Barker-Ewing is a Family Business

Our History

Local river runner Dick Barker knew the Snake River. He fished these clear waters as a teenager, then worked as a float-and-fish guide. In 1963, he pioneered the ten-mile float trip from Deadman’s Bar to Moose on the wild and scenic Snake River through the heart of Grand Teton National Park.

Within a few short years, Dick’s single raft could no longer accommodate the demand. So he joined forces with outfitter Frank Ewing to create Barker-Ewing Float Trips, and the company earned a lasting reputation for operating safe, high-quality interpretive raft trips in the National Park and the Snake River Canyon.

Although Dick passed away in 2012, Barbara Barker and her family continue to run Barker-Ewing Scenic Float Trips, following Dick's legendarily high standards.

Now in our sixth decade of operation, Barker-Ewing Scenic Float Trips remains the gold standard in scenic rafting, and is one of only a handful of companies permitted to operate Snake River float trips inside Grand Teton National Park.

Our Commitment

Our company is committed to safeguarding Grand Teton National Park and the Greater Yellowstone region for visitors from around the world to enjoy. We support organizations like the Murie Center, the Teton Raptor Center and the GTNP Foundation to promote wise use of this “American Serengeti.” And the meticulous records of wildlife observations we’ve made through six decades of river running stand as an invaluable scientific resource, increasing our understanding of this spectacular ecosystem.

We acknowledge that Grand Teton National Park is a traditional shared homeland and hunting ground for many Nations, including the Shoshone, Bannock, Blackfoot, Crow, Flathead, Gros Ventre, and Nez Perce. We honor with gratitude the land itself and the people who have and continue to steward it since time immemorial.

When you float with Barker-Ewing Scenic Float Trips in Grand Teton National Park, you’re floating with the BEST.