Whitewater Rafting In Jackson Hole: Dave Hansen River Trips
Over 50 Years Of Adventure
For over half a century, Dave Hansen River Trips has set the standard for exhilarating whitewater rafting and serene scenic floats along the legendary Snake River. The company’s expert guides bring unparalleled expertise, a deep understanding of the river’s rhythms, and a true reverence for the wild beauty of Jackson.
We sat down with one of their seasoned guides to explore the art of navigating the Snake River. With a unique perspective on the adrenaline-laced thrill of whitewater rafting and local recommendations, this conversation offers a closer look at exploring Jackson by water.
Can you give us a quick overview of Dave Hansen Whitewater and Scenic River Trips?
Absolutely! We are a whitewater rafting outfitter in Jackson Hole, Wyoming and we are all about making Jackson Hole vacations unforgettable (and a little wet). We are so lucky to have such incredible natural beauty right in our backyard. Our main value here at Dave Hansen is to give back by sharing the joy and energy the river gives us with as many people as we can…and get them soaked while doing it. Whether our guests are first-timers, thrill-seekers, or families looking for an activity that will guarantee a core memory, we’ve got them covered.
It sounds like there’s something for everyone – what are the different tours you offer?
There absolutely is–we weren’t named Jackson Hole’s #1 family friendly activity for nothing! We offer both whitewater trips and scenic floats. Our scenic floats are calm water trips––you’ll stay dry (unless you want to get wet and join our Snake River Swim Team) and enjoy beautiful views of the Tetons. On the flip side, with our whitewater trips, you are guaranteed to get wet! In between splashes you’ll get to enjoy the stunning scenery of the Snake River Canyon.
Our whitewater section is class IIs and IIIs (on a VI level scale) which is perfect for beginner and intermediate rafters. For people who want a more thrilling trip, our smaller 8-man raft option would be the way to go. In this boat, typically everyone paddles and you’ll get soaked pretty much wherever you sit.
Our standard raft option is great for people who have a mixed preference of how they want to experience the trip––you can sit up front and get soaked, you can sit in the middle of the raft and not paddle, you can sit in the back near the guide (pro tip: the closer you are to the guide, the drier you’ll be) there’s a variety of options.
Can anyone raft, and do you have advice for first-timers?
We are firm believers that anyone with a love for the river can raft! Roughly half of our customers have never been rafting before and our river is actually perfect for anyone who may have a few nerves. The first half of the trip is our smaller, class II waves. You’ll definitely get wet, but nothing too intimidating, and you’ll get some time to get used to the river. The second half of the trip is where you’ll encounter our bigger, class III waves. Basically, you won’t be thrown into the boat and get hit with the biggest wave in the first 5 minutes! The Snake River is also what we call a “pool and drop” river. Essentially, after you hit a wave, you’ll hit a calmer section and float for a bit before you hit your next rapid, so don’t worry about being hit with non-stop waves!
What makes the Snake River so famous?
The section of the Snake River that we float is designated “wild and scenic.” This designation is our nation’s strongest form of protection for our rivers and is given to sections that have outstandingly remarkable values (ORVs) recognizing scenic beauty, geological features, wildlife, historic or cultural significance, and more. With this designation, our section of the Snake River is protected to preserve its values and natural state, which is why we have been able to send trips down the same breathtaking section for the past 60 years!
What’s your favorite memory from an outing?
A few years back, we took a 103 year old down our whitewater section. This family has actually been coming down with us for about 20 years, and this particular time, their ages ranged from 6 to 103. It was incredibly cool to have 4 generations of one family in one boat, definitely a core memory for the entire DH crew.
What’s the best part about living/working in Jackson Hole?
Well, our office is pretty hard to beat. You’d be hard pressed to find another job where you get to work with views like these and spend your time doing what you love alongside fellow river aficionados. On top of that, the local community is incredible. There’s something really special about being surrounded by people who are passionate about sharing the magic of the river with others. It’s a space that connects people just through the joy of creating unforgettable moments and the river doing its thing.
When you’re not rafting, what are your other favorite/recommended activities?
This may come as a surprise…but we love doing anything outside. On our days off, you’ll probably still find us on the river–either kayaking, tubing, surfing Lunch Counter, or getting a group together for an evening float. From the hikes and bike trails to the lakes, creeks, and (of course) the river, Jackson Hole offers so many unique outdoor opportunities. We recommend enjoying the outdoors as much as you can!
What’s your favorite breakfast or lunch spot for before or after a float?
This is no lie: it’s hard to find a place in Jackson that doesn’t have incredible food. But if we had to name a few, the Bird is the local hangout for a burger, the Roadhouse is the go-to sports bar, and the Bistro is our favorite for a special night out – especially after a five trip day. More often than not, you’ll see guides grabbing boba and authentic Korean food from Bapp (just up the street from our office) or takeout Thai from Annie’s (conveniently right next door) on their way to the office after their trips. As for breakfast, hands down we love the Virginian for a sit-down breakfast and Pearl Street Bagels for a grab and go.
You can reserve your whitewater river adventure with Dave Hansen River Trips online in advance. From the comfort of your raft, immerse yourself in the striking beauty of Snake River Canyon, where rugged cliffs, pristine waters, and sweeping views reveal one of the West’s most iconic landscapes.
Related
Journals
Visiting Yellowstone with Jackson Hole Ecotours
Learn More