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| BOATING OPTIONS |
Grand Teton National Park
Boating is restricted to non-motorized craft, except on Jackson and Jenny lakes, where powerboats are allowed. Launches along the Snake River access a variety of waters. Life preservers and boat permits are required. Info: (307) 739-3399. Canoes, pontoon boats, and small power boats can be rented at Signal Mountain or Colter Bay marinas on Jackson Lake.
Bridger Teton National Forest
Class III and IV white water on the Snake River begins at West Table and runs eight miles through the Snake River Canyon. Self registration, while not required, is available at West Table. Info: (307) 739-5444.
Other rivers in the area offer everything from serene scenery to challenging rapids. Call (307) 739-5400 for information on running the Buffalo Fork, Gros Ventre, Hoback, or Greys rivers.
Other lakes in the area: Slide Lake, east of Jackson (windsurfing, sailboats, paddle craft); Palisades Reservoir, at Alpine Junction (power and sail boats).
Yellowstone National Park
In Yellowstone National Park, motorboats, canoes, rowboats, kayaks, and sailboats are allowed on Yellowstone and Lewis lakes, but only paddled boats on Shoshone Lake. All other rivers and lakes are closed to boaters. Life preservers and permits are required. Boats can be rented at Bridge Bay Marina. Info: (307) 344-7381 .
Green River & Pinedale Area
The Green River between Pinedale and Big Piney is primarily utilized for fishing. For information call (307) 367-4352. Fremont and Halfmoon lakes, near Pinedale, allow paddle craft and power and sail boats; and Green River Lakes, north of Cora, allow paddle craft only.
Cody & the North Fork
In Cody, river runners can catch Class III rapids on the North Fork of the Shoshone River from Yellowstone Park to the reservoir, or combine placid water with Class–IV rapids on the main Shoshone from the reservoir to just past town. River info: (307) 527-7125, hiking and camping info: (307) 527-6921.
Water skiing, fishing, and windsurfing are enjoyed on the Buffalo Bill Reservoir, west of Cody. Info: (307) 587-9227.
North of Yellowstone
The Yellowstone River is accessible north of the park in Gardiner, Montana. The Gallatin River, west and north of the park, offers good white water in the Gallatin Canyon. Info: (406) 994-4042.
West of Yellowstone
West of the park, the Madison River provides white water from Ennis Reservoir through Bear Trap Canyon, and idyllic floating to its confluence with the Missouri River. Info: (406) 683-2337.
Everything from power boats to paddle craft can put in on four lakes near West Yellowstone. Outboards can be rented at Hebgen Lake, while paddled boats and motorized “personal water craft” are available at Henry’s Lake. Info: (406) 646-7701.
| WOODEN BOATS ON THE WATER |
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A few years ago noted Wyoming angler and guide A.J. DeRosa, owner of Wooden Boat River Tours, had a revelation. “I realized I could give the non-angling floater the same kind of personal service and attention that my fly fishers enjoyed,” says DeRosa.
These lavish excursions utilize traditional, hand-crafted wooden dorys, finished to perfection by DeRosa and his guides—river-tour experts, long-time, year-round locals with an extensive knowledge of river ecology and Jackson Hole.
Clients float the scenic 13 miles of the Snake River from the Wilson Bridge to the South Park Bridge. The tour’s focus: wildlife, flora, riparian habitat, the river land’s majestic scenery—whatever the clients are most interested in. The river is home to a diverse array of birds and mammals, and it’s not uncommon to see osprey and bald eagles working the river, or elk, moose, and deer in the bottomlands.
Because the trip is private, photographers, bird watchers, or sightseers—amateur or pro—are all afforded the luxury of stopping whenever they want.
Typically, the half-day excursions take from 4 to 6 hours and are offered in three formats. All trips provide a meal appropriate to the time of day. The sunrise tour serves up a brunch, while the sunset tour provides hors d’ oeuvres—and passengers may bring along their own adult beverage. A gourmet meal, complete with candles, tops off the romantic, evening dinner float.
—Story and photos by Bob Woodall
Copyright 2004 by FPI (Focus Productions, Inc)., P.O. Box 1930, Jackson, Wyoming 83001. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form without written permission from the publishers.
Mountain Country is a free visitors’ guide published annually in May and distributed at hundreds of locations throughout Jackson Hole, Cody, and other regional communities. To receive a copy in the mail, send $5 to Mountain Country, P.O. Box 1930, Jackson, Wyoming 83001.
Publishers: Bob Woodall & Wade McKoy, dba Focus Productions, Inc. (FPI)
Editors: Mike Calabrese, Wade McKoy, Bob Woodall
Art Direction & Ad Design: Janet Melvin
Advertising Sales:
JACKSON: Ike Faust, 307-690-5908, 307-733-6995 email: mail.focus@wyom.net
DUBOIS & PINEDALE: Janet Melvin 307-733-6995
CODY: Guy & Barb Hull 307-527-7808