FloatETA estimates how long this float actually takes from live discharge at USGS 13032500 (Snake River nr Irwin), not a guidebook average. At a typical 9,000 cfs, a raft drifts about 4.0 mph here. Higher flow speeds you up; skinny water slows you down. Kayaks run faster than the current, tubes slower. Optional fishing adds 35 minutes per mile.
The South Fork Snake (Swan Valley) listing covers 16 river miles across 2 access-to-access stretches (Class I). Times in the table are typical raft hours at that reference flow. Open the live calculator for today's CFS, sunset take-out, water temperature, and rain/UV at the put-in.
See today's South Fork Snake (Swan Valley) float time
Float stretches on the South Fork Snake (Swan Valley)
| Put-in → take-out | Miles | Difficulty | Typical raft time | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Palisades Dam → Spring Creek | 8 mi | Class I | ~2 hr | Dam-controlled. Fall Creek falls comes in river-left. Palisades Creek is an optional early takeout. |
| Spring Creek → Conant | 8 mi | Class I | ~2 hr | Cottonwood islands and braids. The last easy miles before the Conant-to-Byington canyon. |
How we time this river
Speed scales with discharge using hydraulic geometry v ∝ Q0.34, calibrated to this gauge. That is why a 1,000 cfs afternoon is a different day than 3,000 cfs runoff. Always scout, wear a PFD, and check Idaho Fish and Game for closures. Gauge page: USGS 13032500.
Common questions
How long does it take to float Palisades Dam to Spring Creek on the South Fork Snake (Swan Valley)?
About 2 hr in a raft at a typical 9000 cfs. Kayaks run a bit faster; tubes run slower. Stopping to fish adds about 35 minutes per mile. Dam-controlled. Fall Creek falls comes in river-left. Palisades Creek is an optional early takeout.
How long does it take to float Spring Creek to Conant on the South Fork Snake (Swan Valley)?
About 2 hr in a raft at a typical 9000 cfs. Kayaks run a bit faster; tubes run slower. Stopping to fish adds about 35 minutes per mile. Cottonwood islands and braids. The last easy miles before the Conant-to-Byington canyon.
What USGS gauge is used for South Fork Snake (Swan Valley) float times?
FloatETA uses USGS gauge 13032500 (Snake River nr Irwin) for live discharge. Speed is scaled from a reference 9000 cfs drift of about 4.0 mph.
Is the South Fork Snake (Swan Valley) a good tube float?
Tubes lag the current (we use a 0.72× speed multiplier). On Class I–II stretches tubes can work at moderate flows; skip high water and always wear a PFD.