"I go to nature to be soothed and healed, and to have my senses put in order." -John Burroughs

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.

"Other places do seem so cramped up and smothery, but a raft don't. You feel mighty free and easy and comfortable on a raft." -Mark Twain

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!

"For in the true nature of things, if we rightly consider, every green tree is far more glorious than if it were made of gold and silver."

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.

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.

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!

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

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.

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.

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!

Happy Holidays from Mad River Boat Trips

Warm winter wishes to everyone! We hope that this finds you sitting next to a cozy fire or sleeping under a palm tree listening to the waves crash. As usual, Jackson Hole did not fail to deliver on a White Christmas this year. The mountains are covered and more snow is falling outside now. It has been great getting out and watching the wildlife that are wintering in the valley and seeing all the people who are here to enjoy the mountains and snowmobiling.
All this snow has us dreaming about and getting excited to go rafting on the Snake River this coming spring. It is looking like the whitewater in Jackson Hole will not fail to disappoint once all the snow starts to melt.

Happy Holidays from your favorite Whitewater Rafting company in Jackson Hole Wyoming!

CNN highlights Jackson Hole's Lunch Counter rapid as one of the best river surf spots in the world: "Catch a Wave in Wyoming" http://bit.ly/abNz79

Snake River Days 2010

Don't let your kids miss this experience! Register them now for...

Snake River Days 2010

Youth Watershed Camp introduction to the Snake River Watershed for 6th-8th graders. Wade Ditch Creek, paddle Slide Lake, cruise the Ox-bow Bend, fish for cutthroat trout at the Murie Center, camp-out on the river and then brave the whitewater on the Grand Canyon of the Snake River.

August 16th-20th.
Monday through Friday, 8:30am-5:30pm

Cost: $ 240
Registration limited to 16
Deadline to register: August 11th.

Snake River Days is an incredibly fun, adventure-filled, and active five day camp for middle school age youth. The camp will provide an incredible glimpse of the Snake River watershed through educational activities and experiences that include river hydrology, flat water canoeing and kayaking, aquatic entomology (bugs), fly fishing, plant, mammal and bird exploration, and floating scenic and whitewater sections of the Snake River. An overnight camping trip along the Snake River is included.

A program with the Snake River Fund, Teton County / Jackson Parks and Recreation, Bridger-Teton National Forest, More Kids in the Woods, Rendezvous River Sports, Mad River Boat Trips, Grand Teton National Park, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Teton County Weed and Pest, Teton Science Schools Teacher Learning Center, Jackson Chapter of Trout Unlimited, and the Murie Center.

Registration takes place at the Teton County Recreation Center.
Call 307-739-9025 for more information.

Scholarships are available.
Please call Mike Estes at 307-732-5761 for information.

River Runner of the Week - Aniah Seiler

Meet Aniah Seiler, our River Runner of the Week.
Where are you from? Wellfleet, NE
What brought you to Jackson? My family went on vacation.
What other activities will you do while you are here? We are going fishing and going to Yellowstone National Park.
Are you staying at a hotel? No, we are RV-ing.
Did you do scenic or whitewater? We did a scenic trip today.
Who was your guide? Ben M
What was your favorite part of your rafting experience? I liked that there were a few waves at the end.

River Runner of the Week

Name: Dan Kohn, Nick Hout, Jessika Martinez and Jordan Michaels
Where are you from: Worland WY
What brought you to Jackson: work
What other activities to you have planned during your stay: work, driving
Camping or lodging: We're staying at the Alpen Haus.
Scenic or Whitewater? Whitewater.
Who was your guide? Brian
Did you paddle? Oh yes, it warmed us up.
What was your favorite part of your rafting experience? Messing with our boss!

Employee Spotlight - Caroline Albers

Name: Caroline Albers
Where are you from? Plymouth, MN
What do you do at Mad River? I work in the office.
What brought you to Jackson this summer? My two older sisters live here. I really wanted to live out west. (Editor's note: Caroline is the third Albers to join the Mad River family!)
Your favorite part about Jackson? I love the scenery and it's great to get out in the mountains - something I can't do in MN.
Are you in school? What do you study? I'm going to be a sophomore at the University of Minnesota in the fall, so I'm still undecided on a major.
What are your plans after the summer season? I'll be managing a snow cone booth at the Minnesota State Fair and I'll be back at school and nannying on my days off.
What is your ideal adventure? Anything that involves being away from home... and laughter of course.
What is your favorite moment on the river? Doing 360s through Lunchcounter on Blue Steel with my sisters and Lizzie.
Who do you admire at Mad River? I admire the guides for their arm strength, which is something I lack.
If you could have one superhero power, what would it be? The ability to go back in time, not to change things, but just to watch.
What sweet skills do you have? I can hula-hoop VERY well.
What inspires you? Passionate people.

Please join the Jackson Hole Chamber of Commerce for a Chamber Mixer with Mad River Boat Trips on Thursday, July 8 from 5:30-8:00pm. http://bit.ly/bQ1pnf

Happy 4th of July!