Wildcats geared up and hit the rapids of the Snake River with the Outdoor Program on the weekend of Sept. 11. Weber students gathered and set out to Jackson Hole, Wyoming, Friday afternoon to enjoy a weekend full of camping, intense whitewater rafting and exploring the unique town located in the Teton Mountain Range.

Once they arrived at the campsite and set up camp for the evening, the students enjoyed dinner and roasted s’mores by the fire pit.  Students camped right along the Snake River at the Alpine Canyon section, which is one of the classic whitewater runs in the west.  The season’s high flows through the summer can produce up to class-three rapids.

The following morning, students awoke to cold temperatures and anxiously got ready for the first run down the river. As they began the journey down the first set of rapids, the waves hit the raft, and it glided down smoothly through the waves and successfully made it through the other end.  While floating down the river, it was amazing to witness the beautiful scenery and sights around.  The trees were starting to change color, and the sun reflected magically along the water.

As students excitedly got ready for their second run down the river, participants decided to explore the rapids in floatable kayaks.  One of best experiences throughout the trip was witnessing the kayakers make it through one of the best rapids along the river, Big Kahuna.  The Big Kahuna, having a reputation to produce incredible wipeouts, features an enormous wave that dips and drops eight feet down and back up.  Directly following Big Kahuna is Lunch Counter, which produces more intense rapids than Kahuna earlier in the season. Some other mentionable rapids include Champagne, a name derived from the underwater waterfall that produces bubbly water on the surface, as well as Double D, which is a series of bumpy waves to the end.

Following the thrilling time rafting down river, the students dried off and explored the town on their last evening in Jackson Hole, Wyoming.  On the way back to Utah that next day, they stopped by the Lava Hot Springs in Idaho and enjoyed a peaceful afternoon enjoying the scenery.  The Outdoor Program takes two trips to the Snake River each year. Their next big event is the annual Homecoming hike up Mt. Ogden on Oct. 3.  If you are interested in participating in the outdoors while meeting great friends, be sure to check out more events on the Outdoor Program’s website.