About Dave Hansen Whitewater
Dave Hansen Whitewater has been running rafting trips on the Snake River in Jackson Hole since 1967, making it one of the longest-operating outfitters in the valley. Founded by river guide Dave Hansen, the company has grown from a one-raft operation into Jackson Hole's most-reviewed rafting outfit, with more than 4,300 Google reviews and a 4.9-star average. They hold permits in both the Snake River Canyon and the calmer upper Snake through Grand Teton National Park.
Trip options range from an eight-mile whitewater run through the canyon — with Class III rapids like Lunch Counter and Big Kahuna — to gentle scenic floats beneath the Tetons suitable for families with children as young as three. Half-day and full-day itineraries are available, and all guests receive PFDs, wetsuits when conditions warrant, and a pre-trip safety briefing. Group sizes are kept manageable, with experienced guides narrating the geology and wildlife of the corridor.
What sets Dave Hansen apart is the operation's longevity and consistency. Named USA Today 10 Best Readers' Choice and voted Best Rafting Company in Jackson Hole 13 years running, the company's guides average over a decade on the water. Their riverside boathouse on West Broadway doubles as a check-in hub and local gathering spot, making logistics simple for first-time visitors.
