A beloved local waterway, the Green River is where southwest Wyoming’s residents go to chill out and cool off. Cutting a serpentine path through the area, the river provides tree-line paths for strolling, verdant habitats for wildlife and ample places to cool off and have a blast.
Winding through the heart of the city of Green River, the Green River Whitewater Park and Tubing Channel offers plenty of easy access and space for families and friends to splash and play. The park splits into two channels, the northern channel and the southern channel, which wrap around Expedition Island, so the adventurers in your group can tackle swift rapids while those looking to relax can enjoy the gentle wading pools.
The northern channel stretches 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.
Part of the southern channel includes Castle Falls, a significant whitewater plunge ideally suited for kayakers. Hone your skills by navigating 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.
Want to extend your float? Consider putting a raft, kayak or canoe in at Jamestown (just upstream from the city of Green River) and taking out at the park.
No matter where you start your trip, be safe and check current whitewater conditions with USGS.
For complete information on the Whitewater Park and Tubing Channel, please contact the Green River Parks & Recreation Department:
Phone: 307-872-6151
Website
For an off-the-beaten-path adventure, head to verdant Seedskadee National Wildlife Refuge which offers a completely different experience from the Green River Whitewater Park and Tubing Channel. Here, the river creates a lush corridor through the high-desert plateau, affording paddlers the unique opportunity to spy moose, trumpeter swans, migratory waterfowl, beavers and the occasional river otter all from the water. Anglers also love this stretch of water for its prime trout fishing, making it a memorable drift-boat journey.
River trips through the refuge range from 3 to 45 miles, depending on stream flow levels and conditions. Note that in low-water years and off seasons, parts of the river can require carrying your vessel to the next area of deeper water. Learn more about boat-ramp options for put-in and take-out via the Seedskadee National Wildlife Refuge website.
Make traveling easier by leaving your gear at home and renting what you need from local outfitters, like White Mountain Lumber, which boasts everything from kayaks and inflatable paddleboards to multi-person rafts and single-person inner tubes.
For more water-sport fun, cruise over to the Flaming Gorge Reservoir where you’ll find miles of tranquil, shimmering waters for sailing, houseboating, waterskiing, canoeing, fishing and more. You can even spend the night gazing up at the stars or roasting marshmallows over a fire at one of the lakeside campgrounds. Or head to Big Sandy Reservoir, a more rustic water playground perfect for boating and wind-surfing enthusiasts. For a refreshing treat, visit Farson Mercantile, where you can slurp custom shakes and try their famous Big Cone ice-cream cones.