Tubing and Floating in Jackson Hole
If you're looking for a fun and laid-back activity in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, then tubing might just be the perfect option for you. It's an activity that doesn't require much effort, yet can be incredibly enjoyable. A local favorite is to grab a tube and float down Flat Creek.
Where to Find a Tube in Jackson Hole
To get started, all you need is a tire tube from one of the local tire shops, which will only cost you around $25. Alternatively, you can opt for a modern inflatable tube, complete with cup holders, headrest, and handles for added comfort. And the best part? Both options are easy to deflate and store, meaning you won't have to pay any dock fees to keep them at the lake.
What to Take Tubing With You
Once you have your tube, you can add some additional items to enhance your experience, such as a floating cooler, your favorite beverages, and waterproof Bluetooth speakers. Then, grab some bungees and carabiners, and you're ready to join forces with your friends and create the ultimate tube flotilla.
Where to Go Tubing in Jackson Hole
The float down Flat Creek through town traditionally starts around Dairy Queen and ends at Smith’s. Later in the summer, the water is not ice-cold and raging with winter runoff, nor is it so low that you're scraping on rocks the entire way down. It's the perfect time of year for a tubing adventure.
Floating through downtown Jackson offers a unique perspective of the familiar town. You'll see a different view of the area from the creek. It's a fun experience to look around and wonder where you are or which bridge you're passing under. The shrubs along the banks of the creek are enough to disguise the buildings in town, making it feel like you're floating down a creek in the middle of nowhere.
Tubing Flat Creek requires attentive paddling, and it's not uncommon to use flip-flops as mini-paddles to create more resistance in the water. If you're looking to take your tubing adventure to the next level, consider fashioning wooden paddles that you can affix to your tube with rope.
There is a nice eddy at Garaman Park near the end of the float where you can hop off your tube and take a dip in the water. This is also the last stop before "Serious Faces," the aptly named man-made drop in the creek only several hundred yards downstream of the park.
Where to End Your Jackson Hole Tubing Trip
Be sure not to get out of the water on private property along the creek, as the majority of this float goes through privately owned land. If you must end your journey early, you can hop out at the bridge on Snow King Avenue or Garaman Park to avoid the final stretch to Smith’s.
Tubing down Flat Creek in a tube is an adventure that requires some skill and attention, but it's definitely worth it for the thrill and unique perspective of the area. So gather some friends, grab your tubes and paddles, and take on Flat Creek for a memorable summer tubing adventure.