Mad River is a river outfitter based in Jackson WY. Our experienced guides are trained and will keep you safe while showing you a great time during one of our many scenic floats or exhilarating white water rafting trip packages.
August 10, 2011
August 3, 2011
You All ROCK. The Guides we had on the Scenic & White Water, Were so Cool. Relaxed & Easy Going. To put a Steak Dinner in after 2/3 rds. of the trip was done was an excellent move. Knowing that after dinner, Everyone Still had more rafting to do. That was a lot better, than having Dinner and getting on a Bus and coming home.
August 1, 2011
Our group of four had no complaints at all; the day was excellent in all measures; your staff was professional and courteous. The food was great; the rafting was fun; and the scenery breath taking. We would all do it again and I am sure we will all do it again.
Thank you and feel free to share our feelings with others.
-Luther D. Martinez
Gillette, WY
Thank you and feel free to share our feelings with others.
-Luther D. Martinez
Gillette, WY
July 28, 2011
"Family vacation three weeks ago. First time ever to your state for my son and his girlfriend. They were so excited to white water raft and the experience for them met all their expectations. They had a terrific time. They were very impressed not only with the great experience but also with your staff and their expertise. Thanks for making the experience great. In the words of my son's girlfriend, Maddy, "this has been the greatest day of my life"."
"Just a note to let you know how much we truly enjoyed our white water trip with Man River! Your protocol was superior in ensuring the full enjoyment of the trip. We felt very confident that we were in good hands, ensuring a safe trip as well as a memorable one. The food was top of the line as well! I felt very comfortable with what I saw regarding the foods preparation as well as the quality of the food. I hope someday to return for another exciting adventure with Mad River." -Sheldon
July 23, 2011
July 19, 2011
Dear Sir/Madam,
We had such a great experience on Snake river with you. We got best services, best guides.... The feelings are terrific. Because of you, the trip is going to be unforgettable good memories to us for the rest of our lives. l'm so glad that I booked the floating trips with Mad River and will definitely recommend your company to everyone!
Thank you all very very much!
We had such a great experience on Snake river with you. We got best services, best guides.... The feelings are terrific. Because of you, the trip is going to be unforgettable good memories to us for the rest of our lives. l'm so glad that I booked the floating trips with Mad River and will definitely recommend your company to everyone!
Thank you all very very much!
July 13, 2011
"We had a wonderful first river rafting experience with Mad River and are so glad we chose our outfit for our ride. Your guides were thorough, professional, safe and very talented. We felt we were in excellent hands and can’t wait to do it again with your group. Thanks so very much"
-Kate and Dick Darnell
Salado, Texas
-Kate and Dick Darnell
Salado, Texas
July 12, 2011
Great customers!
"We had a wonderful first river rafting experience with Mad River and are so glad we chose our outfit for our ride. Your guides were thorough, professional, safe and very talented. We felt we were in excellent hands and can’t wait to do it again with your group. Thanks so very much, Kate and Dick Darnell, Salado, Texas"
July 9, 2011
July 3, 2011
June 30, 2011
June 29, 2011
June 26, 2011
June 24, 2011
June 18, 2011
June 16, 2011
June 14, 2011
June 12, 2011
June 11, 2011
June 10, 2011
June 8, 2011
June 6, 2011
June 4, 2011
May 28, 2011
May 24, 2011
Mad River Guide School
"The river is like a woman; beautiful, exotic, and unforgiving."
"The row, row, row your boat song has taken on a new meaning."
Day 3,4 -Kyle
"The row, row, row your boat song has taken on a new meaning."
Day 3,4 -Kyle
May 22, 2011
Mad River Guide School Day 2
"River guide school day 2. CFS 15,500, overcast with light showers, 45 degrees outside, water temp. 39 degrees. We did a flip drill today; flip drill is fun to say, not fun to do." -Kyle
Mad River Guide School Day 2
"Once again we started the day out in the boat house. This time the topic of discussion was eddies—how to recognize them, where to find them, and how to get in them. The expression of “hit them high and deep” was used often. After our discussion on eddies, several of the students gave their oral presentation, myself included. The presentations were on a variety of subjects ranging from willows to dragon flies to moose to John Coulter. From there, we had a talk about throw bags—when to throw them, how to throw them, and so on. Then we practiced a few throws in the parking lot. We also divided into teams to practice a few more new knots—the butterfly and the half-hitch. Before too long, it was time to load up and get on the river.
Today’s launch pad into the river was South Park Bridge. This time, I was with KC and each took turns practicing paddling guiding, turning, and catching eddies. After a stop at Astoria to get a bite to eat, we loaded up the boats and ourselves and headed down to West Table to re-launch. This was done to save some time. Here, we were put in new groups, and I had a new teacher, Ryan. Once again, we took turns guiding and really practiced getting into and out of eddies. We scouted the area where the ginormous landslide was encroaching on the river and impeding thru traffic on the highway.
We also talked about self-rescue and capsizing today before doing a flip drill where we purposely capsized the boat while floating downstream. Once we had people safely on the bottom of the boat, we rowed to the shore and flipped the boat right side up. The purpose for doing this was to prepare up for a possible flip in Lunchcounter rapid. This rapid came up pretty fast, and we all tied the boats up and scouted the rapid from shore. Then in we went, and each boat emerged with no swimmers. Whoop!
Our adventures on the Snake River came to an end at Sheep Gulch where we took out and loaded up the buses and made the long drove back to Jackson for a quick clean-up and debriefing." -Megan
Today’s launch pad into the river was South Park Bridge. This time, I was with KC and each took turns practicing paddling guiding, turning, and catching eddies. After a stop at Astoria to get a bite to eat, we loaded up the boats and ourselves and headed down to West Table to re-launch. This was done to save some time. Here, we were put in new groups, and I had a new teacher, Ryan. Once again, we took turns guiding and really practiced getting into and out of eddies. We scouted the area where the ginormous landslide was encroaching on the river and impeding thru traffic on the highway.
We also talked about self-rescue and capsizing today before doing a flip drill where we purposely capsized the boat while floating downstream. Once we had people safely on the bottom of the boat, we rowed to the shore and flipped the boat right side up. The purpose for doing this was to prepare up for a possible flip in Lunchcounter rapid. This rapid came up pretty fast, and we all tied the boats up and scouted the rapid from shore. Then in we went, and each boat emerged with no swimmers. Whoop!
Our adventures on the Snake River came to an end at Sheep Gulch where we took out and loaded up the buses and made the long drove back to Jackson for a quick clean-up and debriefing." -Megan
May 21, 2011
Guide School Testimonials
"Day 1 of Mad River Guide School was off the hook! I already feel more equipped to take people down the river." -Johnny Brown
Mad River Guide School 2011
It's that time of year again: the snow is melting, the birds are chirping, and the Snake River is beckoning us all back for yet another fun-filled summer. With Highwater conditions already fast approaching, you can feel the excitement that is emanating from Mad River's guides and customers alike. We are so happy to welcome this years Guide School class to learn the ins and outs of life as a river guide. They will practice rowing and rescue skills, and learn an abundance of information about Jackson's very own flora, fauna, and geography. Check back daily for updates from guide schoolers themselves, sharing personal experiences and course highlights. We hope that they will share the same feelings of respect for the river and excitement for the summertime as we all do here at Mad River!
May 10, 2011
Mad River U- Day 11
Geomorphology of the Teton Range
“Trois Tetons” were the first words uttered by lonely French Canadian trappers when they glimpsed the majestic Teton Range in late in the eighteenth century. Particularly, referring to the Grand, Middle and South Teton peaks as “three nipples (breasts)” or “Trois Tetons” the trappers would proclaim in lustful agony (Smith and Siegel, 93). This paper will try to undress some of the mystery and history that shroud these beautiful peaks with hopes that the Tetons will be fully revealed in a better understanding of the morphological processes by which these peaks formed.
A keen observer of the mostly gneiss and granite Teton range will notice the stark difference in rock composition as compared to other surrounding limestone mountain ranges. This is because of the recent formation of the Quaternary rock that was uplifted about 13 million years ago. Compared with the 345 million year old Appalachian Mountains this is a relatively young mountain range. The Tertiary, normal fault block (shown in Figure 1) was born 13 million years ago and since then has violently been active in thrusting the Tetons up and dropping the Jackson Hole Valley because of the stretch and spread of the Intermountain Seismic Belt. The Rocky Mountains and Colorado Plateau sit East of the belt and to the West lie the Basin and Range Province (Smith and Siegel 92). These two regions are stretching apart and allowed the great erection of the Tetons through the birth of the Teton Fault. The granitic and metamorphic rock that make up the Teton Range date back to somewhere between 1.5 to 2.5 billion years ago. The limestone, sandstone, shale and dolomite sedimentary rock that make up surrounding mountain ranges were deposited by an ancient ocean that began to recede 540 to 245 million years ago forming the rock that make up the Gros Ventre mountain range (Covington and Ransmeier 5). So, from these dates we know that the uplift of the Teton Fault was so great as to expose the much older rock to majestic height and that the younger recently deposited rock was eroded away and re-deposited in the Jackson Hole valley. Although the Tetons rise 7000 vertical feet above the valley floor this does not account for the total activity of the fault in feet. If we were to add the total uplift and down thrust of both the Teton Range and Jackson Hole valley it would add up to over 33,000 feet! The valley floor has filled with deposits from volcanic ash, granite cobble and alluvium which cover much of the apparent activity of the fault (Smith and Siegel 94) figure 5.2).
Glaciation, large moving masses of ice and rock debri, carved out much of the mountain range and sculpted it to its distinct form today. This glaciation process occurred in 3 stages that lasted no later than 2 million years ago and ended about 14 thousand years ago. The glacial period ended when global temperatures rose 9-12 degrees Fahrenheit within this time huge glaciers deposited rock and debri from the upper mountains to the base of the Teton Range forming what we know today as Jenny Lake, Phelps Lake and Jackson Lake among many other features (Smith and Seigel 130). Some glaciers still exist today but these are not remnants from the million years old glaciers. They have come from a “little ice age” that occurred from the 1400’s to the 1800’s. For a brief time the earth cooled enough to allow glaciers to form mostly in the Mount Moran and have since melted to form the many lakes found in the area.
From the day they were discovered to the present the Teton Range has been enjoyed by thousands for its unmatched beauty and large “tetons” that offer to the visitor the awe inspiring nurture of mother nature. Let all who come to this majestic area milk it for all the many wonderful things the range has to offer from skiing to multi trad climbing routes there is something of interest to any party that comes her way.
“Trois Tetons” were the first words uttered by lonely French Canadian trappers when they glimpsed the majestic Teton Range in late in the eighteenth century. Particularly, referring to the Grand, Middle and South Teton peaks as “three nipples (breasts)” or “Trois Tetons” the trappers would proclaim in lustful agony (Smith and Siegel, 93). This paper will try to undress some of the mystery and history that shroud these beautiful peaks with hopes that the Tetons will be fully revealed in a better understanding of the morphological processes by which these peaks formed.
A keen observer of the mostly gneiss and granite Teton range will notice the stark difference in rock composition as compared to other surrounding limestone mountain ranges. This is because of the recent formation of the Quaternary rock that was uplifted about 13 million years ago. Compared with the 345 million year old Appalachian Mountains this is a relatively young mountain range. The Tertiary, normal fault block (shown in Figure 1) was born 13 million years ago and since then has violently been active in thrusting the Tetons up and dropping the Jackson Hole Valley because of the stretch and spread of the Intermountain Seismic Belt. The Rocky Mountains and Colorado Plateau sit East of the belt and to the West lie the Basin and Range Province (Smith and Siegel 92). These two regions are stretching apart and allowed the great erection of the Tetons through the birth of the Teton Fault. The granitic and metamorphic rock that make up the Teton Range date back to somewhere between 1.5 to 2.5 billion years ago. The limestone, sandstone, shale and dolomite sedimentary rock that make up surrounding mountain ranges were deposited by an ancient ocean that began to recede 540 to 245 million years ago forming the rock that make up the Gros Ventre mountain range (Covington and Ransmeier 5). So, from these dates we know that the uplift of the Teton Fault was so great as to expose the much older rock to majestic height and that the younger recently deposited rock was eroded away and re-deposited in the Jackson Hole valley. Although the Tetons rise 7000 vertical feet above the valley floor this does not account for the total activity of the fault in feet. If we were to add the total uplift and down thrust of both the Teton Range and Jackson Hole valley it would add up to over 33,000 feet! The valley floor has filled with deposits from volcanic ash, granite cobble and alluvium which cover much of the apparent activity of the fault (Smith and Siegel 94) figure 5.2).
Glaciation, large moving masses of ice and rock debri, carved out much of the mountain range and sculpted it to its distinct form today. This glaciation process occurred in 3 stages that lasted no later than 2 million years ago and ended about 14 thousand years ago. The glacial period ended when global temperatures rose 9-12 degrees Fahrenheit within this time huge glaciers deposited rock and debri from the upper mountains to the base of the Teton Range forming what we know today as Jenny Lake, Phelps Lake and Jackson Lake among many other features (Smith and Seigel 130). Some glaciers still exist today but these are not remnants from the million years old glaciers. They have come from a “little ice age” that occurred from the 1400’s to the 1800’s. For a brief time the earth cooled enough to allow glaciers to form mostly in the Mount Moran and have since melted to form the many lakes found in the area.
From the day they were discovered to the present the Teton Range has been enjoyed by thousands for its unmatched beauty and large “tetons” that offer to the visitor the awe inspiring nurture of mother nature. Let all who come to this majestic area milk it for all the many wonderful things the range has to offer from skiing to multi trad climbing routes there is something of interest to any party that comes her way.
May 6, 2011
Mad River U- Day 10
Water and how it Works
Water is an incredibly important aspect of our daily lives. Every day we drink water, cook with water, bathe in water, and participate in many other activities involving water, like rafting. However, even with all of the importance water holds in our lives, many of us know very little about the water we use each day.
Since humans first settled along the banks of lakes and rivers, there has been great interest in the appropriate management of fresh water resources both as a necessity for life as well as to avoid potential health hazards. It was along the Indus in Pakistan, to the Hwang Ho in China, and the Nile in Egypt in which the first hydraulic discoveries like canals, levees, dams, subsurface water conduits, and wells were known as early as 5000-6000 years ago. The study of water became vital to these early civilizations. Egyptians were the first to observe and records the flow rates and yields of rivers about 3800 years ago, and Kautilya of India produced the first rainfall measuring instruments around 2400 years ago.
Hydrology is the study of the movement, distribution, and quality of water throughout the Earth, including the hydrologic cycle and water resources. The term “hydrology” arrived in its current meaning around 1750, and by 1800 the work of English physicist and chemist John Dalton solidified the current understanding of the global hydrologic cycle.
The Hydraulic cycle is a simple process that is divided into five parts: Condensation, Infiltration, Runoff, Evaporation, and Precipitation. The process begins with condensation, when water vapor condenses in the atmosphere to form clouds. Condensation is a repercussion of earth temperature changes. Water fluctuates when temperatures fluctuate. So when the air is cool enough, water vapor condenses creating particles in the air to create clouds. This can be seen on plants in the morning, they are covered in dew. Once formed, winds move the clouds across the globe, secreting the water vapor. The clouds soon become too full of water which is released in in the form of precipitation: rain, snow, hail, etc, for example.
The next three stages: infiltration, runoff, and evaporation all occur at the same time. Infiltration occurs when precipitation seeps into the ground. This is highly dependent on the toughness of the ground.
Permeability is the measure of how easily something flows through something else. High permeability means more precipitation seeps into the ground. If precipitation occurs faster than it can seep into the ground, it then becomes runoff. Runoff stays on the surface and enters streams, rivers, and eventually lakes or the ocean. The water that seeped underground moves similarly as it refills rivers and keeps forward to larger bodies of water. At the same time, the sun is an integral to the cycle by causing evaporation. Evaporation is when liquid water turns into a vapor. Sunlight promotes this process as it raises the temperature of liquid water in oceans and lakes. As the liquid heats, molecules are released and change into a gas. Warm air rises up into the atmosphere and becomes the vapor in the condensation section of the process.
It is amazing the water supply has survived as long as it has. The hydrologic cycle continues to move water and keep sources fresh. It is estimated that 100 million billion gallons a year are cycled through this process. Without the water cycle, life on Earth would not be possible. We need this cycle to remain a flourishing one so all of our life processes remain functioning.
Water is an incredibly important aspect of our daily lives. Every day we drink water, cook with water, bathe in water, and participate in many other activities involving water, like rafting. However, even with all of the importance water holds in our lives, many of us know very little about the water we use each day.
Since humans first settled along the banks of lakes and rivers, there has been great interest in the appropriate management of fresh water resources both as a necessity for life as well as to avoid potential health hazards. It was along the Indus in Pakistan, to the Hwang Ho in China, and the Nile in Egypt in which the first hydraulic discoveries like canals, levees, dams, subsurface water conduits, and wells were known as early as 5000-6000 years ago. The study of water became vital to these early civilizations. Egyptians were the first to observe and records the flow rates and yields of rivers about 3800 years ago, and Kautilya of India produced the first rainfall measuring instruments around 2400 years ago.
Hydrology is the study of the movement, distribution, and quality of water throughout the Earth, including the hydrologic cycle and water resources. The term “hydrology” arrived in its current meaning around 1750, and by 1800 the work of English physicist and chemist John Dalton solidified the current understanding of the global hydrologic cycle.
The Hydraulic cycle is a simple process that is divided into five parts: Condensation, Infiltration, Runoff, Evaporation, and Precipitation. The process begins with condensation, when water vapor condenses in the atmosphere to form clouds. Condensation is a repercussion of earth temperature changes. Water fluctuates when temperatures fluctuate. So when the air is cool enough, water vapor condenses creating particles in the air to create clouds. This can be seen on plants in the morning, they are covered in dew. Once formed, winds move the clouds across the globe, secreting the water vapor. The clouds soon become too full of water which is released in in the form of precipitation: rain, snow, hail, etc, for example.
The next three stages: infiltration, runoff, and evaporation all occur at the same time. Infiltration occurs when precipitation seeps into the ground. This is highly dependent on the toughness of the ground.
Permeability is the measure of how easily something flows through something else. High permeability means more precipitation seeps into the ground. If precipitation occurs faster than it can seep into the ground, it then becomes runoff. Runoff stays on the surface and enters streams, rivers, and eventually lakes or the ocean. The water that seeped underground moves similarly as it refills rivers and keeps forward to larger bodies of water. At the same time, the sun is an integral to the cycle by causing evaporation. Evaporation is when liquid water turns into a vapor. Sunlight promotes this process as it raises the temperature of liquid water in oceans and lakes. As the liquid heats, molecules are released and change into a gas. Warm air rises up into the atmosphere and becomes the vapor in the condensation section of the process.
It is amazing the water supply has survived as long as it has. The hydrologic cycle continues to move water and keep sources fresh. It is estimated that 100 million billion gallons a year are cycled through this process. Without the water cycle, life on Earth would not be possible. We need this cycle to remain a flourishing one so all of our life processes remain functioning.
May 3, 2011
Mad River U- Day 9
National Forest River Rangers on the Snake River in Jackson Wyoming
River Rangers are an important and integral part of the Snake River and aid Mad River’s ability to run a successful rafting company. Maintaining and patrolling boat ramps is a broad explanation of what River Rangers do on a daily basis to help visitors enjoy their time during their visit to the Snake River.
More specifically, the Rangers monitor commercial and private permit holders and ensure their permits are being used properly. They control vehicle and trailer traffic when loading and unloading watercrafts at various put in and take out ramps, which during high season, can be tricky. Rangers educate visitors about proper river etiquette, that helps sustain safe and efficient recreational use. Cleaning up trash, fixing fences, trail upkeep, and picking up recycling are also duties of a Forest Ranger.
Snake River Forest Rangers are here to make sure that visitors and river workers have a safe and enjoyable time. All river users should be grateful and respect our River Rangers…they deserve it!
River Rangers are an important and integral part of the Snake River and aid Mad River’s ability to run a successful rafting company. Maintaining and patrolling boat ramps is a broad explanation of what River Rangers do on a daily basis to help visitors enjoy their time during their visit to the Snake River.
More specifically, the Rangers monitor commercial and private permit holders and ensure their permits are being used properly. They control vehicle and trailer traffic when loading and unloading watercrafts at various put in and take out ramps, which during high season, can be tricky. Rangers educate visitors about proper river etiquette, that helps sustain safe and efficient recreational use. Cleaning up trash, fixing fences, trail upkeep, and picking up recycling are also duties of a Forest Ranger.
Snake River Forest Rangers are here to make sure that visitors and river workers have a safe and enjoyable time. All river users should be grateful and respect our River Rangers…they deserve it!
April 28, 2011
Mad River U- Day 8
Goats of the Mountains
The Mountain Goat (Oreamnos americanus) is a large-hoofed mammal found only in mountainous areas of western North America. Mountain Goats are not true goats but are closely related; Mountain Goats and true goats both belong to the same sub-family Caprinae (goat-antelopes). Mountain goats are very agile animals and typically live in the rugged terrain of mountain sides were they have few predators. Mountain Goats forage in small alpine meadows that are inaccessible to most other large animals. They feed on grasses, sedges, lichens, and small leafy shrubs. Mountain Goats commonly seen at higher elevations around the Jackson Hole area are non-native to Wyoming. They were introduced to Wyoming and with six other States. The native range of the animals is from northern Washington, Idaho and Montana through British Columbia and Alberta, and into the southern Yukon.
Nannies (female goats) live in herds with their kids (young goats). The herds can be as large as 20 animals. Billies (Male goats) live by themselves or with one or two other males. Both sexes have long pointed horns. The males have longer and more curved horns than the females. The males sometimes use their horns to spar with other males over potential mates. The number of rings on their horns can determine the age of the goats. In the winter, their heavy wool coats help them to withstand extreme temperatures, as low as −50 °F and winds of up to 100 mph. Mature mountain goats weigh anywhere from 100 to 300 pounds and stand about 36 to 48 inches tall.
Mountain Goats can sometimes be seen from the Snake River Canyon and are most commonly viewed in the Alpine Junction area.
The Mountain Goat (Oreamnos americanus) is a large-hoofed mammal found only in mountainous areas of western North America. Mountain Goats are not true goats but are closely related; Mountain Goats and true goats both belong to the same sub-family Caprinae (goat-antelopes). Mountain goats are very agile animals and typically live in the rugged terrain of mountain sides were they have few predators. Mountain Goats forage in small alpine meadows that are inaccessible to most other large animals. They feed on grasses, sedges, lichens, and small leafy shrubs. Mountain Goats commonly seen at higher elevations around the Jackson Hole area are non-native to Wyoming. They were introduced to Wyoming and with six other States. The native range of the animals is from northern Washington, Idaho and Montana through British Columbia and Alberta, and into the southern Yukon.
Nannies (female goats) live in herds with their kids (young goats). The herds can be as large as 20 animals. Billies (Male goats) live by themselves or with one or two other males. Both sexes have long pointed horns. The males have longer and more curved horns than the females. The males sometimes use their horns to spar with other males over potential mates. The number of rings on their horns can determine the age of the goats. In the winter, their heavy wool coats help them to withstand extreme temperatures, as low as −50 °F and winds of up to 100 mph. Mature mountain goats weigh anywhere from 100 to 300 pounds and stand about 36 to 48 inches tall.
Mountain Goats can sometimes be seen from the Snake River Canyon and are most commonly viewed in the Alpine Junction area.
April 18, 2011
Mad River U- Day 7
Local Farmer's Market
Ever wonder where the food you are eating comes from? Shopping at the Jackson Hole Farmers Market is your answer to this question. The Farmers Market allows customers to buy local produce, baked goods, flowers, chocolate and a multitude of other goodies straight from the source. Of course, the Jackson Farmers Market is unlike anything many people have experienced.
Throughout the summer, every Saturday from 8-12am, locals and tourists alike congress on the Town Square to enjoy live local music organized by Dan Thomasma, sample herbal teas, and learn about local businesses. At each setting, one local non-profit is featured, and 10% of all vendors’ revenues that day are donated to this organization. On top of all this, there is a local chef of the week who is graciously cooking and passing out samples from a few of his menu items (don’t forget to pick up a recipe after having a taste).
The Jackson Hole Farmers Market is a great place to spend your Saturday morning while learning about and supporting local business. As always, the market is dog friendly. So get out there and learn about the benefits of eating locally!
Ever wonder where the food you are eating comes from? Shopping at the Jackson Hole Farmers Market is your answer to this question. The Farmers Market allows customers to buy local produce, baked goods, flowers, chocolate and a multitude of other goodies straight from the source. Of course, the Jackson Farmers Market is unlike anything many people have experienced.
Throughout the summer, every Saturday from 8-12am, locals and tourists alike congress on the Town Square to enjoy live local music organized by Dan Thomasma, sample herbal teas, and learn about local businesses. At each setting, one local non-profit is featured, and 10% of all vendors’ revenues that day are donated to this organization. On top of all this, there is a local chef of the week who is graciously cooking and passing out samples from a few of his menu items (don’t forget to pick up a recipe after having a taste).
The Jackson Hole Farmers Market is a great place to spend your Saturday morning while learning about and supporting local business. As always, the market is dog friendly. So get out there and learn about the benefits of eating locally!
April 14, 2011
Mad River U- Day 6
Mountain Biking In the Jackson Hole Area
Whether you are in Jackson to sightsee or experience new adventures this summer, mountain biking is a great way to do both. In Jackson Hole, there is a unique trail to fit your expertise ranging from easy and relaxed to challenging and difficult. Teton Mountain Bike Tours is a great contact if you are looking for guided tours in Yellowstone Park, Grand Teton National Park, or Bridger National Forest. However, if you are interested in going it alone at your own pace, here is one trail that will provide you with an incredible scenic ride right here in Jackson.
Leaving from the base of Snow King Mountain in Jackson, Cache Creek/ Game Creek Loop offers the best of all worlds. This 23 mile ride trails through a beautiful canopy of conifers, steep track to the alpine meadows, and an incredible descent. The short steep tracks are forgiving and never too long without a break. This great trail entails all that Mountain Biking stands for. Once you have conquered this local hotspot, check out the mountain bike map, Adventure Cycling’s Mountain Biking in the Jackson Hole Area, at Hoback Sports in town to take on a wide variety of trails in Jackson Hole. From whitewater rafting to mountain biking, summer in Jackson Hole has it all.
Whether you are in Jackson to sightsee or experience new adventures this summer, mountain biking is a great way to do both. In Jackson Hole, there is a unique trail to fit your expertise ranging from easy and relaxed to challenging and difficult. Teton Mountain Bike Tours is a great contact if you are looking for guided tours in Yellowstone Park, Grand Teton National Park, or Bridger National Forest. However, if you are interested in going it alone at your own pace, here is one trail that will provide you with an incredible scenic ride right here in Jackson.
Leaving from the base of Snow King Mountain in Jackson, Cache Creek/ Game Creek Loop offers the best of all worlds. This 23 mile ride trails through a beautiful canopy of conifers, steep track to the alpine meadows, and an incredible descent. The short steep tracks are forgiving and never too long without a break. This great trail entails all that Mountain Biking stands for. Once you have conquered this local hotspot, check out the mountain bike map, Adventure Cycling’s Mountain Biking in the Jackson Hole Area, at Hoback Sports in town to take on a wide variety of trails in Jackson Hole. From whitewater rafting to mountain biking, summer in Jackson Hole has it all.
April 8, 2011
Mad River U- Day 5
Riding a Phase Change: Snow and Western Rivers It’s hard to imagine that the same powdery white stuff that makes up the groomers at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort fuels the hits at Lunch Counter and Big Kahuna. While we all know that snow melts and water freezes, the thought of rafting on snow or snowmobiling on water seems bizarre and outside the realm of possibility. Yet, if we ignore the phase – solid, liquid, gas – of the playing surface and focus on the molecule both share – H20 – it’s all the same thing. When snow falls throughout the United States, it is measured by meteorologists, hydrologists and avalanche forecasters in a variety of different ways. If one lives in the Northern half of the United States, he or she is accustomed to hearing snow as measured in depth of inches and sometimes feet. The amount of snowfall measured in inches of actual depth allows us to project whether or not school will be canceled, what heroics the days commute will entail and if worth heading up the mountains to ski over the weekend. For hydrologists, avalanche forecasters and river runners, the depth of the snow only tells part of the story. In addition to measuring the depth of the snow, the snow-water equivalent (SWE) is often an equally important measurement. Snow water equivalence is measured by figuring how much water any given amount of snow contains: If ten inches of snow melt down to 1 inch of water, we can snow water density is 10%. This percentage is important as it helps define the snow on the ground during the winter, but also because it helps predict how much moisture the existing snowpack will contribute to the water table in the summer. In other words, a big snow year both in total accumulated snowdepth and in high SWE will lead to a big year in local rivers. In Jackson Hole, starting in late April following the closing of area ski resorts, this connection between our mountain slopes and rivers becomes increasingly visible. As temperatures rise, the area snowpack begins to melt, and early season runoff from the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem begins a journey of over 1,040 miles to Columbia River with its final destination, the Pacific Ocean. Along the way, snowmelt passes through Snake River Canyon offering up the opportunity to ride on the tail waves of a phase change.
March 24, 2011
Mad River U- Day 4
North American River Otter
One thing that we see on the river every now and then is the North American River Otter (Lontra Canadensis). This mammal, which belongs to the weasel family, can go by many names depending on the region in which it is found. Some of the most common names are Northern River Otter or the Common Otter. This otter is a semi-aquatic mammal that is endemic, or native to, North America. The Otter feeds primarily on fish but is also known to prey upon small mammals. A full grown adult Otter can weigh between 11 and 30 pounds. This particular mammal is greatly affected by environmental pollution and because of so much recent development in the United States their habitat has been greatly reduced.
These little guys are greatly adapted to the aquatic life. They have developed a thick oily fur to keep them warm and dry in the water. They also remain active all year round. And tend to be more nocturnal during the spring, summer, and fall seasons but due to a shortage in food will be seen moving around more during the daytime. They can hold their breath for up to 4 minutes, and typically, will form their dens in the banks along the sides of the rivers. Each den will normally have several tunnels leading to it to allow for escape access. Keep your eyes open for these friendly fellas while we’re on the river, and you just may be lucky enough to see one in it’s natural habitat. AWESOME!
March 22, 2011
Mad River U- Day 3
Morel Mushrooms
Morel mushrooms are considered a culinary delicacy with their deep, earthy flavor. Early summer is a great time of year to hunt for these treasures in Jackson Hole. Morels are most commonly found under a variety of dying/dead deciduous (leafy) trees species including elms, apple, and ash. In Jackson Hole, morels are found amongst groves of cottonwood trees, and especially in stands of cottonwoods located near streams or riverbanks. Earlier in the season, black morels can be found, though the yellow morel type is much more common and abundant.
Hunting for morels can be an enjoyable and rewarding activity. The best place to look for morels is in a cottonwood grove near dead or dying trees a few days after some rainfall. Morel hunting requires a patient, delicate eye as the mushrooms blend in exceptionally well with the forest floor. Mushrooms are best harvested at the base of the stalk with a sharp knife. Morels are sometimes confused with ‘false morels’-a totally different, inedible type of mushroom. While they look slightly similar, false morels appear more wrinkly and have a white-cottony middle, while true morels have a hollow middle and are more honeycomb-like in appearance.
Morels cannot be eaten raw, and as with all edible mushrooms gathered in the wild it best to eat just a little bit at first to make sure that one is not allergic. The best morel preparations are the simplest. Try a morel omelet, sauté with vegetables, add or pasta, or sauté with butter and enjoy over toast.
Source: Mushrooms Demystified by David Arora
March 18, 2011
Mad River U- Day 2
Snake River Rafting: Wild and Scenic
In 1968, Congress created The National Wild and Scenic Rivers System, in hopes of preserving the integrity of free flowing rivers for the enjoyment of future generations. Rivers with interesting recreational, natural, and cultural values were of focus. The Act is responsible for recognizing the potential for the rivers appropriate use and development, while encouraging river management, which promotes participation from the public in the development of goals from the protection of the river. Congress or the Secretary of the Interior can designate rivers Wild and Scenic, once designated, a federal or state agency administers the river.
President Barack Obama signed the second largest Wild and Scenic Rivers package in history on March 30, 2009. The Omnibus Public Land Management Act of 2009 brought forth 86 new Wild and Scenic Rivers, encompassing over 1,100 miles in Oregon, Idaho, Arizona, Wyoming, Utah, California, and Massachusetts. 387.5 miles of the Snake River was part of this Act, and was sponsored by Senator John Barrasso. Starting at the headwaters of the Snake River, the 47-mile section from headwaters to Jackson Lake are designated a wild river. From 1 mile downriver of Jackson Lake Dam to 1 mile downriver of the Teton Park Road Bridge at Moose, the river is designated as a scenic river. And the 19-mile stretch from the confluence with the Hoback River to the point 1 mile upriver from the Highway 89 Bridge at Alpine Junction as a recreational river.
The goal of this designation is to preserve the river’s free-flowing character and natural environment, block new dams and other harmful water projects, and improve clean water, while allowing continued public use. The river was designated due to its scenic, wildlife, fisheries, recreation, geologic, and cultural resources. This designation protects land along both sides of the river corridor; one-quarter mile back from the high water mark on each shore is the extent of the Wild and Scenic Snake River corridor. In these designated stretches, non-motorized boating, whitewater boating, camping, fishing, hiking, backpacking, horseback riding, wildlife viewing, picnicking, and scenic driving are allowed.
March 17, 2011
Mad River U- Day 1
North American Bald Eagles
The North American Bald Eagle is one of the most interesting birds in our country. There are roughly 40,000 Bald Eagles in the United States, with just over half of them living in Alaska alone. Bald Eagles are one of the few animals that will stay and mate with the same partner until death. There are also studies that suggest that if a pair of Bald Eagles fail multiple time at mating then they may look for other mating partners. A pair of Bald Eagles can produce one to three young every 1-3 years.
It takes a young Bald eagle four to five years to have a completely white head and tale. The female Bald Eagle is larger than the male, standing between 32-25 inches. A fully mature Bald Eagle can have a wing span up to 90 inches. An individual Bald Eagle can have upwards of 7,000 feathers. Their diet mostly consists of fish (trout and/or salmon) but they are also known to scavenge during winter months on carcasses.
Come down the river with us and see the Bald Eagles that we are lucky enough to have living so close to Jackson.
The North American Bald Eagle is one of the most interesting birds in our country. There are roughly 40,000 Bald Eagles in the United States, with just over half of them living in Alaska alone. Bald Eagles are one of the few animals that will stay and mate with the same partner until death. There are also studies that suggest that if a pair of Bald Eagles fail multiple time at mating then they may look for other mating partners. A pair of Bald Eagles can produce one to three young every 1-3 years.
It takes a young Bald eagle four to five years to have a completely white head and tale. The female Bald Eagle is larger than the male, standing between 32-25 inches. A fully mature Bald Eagle can have a wing span up to 90 inches. An individual Bald Eagle can have upwards of 7,000 feathers. Their diet mostly consists of fish (trout and/or salmon) but they are also known to scavenge during winter months on carcasses.
Come down the river with us and see the Bald Eagles that we are lucky enough to have living so close to Jackson.
Mad River University
In anticipation of the 2011 raft season, we've decided to get ourselves re-educated about Jackson, the Snake River, and surrounding wildlife. Each guide from Mad River researched a topic of their choice, so check back every day for another exciting write-up by one of the Mad River guides!
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