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Six Days, Class III
Departure Dates
June 7, 14, 21 (Family Trip); August 16, 24; September 1, 9
Price
$1463 adult / $1324 youth |
Peak Season Departure Dates
June 29; July 7 (Family Trip), 15, 23, 31; August 8 (Family Trip)
Price
$1588 adult / $1435 youth
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 Visiting
Idaho is like taking a step back in time a few hundreds of
years – an intensely wild land still untouched by modern
development. Idaho is one of the country’s true final
frontiers, showcasing hundreds of miles of protected wilderness areas
that have changed very little first since appearing on the map. In the
valleys, mountains, forests, and canyons of these wild regions lies
innumerable opportunities for most every outdoor adventure –
hiking, climbing, mountain biking, skiing, and of course, river rafting
on the almost 3,100 miles of whitewater that push through Idaho's
backcountry.
Idaho's river system provides us access to some of
the most unspoiled terrain in the state. These rivers are abundant in
flora and fauna life, a remarkable network of hiking trails, and some
of the country's finest whitewater. The Main Salmon displays all these
characteristics like no other river. Possibly the most popular river
trip in the state, the main section is the longest free flowing river
on the mainland U.S., the Main Salmon provides a rich river experience.
Free-flowing whitewater rated a Class III that's suited for any age and
experience level, it’s huge sandy beaches are ideal for
camping, the beautiful mountain scenery, natural hot springs and rich
wildlife are among a few of the hallmarks of the Main River.
Inappropriately nicknamed the “River of No Return”
by early river rats, the Salmon is a river you'll want to return to
more than once.
Why the Main Salmon?
The Main Salmon is the perfect setting for
a multi-faceted river adventure. Here are just a few highlights:
Whitewater
• Very few rivers can offer whitewater suitable for
the wide range of both experience level and age that the Main Salmon
does. Its Class III rapids are a safe yet exciting introduction to
whitewater for the beginning, yet still challenging enough to arouse
that adrenaline rush that experienced rafters are seeking. The rivers
water flow free from any obstructions, allowing rafters to surge
through this scenic river canyon experiencing exciting drops and
rolling wave trains, broken up by lazy stretches that give you time t o
sit and enjoy the company of your fellow travellers.
Natural Hot Springs
• A highlight of any
Main Salmon trip is the Barth Hot Springs, a natural steaming hot
mineral bath near to the shore of the river. This refreshing pool is
just three feet deep, wide enough for 10 people, and one of our
favorite attractions.
National Wild & Scenic River
• Following the passage
of the National Wild & Scenic Rivers Ac in 1968, the Salmon
River was soon under federal protection. This piece of legislation
recognized the Salmon for having “unusual scientific,
aesthetic and recreational value” and stated that it
“should be allowed to remain in a free-flowing state and
natural setting without manmade alteration.” It was one of
the original eight rivers to be granted this designation.
Family Trips
• The Main Salmon is an
excellent setting for a family river trip, offering something for all
generations. Inflatable kayaking, wildlife viewing, fishing, swimming,
hiking, and beach games are activities the whole family will love
– even your teenagers won't mind spending quality time with
Mom and Dad in this setting! Floating down the river, worries are swept
away as families come closer together with each passing mile. TV,
computers and telephones are replaced with campfires, tents and time in
the rafts – memorable moments you'll always share with your
kids. Since we take care of all the details of the trip, from meal
planning to camp chores, your time is absolutely free to enjoy yourself
and one another. Ask about our Family Friendly departures: trips
specifically designed with your children in mind.
Wine on the River
• An adventure that's
ideal for outdoor enthusiasts and wine connoisseurs alike –
or those who are simply looking for an incredibly unique getaway
– our “Wine on the River”
series combines the excitement of river rafting with the delights of
good food and fine wine. Our 6-day trip on the Main Salmon,
“Best of the Pacific Northwest Wines,” introduces
our guests to a variety of quality vintages from renowned viticultural
states including the Pinot Noirs of Oregon, paired with a different
delicious meal each evening. Renowned wine connoisseur Robert Wolfe
will accompany the trip.
Variety of Boats
• As a result of the river's volume, we can bring
the full gamut of O.A.R.S.' river vessels on the Main Salmon so that
you can experience them all! Riding in an oar boat one day and a wooden
dory the next, then challenging yourself on the whitewater hands-on in
a paddle raft or inflatable kayak, promises both a diverse and exciting
river adventure for everyone in your party.
 Sample Itinerary
We pride ourselves in running both a
relaxed and flexible schedule. Every trip is different depending upon
the group, other trips on the water and sometimes even the weather. The
following is a sample of what your trip might be like.
The Day Before Your Trip
• The day before our
adventure begins, w will meet at the Stagecoach Inn at 8:00 PM for our
pre-trip meeting. This is a great opportunity to get acquainted with
your guides and fellow travelers and to ask any final questions. Your
guides will provide you with a thorough trip orientation before passing
out your waterproof bags.
Day 1
• We'll depart for the 2 hour
drive to our Corn creek launch site as at 7 AM.. Stopping at the North
Fork Store along the way, we’ll take care of last minutes
such as lures, fishing permits, and any personal goods that you might
have forgotten. After a brief paddling instruction and informative
safety talk at the river, we start off on our river adventure! The
day’s first whitewater action includes the Killum and Gun
barrel rapids.
• The scenery that soon
surrounds the rafts will immediately transfix us, and we’re
mesmerized by the intense beauty of the river canyon for the remainder
of the trip. The Salmon River canyon is the second deepest gorge in
North America and is densely forested with soaring conifers and pines
and, early in the season, covered with lush wildflowers. Our welcome to
the river may be by a herd of bighorn sheep, a family of otters, a
giant moose or elk or moose wading in the waters, or if we're lucky,
perhaps a black bear standing on guard at the shore.
• Our first day tends to set
the pace for the following week on the river. We typically spend a few
hours on the river before lunch, maybe stopping for a hike, a soak in a
natural hot spring, or a visit to a historic site. Once lunchtime
comes, we break at a sandy beach to enjoy a lavish picnic. After
we’ve feasted and relaxed on the beach we get back into our
boats for more exhilarating whitewater. Be sure to take this
opportunity to try the paddleboat or inflatable kayak! Mid- to
late-afternoon, we make the final stop of the day to make camp; you
grab your gear and set up your tent while we make sure that the kitchen
and “living room” – comfortable camp
chairs and the campfire (if permitted), are taken care of. It
won’t be long before you'll be enjoying a cold beverage and
tasty hors d'oeuvres – delicious as these refreshments are,
food always seems to taste better following a day on the river! Take
the time then to read, nap, or sit back and laugh with family and
friends as we prepare dinner. Perhaps some music, jokes or stories will
bring us together tonight, or the pop of the fire, the sounds of the
river and the huge country sky will encourage personal reflection on
the wilderness that is, for the next week, our home.
Days 2-5
• As we travel into the
pristine centre of the Frank Church, every day brings with it a new
discovery. Exciting rapids like Big Mallard , Salmon Falls and Growler,
the site of Buckskin Bill's former homestead and Jim Moore's place (
perhaps you'll find the fortune believed to be buried somewhere in the
hillside!), and the anticipated Barth Hot Springs. Seasoned hikers may
wish to challenge themselves with a climb up to Rabbit Point. The
fishing is alsoprime during these days, and on July and August trips ,
the combination of warm water and air encourage frequent dips in the
river.
Day 6
• Today, as the path of the
Salmon River begins to stretch parallel to the forest service road, our
adventure meets its end. After bidding farewell to our guides and the
river, we'll make the two-hour drive to McCall, where another lovely
town awaits us. You may want to spend the evening, or even a few days,
in McCall so you can fully appreciate its beautiful setting along the
shores of Payette Lake and some more small-town Idaho charm. Salmon Air
runs return flights from McCall to Boise beginning at approximately
10:30 the next morning.
What's Included?
• Expedition equipment,
including 2 person shared tent, sleeping bag and pad, life jacket,
wetsuits for paddlers when required and waterproof bags to hold your
gear
• Skilled professional guide services
• 5 nights camping and 6 days rafting
• The vacation package includes meals from lunch on
Day 1 through lunch on Day 6, with limited beer & wine at dinner
What's Not Included?
• Transportation back
and forth between Salmon and McCall
• Personal Items (an equipment list will be provided)
• Pre / Post - trip accommodations and meals
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