Our Lower Salmon trip combines major rapids and spectacular wilderness canyons as we travel from Whitebird or Rice Creek to the confluence with the Snake River. Huge white sand beaches make some of the best campsites in the West. We see evidence of pioneer occupation and of the courageous 1877 journey of Chief Joseph fleeing United States soldiers. Near the trip's end we meet Devil's Slide, one of the most respected rapids in the Pacific Northwest.
This section of the mighty Salmon River guides us through four stunning canyons Green, Cougar, Snowhole and Blue Canyons — as the surroundings change from sheer rock canyons to rolling mountains plated in golden grass. At high water, huge standing waves and chomping rapids command the attention of whitewater enthusiasts. Later in the summer, the Lower Salmon calms down inviting families to enjoy warm water, white sandy beaches and family-friendly rapids. The Salmon meets the voluminous Snake River for the last 20 miles of our trip, before we return to the responsibilities we'd forgotten on the river.
Trip Details:
- 2008 Departure Dates: July 1,9,17,25; Aug. 2,10,18,26; Sept. 3,11;
- Minimum Age: 5 years;
- Level: Easy;
- Meeting Place: Grangeville, Idaho 8:00 a.m.
Tour Itinerary
Day 1 - Meet group at Holiday Expeditions headquarters in Grangeville, Idaho. After a thirty-minute ride to the river, we launch the trip at Hammer Creek (near Whitebird). Downstream we will stop at shorts bar, where we will find our first pictographs-ancient Nez Perce writings. Run some exciting rapids in Green Canyon and enjoy the plentiful white sand beaches that appear along the shores of the Lower Salmon. Includes: (L),(D);
Day 2 - Negotiate Bodacious Bounce, Lorna's Lulu, Snowhole, and China rapids in Cougar and Snowhole Canyons. We will have a possibility to view some Nez Perce tipi rings and pits. There is plenty of opportunity for fishing, hiking and just plain relaxing at camp. Includes: (B),(L),(D);
Day 3 - In high water, extra care is taken to batten down the hatches in preparation for Devil's Slide. During high water levels, this is the hardest hitting rapid in Idaho. Eye of the Needle and Checkerboard rapids provide more excitement before we set up camp. Today we may hike up to the Wapshilla Ranch. This was one of several ranches in the Salmon River Canyon run by Nez Perce family. Includes: (B),(L),(D);
Day 4 - Reach the confluence of the Snake and Salmon Rivers. We may stop at Cottonwood Creek and Cache Bar, two more important Nez Perce sites. The final miles of this excursion are flat water, where we may use the assistance of a motor. After floating the lower part of Hell's Canyon, we reach our take out point at Heller Bar and return to our headquarters in Grangeville, Idaho. Includes: (B),(L).
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Lower Salmon River Rafting: $800.00;
Group/Youth: $735.00/$700.00;
Deposit: $300.00 per person
Cancellation Policy: If cancellations are made prior to 90 days before the trip, monies will be refunded less a $50.00 service charge per person. If cancellations are made within 90 days and outside of 45 days of the trip date monies will be refunded less a $100.00 service charge per person. Cancellation of a trip is very unlikely, but we reserve the right to cancel any trip due to river or weather conditions or the lack of sufficient reservations. A full refund will be made if such is the case.
Also see tour packages in:
USA
Idaho
Canoeing/Kayaking/Rafting
Camping
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