Salmon River Canyons
On the Canyons
of the Salmon River our most popular river trip is 4 days. These trips begin
and end in Lewiston, Idaho. There are no access points once we leave the launch
site. We will travel through three canyons; Cougar, Snow Hole, and Blue on this
fantastic class III whitewater trip. 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. Lewiston, Idaho is served by Alaska Airlines and
Delta, it is also possible to fly into Spokane, WA. It is served by most of the
major carriers. We will help you arrange transportation from Spokane. See our
Salmon River page for a full
description.
FAMILY ADVENTURE
A
river trip provides a truly captivating experience for a child. Discounted
rates for youth 18 and younger make this trip especially attractive for
families.
GROUP CHARTERS
We are specialists in creating the
perfect adventure for your group. An entire trip can be chartered with 15 or
more guests.
CORPORATE RETREAT
Join HCR on a one-of-a-kind
adventure with your organization. This is a cost effective venue, and also has
greater and longer lasting results.
PADDLES AND SADDLES
Fall and spring are cool with
incredible wild flowers, and warm days. After a three-day river trip, ride to a
breathtaking view of Hells Canyon, the deepest canyon in North
America.
PRIVATE RIVER TRIP
Why not have the trip all to
yourself? A honeymoon, your immediate family, or if you are simply private
people, we will help you travel exactly how you want.
| Hells Canyon Meeting
Place |
| Our meeting place is in Cambridge, Idaho. In this one
horse town, you will stay at the Frontier Motel. It is located on the main
street. An orientation is held the night before at 7:00 P.M. We make all the
reservations. |
 |
| If You Fly or Drive / River
Logistics |
3
days and 4 day trips to Pitsburg Landing – 32 Miles
Boise, Idaho
is the closest major airport. You will fly into Boise the day before the trip
and rent a car. We will supply you with driving directions to
Cambridge.
If you are
traveling in your own car simply follow directions to Cambridge, and plan to
arrive late afternoon the day before we launch. Some folks travel through
Glacier National Park, and Yellowstone on their way to Hells Canyon. Others
take a southern route through Utah and their National Parks. We have many
suggestions and would love to help you plan your vacation. The options are
endless.
4, 5 and 6- day trips to Hellar Bar
– 79 Miles
Fly into Boise the day before we launch. We will
arrange transportation from the airport to Cambridge. (Not included in trip
price. Price varies according to group size) The next morning our van will
transport you to the put in at Hells Canyon Dam. At the end of the trip a van
will take you to Lewiston, Idaho. Lewiston is served by Horizon airlines (800-
547-9308) or Sky West. Many airlines offer “Open Jaw” fares which
allow you to Fly into Boise and then return home from Lewiston. Call us we can
help you make plans.
If you are
driving, there are several options. Your car can be shuttled to Hellar Bar or a
commercial or charter flight can be arranged to bring you back to your car.
Most people have their car shuttled and travel on to explore more of the
Northwest. Let us know if you would like help planning your route.
If you are
planning to fly home on the last day of the trip your flight should not be
booked before 8:30 P.M. from Boise, and not before 4:30 P.M. from Lewiston. We
recommend another nights stay as most people are tired and in need of a
shower.
| Sample 3 and 5-Day Snake River
Itinerary |
Salmon River information
We pride
our-selves in running a relaxed and flexible schedule. Each trip varies due to
the interests of the group. The following is a sample itinerary to give you an
idea of a 3 or 5 day trip.
The Day
Before
We will meet you on the deck at the Hunters Inn in
Cambridge at 7:00 P.M. for an orientation. Waterproof bags for your gear will
be distributed and you will have a chance to ask last minute
questions.
Day 1
Breakfast is at 7:00 A.M.
After breakfast we load up and travel to the put in below Hells Canyon Dam. The
guides will have the boats ready to go. After we strap down your personal gear
we launch for the trip of a lifetime. The day is spent fishing, maybe a short
hike, and some introductory rapids. Lunch is riverside each day. We arrive in
camp around 4:00 P.M. Hors d'oeuvres are set out around 5:30 and dinner is
served about 7:00.
Day
2
You arise to the aroma of fresh coffee and sizzling bacon. Today
we run the two largest rapids on the river; Wildsheep and Granite Creek. A
quick scout at each provides a view of the excitement to come, and a chance for
the paddle boat and kayakers to receive last minute instructions. The best
fishing is during the first 3 days. Maybe a short hike to an old Homestead and
some ancient Nez Perce pictographs.
Day
3
More rapids and the Kirkwood Historic Museum and ranch. This was
the Home of the former Idaho Governor and Senator, Len Jordan. Lunch is
riverside and soon after we arrive at Pitsburg landing where the 3 day
passengers depart.
Day
4
The Canyon starts to change. We pass the confluence of the Imnaha
and the Salmon. Geologists believe at one time the Salmon was larger than the
Snake. A great time for the timid to try the Squishies.
Day
5
We pass the confluence of the Snake and the Grand Ronde. Soon
after, we take out at Hellar Bar. A 45 minute van ride returns us to
civilization and Lewiston, Idaho where we say our good-byes.
Gratuities for guides are greatly appreciated and at
your discretion, as a gesture for their professionalism and service. Usually
the gratuity is given to the trip leader and later divided equally amongst the
crew.
