WHITEWATER RAFTING

Salmon River Adventure

The Salmon features powerful rapids and large roller coaster waves. But these aren't the only attractions. Majestic rock-walled canyons, deep blue skies and starry nights, the most beautiful white sand river beaches you'll find anywhere, and fabulous swimming in warm, crystalline pools combine to make this a classic trip, especially for families.

The first day begins with mild rapids that are ideal for a warm up, especially for those learning to row or to paddle an inflatable kayak. Over the course of the next several days, you'll encounter numerous exciting rapids. The rapids are friendly, but they're large at most flows, too: big, rolling rapids with towering waves. Demons Drop, Half and Half, Lorna's Lulu, Snow Hole, and China are a few of the more exciting drops. (At midsummer flows most of the rapids are rated Class III with one or two Class IV drops mixed in. However, during the first part of the July through September season - especially during heavy snowpack years - many of the rapids become Class IV thrillers.)

Toward the end of your journey, meet the Snake River at the edge of Hell’s Canyon, the deepest gorge in North America. You'll encounter a few rapids on the Snake, but for the most part this leg of the journey is placid. For this reason, you'll lash boats together to form a group "barge" that the guides will maneuver downstream with the aid of a small outboard motor. This last leg of the adventure presents you with a great opportunities to unwind, socialize, watch for golden eagles and bighorn sheep, and gaze up at the Snake's soaring canyon walls.

Trip Details

First Morning:
Meet at 7:30am on the day your trip begins in the lobby of the Holiday Inn Express, 2425 Nez Perce Dr., Lewiston, Idaho. Lewiston is roughly 325 miles east of Portland, Oregon, and about 95 miles south of Spokane, Washington. (Please have your breakfast before meeting time, and arrive in your river clothes.) The Lead Guide will meet you in the motel lobby. If in doubt about where to find them, ask at the desk, and they will direct you. After a brief orientation you will pack your things into river bags, and park your vehicles at the motel. You will then go by van or bus to the launch site. Depending upon trip length and water level, begin your river trip at either Hammer Creek or Pine Bar. (A start at Pine Bar shortens your trip by ten miles - appropriate for low water trips.) Once you arrive at your launch site, you’ll meet the rest of the guide crew, and they’ll conduct a short safety and orientation briefing, which will include instruction on paddle and rowing techniques as needed. Normally, you'll be on your way downstream by mid-morning.

On the River:
Each day is a bit different. A typical day on the river begins with freshly brewed coffee around 7:00am, and breakfast by 8:00am. After breakfast, pack your bags and load the boats. Then, after a brief orientation to the day’s adventures, head downstream.

You'll be on the river an average of four to five hours per day. Along the way you stop for a riverside picnic lunch. You may also stop to swim, to explore historic sites, or to scout rapids. Usually, arrival in camp is by mid to late afternoon, and while the guides prepare hors d’oeuvres and dinner, you’ll have time to swim, fish, read, or nap. (There are a few places to hike, but for the most part hiking opportunities are limited.)

Last Day:
Typically, arrival at Heller Bar, the take-out point, takes place between 2:00pm and 3:30pm. Once you’ve unpacked, board a van or bus for the ride back to Lewiston. (On small trips, you completely de-rig the boats, and your guides will accompany you back to town. On larger trips, you will say good-bye to the guides when you leave Heller Bar, as they will stay behind to finish de-rigging.) The ride back to Lewiston takes about an hour. You'll arrive back in town between 4:00pm and 6:00pm.