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Access Site ID

Gem Lake

Snake River

Source: idaho_parks_and_recreation Updated 1 year ago

City: Shelley, ID
County: Bonneville County
Type: Boat Ramp
Location: 43.42460832, -112.10131150
Air Temp: --
Location
Nearby Gauge Conditions
Whitewater Runs on Snake River
21 runs (1 nearby)
Difficulty Classes
I Easy II Novice III Intermediate IV Advanced V Expert/Extreme VI Unrunnable
Position relative to this access site: Put-in at this location This location is on the run Take-out at this location
Downstream from here Upstream from here
Whitewater data from American Whitewater
About This Access Site
The Gem Lake Boat Ramp provides access to the Snake River near Shelley in Bonneville County. This is a major river system—the Snake River stretches 559 miles with significant volume and flow, averaging nearly 50,000 cubic feet per second. Paddlers and boaters should be prepared for a substantial, powerful river with an average current velocity of nearly 11 feet per second. The ramp is located at the Gem Lake Recreation Area in the Columbia Plateau foothills of the Rocky Mountains.

This section of the Snake River, spanning from American Falls Reservoir to Gem Lake Dam, covers approximately 57 miles and is managed for fishing and boating access by Idaho Fish & Game in cooperation with Ada County Parks & Waterways. While this is a major waterway suitable for motorized boats, paddlers should respect the strong flow and gradient typical of this river section. The recreation area offers a developed boat launch facility—check with local management for current amenities, hours, and any seasonal restrictions before visiting.

Nearby outdoor opportunities include access to Hell's Half Acre Wilderness Study Area (a unique 5,200-year-old lava flow) and Caribou-Targhee National Forest, making this a good base for exploring southeast Idaho's diverse landscape.
Nearby Recreation Areas
Caribou-Targhee National Forest Located within
Hell's Half Acre Wilderness Study Area Located within
Lava Trail System (Hell's Half Acre) Located within