Things to do on the Snake River
Flowing from the Oregon border through Yellowstone, the Snake River is one of the largest rivers in the United States and is the largest tributary of the Columbia River. People from around the world come here to experience the thrills of white-water rafting, salmon fishing, and to reconnect with nature. There are tons of famous parks that have the Snake River flowing through them in addition to Yellowstone, such as the Grand Tetons, Jackson Hole, and Hells Canyon.
You can see a lot of Snake Canyon and visit some of its famous riverbank spots on an American Queen VoyagesTM cruise. See parts of the Pacific Northwest and travel around national parks and historic sites, all while having a luxurious stateroom with stunning views waiting for you onboard.
Portland, Oregon
If you’re going to see the Snake River on an American Queen Voyages cruise, you’ll be traveling through Portland, Oregon. There are a lot of outdoor spaces, like the International Rose Test, the Portland Japanese Garden, and the Hoyt Arboretum. There is also the Pittock Mansion museum and the Portland Art Museum if you want to head inside for a bit!
Forest Park
Forest Park is an urban forest within the City of Portland that any nature lover would fall in love with. The park is eight miles long and is home to the Oregon Zoo. This is the perfect spot for anyone that wants to really embrace the more natural lifestyle of Oregon and life along the Snake River while being in a city like Portland.
Yellowstone National Park
Yellowstone was the world’s first national park, created in 1872. Today, there are 2.2 million acres that you can explore with amazing opportunities to see famous natural structures and features like geysers or the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone. You can also see some of their famous residents, the American Bison, and bears (just remember, no matter how cute they are, they are still wild animals).
Jackson Hole
Jackson Hole in Wyoming has become an increasingly popular destination for year-round travel and adventure seekers. The Jackson Hole Mountain Resort is home to one of the largest vertical drops for skiers to enjoy. The slopes are known for boosting rugged terrain for the more advanced skiers that want to take on a challenge. There are also great beginner and intermediate slopes for those not as experienced. If you visit Jackson Hole in the summer, the resort has amazing mountain bike trails and tram rides over the mountain and around the Snake River.
Grand Teton National Park
In Jackson Hole, Wyoming you can visit Grand Teton National Park. There are more than 200 miles of hiking trails that you can use and the Snake River flows through it. Year-round you can see the snowcapped peaks of the Teton Range. Guests can of course go hiking, camping, and boating. There are plenty of self-guided tours you can take, but there is also park staff that does guided tours. Keep your eyes peeled for bears, elk, moose, and bald eagles while you’re visiting. Grand Teton is very close to Yellowstone, so you can definitely see both if you have enough time in the area.
Hells Canyon National Recreation Area
Located on the border of Washington, Oregon, and Idaho, Hells Canyon is deeper than the Grand Canyon and is one of the best places to visit during the summer months. During the summer, you can take full advantage of white-water rafting in the cool water, as well as boating, hiking, and fishing. People of all ages can find their perfect activity while visiting Hells Canyon!
Kirkwood Historic Ranch
Kirkwood Historic Ranch is in the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest and is a museum of life during the 1930s for pioneers and Native Americans. Guests can walk around the original house, out-buildings, bun house, and other buildings that are nearly a century old. If you don’t mind hiking about a mile and a half round trip, you can also visit the Carter Mansion, a log house that was once home to an illegal moonshine business during Prohibition.
Shoshone Falls
Known as the Niagara Falls of the West (it is actually taller than Niagara), the Shoshone Falls is a waterfall on the Snake River. It is 212 feet tall and more than 900 feet wide and flows down in the Idaho portion of the Snake River. The best time of year to see the falls is during the spring as the winter show begins to melt; the fall is when the falls are at their lowest. But no matter what, it is a beautiful site to see if you’re in the area.
FAQs – Things to do on the Snake River
Where does the Snake River run through?
The Snake River is the largest tributary of the Columbia River and the 10th largest river in the United States. It flows through six states: Oregon, Washington, Wyoming, Idaho, Utah, and Nevada. On an American Queen Voyages cruise, you can sail on the Snake River and see parts of Oregon and Washington!
Why is it called the Snake River?
The river is named for the Shoshone Indians and was first used to name the river in 1812 in what Yellowstone National Park is now. This is one of the oldest names associated with Yellowstone. There are actually no snakes in the river!
Why is the Snake River Famous?
Snake River is known around the world as one of the best white-water rafting places to go. Adventurer seekers come from all over to go down the fast-moving rapids.
Can you swim in the Snake River?
There are various points throughout the river where you can swim in calm water, or even try kayaking, tube floating, or standup paddleboarding.
Whether you’re an adventure seeker or love seeing intensely beautiful geography, there is no better way to experience Snake River than on an American Queen Voyages cruise. Experience this rugged part of the United States in luxury with ease—book your trip with American Queen Voyages today!
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