Category Archive: Idaho RIver Rafting

1. How do I get to the River?

   April 25, 2018 1:52 am Comments Off on How do I get to the River?

   Transportation to/from the Middle Fork & Main Salmon Rivers

   Whether you are heading to the Main Salmon or to the Middle Fork of the Salmon, your river trip starts and ends in the 2.4 million acre stretch of protected land known as the Frank Church Wilderness of No Return. Spanning six different national forests and several mountain ranges, the Frank Church is one of the most remote wilderness areas in the lower 48 states. This means that getting to the river takes some logistical coordination. That’s why we offer several options for getting to and from the river; Diving, Flying or Driving & Flying. 

   The Backcountry Flight Option

   Start your trip with a spectacular chartered flight via prop plane! From the Boise Airport, enjoy a scenic, hour to an hour and a half-long flight over the beautiful Sawtooth Mountains and Salmon-Challis National Forest, and land just a short ride from the put in (for the Middle Fork) or a 2.5-hour ride (for the Main Salmon), where your river trip begins. On the last day of the trip, you will fly back to Boise and have an evening to enjoy in the city, before you depart for home the next day. If you are flying to Idaho from anywhere in the country or internationally, this is the most convenient and time-efficient option. If you plan on driving to Boise, the airport offers long-term parking for $11.50 a day.

   Price: $435 per person.

   Take this option if:

   • You like the idea of a scenic flight over some of Idaho’s most expansive and gorgeous wilderness.
   • You will be flying to Boise, Idaho for this trip, and/or you have limited travel time.

   Who Makes the Flight Arrangements:

   • The Canyons Logistics & Reservations Team will handle booking your backcountry flights and will apply the cost to your invoice with Canyons, you just have to let us know that you want this option on your personal registration form!

   The Drive and Shuttle Option:

   For those living in the surrounding area or coming from a destination nearby, driving can be the most convenient and economical option. The important thing to remember with the drive option is that you will need to have your vehicle shuttled from where the trip begins, to where the trip ends. You are responsible for arranging and paying for this vehicle shuttle service. To assist you in this, our Accommodations & Other Services page offers specific recommendations for shuttle service companies, who are licensed to shuttle your car around to where your trip ends.

   Middle Fork drive options:

   Without a boat:

   If you plan to drive but don’t plan on bringing your own boat, you have two options:

   • #1- Drive to Stanley, Idaho. A beautiful and charming small town with incredible scenery, great hot springs, and excellent recreation opportunities nearby. You will meet the shuttle bus on the morning of your trip at the Mountain Village Lodge. You will need to arrange to have your vehicle shuttled from the Mountain Village Lodge in Stanley, to the Salmon Airport. 

   Price: approximately $150/per vehicle

   • #2- Drive to Salmon, Idaho. A classic Idaho ranching community with a variety of recreational activities nearby. On the morning of your trip take a scenic one-way backcountry flight to a backcountry landing strip, where our shuttle bus will pick you up and take you to the river. At the end of your trip, our shuttle bus will take you back to your vehicle at the Salmon Airport, thus no vehicle shuttle needed. You can park your car for free at Salmon Airport.

   Price: Approx. $195/per person

   With a boat:

   If you plan on bringing your own craft, you will meet our guides at the Boundary Creek put-in site. This is about 1.5 hours from Stanley and has a USFS campground. You are welcome to meet your guides here the night before and camp out, or you can drive to the put-in in the morning. If you plan on arriving in the morning, we ask that you please be at the Boundary Creek Boat Launch no later than 9 am. You will need to have your vehicle shuttled from Boundary Creek to the Confluence (of the Middle Fork and the Main Salmon rivers).

   Price: Approx. $300/per vehicle

   ***An alternative to having your vehicle shuttled from Boundary Creek is to drive your boat (s) in the night before, leave it with the Canyons gear at the put-in and then drive back out to Stanley. You could then stay the night in Stanley and ride the shuttle bus back in in the morning. Then you would arrange to shuttle your vehicle from Stanley to the Confluence (saving a little bit of money).

   Price: Approx. $275/per vehicle

   Main Salmon drive options:

   Without a boat:

   If you are traveling without a boat, you have two options:

   • #1- Drive to Salmon, Idaho and meet the shuttle Bus at the Salmon Airport on the morning of your trip. Arrange to have your vehicle shuttled to the McCall Airport. At the end of your trip, our shuttle bus will bring you out to the McCall Airport where your vehicle should be waiting for you.

   Price: Approx. $350/per vehicle

   • #2- Drive to McCall, Idaho and take a one-way scenic backcountry flight from McCall to Salmon on the morning of your trip launch, where you will then ride our shuttle bus into the put-in. On the last day of your trip we will shuttle you back to your vehicle in McCall, thus no vehicle shuttle needed.

   Price: Approx. $225/per person

   With a boat:

   If you plan to drive and you are bringing a raft, a canoe or kayak along, you will need to meet us at the actual put-in for the river, Corn Creek Campground (please call and confirm this with our office). You will need to arrange for your vehicle to be shuttled from Corn Creek to Carey Creek (the take-out).

   Price: Approx. $425/per vehicle

   Take this Option If:

   • You live locally.
   • You are bringing your own vessel, canoe, kayak or raft.
   • You are making this river trip a portion of a longer trip in the Idaho region.

   Who makes the vehicle shuttle arrangements:  You do!

   Who makes the backcountry flight arrangements: We do!

   Still, have questions?

   If you have more questions about the options, the logistics, or you are still trying to decide which one makes the most sense for you? Give us a call anytime at (208) 634-4303, or email us at [email protected] to discuss logistics with us. We are always happy to help you determine what is the best option for you.

2. LGBTQ community rafting adventure.

   February 27, 2018 10:36 pm Comments Off on LGBTQ community rafting adventure.

   What is the LGBTQ community trip?

   Here at Canyons, we are big believers in the river as a place of acceptance and love, an environment in which everyone can be themselves, knowing that they are welcomed by a supportive and loving community. That’s why this year we are celebrating our 15th annual LGBTQ community trip, a joyful celebration of diversity, love, acceptance, and of course, the Main Salmon River.

   This six-day trip down the Main Salmon River is a truly unique way to spend time with yourself and other people, sharing space, appreciating the outdoors and embracing the calming effect of being completely unplugged. It’s a tradition that we’ve held dear for a while now, a journey that connects people, who are ready to share their stories with one another in one of the most beautiful and nurturing environments in the world. With all of the classic elements of a Canyons river trip, our 2020 LGBTQ trip is ‘Wine and Whitewater’ themed, with a special guest sommelier, at the helm. This LGBTQ river adventure offers a unique opportunity to be present in the glorious Wilderness of Central Idaho, to make stories, and to explore the river. It’s a journey that allows you to be yourself, smile, laugh and have the freedom to let go of inhibitions and boundaries, knowing that there is will be no judgment, only acceptance!

   Who’s invited?

   EVERYONE!
   As with all of our trips, LOVE and ACCEPTANCE are key Canyons’ values. All of our trips are open to everyone: men, women, straight or gay, but our LGBTQ trip is unique as a celebration of acceptance and a coming together as a tribe on the river.

   Never done an overnight rafting trip? No problem. Never slept outside? Even better! You will never believe how comfortable river life can be! No previous experience in whitewater or the outdoors is necessary; if the idea of sleeping under the stars, enjoying beautiful hikes, admiring incredible scenery and wildlife, eating well, drinking fabulously, and bonding with your new river family gives you goosebumps, we are psyched to have you!

   What can I expect?

   Epic scenery, fun whitewater, amazing food, delicious wine, and an unforgettable community of fun-loving, accepting, and supportive characters! Our trips provide a range of crafts and a variety of opportunities for guests to enjoy their time on the river, from laid-back oar rigs to the hands-on paddle raft, to your very own inflatable kayak or a stand-up paddleboard.

   Once we get to camp, we get the party started. Your guides morph from expert river navigators to Michelin starred chefs, whipping up five-star cuisine based on local, fresh ingredients, featuring regional specialties, in the most scenic “kitchen” you can imagine. Each dish is paired expertly with Old World and New World wines, by our Sommelier, who brings knowledge and zest for the art of winemaking that will make you thirsty to expand your palette. End your night sleeping under the stars, with the sound of the river promising an incredible journey ahead of you.

   Why does Canyons offer an LGBTQ community trip?

   This trip is a welcoming opportunity to experience an incredible wilderness area, meet like-minded individuals, and expand your horizons with the support of the Team Canyons. We encourage you to push your personal boundaries in a safe space, supported by a loving community of friends. It’s an opportunity to celebrate our differences and our similarities while enjoying the incredible, nourishing experience of spending six days on the river.

   The world of outdoor adventure can be intimidating, especially for those who may feel that they don’t fit into what the stereotypes of a “typical” outdoor recreationalist are. This trip opens the door to a special experience that is both exciting and challenging, with the knowledge that you are surrounded by a supportive team, who welcomes you, as you are.

   “It is a trip that we do now as a company because I feel it helps represent a little of who we are as a loving family. I was ever changed by CANYONS and still continue that journey. Nothing has taught me more about being human. This is why we do this trip and celebrate the coming together of two very special communities.” ~Greg McFadden (owner/operator/guide)

   How did this trip come to exist?

   Canyons is proudly Gay Owned and Operated since 2010 and has offered gay rafting since 2004. Guide and Owner Greg McFadden is a strong advocate of the life-changing power of the river to lift up this special community, helping one another to experience the powerful forces of nature, as we work through our own differences and personal challenges.

   “Because of its healing resound, I always knew that the river could help people. It has helped me learn how to live, how to connect, how to nourish, how to survive, and just how to be. There is no comparison. These lessons dovetail into the LGBTQ community so perfectly. The river community is all about creating a family, looking out for one another, and lifting each other up. This is what saved me. Not just the experience on the river but the people that are drawn to it.” ~Greg McFadden (Owner)

   As a team, we advocate acceptance and equality in everything that we do and in ALL aspects of our business. As an equal opportunity employer, our staff represents a balance of gender, choice, age, wisdom, intellect, and creativity.

   Why do this trip?

   • Expand your horizons with the support of a like-minded, fun-loving, accepting community.
   • Celebrate wilderness and diversity in a welcoming, relaxed, and BEAUTIFUL environment.
   • Eat amazing food, drink fantastic wine.
   • Enjoy the scenic hikes, natural hot springs, and incredible wildlife of this wilderness area.
   • Push your boundaries and discover the fun of whitewater, cheered, and supported by your river tribe.
   • Revel in the camaraderie of river life, the LGBTQ community, and the Canyons family

   Join us!

   Book LGBTQ 2022

   Questions about 2023 LGBTQ trips? Contact Us.

   More questions? Contact us at [email protected]

   We love sharing this very special trip with our Canyons family, and we invite you to join the tribe!

   We can’t wait to share the river with you!

3. Multi-generational family adventure

   January 10, 2018 4:44 pm Comments Off on Multi-generational family adventure

   Main Salmon Rafting Trips

   Six days of blissful beach camping, big water rafting, and
   classic Idaho mountain scenery.

   A Main Salmon Rafting trip combines everything you need in a multi-day rafting vacation and is the perfect multi-generational family adventure. Exciting big-water rapids connect serene meanders through this deep canyon. Enormous beaches around every corner and steep granite cliffs line the shores while groves of massive old-growth ponderosa pines perch on steep and rocky ledges or provide peaceful shade at camps. The Main Salmon River captures the beauty of Idaho’s wilderness perfectly for all ages, interests, and abilities.

   As you float through the depths of the Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness, you’ll gaze at hillsides full of endless old growth forests, wildflowers, and fire mosaics. Your guides will tell stories of a rich human history, of intrepid explorers and lost generations of miners and pioneers who established the historical sites you may visit or glimpse along the way. Early homesteaders worked hard to see these extraordinary canyons. Luckily, your trip will include exquisite meals, cozy camping, and almost zero worries.

   Main Salmon Whitewater:

   The Friendliest Big Water in the West

   The Main Salmon’s fun and friendly whitewater rapids will kick up your adrenaline. Whether you ride in a raft with one of our professional guides or choose to take on the exciting challenge of paddling your own inflatable kayak, you’ll think you were on a roller coaster. Deep pool-drop rapids allow for you to challenge yourself and then rest during the gentle pools in between the rapids. Mostly, you’ll enjoy the refreshing splash of getting wet on hot Idaho summer days. Filled with its own unmatched beauty, wildness, and adventure, the Main Salmon River creates an experience unique to itself and very different from that of its largest tributary, the Middle Fork.

   A Hidden Multi-day Rafting Gem:

   It is easy to fall in love with the relaxed pace, warmer waters, and grand white sandy beaches of the Main Salmon River. Abundant wildlife including moose, black bear, bighorn sheep, and eagles, reside within the canyon walls. Historic ranches with tales of early homesteaders, miners, and intrepid river explorers dot the river, providing a rich cultural element to your multi-day Idaho rafting trip. Camp life includes surprisingly large beaches with huge swimmable eddies, glittering side creeks, and hiking trails that lead to spectacular ridgetop vistas. And of course, the rafting is
   superb with fun, high volume Class III+ IV- whitewater. The surfing and kayak play is unbelievable for any skill level. The Main Salmon’s friendly rapids are fun for everyone! Multiple routes through the rapids allow for paddlers of all abilities to choose between a wild ride or a more conservative line. The friendly nature of this river also provides for amazing Stand-Up Paddleboarding. Try your skills SUPing around the eddy at camp, through the many pools between the drops or down the drops (a.k.a. rapids) themselves. The Main Salmon River rafting trip is simply awesome and is a fabulous multi-generational getaway.Whether you’re in the midst of a rapid or sitting in camp staring up at one of the deepest canyons in North America, there is excitement and enjoyment for everyone.

   Main Salmon River Rafting Trip Details

   DISTANCE:

   ● High water, 94 miles
   ● Low water, 81 miles
   ● Average gradient: 12 ft/mile

   DIFFICULTY:

   ● Big water class III with some class IV

   AVERAGE DAILY FLOW:

   ● June 27,500 c.f.s.
   ● July 9,600 c.f.s.
   ● August 4,700 c.f.s.

   Age & Skill Level

   You don’t need prior rafting experience or skills to enjoy a Main Salmon River trip with us. We
   recommend a minimum age of six to enjoy this great family-friendly multi-day river trip. With no
   upper age limit, we encourage families to make this vacation a multi-generational one.
   Guests should realize that the higher, colder waters of early June are more challenging than
   later summer levels. The early-season weather here in Central Idaho can be inclement. For these
   reasons, we do not recommend the early-season period for families with young children. A
   minimum age guideline for early June is around twelve years old and does depend on water
   levels, which vary from season to season. We do recommend that you be in good health and
   consult your physician with any health questions or concerns prior to taking a wilderness trip of
   this sort.

   Dates & Rates

   Written by Susan Elliot with Wild River Life

4. And the river runs through it….

   October 25, 2017 7:27 pm Comments Off on And the river runs through it….

   In the golden glow of morning light, a poem pulls our circle in tighter:

    

   “….. the hush takes us by ears and leads us to the river,

   where sunlight pierces the heart and illuminates

   the rocks and whatever falls for a moment into the flow.”

   – from “The Constancy of Rivers”

   by Eric Shaffer

   What pulls each of us into that flow?

   This summer, as I was pulled into the flow, I dwelled on this question.  My first trip was guided by love.  A wedding trip, the real wedding, with bride, groom and 22 of their best friends there to celebrate.  Nearly all on the trip were young whitewater kayakers, technical creek boaters from North Carolina and Georgia. Ready to paddle hard and party harder.  The night of vows occurred the last night, deep in the heart of the Impassable Canyon. Granite walls rose vertically above the roar of Lower Cliffside rapid, boulders strewn amongst the waves.  The lovers found an untouched beach, a gift of the high water and heavy snows. Friends gathered, clustered together within the totems of balanced rocks, driftwood, and Syringa. Officiant: equal parts magisterial and mischievous.  Groom: beaming, genuine to the heart.  Bride: barefoot, elegant, saintly. As promises were made and kisses and rings exchanged, all of our hearts melted, the river applauded approval and in an instant, the current of love swept us all into her folds.  

   Love!

   Love connected the guests on my second trip of the summer as well. But this time, love for living, for nature, for all things wild, and for the friendship between others who value the same. The majority of the guests were reuniting as friends who met in the 70s, working for the Forest Service out of central Idaho. Inarguably knowledgeable, these wilderness gurus shared their passions with us. Floating downstream and socializing along the banks, I heard stories of land plot surveys, Ponderosa pine fire ecology, progressive farming techniques, wild orchid varieties (Epipactis gigantea) and outdoor education for children.  Beyond the Forest Service cohort, another family came.  A 30+-year-old high school friendship with our outfitter, Greg McFadden. Both sets of guests this trip came in celebration of beating cancer, in the pure joy of living.  These middle-aged adults approached each day, each wave, each new plant species with passion and curiosity.  With one another, they laughed as they told stories, and laughed harder as they made them.  Just as during my first trip, I was moved by what our guests brought to their experience, and what they shared so freely with me.

   And what was it that brought me into this flow?

   For over twenty years now, I’ve spent the majority of my summers on Idaho’s rivers.  Last summer was the first season that I didn’t return. Instead, I dove headfirst into the new adventures of motherhood.  My husband Neal and I have found ways to weave the river into our family time. From camping riverside with our son Lucas in his first months of life to taking him on his first 1-day rafting trip, to leaving him with my parents Les and Susan, as we shared a week on the river together.  I know it is only a matter of time until Lucas is creating his own memories and meaning, tied to the river.  And as we each journey through what life throws our way — be it, children, careers or a myriad of challenges, we can choose to relish in the positive, in love, light, and learning.  And wherever we may be on that journey, the river is there, flowing steady and constant, ready to receive us, ready to welcome us home.

   Laura Bechdel, 2017

   Guide, Mother, Educator

5. Offbeat Interview Series with Niki

   December 20, 2016 6:11 pm Comments Off on Offbeat Interview Series with Niki

   Niki ‘Noodle’ LeClair

   Hailing from Glenwood Springs, Colorado, Niki eventually migrated to McCall, ID after a stretch of time spent living in Alaska. From the boundless whitewater and beautiful elk herds to the limitless hiking and amazing powder skiing, Idaho felt like home. In 1984 she developed her clothing line ‘Niki Sports Wear’ and actively grew this business for 16 years and ultimately ran it for 20.

   In the 1990’s Niki worked her way into the Brundage Cat Ski operation, where she continues to work today. For many years (and maybe even still today), she was the ONLY female director of a Cat Ski operation in the USA.

   2018 brought the publishing of her first children’s book, written by Niki and illustrated by one of her best friends Janet. The book Critter Story was so well received (with a lot of feet pounding the pavement) that they did a second printing. Niki is currently working on Critter Story 2.

   Niki’s world revolves around her greatest companions, her dogs, and her girlfriends. In her free time she enjoys private boating with her friends, gardening, making her famous ‘Scape Oil’, hiking, skiing, elk watching, working on her yurt, traveling, reading and mountain biking.

   The Interview

   If you could be a river superhero, what would you be?   An Otter   

   What is your favorite dress up theme?   Lighted tutus!

   What is your ‘go to’ crazy hat night creation?   Rope wrap on my head 

   What brought you to Canyons?  Multi-day river trips on the Middle Fork and the Main Salmon, Wilderness, Les Bechdel (the river GOD)      

   How many years have you worked here?   Since 1989     

   What is your favorite thing about Canyons?   The amazing family of guides and wonderful memories with new and returning clients  

   If you could describe Canyons in 3 words?   Love, Life, and Memories 

   When you hear the word Idaho, what comes to mind?   The BEST OF THE BEST!

   What are your top three favorite camps?   Loon (MF), Otter Bar (MF), Groundhog (Main)

   Your favorite hike?   Corey bar to the ridge top overlooking the now submerged Salmon Falls rapid

   Top three favorite rapids?   Powerhouse (MF), Elkhorn (Main), Vinegar (Main)

   Currently, what is your nemesis rapid?  The Chutes on the Middle Fork at low water  

   What river do you want to run that you haven’t yet?   The Rogue River in Oregon  

   What do you consider a ‘real’ job?   River Guiding and Powder Ski Guiding   

   If you could only have one kayak in your quiver, what would it be and why?   A sea kayak for lakes and oceans   

   What is your favorite thing to cook on the river?   Southwest chicken night

   If you could take a musician or band down the river today, who would it be?  Carlos Nakai   

   What is your most memorable swim in a river?   Bailey rapid on the Main Salmon at 92,000 cfs

   What is one of your river rituals or superstitions?   I always wear my river amulets for luck!

   What is the most valued non-river-related item that you bring with you on every trip?  Pictures of my dogs in a compact case 

   What is your favorite groover spot?  Alder    

6. Offbeat Interview Series with Kelli

   December 7, 2016 6:21 pm Comments Off on Offbeat Interview Series with Kelli

   Kelli ‘Teacha’ O’Keefe

   Just a small town girl from South Dakota, Kelli is a college golfer turned river rat! After playing golf for two seasons at Northern Arizona University, Kelli decided to take a semester off of golf and study in London. After a weekend spent sea kayaking and surfing in Wales, she changed her major and became a guide. That spring she went back to school, quit the golf team and traded in her golf clubs for some river gear. The following summer she worked for Wilderness Aware on the Arkansas River in Colorado and ended up spending four summers there. They also had permits to run the Dolores, North Platte, Upper Colorado, Gunnison, and Salt River in Arizona.

   Now she considers herself lucky enough to work most of the year on a river, somewhere in the world. She spends her spring and fall seasons, working on the Colorado thru the Grand Canyon for Arizona Raft Adventures, and she spends her summers working on the Middle Fork and Main Salmon Rivers for Canyons! In late summer and early spring, she guides for Last Descents River Expeditions in Western China on the Salween and Daqu Rivers. In 2015, Kelli played an integral role in bringing a dozen-or-so young Chinese kayakers and their parents on one of Canyons Main Salmon trips, and a wonderful, well-produced short film resulted. Check it out here!  She has worked intimately with Last Descents as they have helped to establish a National Park in Western China.

   When not on the river, you’ll find Kelli traveling, crocheting, and playing in the snow! She has been running her own business FunHoggin’ Fleecewear out of her truck camper, the Canyon’s warehouse, a friend’s house in McCall and wherever else her travel bug takes her. Just this year (2019) she is embarking on a small batch of manufactured skirts and shorts. If all goes well she will have more time to market her product. FunHoggin’ Fleecewear is about to go BIG! Once you see them for yourself, you will want to have one of your own.

   The Interview

   If you could be a river superhero, what would you be?   Whitewater Wonder Woman  

   What is your favorite dress up theme?   Definitely Disco! 

   What is your ‘go to’ crazy hat night creation?   I’m a big fan of the Big Horn Sheep! All you need is a Cam strap and Aluminum Foil!

   What brought you to Canyons?   I met Greg on my first trip in Grand Canyon 8 years ago as an assistant for AzRA! Immediately I fell in love with Greg’s contagious attitude. I ran into him that winter and he said, “Hey! Come check out Idaho!!”. The following summer I was able to go on the Canyons training trip, and a few years later…here I am!     

   How many years have you worked here?   5 years  

   What is your favorite thing about Canyons?   I love the family atmosphere… our guides are amazing, our guests are awesome, and we get to spend our summers on two of the most beautiful rivers out there!  I also really love the fact that as guides, we get to switch boats every day which is all decided upon at coffee talk!

   If you could describe Canyons in 3 words?  Family, Love, Duckies

   When you hear the word Idaho, what comes to mind?  Hot springs, Whitewater, Potatoes

   What are your top three favorite camps?   Indian Creek (MF), Shelf (MF), Groundhog (MN)

   Your favorite hike?   Little Pine

   Top three favorite rapids?   Tappan Falls (MF), Powerhouse (MF), Split Rock (MN)  

   Currently, what is your nemesis rapid?   Sulfur Slide in a sweep boat or a willie

   What river do you want to run that you haven’t yet?   Futaleufu in Chile 

   What do you consider a ‘real’ job?   Getting paid to do something you love!

   If you could only have one kayak in your quiver, what would it be and why?   I’m a rookie in the old kayak….so I’m happy to be in a boat that I can successfully roll!  

   What is your favorite thing to cook on the river?  Migas!!  

   If you could take a musician or band down the river today, who would it be?   Creedence Clearwater Revival 

   What is your most memorable swim in a river?   Seidel’s Suckhole on the Arkansas

   What is one of your river rituals or superstitions?   I try not to have any rituals or superstitions    

   What is the most valued non-river-related item that you bring with you on every trip?   My pillow…. We tend to spend more nights on the river than we do inside. So it’s so nice to have a cozy sleep kit….especially for Team Canyons coffee talk! 

   What is your favorite groover spot?   Cradle (MF), it’s so fun to look downstream at that beautiful little ducky muncher  

7. Understanding the whitewater scale

   May 30, 2016 8:38 pm Comments Off on Understanding the whitewater scale

   What does it all mean?

   There are thousands of rivers around the globe with varying characteristics. In the 1950s, river running became popular as a recreational sport and it was deemed necessary to devise a system that would differentiate between the varying levels of difficulty, that rivers presented. A class system of VI was hatched by the American Whitewater Association. Given that the characteristics of rivers are the same, despite where the river is located, it was agreed upon that a scale should be instituted. Thus the whitewater scale was born. The Class I-VI scale took hold and has been used internationally, ever since. The design of the scale was based on technicality and consequence. For an in-depth explanation of the different classes visit the International Scale of River Difficulty.

   The whitewater scale is meant as a general idea.

   The whitewater scale was not designed with the expectation that the rating of a rapid or a river would ever be set in stone. As the river flows and changes so do our interpretation of the class system. What one boater thinks is a solid class III, another may think is an IV-. These opinions stem from varying levels of skill and experience. Also, rivers’ characteristics and variables change with time, natural events and volume.

   Things that cause the ratings to change.

   As a river rises and drops, the technicality of the rapids change, sometimes becoming easier and sometimes becoming harder. There are also variations in the rating system based on whether a river is a high volume river or a low volume river. A class III high volume rapid may have big waves and strong eddy lines as obstacles. A low volume class III rapid may have rocks and pour-overs as obstacles. Spring runoff or volume change may cause a rapid or an entire river stretch to change ratings on the scale by one or two whole numbers. The length of a rapid or of a stretch of river with a series of rapids linked together can dictate it’s placement on the whitewater scale. And water temperature and the location or remoteness of a river are factors as well.

   The addition of ‘plus and minus’.

   Because of the wide range of variables crammed into a small set of numbers, the + and – were added, to indicate whether a rapid or river stretch was on the easier side or the more challenging side of the scale.

   In the Grand Canyon, a scale of 1-10 was created before the AWA developed the I-VI scale. Their thought was by having more numbers it would be easier to describe the difficulty of the rapid more accurately, thus using a number description instead of using a plus or a minus. Because of the history attached to the 1-10 scale, Grand Canyon has chosen to continue using this system.

   What is CFS? Why are some rivers measured in FEET?

   Most rivers are measured in ‘cubic feet per second’ (CFS), which is the depth x width x speed, a volume reading. The gauge is a fancy little contraption that spins around in the water to gauge the speed at a set point in the river where the depth and width are pre-measured. The Middle Fork and a few other rivers are measured in feet, in which the gauge is a measuring stick in the water at a set location with markings on it like a ruler. The handy aspect of this method is you can float by the gauge and visually see what level the river is at. With CFS, the gauge is digital and the information is sent via a transmitter to the internet at which point the public can view the current flow.

   Why is the Middle Fork of the Salmon measured in feet?

   Along its journey, the Middle Fork gains volume from over 100 tributaries which causes a change in the CFS regularly, sometimes 2 or 3 creeks within 100 feet of each other. As a result, in its 100+ mile journey, the CFS can range from 1,000 to 15,000. So if the gauge was at the beginning of the river it would not accurately reflect the CFS at the end of the river and vice versa. Because of this fact it is more user-friendly to measure the river in feet. With this method, the characteristics of the river can be learned according to where the river falls on the feet gauge even though the volume is growing as one travels downstream.

   All wrapped up…

   As you can see there are a lot of variables. Volume, location, length, water temperature, etc.  Sometimes a class II can feel like a class V. There is no black and white, given that opinions, skill level, and mother nature are all players in the game.

8. 7 Reasons why your kids need a river trip

   April 25, 2016 2:57 pm Comments Off on 7 Reasons why your kids need a river trip

   And why YOU need one too!

   Camping:

   Spending time outside is the best thing we can give ourselves in today’s world of computers and smartphones, Netflix and Amazon Prime, Play station and Wii. Outdoor activities fuel the imagination and foster creativity. Today, KIDS NEED THIS MORE THAN EVER! They need to learn how to pitch a tent, sleep on the ground and play in nature without the distractions of i-pads and video games. Invaluable skills are gained by sharing space with other people, learning to work together and being considerate of others. Camping gives us the opportunity to realize how little we really need, to be comfortable and happy. It also gives us time and space to get in touch with ourselves and each other, unhindered by the busyness of modern life.

   Nature:

   Mother nature provides endless excitement through weather, beauty and fun opportunities. Elk, Deer and Big Horn Sheep roam the hillsides while Mink, Martin and Otter frolic in the river or peruse the shore. Eagles, Osprey, Falcons, and Hawks soar through the sky on the perpetual hunt, while King Fishers and shorebirds, flit about, looking for their next tasty meal. Wildflowers color the hillsides and fill the air with wonderful smells and the Geology changes around every corner.

   Playing in the water:

   What kid doesn’t like to play in water?  The river is all about water, morning, noon and night. During the day there are endless opportunities for kids to jump off of rafts and rocks, to have water fights and to swim. Alongshore there are beaches, pools, logs, rocks, and waterfalls. The river is like Mother Nature’s waterpark!

   Playing in the wilderness:

   When it’s time to dry off, the wilderness beckons. Stoic Ponderosa and Douglas Fir pines line the banks of the Salmon, while Huckleberries and Thimbleberries hide in the bushes. Ferns and Wild Prim Rose make for creative props in games and charades. Fallen logs and branches are just yearning to be built into forts, and sticks can’t wait to be a sword or a wand. An outdoor classroom, full of exploring, playing and creating!

   Learn new sports:

   A great place to try out new river sports is on a pool and drop river that’s rated class II-III, like the Main Salmon. The characteristics of a pool and drop river, provide for stretches of flat water with intermittent rapids. Class II-III whitewater is friendly and safe and a great place for beginners and intermediates to try out different types of crafts. Popular today are Stand Up Paddle Boards (SUP) and Inflatable Kayaks (IK). Hone your skills through the flat water and test your skills through the rapids. Other options include building your teamwork skills on the paddle raft or testing your strength and coordination on an oar raft. And if you are really feeling brave, be one with the river and swim a rifle in your PFD (life jacket).

   Social skills:

   What a better place to learn social skills than living with 30 people for 6 days on the river. As a sort of tribe, we move down the river, exploring, eating, playing and camping. It’s a great opportunity to learn about compassion, sharing, personal space, privacy, and appreciation.

   Unplugged from technology:

   Is it easy to just let the kids put on a program, watch cartoons or play video games? Do you feel guilty about allowing this more often than you’d like too? Well, you can change that, at least for a week or two on the river. The beauty of river trips is there is NO CELL SERVICE, which means NO INTERNET EITHER. There’s also no electricity, so the natural world takes over.

   IMAGINE….. campfire stories, star gazing, slumber parties, fort building, sand castle building, beach games, yard games, dress up and performances, water fights….all in lieu of digital entertainment.

    Immerse yourself and your kids in NATURE!

   More about the Main Salmon River

    

9. Craft Beer Tasting on Middle Fork Salmon

   March 25, 2016 6:31 pm Comments Off on Craft Beer Tasting on Middle Fork Salmon

   Hops and High Water with Uinta Brewing!

   What?

   Craft Beer tasting with Uinta Brewing on the Middle Fork of the Salmon! For years we have offered Wine Tasting trips on the Middle Fork and Main Salmon rivers. Why wouldn’t you want to float through the pristine wilderness of Idaho and taste wines. Then we thought, why wouldn’t you want to do the same and taste BEERS! With Craft beer brewing on the up and up, there is a large audience of people who are into craft beers. What a better setting than the Middle Fork of the Salmon, to explore our beer buds and our wilderness at the same time. Uinta brew masters are excited to share some of their new and favorite creations. The Canyons staff are working with them to pair some special craft beers with our evening menu courses. Enjoy Uinta’s popular beers throughout the day and try some of their NEW and TRIED & TRUE craft creations at night. Along with tasting, there will be educational presentations, sharing with you the IN’S and OUT’S of craft beer at Uinta Brewing. Learn, Laugh, Taste and Enjoy!!!

   When?

   June 10-15, 2016 and hopefully not the last! We hope to do this every year, if it’s a hit. We’ve had a great winter so far and the snow pack is holding strong. There should be some good water this year and June 10th could shape up to be some fun high flows. With higher water, the river moves faster, affording us more time on shore. This allows for ample time to hike, play, fish and drink beer of course!

   Why?

   Why not? If There are two things that go hand in hand, it’s beer drinking and rafting. Craft Beer Tasting is the wave of the beer future.

   Where?

   The Middle Fork of the Salmon in the Frank Church Wilderness of No Return, Central Idaho.

   Who?

   YOU, US (Canyons River Company) and Uinta Brewing out of Salt Lake City Utah.

   Craft Beer Tasting…Awaken your taste buds to the future of BEER!