JACKSON, Wyo. — This summer will look a little bit different on the Snake River from Hoback to Alpine. Since May 1, the Bridger-Teton National Forest (BTNF) has been implementing permits and fees for recreation along the Snake within the Snake River Canyon.

According to the BTNF website permit FAQs, anyone recreating within one quarter-mile of the banks of the Snake River, from Hoback to one mile above the Alpine Bridge, is required to get a permit. This includes activities such as floating the river, fishing from shore, surfing at Lunch Counter, hiking and having a picnic.

Don’t get caught up a creek with no paddle, and follow these simple steps for smooth sailing through the canyon.

General rules and day passes:

The bulletin board at the Astoria boat ramp displaying QR code and proof of permit slips. Photo: Nick Sulzer // Buckrail
  • Download the Recreation.gov app on a smartphone before losing cell service, and log in or create a new account.
  • Determine how many people will be in the group. If floating the river with more than 15 people, a special reservation permit is necessary (see large non-commercial group guidelines below).
  • Decide if a season pass is necessary, or if it makes sense to pay per visit. The cost per vehicle is $5 for each recreational visit. If frequent trips to the canyon are anticipated, save money and purchase a season pass (see below for season pass guidelines).
  • For those who plan to purchase a one-time $5 permit, there are three ways to go about it, and cash is not accepted. A day pass can be purchased online at Recreation.gov in advance, on the Recreation.gov app in advance, or at the put-in by scanning the posted QR code, only if the Recreation.gov app has already been installed. A day pass or season pass must be purchased for each vehicle parked at the boat ramps, including shuttle cars left at the boat take-out.
  • After purchasing the vehicle permit, find a “proof of permit” slip at the boat launch, which should be posted on the bulletin board near the QR code. Fill out one slip per vehicle with date, license plate and permit confirmation number. Display the slip on the vehicle’s dashboard for the duration of the trip.

Season pass guidelines:

  • A season pass costs $40 per vehicle, or two can be purchased at the same time for $60. The season pass cannot be shared; it must remain with the vehicle for which it was purchased.
  • The pass can be purchased on Recreation.gov or the Recreation.gov app. Bring proof of purchase to the Jackson Ranger District Office at 340 North Cache Street between Monday and Friday, from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., or to the West Table Boat Ramp Information Kiosk to receive a durable plastic hang-tag for the vehicle. There is a chance that the West Table kiosk will be unattended. If nobody is present before the float, BTNF asks that boaters stop by the kiosk after to check if it is staffed. If not, visit the District Office.
  • Hang the tag from the rearview mirror in the corresponding vehicle while it is parked for the recreation trip.

Large non-commercial group guidelines:

  • A timed launch reservation is required for non-commercial float groups between 16 and 30 people that plan to launch between South Park Bridge and Sheep Gulch. This must be purchased online at Recreation.gov or on the Recreation.gov app. The fee is $3 per person, ages 16 years and older, plus a $2 non-refundable reservation fee. Reservations are available in 30-minute intervals from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and must be made more than two weeks in advance.
  • Prior to arriving at the boat ramp, print the time reservation ticket and bring that along.
  • On the day of the reservation, groups are required to check in at the West Table kiosk before launching on their trip. If the kiosk is unstaffed, display the reservation ticket on the vehicle’s dashboard.
  • Groups must stick to their reserved launch times or risk getting turned away at the ramp.
  • For groups larger than 30 people, no more than two timeslots can be reserved for the same day, and the group must launch in two parties of 30 or fewer.
  • Groups can only make reservations for a maximum of two consecutive days, and Forest Service staff will be monitoring and enforcing this rule.
  • Groups are limited to four rafts per launch, though the BTNF website states that duckies and kayaks could be considered on a case-by-case basis.
  • Since large groups pay a recreation fee per person, they are not required to purchase a site pass for their vehicles.
  • Group reservations are non-transferrable and non-refundable.

National park passes will not cover these permit fees. Disabled veterans, Gold Star families and Tribal members with documentation will not be required to pay fees. Fee-free days are scheduled for June 7, 14, and 19; July 4; and September 1. The non-refundable $2 reservation fee for large groups will still apply.

Monica is a Staff Reporter who studied journalism at Syracuse University and has been in the valley since 2015. She loves writing about the local food and bev scene, especially craft beer. When she’s not on the clock, you can find her paddle boarding, sewing, or whipping up a new recipe at home.