Jackson Hole River Rafting is our Family Business
Barker-Ewing's History
Local river runner Dick Barker grew up on the Snake River. He fished these clear waters as a teenager, then worked for many years as a float-and-fish guide. In 1963, he pioneered the 10-mile route from Deadman’s Bar to Moose, and helped establish scenic float trips in Jackson Hole.
When his single raft could no longer accommodate the demand, Dick partnered with Frank Ewing to form Barker-Ewing Float Trips. The company swiftly built a reputation for operating safe, high-quality interpretive raft trips in Grand Teton National Park.
Although Dick passed away in 2012, the Barker family still runs Barker-Ewing Scenic Float Trips following Dick's legendarily high standards.
Now in our sixth decade of operation, Barker-Ewing Scenic Float Trips sets the standard for scenic rafting. We are proud to be one of the few companies permitted to operate river trips inside Grand Teton National Park.
Our Commitment
Our company works to safeguard Grand Teton National Park and the Greater Yellowstone region for visitors from around the world to enjoy. We support organizations like Teton Science Schools, Teton Raptor Center and GTNP Foundation to help preserve our “American Serengeti.” And our meticulous records of wildlife observations through six decades of river running now stand as an invaluable scientific resource.
We acknowledge that Grand Teton National Park is a traditional shared homeland and hunting ground for many Nations. These include the Shoshone, Bannock, Blackfoot, Crow, Flathead, Gros Ventre, and Nez Perce Nations. We honor the land itself and the people who have cared for it since time immemorial—and who continue to do so today.
When you float with Barker-Ewing Scenic Float Trips in Grand Teton National Park, you’re floating with the BEST. Book your trip today!
Will the Circle be Unbroken
My father, Dick Barker, died early in the morning on Monday, July 23, 2012. He was truly one of the “Legends of the Snake,” and pioneered the 10-Mile Deadman’s Bar to Moose float trip 50 years earlier.
Though he was long retired from guiding, Dick returned to the oars in 2011 during the Snake River Fund's annual “Legends” float trip. At 74, he rowed with the same strength and finesse that defined his decades on the water. He had a talent for reading water like no one else. In 2010, during high water, he even charted a new channel—a true master of the oars to the end!