|
|
Lower Salmon River Canyons
offered by supplier M08933 (view this supplier profile)
Key Information:
Tour Duration: 4
- 5
day(s)
Group Size: 2
- 24
people
Destination(s):
Idaho
Specialty Categories:
Canoeing/Kayaking/Rafting
Season: July - September
Airfare Included: No
Tour Customizable: Yes
Minimum Per Person Price: 720 US Dollar (USD)
Maximum Per Person Price: 975 US Dollar (USD)
|
|
The Salmon is the largest undammed river in the American West. Here in its lower reaches the river flows through four spectacular wilderness canyons. The rapids are superb, especially at high water, and many consider this to be our most exciting whitewater trip. Yet the rapids, while big, are forgiving. The Salmon is an ideal place to join a paddle team, learn to row, or try an inflatable kayak.
The Salmon features powerful rapids and large roller coaster waves. But these aren't the river's 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 water combine to make this a classic river trip, especially for families.
Until recently the Lower Salmon has been less well known than other Idaho river trips. But it is becoming increasingly popular, for good reason. The Lower Salmon offers clear water, hot sunny weather, fun roller coaster style waves, and huge sandy beaches that are perfect for camping and swimming. During the course of our 72 mile journey we'll wind our way through open canyons, and float through four scenic wilderness gorges. These are Green Canyon (at mile 7), Cougar Canyon (mile 19), Snow Hole Canyon (mile 24), and Blue Canyon (mile 47). Each has a distinct character, but all are spectacular.
Your Itinerary
Day 1: We meet at 7:30 AM on the day your trip begins in Lewiston, Idaho. Lewiston is roughly 325 miles east of Portland, Oregon, and about 95 miles south of Spokane, Washington. Our Lead Guide will meet you in the motel lobby. After a brief orientation you will pack your things into our river bags, and park your vehicles at the motel. We will then go by van or bus to our launch site. Depending upon trip length and water level, we begin our river trip at either Hammer Creek or Pine Bar. (A start at Pine Bar shortens our trip by 10 miles -- appropriate for low water trips.) Once we arrive at our launch site, you’ll meet the rest of our guide crew, and they’ll conduct a short safety and orientation briefing, which will include instruction on paddle and rowing techniques. We’re normally on our way downstream by mid-morning.
Our first day on the river begins with mild rapids which are ideal for a warm up, especially for those behind the oars or paddling an inflatable kayak. Over the course of the next several days we'll encounter numerous exciting rapids. The Lower Salmon is a large volume river. This means the rapids are large, at most water levels, 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, but there are others, as well. At midsummer flows most of the rapids are class III, with one or two class IV drops. Early in July during a high water year, many of the rapids become class IV thrillers. (L) (D)
Days 2 - 4: Itinerary varies with water level. Please see Tour Summary and Day 1 description for general details. A typical day: each day is a bit different. But a typical day on the river begins with freshly brewed coffee around 7 AM, and breakfast by 8 AM. After breakfast we’ll pack our bags and load the boats. Then, after a brief orientation to the day’s adventures, we’ll head downstream.
We’re on the river an average of four to five hours per day. Along the way we stop for a riverside picnic lunch. We may also stop to swim, to explore historic sites, or to scout rapids. We usually arrive in camp 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.)(B) (L) (D)
Day 5: We typically arrive at Heller Bar, our take-out point, between 2:00 and 3:30 P.M.. Once we’ve unpacked, you’ll board a van or bus for the ride back to Lewiston. (On small trips, we completely de-rig the boats, and our 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 4:00 and 6:00 PM. (B) (L)
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Also see tour packages in:
USA
Idaho
Canoeing/Kayaking/Rafting
Email it to a friend:
Click here to email this vacation to a friend
|
| Check out these similar vacation offers: |
|
|
|
|
|
