Calling swimmers, paddleboarders, and kayakers of all levels for this fun-filled open water event held at Lyon’s Ferry State Park!
Situated at the confluence of the historic Palouse and Snake Rivers, Swim the Snake (August 8, 2026, with check-in starting at 9:30am) provides a rare opportunity to enjoy the water while closed to boat traffic. Experience dramatic, Ice Age flood-carved canyons from the water with the rolling Palouse hills as a backdrop. History buffs might remember the area as where the Lewis and Clark Expedition passed through in October 1805. Home to Native peoples for thousands of years, Lewis and Clark documented the Palouse (Palus) Indian village while heading west.
History aside, you’ll be swimming or paddling for a good cause: Swim the Snake is an annual fundraiser benefitting the Blue Mountain RC&D (Resource Conservation and Development) Council which supports youth summer swim programs in Southeast Washington.
The open water swim takes you across the river point to point, with a total distance from Lyons Ferry State Park to the Lyons Ferry Marina of 0.7 miles. You will need transportation back to the park which can be provided by Swim the Snake staff which you can arrange ahead of time at the registration table. Stronger swimmers have the option to return to the park for a total of 1.4 miles only after communicating the out and back route to event staff.
Paddling events start at the Lyons Ferry Marina with the route taking you to Lyons Ferry State Park and back for a total of 1.4 miles. Life vests for all paddlers are mandatory.
Some Notes:
- Participants must pre-register for the event by August 7
- Though this is a non-competitive event (there are no ages groups, categories, or awards) swimmers should be at intermediate level or better
- Life vests are mandatory for paddlers
- Paddleboards must be equipped with leashes and attached to the paddler
- All swimmers must be at least 10 years old and swim caps are required
- Swimmers under 15 years old must each be accompanied by an adult swimmer
- Swimmers can expect water temperatures averaging 69 degrees
- Participants are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis
- Adventure-Fit is offering kayak and paddleboard rentals on-site through Eventbrite (rental includes a personal flotation device)
- For parking, you will need a Discover Pass or there is an $11.50 day-use fee
New for 2026!
Want to learn or improve your existing skills on a standup paddleboard or kayak? Greg Jacobs of Adventure-Fit will offer a 1-hour lesson after the event from 1:15-2:15 for $25 at the Lyons Ferry Marina. Bring your own equipment or rent a paddleboard or kayak (8 SUP and 6 kayaks will be available).
You can find more information on Swim the Snake including registration details here.