Raft Rentals in Jackson Hole
Raft RentalsPremium Rafts for Independent River Running
Captain Your RiverReady to captain your own river adventure? Our raft rental program provides everything needed for self-guided trips on the Snake River and other area waters – from quality boats and safety equipment to the expert advice that separates good days from epic ones.
We maintain a fleet of premium rafts from industry leaders like Hyside, Aire, and NRS, all built for serious whitewater and updated regularly. Our boats range from smaller 4-person rafts perfect for couples or small families to larger 8-person models for group adventures. Whether you’re planning a half-day float, full-day whitewater run, or multi-day camping expedition, we have the right equipment.
Beyond just renting gear, we provide comprehensive support for independent river trips. Our staff includes professional river guides and ACA-certified instructors with decades of local experience. We’ll assess your skills honestly, recommend appropriate river sections, explain current conditions and water levels, detail shuttle logistics, and share the insider knowledge that only comes from running these rivers hundreds of times.
What’s Included with Raft Rentals:
- Quality whitewater-rated raft from premium manufacturers
- Paddles or oars depending on raft type
- Properly-fitted PFDs (life jackets) for all passengers
- Pump, repair kit, and basic safety equipment
- Rigging instruction and safety briefing
- Expert advice on routes, conditions, and shuttle logistics
Raft Rental Options
Choose Your Setup
Rafts
Choose Size + StyleOur raft fleet includes paddle rafts (4-8 person) where everyone paddles together as a crew, oar rigs for solo captaining from the rowing frame, smaller rafts (10-12 feet) ideal for couples or small groups, larger rafts (13-16 feet) for bigger crews and gear hauling, and self-bailing designs that handle whitewater efficiently. All from Hyside, Aire, and NRS.
Oar Frames
Solo Rowing PositionOar frames allow one person to control the entire raft from a centered rowing position – providing maximum control and eliminating the need for a paddle crew. Frames come fully rigged and ready to mount on compatible rafts, include quality oars, oar locks, and mounting hardware. Requires demonstrated oar rafting experience.
Trailers
Safe, Legal Raft TransportDon’t have a way to transport a raft? We offer trailer rentals that make moving rafts safe, legal, and straightforward. Our trailers accommodate various raft sizes, include all necessary tie-downs and safety equipment, hitch to standard vehicle receivers, and come with detailed towing and loading instruction. Valid driver’s license required.
Complete Raft Packages
One-Price PackageOur complete raft packages bundle the boat, frame, and trailer together at discounted rates – the most convenient and economical option for self-guided river trips. Includes your choice of raft size, matched oar frame fully rigged, trailer for safe transport, all safety equipment, and comprehensive instruction.
What Makes Our Raft Rentals Different
Premium Equipment from Trusted Manufacturers
We stock rafts and frames from the industry’s most respected manufacturers – Hyside, Aire, NRS. These are the same brands professional outfitters rely on for daily commercial use because they’re durable, perform well, and inspire confidence. You’re getting quality gear, not worn-out rental fleet cast-offs.
Honest Skill Assessment
River safety requires honest evaluation. We assess your experience, explain what different river sections demand, and recommend appropriate trips for your ability level. If a run is beyond your skills, we’ll say so and suggest alternatives. Your safety matters more than a rental transaction.
Comprehensive River Knowledge
Our staff has run the Snake River’s whitewater sections, scenic floats, and area rivers countless times over decades. We provide current condition reports, water level assessments, detailed shuttle information, camping spot recommendations, rapid-by-rapid descriptions, and the kind of insider knowledge that only comes from actually living here and running these rivers professionally.
Complete Support System
We don’t just hand you gear and send you off. Every rental includes rigging demonstration, safety briefings, route planning assistance, shuttle coordination help, equipment troubleshooting, and phone support if you encounter issues on the river. We’re invested in your success and safety, not just your rental fee.
Jackson Hole Waters Map
Where to GoFrequently Asked Questions
Before You GoYes. Self-guided rafting requires solid river running skills, understanding of river dynamics, paddle command knowledge (for paddle rafts) or oar technique (for rowing), basic rescue abilities, and good judgment. We assess experience honestly and may decline rentals if skills don’t match intended rivers. If you’re new to rafting, start with our guided trips or instructional courses, then progress to independent rentals once you’ve developed competence.
Popular options include the Snake River from South Park to Astoria (scenic Class I-II), Snake River Canyon Lunch Counter to Sheep Gulch (Class III whitewater requiring solid skills), Hoback River (Class II-III depending on section), and various other area waters depending on season and flows. We’ll recommend sections matching your ability and provide detailed information on access, distances, rapids, and logistics.
Most river trips require vehicle shuttles – leaving one car at the take-out, driving another to the put-in, then retrieving the put-in vehicle after floating to your take-out car. We provide detailed shuttle instructions and can arrange commercial shuttle services for certain runs if you prefer. Some paddlers use ride-sharing services or coordinate with other river users. We’ll explain all options for your specific trip.
Absolutely! We can provide complete outfitting including rafts, frames, trailers, dry bags, camping gear, camp kitchen equipment, coolers, and everything needed for self-supported multi-day river trips. Many customers rent raft packages plus camping accessories for expeditions on the Snake, Hoback, or other area rivers. We’ll help you plan appropriate gear loads and configurations.
We monitor river conditions constantly and will contact you if levels become unsafe or inappropriate for your plans. In those cases, we can suggest alternative rivers at better levels, reschedule your rental, or provide full refunds. We’d rather lose a rental than send inexperienced boaters onto dangerous high water or frustratingly low flows.
Yes! Multi-day raft rentals receive significant discounts, and weekly rates offer the best value – especially important for expensive items like complete raft packages. The longer you rent, the better your daily rate. Weekend packages and week-long rentals are especially popular. Contact us at (307) 733-2471 for current rates and package pricing.
Ready to captain your own river adventure?
We’ll outfit you with quality gear and the knowledge to use it safely.
Email us at info@jacksonholekayak.com or call (307) 733-2471, reserve online, or stop by our shop at 945 W. Broadway in Jackson.