Adventures On Green River

Cool Off on One of Wyoming's Great Rivers

When it comes to chilling out, residents of Sweetwater County know just where to go: the Green River. Cutting a verdant path through the heart of our county, the mighty river offers ample places to get wet and have a blast (and that's not just counting all the boating opportunities on Flaming Gorge Reservoir!).

Kayakers, canoeists, rafters and tubers will want to take note of the following two areas:

Green River Whitewater Park and Tubing Channel

Located right in the heart of the City of Green River, the Green River Whitewater Park and Tubing Channel offers not only the easiest access around, but also the most options for cooling off. Split into two channels which wrap around Expedition Island, the park encompasses challenging rapids as well as gentle wading pools for families.

The northern channel stretches for a full 1,200 feet and is tailor-made for mellow endeavors such as wading, tubing and swimming. Four pools along the shore give young ones a chance to splash and play safely, while a series of gently plunging rapids give tubers a thrill over three different four-foot drops.

The southern channel includes Castle Falls, a significant whitewater plunge ideally suited for kayakers. Hone your skills by navigating through the eight compressed-air gates that hang over the rapids. A short return walk to the top of the falls means kayakers can spend a whole afternoon repeating the run. Here is a quick video of what its like to kayak Castle Falls.

For complete information on the Whitewater Park and Tubing Channel, please contact the Green River Parks and Recreation department:
Phone: 307-872-6151
Website

For a longer float, consider putting a raft, kayak or canoe in at Jamestown (just upstream from the city of Green River) and taking out at the Green River Whitewater Park.

Seedskadee National Wildlife Refuge

Off the beaten path by quite a bit, Seedskadee National Wildlife Refuge offers a completely different experience from the Green River Whitewater Park and Tubing Channel. Here, the Green River creates a lush corridor through the high desert plateau, affording kayakers and canoeists the unique opportunity to spy moose, trumpeter swan, migratory waterfowl, beavers and the occasional river otter all from the water. Fisherman also love this stretch of water for its prime trout habitat, making it a memorable drift-boat journey.

River trips through the refuge range from three to 45 miles, depending on stream flow levels and conditions. Note that in low-water years and off-season, parts of the river can require portaging. Learn more about boat ramp options for put-in and take-out via the Seedskadee National Wildlife Refuge website.

No matter where you go, Be safe—don't forget to check current whitewater conditions with USGS!