Mountains and sailed down the Snake River. The hand sign that the Shoshones used to depict fish was misunderstood by the foreigners as snake. And hence, the river received its name. It has remained for a long time the focus of transportation and industry in the region. The waters have been used widely for navigation and travel, and also for hydroelectricity. The river was well known for its salmon runs, and in the past decade efforts have been made to return it to its former glory.

Water Activities On The Snake River

The Snake River offers virtually all kinds of water adventures that you can dream of. From white water rafting to camping trips, there is a lot on offer. You can also choose from guided hunting and fishing expeditions that promise you an experience of a lifetime; one you are sure to want to repeat again. There are many resorts and lodges that have been developed keeping in mind the many activities that can be planned on the river and on its banks. The river runs across of hundreds of miles and it is dotted with recreational facilities that visitors and natives enjoy.

Jackson Hole is especially popular for white water rafting and kayaking. There are many established water sports businesses in the area and you can choose to experience the river in several stretches.  This includes the course near Moran, at Flat Creek near Jackson and close to the reservoir. You may like to register with one of the several kayak and rafting schools in the area. You can choose from short runs on the river to overnight and multiple day self contained expeditions.

Whether it is the young or the young at heart, Snake River is a source of inspiration and excitement for all who touch its waters and its banks. It is perfect for beginners and experts alike. The river at Jackson Hole is classified as I-III River and offers plenty of white water action. You may end up enjoying yourself so much that you can consider enrolling for an instructor certification course. An ideal time to plan a rafting or kayaking vacation on Snake River is during the months from May to September.

Most trip organizers offer several packages that are tailor made to suit the requirements of most visitors. You can opt for a package that is ideal for the complete family. Usually children need to be at least over the age of six years to enjoy kayaking or rafting.  You can also consider taking float trips on the quieter and gentler sections of the river. This will help you discover and enjoy the terrain and topography of the region. The mighty Teton Mountain Range creates a rather dramatic and magnificent background for your adventure.

When the Snake River makes its way through the Hells Canyon, the deepest canyon in North America, it offers rafters Class III-IV rapids such as Granite Creek and Wild Sheep. You can choose to do a three-day trip down this section of the river or take about a week to reach Heller Bar. The area offers scenic views and an opportunity to see ancient ruins and petroglyphs by the Nez Perce Indians. As the river is dam controlled it has plenty of water in the summer and spring. This makes it an excellent holiday destination for families.

Fishing and More

If you are looking for the perfect fishing expedition set amidst a natural background unlike any other, you will enjoy going on one of the many guided fishing trips on Snake River. You can look forward to catching some terrific Chinook Salmon, White Sturgeon, Steelhead Trout, Channel Catfish and Smallmouth Bass. With experienced guides and skillful fishermen by your side you are assured fishing trips unlike any other. While the Snake River offers fishing all through the year, the best time for anglers to visit the area is from early spring until fall. Hells Canyon is a particularly popular area for this sport and you are assured to go home with plenty of memories and pictures of your catch. Some of the White Sturgeon caught in this area has been measured to be as big as ten feet. This makes the location a fisherman’s dream destination.

Jackson Hole also offers plenty of opportunities for fly fishing or angling.
While you enjoy the many joys that the river offers, you may also like to plan on hiking trips. The region has a rich and ancient history. On a hiking expedition you can expect to see ancient ruins that have a history that dates back to thousands of years. You will enjoy the majestic setting of the canyon as much as you take delight in discovering the flora and fauna that is unique to the area. You can expect to see Rocky Mountain goats, deer, elk, black bear and deer. You will also see hawks, falcons and Golden eagles in flight or perched atop high ledges. Most lodges and resorts offers wildlife tours with guides who are well versed in the trails and vegetation of the region.

You may also be interested in riding holidays. The wagon rides through the Grand Teton National Park are especially popular and should not be missed. A narrated tour through the Park will help you understand the history of the area and gain a better understanding of the land and the people who lived there centuries ago.

You can choose a holiday of your choice based on the activities that you wish to enjoy. Most tour operators help guests choose packages that suit their profile and areas of interest.  The Grand Teton National Park is an excellent holiday destination. It offers its visitors a host of activities that they can participate in and enjoy. The Jackson Lake Dam receives most of its water from the Snake River and also from small glaciers in the Teton Range. It is an excellent spot for boating and fishing.

There are several developed recreational sites in the upper region of the Snake River. This includes spots such as Idaho Birding Trail, Hell’s Half Acre and Birch Creek Campground. You can choose from rough volcano plains, white water stretches and fantastic canyons. The Snake River offers you and your loved ones a diverse selection of activities and experiences to select from.  If you wish to gain a bird’s eye view of the Snake River you can consider skydiving. Most schools offer tandem and instructor assisted deployment for beginners and independent skydives for experts.

The Snake River offers its visitors an amazing physical setting that is sure to take your breath away. It flows through areas that have a rich and ancient history and offers a truly humbling experience. You can choose to enjoy water sports such as boating, river rafting and kayaking. Fishing and hunting expeditions are also some of the popular choices that make Snake River a wonderful holiday destination.

Waterhead Presents Random Stories and Photos ...