Hells Canyon
Brochure
Salmon River Brochure
|
| Four or Five Day Adventure |
4- day 56 miles, Pine Bar to Hellar Bar
5- day
68 miles, Hammer Creek to Hellar Bar
On the Canyons of the Salmon
River our most popular river trip is 4 days. Five days is also an option by
adding on Green Canyon. The canyons are immense, dramatic and huge. Flowing
grass blowing in the wind on the high mountain sides, and sheer canyon walls
let you know we are in the middle of nowhere. We camp by our selves on huge
beaches. At night you can gaze up between the canyon walls at the multitude of
stars as they lull you to sleep. These trips begin and end in Lewiston, Idaho.
There are no access points once we leave the launch site. The Salmon River
joins with the Snake River and most of our last day is spent on the Snake
River. Our schedule is more flexible on this trip, please call with your
specific date. Transportation is provided from Lewiston to our put-in at Pine
Bar, and from our take out at Hellar Bar on the Snake River.
Of all the different sections of the Salmon, these
canyons offer the most idyllic rafting and camping conditions. Day time
temperatures are between 85 - 100 degrees, and night time temps stay in the
70's. The water is warm, and great for swimming. We camp on large pure white
sand beaches. Along the way there's plenty of time for hiking, fishing,
beach volleyball, or just relaxing with a good book. And of course there is the whitewater. Ranging from class II - IV, it is a great river for first
timers or experienced whitewater junkies. Needless to say they are lots of fun,
and perfect for paddle rafts, and inflatable kayaks. You'll run through rapids
such as; Demon's Drop, Pine Bar, Bodacious Bounce, Half &Half, Snow Hole,
China, Zig Zag, Slide, Sluicebox, Checkerboard, Eye of the Needle, and
countless more.
| Ancient and Modern History |
During the trip, you'll visit several sites of
historic significance. Rock paintings, called pictographs, pit house remains,
used by the Nez Perce, and stories of their struggle. There are also old mining
sites worked by the Chinese during the late 1800's. Through hikes, stories, and
interpretation we hope you'll gain an appreciation of these historic
treasures.
These Canyon's are also home to a variety of wildlife
including whitetail and mule deer, black bear, the loveable river otter, Rocky
Mountain bighorn sheep, a variety of birds of prey, song birds, and waterfowl.
We are sure to see plenty of birds, and if we are lucky we will see some of the
larger land mammals.
 We provide everything for you to catch a fish. It is almost a guarantee if you have never caught a fish we can help you. Our
guides will help the kids with their tangles and baiting hooks. If you are an
avid fisherperson expect to catch your fill. Smallmouth bass, catfish,
steelhead, salmon, and catch and release white sturgeon. We usually practice
catch and release for all fish however, if would like us to cook a big one we
are happy to serve it up.
These canyon are also home to chukar partridge, and
steelhead, which gives us great opportunity for cast and blast trips in the
fall. Call or email for availability and information.
This is a full service trip; each day our gear
boat travels ahead to set up camp, and secure the best beaches. When we arrive
in camp, around 4:00 your tents are pitched, bags are up the bank, and the camp
is all ready for you to settle in for the night. The guides set up and take
down your tents, fill your wine glass, serve appetizers, make incredible meals,
and do all the camp chores.
Trips begin and end in Lewiston, Idaho, at the
Sacajawea Inn. Accommodations are provided the night before the trip. We
have a pre-trip meeting around 7:00 PM to hand out river bags and answer any
last minute questions. Early the next morning breakfast is provided at the
hotel's restaurant. We will leave at about 8:00 AM and have about a 2 hour
drive to the launch site. Transportation is provided round trip from Lewiston.
Extra luggage and your car can be stored at the Sacajawea.
Getting to
Lewiston is easy. It is served by Alaska Airlines, and Delta. You can also fly
into Spokane, Washington. It is just a two hour drive from Lewiston. We can
help set up transportation from there. You can also rent a car in Spokane, and
leave it at the Sacajawea while we are on the trip.
Once you reserve
your space for the trip we will send you a complete packing list, travel
directions, and a trip itinerary. We are also happy to help with any pre or
post trip travel plans. We know the area. Come join us!
One and Two Day Trips
| 1 Day Whitewater Adventure |
Spring Bar to Lucile Recreation Site
20
miles
 Join us at Riggins, the Whitewater Capital. Ride the waves in
Time Zone, Tight Squeeze, Traps Creek and Black Rock, just to name a few. If
our self-bailing paddle and rowing rafts aren't exciting enough to suit your
thrill level, hop into an inflatable kayak. The "pool and drop" Salmon River
offers calm pools between rapids; a great time for photos or just lounging
around. For lunch, no one puts on a better riverside deli lunch than HCR. We
serve up plenty of deli turkey, ham, roast beef, hummus, cheeses, fresh salads,
breads, fruits, vegetables, chips, and cookies. We provide waterproof
containers for cameras and other items. We also arrange with a local
professional photographer to take your picture at Time Zone Rapids. This one
day whitewater adventure is perfect for groups, reunions, and parties, as well
as adventurous individuals. Trips run almost everyday June - September, call
for availability.
| 2 Day Whitewater Adventure |
Vinegar Creek to Lucile Recreation Site
38
miles
Add a new dimension to your whitewater adventure - like
camping along the river on a beautiful sandy beach; enjoying a great steak
dinner, Idaho garlic mashed potatoes, a garden salad, and Dutch oven treats,
(maybe even a s'more). Camaraderie around the campfire, and falling asleep out
under the open summer skies, it doesn't get much better. We raft 19 miles per
day and camp near Spring Bar Campground. The first day is spent floating the
more scenic upper section and the second day rafting the more challenging
Riggins stretch where we run our 1-day adventures. Try your hand at the
inflatable kayaks, join the crew in a paddle boat, or kick back on an oar-boat
the view and the ride are spectacular. We provide all the camping equipment
(tents, mattresses, and freshly laundered sleeping bags) which makes it easy
for you to just show up with your clothing. We take care of the rest. This trip
meets in Riggins and ends in Riggins. Trips can be started most any time; call
with your specific date.
"I have to
tell you when we said good-bye I actually cried. I was surprised with myself,
but I really didn't want it to end."
Forrest and Bob Parrish –
Atlantic Beach, Florida |
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56 miles of The Salmon
River is the longest and largest river in the lower 48 States that is
completely without dams. This is the last section of "The River of no Return"
before it joins the Snake River on its journey to the Columbia, and the Pacific
Ocean. On this section of river our trips last for 4 days and cover 56 miles.
Along the way we float through three different canyons named, Cougar, Snowhole,
and Blue; hence the name, Salmon River Canyons.
