We (mom and dad in early f50's and two teen sons) would like a day trip in the Jackson Lake area. Not too crazy...just fun and something different. I have found MANY groups that do this, wondering if you have a recommendation though!

Thanks, we'll be there mid July.

We took the one from Jackson Lake Lodge. You have a steak dinner on the banks of the river and then float down the Snake River. We enjoyed it but it might not be wild enough for your teens.

If it's called a float trip, it's not going to be wild and crazy.

(Unless the water is really heavy and running fast.)

http://www.jacksonholenet.com/summer...loat_trips.php

The float trips will be fine for all of you. If the teens want fast and furious, book them for a whitewater rafting trip.

We went on a float trip with Triangle X Ranch - http://www.trianglex.com/ It's a great way to enjoy the scenery, and our guide was very knowledgeable about the park.

Lee Ann

When we signed up for a Snake River trip he looked at where we were from and said, don't expect white water!! It's a float trip in the Tetons. I'm not even sure they have whitewater--maybe up in Yellowstone?

It's a float trip in the Tetons. I'm not even sure they have whitewater-

There's a flatwater "scenic" float and also a whitewater float thru a canyon on the Snake River, so they have both options outside Jackson.

Frankly, we didn't like it much. We went with GTLC.
We only saw one bald eagle. Our guide said it was the least amount of wildlife he had ever seen.
http://www.gtlc.com/activities/outdoor-fun-floats.aspx

Most of the tour companies offer Breakfast, Lunch, or Dinner Tours.

How fast the water is flowing will determine how long it takes for you to float down the river. It can make the 10-15 mile distance vary as much as an hour or so.

Frankly, probably not enough adventure factor for most teens. It is a very pretty ride though, and I'm sure most of the time you will see more wildlife than we did.

I would

I would imagine that most of the companies are very similar.

And yes, there is floating or whitewater. I think most of the whitewater is outside of the actual park though.

We also went with the GTLC on a lunch trip and thought it was almost boring. My son spotted a bald eagle and that was it as far as wildlife. Everyone was given the opportunity to steer which was probably the highlight for my kids, since the bumps they were hoping for never happened.

We were advised up front that it was a FLOAT trip, and the best time to go was late afternoon to see wildlife coming to the river to drink. I certainly wouldn't go for more than a couple of hours.

In 2010 we did a dinner whitewater rafting trip on the Snake River with MadRiver. I'm older than you/hubby is younger than you and it was our first time doing this. Because it was our first time, we wanted something with a little excitement, but not over the top. (I think we did about class 3 rapids?) Didn't spot any wildlife - we were too busy paddling! But there is some float time as well. And we were really surprised at how great the steak dinner was. We had a great time!! I really think that your teens (& maybe you also) will be 'UTTERLY BORED' with a float trip. From everything I've read, all the outfits seem to be rated about the same. Since you're a little bit skeptical, I would simply phone one of them; they get many of these calls, so don't hesitate to phone. They'll discuss with you, which type of trip would be best, and it will put your mind at ease. You'll be surprised at how quickly the time goes, and at the end of it, you'll be looking forward to your next one!

Just wanted to mention:

The outfits - Barker Ewing and also, Dave Hanson, are both popular. My choice would be between those 2 or MadRiver. Pick up the phone & call. Let us know what you decide!