3 Things to do at Jackson Lake Dam

You can find Jackson Lake Dam between Signal Mountain Lodge and the Jackson Lake Junction on Teton Park Road.

Photo by rocdoctravel.com

If you are doing the 42-mile scenic drive, the Jackson Lake Dam is on the route and may be worth stopping at to check out. Listed below are three things you can do here.

Why the Dam is here

The purpose of the dam that stands today is to provide water storage for irrigation in the Snake River basin in the state of Idaho. Jackson Lake is a natural lake whose levels are raised an extra 39 feet due to the dam.

3 Things to Do Here

Take Photos

There are great photos to get of the Tetons, specifically Mt. Moran, both on the dam and below it.

Let’s start with below the dam.

If you are coming from Jackson Lake Junction, you can turn left by the dam and park at the designated parking lot. Look towards the dam and you will see Mt. Moran peaking up above it, as seen in this picture:

Mt. Moran behind Jackson Lake Dam

You can also walk across the dam and get pictures of Mt. Moran and it’s reflection like this:

View of Mt. Moran from top of Jackson Lake Dam. Photo by Susan McWilliams

Photo Hint: The best time to get smooth water for reflections is in the morning.

Picnic

Drive across the dam to the south side and you will find great spots to picnic while overlooking the dam and the Tetons.

Please follow all Food Handling and Storage Regulations in bear country.

Fishing

Fishing is a popular activity here at the dam for anglers of all levels.

Man fishing at Jackson Lake Dam. Photo courtesy of mapio.net

You will need a license and know all the national park and state rules. Check out the Fishing Information page by the National Park Service.

Extra Tips

• Bugspray is a MUST here, ESPECIALLY in the evening.
• If you have an evening and you don’t fish, it can be fun and entertaining to park on the north side of the dam and watch all the anglers. Count yourself extra lucky if there are young kids there fishing with their parents – take note of what they end up “catching”…
• Between Jackson Lake Junction and the dam is a good place to see moose and elk. As you drive, look at the bushes and willows and see if there is a moose munching on the leaves. Herds of elk are sometimes around, but they are easier to see from Willow Flats Overlook that is close by.
• Please be careful, the water is fast, even further down the river where it appears to be slow, keep little ones safe.

Will you be stopping by Jackson Lake Dam? Let us know if you have any questions in the comment section. We’d love to hear from you!!

Keep Your Eye Peeled for a Moose!

Jenn Cunningham
Founder, Explore GTNP