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Snake River Retreat

Swan Valley, Idaho

The Snake River,in your backyard.

A private 5-bedroom timber-frame lodge on the South Fork of the Snake River — built from 150-year-old reclaimed timbers, with world-class fly fishing out the back door, an hour from Jackson Hole.

Bedrooms
5
Beds
6
Baths
3.5
Guests
12

A handcrafted timber-frame lodge built for the whole crew

Five bedrooms, six beds, and a great room with a massive stone fireplace — guests have hosted parties of eleven without bumping elbows. Rustic where it counts, comfortable everywhere.

A true timber-frame home, built from reclaimed timbers more than 150 years old — wood with a century and a half of history in its grain.

  • The great-room fireplace

    A massive stone fireplace anchors the great room.

  • Five bedrooms, six beds

    Room for the whole family to spread out — guests have hosted parties of eleven comfortably.

  • Game room

    A dedicated game room keeps kids (and adults) entertained when you're not on the river.

  • Rustic charm throughout

    Hand-picked western decor — including the saddle-seat kitchen stools guests' kids can't get enough of.

  • Full kitchen & big-group dining

    A well-equipped kitchen and generous dining space built for group meals after a day outside.

The kitchen and the big table

A farmhouse sink, a gas range, and octagon-and-dot terracotta underfoot — then a big square table with benches and a window seat.

No two bedrooms alike

Beamed ceilings and Navajo weavings in one, a four-poster and lamplight in the next, twin beds under the trees for the kids — and a clawfoot tub in the upstairs primary bath.

Slow evenings, inside and out

Light the fire in the great room, or take dinner out to the deck — lounge seating and dining under string lights, a grill for river-night dinners, and mountain views from every rail.

Covered porch seating looking across the meadow to the Snake River and cottonwoods
The Snake River flowing past cottonwoods with mountain peaks behind, Swan Valley, Idaho

Private acreage that ends at the water

A firepit circle on the bank, a hammock in the cottonwoods, decks under string lights — and the South Fork of the Snake rolling past all of it.

The property is laid out around the river: the firepit circle sits right on the bank, the hammock hangs in the cottonwoods at the water's edge, and the decks face the valley.

  • The South Fork, in the backyard

    Walk out the back of the property and you're on the riverbank — no drive, no trailhead.

  • Riverfront firepit

    Adirondack chairs around a firepit at the water's edge — sunset here is the whole show.

  • Large private plot

    Twelve private acres on the river, with neighbors far enough away that you'll rarely see them. Quiet and genuinely off the beaten path.

  • Riverside hammock

    Strung between the cottonwoods at the bank, facing the water.

  • Wildlife at the door

    Guests have watched foxes cross the grounds; eagles, osprey, moose, and deer are regulars in the valley.

Adirondack chairs around a firepit on the bank of the Snake River at sunset, Swan Valley, Idaho
Hammock strung between trees on the bank of the Snake River

Guest reviews

In their own words

“We absolutely loved the rustic charm of the home in a secluded area next to the Snake River.”
Shelly · 5 years on Airbnb
“What a beautiful place on the river!”
Aaron · Arlington, Texas
“Perfect location settled in the mountain valley with the river!”
Kelly · Cypress, Louisiana
“The place was even better than the pictures!”
Elizabeth · South Jordan, Utah
“The views are stunning and the massive fireplace in the great room was our favorite part.”
Heather · 9 years on Airbnb
“We loved being right on the river and fly fished every day.”
Kelli · Oregon
“Welcoming, warming, and worth every penny. Location-Location-Location!”
Ryan · Cedar City, Utah
01 / 23
More guest reviews
“We loved the cabin feel of this place. The rustic vibes made it feel perfect for the beautiful setting by the river. He had some interesting antique furniture & art but had all the modern amenities needed to make our stay comfy. I loved the deck off the master bedroom & game room which was a beautiful look out over the river. The sitting area by the river is great for relaxing & enjoying the view. The beautiful large windows were perfect for viewing the landscape. It's an open window concept but an AC unit in the master gave good cool down at night & fans in the other bedrooms were good for night time cooldown. August was so very helpful!!! He answered all the questions promptly that I peppered him with. He is very knowledgeable about the area & was willing to share everything he knew. We'd definitely stay here again.”
Nancy · Fedor, TexasAugust 2026
“We loved staying here and will be back! The house is large and has a beautifully rustic open floor plan that has many side-quest rooms and outdoor spaces! An enormous deck, plus a separate second story balcony. A huge play room with a view and ping pong with a cozy huge couch. And my favorite, the seating area on the riverside has a variety of comfortable seating, we spent hours here. So secluded and beautiful. There was interesting art in every room. My favorite was the historical and antique collections throughout the house, such as old books, historical American flag, traditional Indian bag, traditional and modern paintings. Just so cool. The host was flexible and accommodating, as well very friendly and personable too.”
Katie · Austin, TexasAugust 2026
“Great stay in a beautiful location!”
Turner · DeLand, FloridaAugust 2026
“Our large group had a great stay — the house was beautiful and the views were even better. August was a great host and was very responsive with any questions we had!”
Madelyn · 5 years on AirbnbAugust 2026
“Our family of 6 had a great time staying here. Plenty of room for everyone, beautiful scenery, had fun fishing in the river, hot dogs and s'mores by the fire, ping pong table, white water rafting in Alpine, and square ice cream in town (huckleberry was our favorite).”
Tara · Montrose, ColoradoJuly 2026
“I will definitely be returning!”
Jayson · Washington, UtahJuly 2026
“This is a beautiful cabin by the river. Our family enjoyed fishing and relaxing on the back deck. August was a wonderful host who always responded and communicated well.”
Brittini · Nampa, IdahoJuly 2026
“The house was perfect for our family getaway! Everyone enjoyed the outdoor space and taking in the Snake River.”
Troy · Milwaukee, WisconsinJune 2026
“Our stay was very peaceful with stunning views.”
Jaclyn · 4 years on AirbnbJune 2026
“What a beautiful place on the river! The cabin was the perfect location for our family gathering. August was responsive and kind.”
Aaron · Arlington, TexasJune 2026
“This cabin is amazing! Perfect location settled in the mountain valley with the river! Great communication from the host! Highly recommend! We cannot wait to come back!”
Kelly · Cypress, LouisianaJune 2026
“August was incredible to work with and quick to respond! The place was even better than the pictures! We were able to create memories that will last forever! You would not regret your time there!”
Elizabeth · South Jordan, UtahDecember 2025
“Great location and a great host.”
Kevin · Chicago, IllinoisOctober 2025
“We had such a wonderful, peaceful and private stay. The cabin is absolutely beautiful and really beautifully decorated. The views are stunning and the massive fireplace in the great room was our favorite part of the stay. We can't recommend this place enough if you are looking for a vacation from the city. It has so much charm and endless opportunities outside from hiking to fishing to horseback riding etc. We look forward to returning one day. August was also an amazing host. He was helpful and promptly answered any questions we had.”
Heather · 9 years on AirbnbOctober 2025
“The family and I had a great time here, lots to do and beautiful location!”
Cody · 6 years on AirbnbSeptember 2025
“Lovely cabin in a private location. Great communication, and we felt right at home. We enjoyed the river being so close, and great atv trails nearby. Thank you for your kind hospitality!”
Derek · 6 years on AirbnbAugust 2025
“My family and I stayed here for 3 nights. We loved all the decor and the kids especially loved the saddle seats in the kitchen. The beds were comfy. We had a mix of some wind/rain weather so we didn't get to enjoy the deck like we would have liked, but hopefully next time. We will definitely re-book! We loved being right on the river and fly fished every day. Such a beautiful home and property. Would 100% recommend.”
Kelli · OregonAugust 2025
“Welcoming, warming, and worth every penny. Location-Location-Location! We loved everything about August's place. Highly recommended.”
Ryan · Cedar City, UtahAugust 2025
“We absolutely loved the rustic charm of the home in a secluded area next to the Snake River. Would highly recommend!! We were able to visit Jackson Hole, the Tetons, Yellowstone, and explored some of Idaho as well.”
Shelly · 5 years on AirbnbAugust 2025
“This was our first visit to this area. We looked for a home big enough for the 6 of us to spread out and be comfortable. We also wanted a home, like this one, that was quiet and off the beaten path, away from the hustle and bustle. This location was perfect, away from town, peaceful, but a short drive to amenities such as the grocery store. Being a family with a medically complex child with special needs, it is incredibly important for us to find a home that can fit our needs and provide all of us respite! This home was just what we needed. We were all able to make ourselves at home and enjoy a week away from the busyness of life.”
Donielle · Windsor, ColoradoJuly 2025
“August's home was great. We really enjoyed our quiet time in Swan Valley. The house had plenty of room to relax. Things to note: The river is beautiful, but not swimmable. The nearest store is about 25 minutes. Would definitely recommend for those looking to get off the beaten path.”
Kianna · Alexandria, New JerseyJuly 2025
“This house is amazing! Would definitely stay here again!”
Tara · 8 years on AirbnbJuly 2025
“My family — a party of 11 — spent 3 nights and 3 days at the cabin. It was wonderful — rustic — interestingly decorated. The beds were comfortable. It was clean and well equipped. The children enjoyed running around the grounds and the game room. A fox stopped by the last day we were there — he was fun to watch. The building itself is impressive — would love to know the history. August was great to work with. We needed a bed for our 16-month-old granddaughter — August was very accommodating. We enjoyed our stay and hope we can rent it again.”
Patricia · Moses Lake, WashingtonJune 2025

Basecamp for the best of the Mountain West

The South Fork of the Snake is consistently ranked among the best wild trout fisheries in the lower 48 — thousands of cutthroat, brown, and rainbow trout per mile. Guests cast from the bank steps off the deck, wade the riffles out back, or book a drift-boat day with local guides.

In the backyard

World-class fly fishing

The South Fork of the Snake is one of the best wild trout fisheries in the country — cutthroat, brown, and rainbow trout. Guests fish steps from the lodge or float with local guides.

From the riverbank

Rafting & floating

Float the canyon stretch of the South Fork, or raft bigger water within an hour's drive.

5 minutes

Palisades Reservoir

Boating, kayaking, swimming, and lake fishing against a wall of mountains — five minutes up the road.

About 45 minutes

Heise Hot Springs & zipline

Soak in the historic hot-spring pools or ride the zipline over the Snake — a classic family half-day.

Minutes away

ATV & trail riding

Forest-service trails through the Caribou-Targhee National Forest start minutes away — guests regularly bring or rent machines.

Nearby outfitters

Horseback riding

Guided trail rides through the valley and surrounding foothills.

About an hour

Jackson Hole, Wyoming

Town square, dining, galleries, and the tram at Teton Village — an easy day trip over the pass.

About 1.5 hours

Grand Teton National Park

The Tetons rise straight off the valley floor — hiking, scenic drives, and Jenny Lake.

About 2 hours

Yellowstone National Park

Geysers, canyons, and wildlife at the world's first national park — doable as a long day trip.

Day-trip range

Winter sports

Skiing at Jackson Hole and Grand Targhee, plus snowmobiling and nordic trails throughout the valley.

Honest notes from the hosts

  • The river is beautiful but swift — it's for fishing and views, not swimming.
  • The nearest grocery store is about 25 minutes away; stock up on the way in.
  • You're genuinely off the beaten path — that's the point.

Your stretch of the Snake River is waiting.

Dates & rates

The lodge books through Airbnb, where every open date and the current rate are live. Questions before you book? Email August at stay@snakeriverretreat.com — typically replies within an hour.

Sleeps
Up to 12 guests
The house
5 bedrooms · 6 beds · 3.5 baths
The setting
Private riverfront acreage on the South Fork of the Snake River
Outside
Riverfront firepit, decks, grill, game room
Where
Swan Valley, Idaho
Range
~1 hour to Jackson Hole, day trips to both parks