Whitewater Rafting the Snake River Canyon, from West Table to Sheep Gulch

The raft dropped into the first hole’s wave and I glanced forward to see a wall of green water. It seemed useless to paddle, as we entered the deep trough, and yet as we hit the top of the wave the raft broke through showering us with water. We were upright and all in the raft!

Its only fifty miles from our summer place to Jackson, and every time we travel the canyon we pass places named for the rapids below. The Big Kahuna and the Lunch Counter are just two of the famous spots, both class three white water. Val and I had wanted to float the Canyon but Renita and George had no such desire.

Val had booked a trip though one of the largest guide services and we both anxiously awaited the day of our rafting adventure. George decided to go fish the Snake River and Renita agreed to follow us down the river taking images as we passed far below.

The bus arrived at our launching site and after donning a splash coat, putting on our life jackets, and getting our oars, we loaded aboard and met our guide. Wayne, the guide, explained the rowing commands, and we practiced a bit as the raft sped down the canyon.

As the first rapids approached, he explained how we would enter the trough and that our goal was to hit it straight on, which was the reason for our paddling. Of course, we had to be on the right line and it was impressive, watching him maneuver the raft for each rapids line.

We busted through the first line of class two rapids and barely got wet. I was nervous at first but quickly gained confidence in our guides ability. Before we entered each set of rapids, Wayne told its history and characteristics and explained how the different water levels affected the waves/rapids wave height and line.

A hooded merganser swam near the raft, obviously bored with another group of humans. A littlle further a funeral of turkey vultures soared on a thermal, and as we watched them soar an osprey winged by, peering the water’s surface looking for a tasty fish dinner.

The water was sixty-two degrees and between rapids we could out a foot into the river. I was pleased to find out the water felt cool but not cold. Rapids after rapids passed and I thought of John Wesley Powel’s and his trip of discovery down the Grand Canyon of the Colorado.

Finally, the Big Kahuna neared and we plunged into the first and then the second hole, before successfully bursting through both crests. Water cascaded over us and we all took on the appearance of drowned rats, or at least our hair did.

The next was named the Lunch Counter, and we easily passed through the rapids as a film crew snapped images. Renita appeared, camera in hand and Wayne turned the raft so she could take pictures of our smiling faces! He also took a group photo and as he was a tall man, he could lean back and get us all in the same image!

The last long set of rapids approached and we easily glided through the troughs and crests. It was only a class two, easy stuff for such an experienced guide and crew! Rounding a bend, we paddled hard to reach the take-out point. The other two rafts had already landed and their crews had disembarked.

The roadside signs now took on new meanings and every time we travel the Snake River Canyon, we can look down and remember the day we rafted through the Big Kahuna and Lunch Counter! It was an enjoyable day on the water, a day filled with personal discovery, and a fresh look at a familiar canyon. Clear skies

I don’t normally mention companies as I don’t accept any advertising, but this time I feel I must give mention to the Mad River Company of Jackson, Wyoming, its guide, Wayne, and others provided us with an exciting, memorable, and safe rafting adventure. I highly recommend them if you decide to take a whitewater float of the Snake River Canyon.