What better way is there of enjoying the stunning countryside of Grand Teton National Park than in a kayak. Most people see it from a car, campervan or coach. Canoeing is quieter that touring in a vehicle and you have more chance of viewing wildlife. There is spectacular mountain scenery to admire. Look out for moose, elk, bald eagle, osprey, buffalo, sand hill cranes, river otter and big horn sheep. This land is one of the most remarkable to paddle in America.

There are a number of boating options. As well as Canoe or kayak rental you can hire whitewater rafts drift boats and trailers to transport them. Jackson Hole is where most of the Canoe and kayak hire companies are based. These rental companies also carry everything you would ever need for a Kayak from nose clips, sunglasses waterproof clothing, keep dry kit bags to under water cameras. Most of the rental companies charge a day rate. This includes lifejackets, paddles, roof pads and tie down straps

To paddle on the Jackson lake or Snake River you will need to pay for a boaters permit. They do not cost a lot of money. I think I paid $10 but they may have gone up in price by now. I got mine from the Grand Teton NP HQ in Moose, Wyoming. I did not realise that the permit was valid for 12 months. For locals that is very good value for money. If you intend to camp over night you have to use a designated campsite and book in advance. Always use the bear boxes that are provided to safely store your food to prevent it being eaten by the local Grizzly bears.

Beware of the sudden wind and waves, which can appear quickly on Jackson Lake. They can make the water choppy and difficult to navigate. In these conditions it is best to head into the waves. Elk Island gives you incredible views of the entire mountain range of the Grand Teton.

If you are considering renting a kayak or a canoe when you visit Grand Teton National Park make sure that your car rental has a roof rack or tow bar so you can transport the boats. If you can’t put a boat on your vehicle the snake river goes through Jackson Hole. Most of the canoe and kayak hire companies are near the river and you can launch the boats straight away and enjoy the miles of beautiful Snake River country as it twists through Wyoming.

If you are in to fly fishing try your favourite sport on the water rather than from the river bank side. You can reach more of the water from a kayak. If you are really adventurous you could try float tubing. Use small flies as they work best. Buy flies before you go from www.flyfishing-flies.com

A great day trip is to paddle and drift along the snake river from Jackson lake Dam or Pacific Creek landing all the way to Moose. It has a low difficulty rating of a class one route. For the more adventurous the Snake river and its smaller tributaries provide some of the best whitewater canoeing in America. Many of the canoe and kayak hire companies offer one day courses in white-water competency.

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