13 Mile Snake River Scenic Rafting: A Deep Look

So, you’re thinking about doing the 13 Mile Snake River float? That’s pretty exciting! Maybe you want to see some terrific landscape. Possibly you’re interested in a day away from it all. Or perhaps you want time with the family. That trip may well be just what you’re after. This review seeks to give you an idea of what it’s actually like, looking at everything from what you should pack to the types of things you might see while out on the river.

Why Choose the 13 Mile Scenic Float?

Choosing which bit of the Snake River to explore might feel like choosing what kind of pizza you want when there are like fifty brilliant choices, you know? However, the 13 Mile Scenic Float has some definite things to shout about. For instance, its length hits a kind of sweet spot; not too short that you feel short-changed and also not so prolonged that younger kids are begging to be back on dry land basically halfway through. Plus, it’s mostly still water. Too, that means it’s doable for pretty much every level of experience, including total first-timers. As a matter of fact, many outfitters specifically market this trip as one for families including smaller children. I’m telling you that, you might expect serene water, staggering views, and, chances are, heaps of photo opportunities.

What to Expect on the River

The river, really, is the star of the show here. This particular section, that is, flows languidly through Wyoming, providing killer looks at the local landscape and probably ample chances to spot wildlife. Usually, a guided trip sets off either in the morning or after lunch, depending on the tour company you end up going with, so, naturally, you can kind of plan your day either side of the adventure. You’re potentially looking at being on the water for between three and four hours. Although, that obviously is partly related to how quickly the river’s flowing on the day. In some respects, it’s all fairly relaxing stuff, so, too, you can fully absorb your place as a passenger. You will seemingly glide gently downriver, being guided usually by a local expert who seemingly knows the river, in fact, like the back of their hand.

Now, the really cool thing about the 13 Mile Float is that while there may be loads of tour groups going down the Snake each day, each experience will, basically, feel unique. One of the greatest things is possibly seeing eagles circling above, attempting to spot their next catch, I think. And also the peace of not actually hearing much man-made stuff when you’re on the water; really, that’s pretty glorious in the age we now live in, honestly. Just so you’re aware, guides often spin cool stories, too. These often focus on the historical context of the region. As a matter of fact, hearing the stories about mountain men and native tribes certainly gives you an added sense of place, in a way.

What You Might See: Wildlife and Scenery

So, what will you potentially see? Well, arguably that is the magic of any wilderness trip; really, you are just at the whim of Mother Nature, after all. You might spot bald eagles, which are pretty majestic as a matter of fact. It’s almost cool, too, if you can spot osprey. Those birds are definitely great fishers. Arguably you’ll likely see deer along the riverbanks. Maybe, just maybe, if you’re especially attentive and a bit lucky, you might witness a moose, basically, munching away, usually on some water plants. Keep looking too; smaller wildlife thrives around the river, like your marmots, beavers and otters.

Even without the critters, the scenery does its part too it’s almost like, ensuring you get a day of killer views. Because of the winding route that the river takes, you may have ample chances to photograph the Teton peaks, too. They do often provide pretty striking backdrops. And also the lush forests coming down to the water’s edge help give you that real sense of being properly away from civilization. By the way, lots of people say that the colors in the fall are incredible around here. In that case, maybe try booking a trip for September or October, that is if the cooler temperatures don’t discourage you.

Preparing for Your Trip

Preparation is definitely very important to actually make sure you love the 13 Mile Float. Being prepared includes many areas from what clothes you should wear to things that you should bring with you in a dry bag.

Okay, let’s quickly talk about clothes. Maybe start with the basics. Wear clothes that can get wet or that can seemingly dry quickly. Forget the cotton tee, in this instance; in that case, consider synthetic fabrics, like moisture-wicking shirts or a quick-drying pair of hiking trousers. Clearly you’ll need sun protection too. In fact, you should arguably bring a hat with a brim and definitely apply heaps of sunblock – and arguably reapply it regularly. Polarized sunglasses may seemingly protect your eyes. Even though polarized lenses actually cut down the glare on the water. And possibly think about bringing a light waterproof jacket. Obviously that will probably ward off any rain showers, and also can protect you from any persistent splashes from the river itself, right? And that’s definitely if you’re doing the trip in the early spring or late fall when it’s a bit cooler.

Now, what should you take with you? I think lots of companies now seemingly ban single-use plastic, which makes actually bringing a refillable water bottle essential. Honestly, a camera may just be vital. Perhaps think about bringing a waterproof one. Also consider a smartphone with a great camera function if you really plan on taking lots of landscape photos, anyway. Don’t just forget, in that case, to pack it inside a waterproof case. If you end up bringing valuables with you, like your phone, your wallet, and potentially car keys, bringing a completely waterproof dry bag is probably wise. Almost every rafting outfitter usually insists on providing you with a PFD (Personal Flotation Device), in short, you won’t have to worry about packing one of those. As a matter of fact, these are basically essential items that everyone, even proficient swimmers, definitely should wear.

Choosing the Right Outfitter

Actually the experience you end up having on the Snake River may totally depend on who you actually decide to go with. So, you might have to invest a little time checking out the different operators around, in that case, to find the perfect one for you.

Firstly, you might want to check out the safety credentials any firm has. Now, that sounds really obvious but is very important, actually! That said, does the firm actually only use properly trained and actually certified guides? Is there an existing track record with seemingly prioritizing customer safety, generally? If possible, arguably have a little look around at their safety record. And in fact, this can tell you buckets about a business and potentially how reputable they definitely are. Read, also, their online reviews, anyway. Obviously look at things like Google, Yelp, TripAdvisor, you get the idea. In short, prior customer comments potentially may give you a genuine sense of the quality that actually the company provides. Have a close look, that is, at all kinds of opinions. Don’t focus entirely on the superb. Rather focus on anything where people actually point out repeated patterns or potentially actual problems, maybe.

So, potentially consider group sizes too. Small groups, really, can lead to possibly a more personal experience, of course giving you better access, of course, to ask your guide loads of questions. Bigger groups seemingly are usually more budget-friendly, alright. Obviously balance your need for probably a personalized trip against whatever you want to pay and can potentially afford. Enquire what’s basically included, in fact. Some rafting businesses give food and beverages, too, others might well expect that you’ll bring everything. By the way, see if any company has all the right equipment, obviously to suit whatever your specific requirements happen to be. Specifically does it cater specifically to families including young kids, for instance, by having like child-sized PFDs seemingly available? Does that business potentially make accommodations with reference to anyone who can benefit from possibly adaptive equipment? It’s really important, that is, to choose what suits your personal party.

Is the 13 Mile Float Right for Families?

Are you possibly pondering the specific 13 Mile Float thing with regards to how well it may suit a family group? Seemingly it is a very decent choice when thinking about little ones or maybe anybody, for instance, who has restricted flexibility or arguably fitness. As a matter of fact, most outfitters actually promote the mildness of probably the water in making it fantastic to entertain people from all levels of adventure or skill levels.

Potentially think carefully about just when during your family vacation you may book a tour; arguably that may assist children if the river voyage gets going. Most small kids have small attention spans; definitely a trip for several hours or so may require them seemingly getting the chance to probably relax and enjoy themselves so that it definitely will go without moans, whining and getting restless in the actual river, okay? Also to take advantage is perhaps going throughout off-peak days, since going throughout reduced times may cut back on the numbers of folks that are on river. This also can improve significantly that there could be the opportunity to potentially see some things from wildness. Talk about security together with families by the ways to get individuals all ready: to illustrate to kids whatever precisely to anticipate. Obviously clarify instructions out of that self-help guide; tell regarding just how vital donning safety machines typically. Doing almost any one of these activities tends often not be enough and might even build family trust for everyone to get included securely.

Maximizing Your Experience: Tips and Tricks

Having seemingly nailed your scheduling also picking probably a top company, are there likely any activities you do definitely during that visit and what might that include when getting best from a excursion?

Definitely schedule an early session on account that this really frequently features much more peaceful streams so an opportunity potentially comes down on taking that the most great views without any some crowds there actually being or else extreme weather situations too possibly creating their head with those more at risk times being in some hotter summertime conditions in peak hours particularly or afternoons anytime it comes to possibly weather extremes with storms coming suddenly especially – which will always certainly happen out here without any actual true alarm – be sure they’ve got enough proper preparedness going way forward.

Maybe attempt talking things along that lead, since definitely learning all you will concerning the Snake river area together could simply grow every single excitement surrounding everything coming: view a touch history of why exactly the town gets its distinct reputation or watch films about local mammals and see some wildlife they can identify while visiting; by getting all folks engaged as much now you have higher possibilities they stay involved too possibly curious always, also which also leads most people present together to definitely love adventure more!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)