Bridger-Teton National Forest

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Bridger-Teton
National Forest
P.O. Box 1888
Jackson, WY 83001

(307) 739-5500

Teton Division

Snake River Permits

NON-COMMERCIAL GROUP USE

Permits Are Required for Groups Over 15 People!!

A 3 week advance permit application is required to ensure receipt of a permit due to busy summer seasons and heavy use on the river. No Exceptions!

Non-Commercial Permits Are Free!!

Please apply and wait for approval. An online application is available, but mailing via snail mail or faxing your application is the best way to ensure your application is received. We will notify you by e-mail or phone within 5 days of the date we receive your application, no matter how you choose to apply. Click on the green button below to fill out an application.

**Please read the following information prior to applying for a non-commercial river permit.

Why do we require groups over 15 to have a permit on the Snake River?

Part of the mission of the National Forest Service is "to provide the greatest amount of good for the greatest amount of people in the long run." This permit program helps to enhance the river environment by providing a safer and more enjoyable experience by reducing crowding, while at the same time protecting the resource.

Management direction relevant to group use in the Snake River corridor is as follows:

All groups over 15 people will be required to have a permit.
Group use will be limited to no more than four rafts or 6 tandems or 12 single kayaks per launch.
A maximum of one permit/day may be issued to any group over 15 people.
Groups will be scheduled for requested launch times on a first come first serve basis to meet ramp capacity. Your group will be required to launch a 1 hour minimum between launches to prevent confusion on the river and accidental violation of permit requirements.
Launch times will be assigned when the permit is issued. Groups must stick to their assigned launch times. Failure to do so is a violation of the permit.
Monday - Thursday: 3 launches/day maximum may be allowed. Visitors are encouraged to boat Monday through Thursday as this period is a low use time, being less crowded and you are more likely to receive a permit.
Friday - Sunday: 2 launches/day maximum per group are allowed.
No more than 2 consecutive days per permitted group. (This allows for other groups to have access to the river.)
*30 people maximum are allowed to float at one time with a permit.

*If your group is larger than 30 you will be provided one permit for the entire group. Groups over 30 are required to take turns launching so as to provide the opportunity for all members to float.

Example: 60 people in a group = 1 group permit with 2 launches = 30 people each launch

IMPORTANT INFORMATION:

The earlier your application is submitted, the better your chances of having your permit scheduled as requested.
If you have applied and haven’t received a response within 5 days of applying, call the river office at 307-739-5444 and leave good contact information and the reason you’re calling. Do not wait until the day before your trip, as we will not have time to process your permit at that point in time and you will not be allowed to float the river as a group larger than 15.
Applications will be considered on a case by-case basis.
Noncommercial Group Use Permits and Institutional Permits are required all year long. Permit applications will be accepted for consideration from April 1 to September 15 each year.
Applicants may be billed for recovery of costs related to issuing permits.
Groups over 15 showing up at the river without a permit will be turned away. Permits will not be issued at the Forest Service District Office or at the river, regardless of availability!
Citations are issued to all persons violating permit requirements, including one large group launching separately under 15 people and rejoining each other on the river, institutional groups posing as noncommercial groups, and persons being untruthful or abusive to ramp personnel. Violations arepunishable by up to six months in jail, and/or a $5,000 fine.

We appreciate your cooperation in working with us in advance. In the long run this will alleviate many conflict situations and ensure the river corridor remains a healthy ecosystem, while at the same time providing a safe and enjoyable place for everyone to recreate far into the future.