Snake River Non-Commercial Group Use Launch Timed Reservations
IMPORTANT LAUNCH TIME RESERVATION INFORMATION:
A maximum of 2 launch times are allowed per large group per day. You may only hold reservations for a maximum of two consecutive days per permitted group. This allows for other groups to have access to the river. Groups found abusing the system will forfeit their reservation, no refund will be provided, and receive a citation and/or be asked to leave the river.
A special recreation area permit is required for everyone in your group aged 16+. The price is $3/person/day. You can add this on when reserving a launch time. If reserving two launch times on the same day, be sure to only pay for permits for those in your group once!
About the Snake River:
The Upper Snake River is known worldwide for its crystal-clear waters, unique geology, numerous recreation adventures, and amazing varieties of wildlife. The ability to experience wild water, world-class fishing, great hiking, and memorable camping are just a few of the reasons we all visit the Snake River Canyon. The privilege of use carries the responsibility to help care for this unique watershed. Each summer from the June to August, the portion of the Snake River between South Park Bridge and Sheep Gulch hosts over 200,000 visitors. This is an extremely crowded and sought after section of the Snake River due to the great variety in boating challenges, fishing opportunities and beautiful scenery. Since 1998 the Bridger-Teton National Forest has required groups of 16 – 30 people to obtain a non-commercial group use permit.
Need to Know
- Special Recreation Area Permit Fee
A special recreation area permit is required for everyone in your group aged 16+. The price is $3/person/day. You can add this on when reserving a launch time. If reserving two launch times on the same day, be sure to only pay for permits for those in your group once!
- Permit Rules
A maximum of 2 launch times are allowed per large group per day. You may only hold launch time reservations for a maximum of two consecutive days per permitted group. This allows for other groups to have access to the river. Groups found abusing the system will forfeit their reservation, no refund will be provided, and receive a citation and/or be asked to leave the river.
- Why do we require groups over 15 to have a permit on the Snake River?
One of the main visions of the National Forest Service is to provide the greatest amount of good for the greatest amount of people in the long run. This permit program helps enhance the river environment by providing a safer and more enjoyable experience by reducing crowding, while at the same time protecting the resource.
- Safety
Check the water levels before you go. The river can be very different depending on how high or low the water is, creating new challenges every day. Get current river flows and make sure your skills and experience are ready for what the river has to offer for the day. Even though you may have floated this portion of the Snake many times, the water levels and conditions may differ. Making sure your skill and experience level matches that of the section you plan on floating and bringing plenty of safety equipment including suitable life jackets, throw ropes, spare warm clothing, etc. can help make for a successful float.
- Parking
Parking can be very limited at river access points. This is especially true for West Table Boat Ramp, (the main put-in for the whitewater section), and for Sheep Gulch Boat Ramp (the main take-out for the whitewater section. Anything you can do to reduce the number of vehicles for your group will help create space for other river users to also be able to access the river.
- Directions
The Snake River Canyon is located south of Jackson and runs along Highway 89 to Alpine, Wyoming. At Hoback Junction turn right at the fork in the road and travel across the bridge over the Snake River and onward.
- Wild and Scenic River
The Snake River from the Hoback Junction to 1 mile above the Alpine Reservoir is a small piece of the Snake River Headwaters Designated Wild and Scenic River. The Snake River Headwaters is considered to be one of the most pristine river systems in the country. For more information go to https://www.rivers.gov/river/snake-river-headwaters
- Aquatic Invasive Species
To prevent the spread of Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS), you must clean, inspect, and dry your boats and equipment prior to visiting the Snake River. For information go to: wgfd.wyo.gov/Fishing-and-Boating/Aquatic-Invasive-Species-Prevention (a state AIS boat decal is required by the state of Wyoming). These decals can be purchased online or in local retailers. See the Wyoming Game and Fish website for more information.
- Pets
Pets are welcome but must be on leash at all times at all boat ramps.
- Questions
If you have questions regarding reserving a permit, or any special circumstances that we need to be aware of please send them to the permits inbox: SM.FS.JD_SRP@usda.gov
- Free Days
Fees are waived on fee-free days. A non-refundable $2.00 reservation fee still applies. Fee-free days are as follows, June 14, 2025 (National Get Outdoors Day, June 19th (Juneteenth), Wyoming Kids Fishing Day, July 4, and Labor Day.
Booking Windows
Primary Booking Window: Tickets for Snake River Corridor will become available on April 1 for reservations between May 1 to October 1 each year. Trips must be booked 2 weeks in advance.
Changes and Cancellations
$3 per day per person over the age of 15 for Snake River Special Recreation Area Permit - if reserving 2 launch times in the same day, only pay this permit fee once.
• Cancellations must be made up to 24 hours in advance of the entry time for refund minus $2 processing fee. Refunds must be process through www.recreation.gov.
• No refunds for no shows, weather, or cancellations less than 24 hours in advance.
• Once printed, the ticket is considered issued, and modifications or cancellations will no longer be allowed
Contact Information
Mailing Address
PO Box 1689 Jackson WY 83001
Phone Number
307-739-5444
Available Tickets
- West Table Large Group Launch
- Other Large Group Launch
- Fee-Free Day - West Table Group Launch
- Fee-Free Day - Other Group Launch
