JACKSON, Wyo. — While most of Snake River Fund’s educational and access work is conducted during the spring, summer and autumn months, winter is not a time of rest. Boat ramps are closed to watercraft access through most of the season. However, those who enjoy the Snake during the winter months still have plenty of access by foot. This includes eight accesses managed by Teton County and Bridger-Teton National Forest from Wilson Bridge down to Sheep Gulch.
Promoting public access to the Snake River and its tributaries is a key pillar of the Fund’s mission. Snake River Fund is playing a crucial role in the transfer of riverside BLM parcels to Teton County, a process that began over a decade ago and continues to this day.
Snake River Fund has also been integral in opening up access that previously had not been available to the community and visitors. In 2024, we worked with numerous partners to open up an additional 2000 linear feet of levee top on Parcels 9 and 10 just north of Emily’s Pond that was previously gated. Teton county deserves a huge shout out for their work with BLM in opening up this important piece of public land.
If you enjoy fishing, skiing, snowshoeing, fat biking or just walking along our rivers and tributaries in the winter, be mindful that facilities – including refuse and recycling receptacles – will be locked, so please remember to pack out what you bring in. Always carry wag bags if bringing your furry friends, and park safely and respectfully at those places where parking is limited.
Summer and autumn are big seasons for Snake River Fund’s educational and outreach programs. This work continues during the winter months.
In partnership with Teton County Parks and Recreation, the Fund will be conducting several free on-water safety clinics at the Aquatic Center. Each session focuses on self-rescue and boat-flipping skills, giving community members hand-on practice in a safe, supportive environment ahead of next season’s river activities. Watercraft involved includes standup paddleboards and kayaks, all provided by the Fund. Dates and times will be announced via Snake River Fund’s newsletters and social media accounts, as well as updated on Teton County Parks and Recreation’s website.
Contact Joe Smith, Snake River Fund’s events and program director, at joe@snakeriverfund.org for more information.
Even in the winter, the public can enjoy the beautiful streams of our valley.
