Summary
One of the primary reasons to visit the area is the abundant opportunities for outdoor recreation, including fishing, kayaking, and hiking. The river is also home to a variety of wildlife, including moose, elk, and bald eagles.
Some of the specific points of interest to see include the spectacular scenery of the Grand Tetons, the beautiful waterfalls of the Snake River Canyon, and the historic mining town of Jackson Hole. In addition, visitors can explore the many hiking trails in the area, which range from easy walks to challenging treks.
Interesting facts about the area include the fact that the Snake River is one of the longest rivers in the United States, stretching over 1,000 miles from Wyoming to the Pacific Ocean. The river also played an important role in the region's history, serving as a major transportation route for fur trappers and early settlers.
The best time of year to visit the Snake River Headwaters depends on the type of activities you are interested in. Summer is the most popular season, as it offers the best weather for outdoor recreation. However, the fall season is also a great time to visit, as the colors of the leaves change and the crowds thin out. Winter is a popular time for skiing in the nearby mountains.
Weather Forecast
Park & Land Designation Reference
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
Related References
Area Campgrounds
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
Elbow
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East Table Creek
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East Table Campground
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East Table Group Campground
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Cabin Creek
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Station Creek
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