2021 Marks the 8th Annual SWIM the SNAKE, a non-competitive and competitive paddling (kayaks and paddleboards only, please) and open water swim across Lake Bryan in the Snake River in southeast Washington State.
The event begins at Lyons Ferry Marina, near Starbuck, Washington in Columbia County. Paddlers will cross the river channel, a distance of 0.7 mile to Lyons Ferry State Park in Franklin County. Once paddlers arrive at the Park, they can tag team with a paired swimmer or beach their craft and join the non-competitive swimmers as they return across the channel to Lyons Ferry Marina, a distance of 0.7 mile. Swimmers will enter the water in flights of 10 and are REQUIRED to swim with a marked (flight number and swimmer number) orange swim cap. Particpants are traversing Lake Bryan which is the dam pool between Little Goose Dam to the east and Lower Monumental Dam to the west. River currents are negligible and water temperature in mid-August is between 68-70 degrees Fahrenheit. Air temperature averages between 88-100+ degrees. Swimmers are encouraged to use swimming goggles and wetsuits are permitted. This is NOT a RACE. This is for FUN! Most swimmers complete the swim in 25 minutes (3 mph) to 45 minutes (1.5 mph).
Participants must PRE-REGISTER and SIGN a release of liability PRIOR to entering the water - PLEASE bring copies with you or sign up at the Lyons Fery Marina OR at Lyons Ferry State Park.
US Coast Guard Auxiliary, local Sheriff river patrols from Franklin and Columbia Counties are in the river channel to ensure participant safety. The US Army Corps of Engineers, Washington State Parks and Lyons Ferry Marina staff assist with event safety and activities. Local volunteers in kayaks, canoes, paddle boards and small craft are encouraged to "line" the swimming lanes for additional participant safety. If the weather does NOT cooperate, the swim will be "called off" by the local Sheriff's Department. SAFETY is our number one goal.
This event is a fundraiser for the Regional Youth Summer Swim Teams and the Blue Mountain Resource Conseravtion & Development Council, a regional non-profit organization.
FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions
1. When can I check-in for the events? And where?
Registration opens at 9:30 am at Lyons Ferry Marina and State Park. Registration for the paddling portion will be near the breakwater at a picnic table at the Marina. Registration for swimmers will be at Lyons Ferry State Park, near the restrooms, adjacent to the swimming beach at a picnic table. You MUST PRE-REGISTER online as internet access is LIMITED at the Marina and the State Park.