Abstract: A hydraulic snub valve is provided for use with a source of motive fluid and a device which is to be moved by the motive fluid. The snub valve comprises a piston member which is slidably disposed within a cylinder that has an inlet port and an outlet port. Fluid flow through the inlet port of the present invention can be directed along first and second fluid flow paths. The flow of motive fluid is also directed through an opening in an orifice plate which permits the fluid to cause the piston member to move in a direction towards a position which blocks the first fluid flow path. When the piston member is in such a blocking position, a second fluid flow path is provided through a bypass conduit formed in an extension portion of the piston member. Therefore, the present invention permits a relatively high rate of fluid flow through the valve for a predetermined period of time and a lower rate of fluid flow through the valve after that predetermined period of time has elapsed.