Paddlers Guide to the Snake river: Seg 1 Leg 2 Jackson lake to Moose Junction скачать в хорошем качестве

Paddlers Guide to the Snake river: Seg 1 Leg 2 Jackson lake to Moose Junction

This leg begins at Lizard Creek Campground, tucked into the northwest corner of Jackson Lake. The lake sits at 6,772 feet above sea level, surrounded by the sharp granite teeth of the Teton Range. Launch early. By late morning, thermal winds often sweep across the lake from the southwest. Stay close to the western shoreline, following its coves and small bays past Arizona Island toward Colter Bay for some protection. From Colter Bay, continue south toward Signal Mountain Lodge, passing Elk Island and rounding Hermitage Point. Use Donoho Island as a buffer from the wind while making your way toward the dam. Afternoon wind is the greatest hazard here—it can arrive suddenly, funneled straight up the lake, and build breaking chop that tests both endurance and balance. Below the dam, the Snake winds wide and quick through meadows and cottonwoods, with the Tetons towering behind. This stretch through Grand Teton National Park is famous for its clear current, spectacular scenery, and frequent wildlife sightings, including moose, elk, and bald eagles along the banks. This is the most heavily used commercial section of the entire Snake River, with rafting companies carrying well over 100,000 passengers annually. From the dam to Deadman’s Bar, you will paddle through numerous braided channels. Oxbow Bend is a particularly scenic and heavily visited section, known for wildlife viewing and photography. About five miles downstream, the Buffalo Fork enters from river right, easily distinguished by its silt-laden color. The Buffalo Fork is a significant headwater tributary and a major contributor of water and nutrients to the upper Snake River near Moran, Wyoming. This section is one of the most intensively used stretches of river, with commercial float trips and fishing guides operating daily from the dam to Moose Junction. The take-out at Moose Landing is well developed, with restrooms, parking, boat ramps, and direct access to Highway 89. This makes it one of the most accessible—and photogenic—sections of the entire Snake River.