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SIX OR TWELVE DAY RIVER ADVENTURES

MIDDLE FORK AND MAIN SALMON RIVERS, IDAHO

Category Archive: rafting

  1. Offbeat Interview Series with Tyler

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    Tyler ‘Ty’ Knibbe

     

    Born in Iowa but raised in Utah, Tyler grew up in the outdoors, fostering his love for all things natural from a young age. As 1 of 4 kids, his parents regularly exposed him to various outdoor activities. At the age of 5, he was introduced to skiing near Salt Lake City. His mom would dress him up in ski gear and they would catch the bus up Little Cottonwood Canyon to go skiing at either Alta or Snowbird. Years later during the Olympics of 2002 at a late-night party, Tyler was offered a position as a ski coach for kids at Snowbird. Making the circle complete, he still coaches kids in ski racing at Snowbird to this day.

    August through early June Tyler teaches fifth grade in Salt Lake City at the Madeleine Choir School. Annually he travels internationally with his class to a different church abroad, so that the kids can perform in their choir. So far he has traveled to Italy, France and the UK. Next year they will travel to Portugal.

    Tyler attended the University of Utah and received a degree in commercial recreation management. During the summers he worked as a commercial raft guide in Moab. Later he went on to earn a Masters in Education. Tyler has now been teaching for 8 years and continues to river guide in the summer.

    In his free time, Tyler has traveled to Southeast Asia, Thailand, Cambodia, Nepal, and Scotland. He has also explored the origins of Mole in Mexico, developing his own route called the Mole Trail. Tyler loves to hike and has been wandering in the Wasatch for quite some time and will continue to do so for the foreseeable future.

    A few years ago Tyler met a lovely lady Erin who was finishing up her residency as a doctor. After frolicking about together and finding out how much they enjoy each others company, they have decided to get married someday. Who knows, maybe it will be on the banks of some river.

    The Interview

    If you could be a river superhero, what would you be?   A Dolly Vardon (endangered fish on the MF) with the ability to hide from Anglers and navigate the waters of the Middle Fork with freedom and ease.

    What is your favorite dress up theme?   Anything Pink!

    What is your ‘go-to’ crazy hat night creation?   A crown of thorns (Hawthorne bush). 

    What brought you to Canyons?   Meeting Canyons at early season Middle Fork put-ins. Realizing some Utah friends were working there. A desire to join a company that felt like family.     

    How many years have you worked here?   I joined Team Canyons in 2007   

    What is your favorite thing about Canyons?   The way we flow into a Tribal organism easily and quickly, guests and guides alike.

    If you could describe Canyons in 3 words?   Fabulous, Scrumptious, Comeraderie

    When you hear the word Idaho, what comes to mind?   Good Times!

    What are your top three favorite camps?   Little Soldier (MF), Survey (MF), Alder (MN)

    Your favorite hike?   Yellow Pine Bar (MN)

    Top three favorite rapids?   Tappan Falls (MF), Rubber (MF), Big Mallard (MN)  

    Currently, what is your nemesis rapid?   Pistol (MF)

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

    What do you consider a ‘real’ job?   School Teaching

    If you could only have one kayak in your quiver, what would it be and why?   A Pink Ducky.

    What is your favorite thing to cook on the river?   Cooking Bacon at 6 am on the Fourth of July with a Bald Eagle flying over.

    If you could take a musician or band down the river today, who would it be?   Billy Bragg (he can bring Wilco along if he wants)

    What is your most memorable swim in a river?  Little Falls on the South Fork of the Payette River with Tim

    What is one of your river rituals or superstitions?   Never put sunscreen on before a big rapid

    What is the most valued non-river-related item that you bring with you on every trip?   Laser Pointer

    What is your favorite groover spot?   Rabbit (MN)

  2. Offbeat interview series with Spencer

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    Spencer ‘WooWoo’ Roth

     

    Born in Colorado, Spencer spent his early years in Evergreen, CO camping, exploring and skiing with his younger brother and parents. In 1981 his mom moved him and his brother to Dana Point, CA where he fell in love with recreation via water sports, especially surfing. In fact, you could see the ocean from his high school. As a teenager, Spencer attended a number of Outward Bound courses, which fostered a college career goal of becoming an outdoor leader. Post high school, Spencer attended UC Santa Cruz where he studied Biology and environmental studies. Indulging his inner hippy nature, he lived in a treehouse while aspiring to be an outdoor leader through the UCSC recreation center. For several years Spencer worked as a director of the wilderness orientation program for UCSC.

    After graduating from UCSC Spencer got a job working as an Outward Bound guide, thus completing the circle. He ended up working for Outward Bound for 8 years. While still completely in love with sharing the outdoors with people, Spencer realized that he needed to make more money. So for 6 years, he pursued medical school but, was ultimately drawn back to the outdoors and finally to river guiding.

    Spencer’s first love has always been skiing. Given the gift of skiing from a young age, he has always been drawn back to it. Currently, he spends his winters in Breckenridge, CO where he skis by day and works by night. A ski connection ultimately connected him to the river guiding world. A good friend encouraged him to try daily rafting trips on the upper Colorado River out of Frazier. Through this organization, he met Greg McFadden (now the owner of Canyons, then a guide for Canyons) in 1995. They became fast friends and in 2000 Greg invited Spencer on a Main Salmon trip with Canyons. Spencer fell in love. He began kayaking and rafting and generally recreating on the river. After many years of cameo appearances, in 2015 Spencer became a full-time guide for Team Canyons. River guiding provided Spencer with a financially viable job that also allowed him to share his love of the outdoors with people.

    Currently, Spencer is transitioning into guiding in the Grand Canyon where he is excited to be part of a larger boating community. He is incredibly grateful for his charmed life and very aware of how special it is. Spencer will never stop loving the magic of the river and the ability to share it with people.

    The Interview

    If you could be a river superhero, what would you be?   Aquaman. I love the mystical God Neptune morphed into a hero.

    What is your favorite dress up theme?   Somehow I feel like it usually comes down to cross-dressing at the end of the night. I think the super-hero theme could be fun with the right costume bag!

    What is your ‘go-to’ crazy hat night creation?   River rock crown using gorilla tape. 

    What brought you to Canyons?   I’ve been friends with Greg (owner) for 20 years. He brought me up in
    2000 and 2001 and that planted the bug. I love the guide community Canyons brings together.
    Experience, love, support and a commitment to always becoming a better guide and person.         

    How many years have you worked here?   5 full time with a sprinkling of cameo appearances over the past 20 years.

    What is your favorite thing about Canyons?   Our guide family and exceptional guests!

    If you could describe Canyons in 3 words?   Wonderlust, rich experience, FUN

    When you hear the word Idaho, what comes to mind?   Water, deep wilderness, small aircraft!

    What are your top three favorite camps?   Ground Hog, State Land Right, Little Soldier

    Your favorite hike?   Moon Rock above Trail camp

    Top three favorite rapids?   Weber, Split Rock, Powerhouse  

    Currently, what is your nemesis rapid?   The Chutes and Pistol

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

    What do you consider a ‘real’ job?   Working for Canyons, creating real experiences that can change one’s life
    perspective.

    If you could only have one kayak in your quiver, what would it be and why?   Right now I like the higher volume stable boats for rescue. Loving the Zet Toro at the moment. I still rock my Dagger Rx if the surfs up!

    What is your favorite thing to cook on the river?   Anything on the grill or in a dutch. Love cooking on fire!

    If you could take a musician or band down the river today, who would it be?   Shakey Graves would be my choice. A one-man band!

    What is your most memorable swim in a river?   Troublemaker on the South Fork of the American River. A classic window shade experience into a rocky swim and my drain plug wasn’t screwed in. Never have made that
    mistake again!

    What is one of your river rituals or superstitions?   Always stay humble. I always breathe and watch my posture before whitewater.

    What is the most valued non-river-related item that you bring with you on every trip?   My pocket Buddha

    What is your favorite groover spot?   State Land Right

  3. Offbeat interview series with Whizzy

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    Lisa ‘Whizzy’ Whisnant

     

    Lisa a.k.a. Whizzy grew up in California as one of two children. She spent her days soaking up the sun while enjoying a myriad of outdoor activities. Eventually, she found herself at BYU university in Utah, where she was introduced to river guiding. The Utah based company also ran trips on the Main Salmon River in Idaho. After a few summers working for them, Whiz landed a job with Canyons in 1987 and has just never stopped coming back. She is as much a part of Canyons as Canyons is a part of her.

    Over the years Whiz has worked numerous trips in Grand Canyons studying Archeology and has spent endless energy studying the tribes of the Northwest. She brings this knowledge and respect for ancient cultures to our trips, with a passion that is unparalleled. She has a way of taking us all back in time, as we stand and gaze at the pictographs along the river.

    In the wintertime, Whizzy offers an amazing dining experience in a yurt, that you must either ski or snowshoe into. She creates a five star, multi-course meal in a cozy and fun yurt environment. She has been operating Blue Moon Outfitters for over 20 years and is excited to be in a new location this year in McCall, ID. Whizzy’s incredible culinary skills are a big influence on our Canyons Menu and are showcased on our annual Wine & Culinary Confluence trip.

    “I think my connection with the natural world is what makes me who I am.  I love it and I love being submerged in its beauty and wonder.  It makes me smile. It makes me want to dive into its mysteries, to learn and share with others, to connect and enjoy life in every possible moment. It inspires me to give back to a world so precious and to always be grateful for the journey.”

    The Interview

    If you could be a river superhero, what would you be?   A salmon superhero.  I would love to have gills and fins and try to help salmon species thrive, survive and remain on this planet  

    What is your favorite dress up theme?   70’s for sure, any costume with bell bottoms   

    What is your ‘go-to’ crazy hat night creation?   You know those twist ties that hold lettuce together?  They’re great for creating a Medusa-like headdress   

    What brought you to Canyons?   A dear friend of mine was dating a guy that knew the founders of Canyons.  He said, “Go talk to them, they’re amazing”. Little did I know that I would find my river family!

    How many years have you worked here?   33 Years   

    What is your favorite thing about Canyons?   The family, the teamwork, the bond 

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

    When you hear the word Idaho, what comes to mind?   Magical, Dynamic, Pristine

    What are your top three favorite camps?   Hard to choose, there are so many!  But I love Ground Hog, Lower Grouse and Big Bend    

    Your favorite hike?   Marble Overlook

    Top three favorite rapids?   Big Mallard, Jack Creek, Hancock

    Currently, what is your nemesis rapid?   Probably Haystack, I have a lot of respect for that one!

    What river do you want to run that you haven’t yet?   The Salt 

    What do you consider a ‘real’ job?   The one I have!  

    If you could only have one kayak in your quiver, what would it be and why?   A duckie

    What is your favorite thing to cook on the river?   It’s gotta be the Cornbread Casserole

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

    What is your most memorable swim in a river?   Weber, out of a paddle raft 

    What is one of your river rituals or superstitions?   To listen to the river…It’s the first sound that fills my ears in the morning when I wake and I like to pause and soak that up. It’s also the last sound I hear when I fall into slumber. 

    What is the most valued non-river-related item that you bring with you on every trip?   My journal

    What is your favorite groover spot?   Any spot that I can see the river rush by!

  4. Lemon Rosemary Garlic Chicken

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    Easy Grillin’….

    With a little time, a few ingredients and a grill, you can create this delightful Entree.

    Ingredients:

    • Chicken Breasts
    • 3 parts Fresh Garlic chopped
    • 2 parts Fresh Rosemary chopped
    • 1 part Fresh Parsley chopped
    • Olive oil
    • Salt & Pepper
    • Lemon Slices (round)

    Instructions:

    Prepare in the Morning, grill in the evening!

    Make sure your chicken is thawed before you marinade.

    Put chicken, chopped garlic, rosemary, parsley, olive oil and S & P in a bowl. Toss about.

    Put sliced lemon in the mix (round slices, medallion style). Let marinate for the day.

    Grill lemons with the chicken (once the lemon is grilled, it is delicious to eat!)

    Serve each breast with a grilled lemon on top.

    Food is Love.

    Canyons’ takes huge pride in our food and strives to source our ingredients locally whenever possible. All of our trips host amazing fresh food, for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. If you REALLY like food and wine, check out our specialty trip on the Main Salmon, annually August 28- September 2 here: Wine & Culinary Extravaganza

  5. Roasted Red Onion Flower Recipe

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    To Blossom…

    I was just thinking about the holidays and how it’s this special time where we all gather with friends and family to celebrate. We talk about our lives and what we’ve gone through in the last year, what we’re grateful for, what we’ve learned, all in the moment of rejoicing just how amazing life really is and of course, reminiscing about those unforgettable life experiences.

    With those thoughts, it shot me back to the Salmon River and those magical moments I’ve experienced as a river guide.  The years can go by, but the memories never fade. As guides, we get to witness something very special that happens to our guests when they first meet the river.  There’s apprehension in the air, excitement, gusto, and quiet respect as they take that first step into a boat and are suddenly whisked down the river. It’s a sudden rush and the apprehension that was first felt at the put in is washed away and replaced with a purity of embracing the moment.

    Yes, we get to watch our guests blossom from the river experience.  As guides, it is our goal to nurture our clientele. We instigate here, we instigate there, always in search of creating a safe and encouraging space for them to experience their own bond with nature and one another.  It’s the perfect little recipe. A dash of guest, a handful of nature, a cupful of the river and you’ve got magic!

    So, in the spirit of the holidays, we’d love to share with you a beautiful recipe that may remind you of your own blossoming, whether you are a seasoned river guest or plotting your first river adventure.  Enjoy the ride and Happy Holidays!!!

    Cheers,

    Whizzy

    Roasted Red Onion Flowers

    Ingredients:

    • 6 red onions, skin on, roots intact
    • 6 T of really good olive oil
    • salt (smoked is yum! – try smoked Maldon)
    • fresh herbs – rosemary, thyme or bay leaves (chopped)
    • fresh ground pepper & sea salt

    Instructions:

    • Preheat oven to 350
    • Make 8 vertical cuts in each onion to create wedges still attached at the root end.
    • Drizzle a little olive oil into the baking dish, then arrange onions root end down.
    • Spoon remaining olive oil into and around the onions. Sprinkle generously with salt, getting some into the center of the onions.  Sprinkle with fresh herbs.
    • Roast for 40 minutes.  You’ll begin to see the onions open like petals in a flower.  Keep drizzling the caramelized onion juices from the pan over the onions.  Do this several times. Roast onions until tender and you see crispy bits on the outer petals.  Season with pepper and salt to taste. Sprinkle with fresh herbs and serve hot or at room temp!

    Are you a foodie?

    Check out our annual Wine & Culinary Extravaganza, August 28-September 2 on the Main Salmon. Enjoy a worldly selection of wines paired with a mouthwatering menu, specially crafted by Whizzy (Lisa Whisnant with Blue Moon Yurt), a Chef and River Guide Extraordinaire.

  6. Everything you need to know about camping on the Salmon River

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    Comforts on Middle Fork and Main Salmon Rafting Trips

    Although the Middle Fork and Main Salmon rivers offer different styles of whitewater and scenery, the camping experience for both of the rafting trips is very similar – and equally fabulous! Whether you’re a seasoned backpacker or have never slept outside, you are sure to find the river camping experience a wonderfully comfortable one. Here are some of the Canyons-specific ways your riverside accommodations are more “glamping” than “roughing it”, and why you should be excited about your time at camp.

    Gear

    Don’t worry if you don’t have a closet full of camping gear, we’ve got your back! We provide you with everything you need to enjoy a good nights’ rest at camp, from tents to sleeping bags to sleeping pads. Our tents are easy to use and wonderfully spacious, and our guides will ensure that you feel comfortable setting up and taking down your tent. We provide the most amazing mattress-like sleeping pads for each guest. These pads, also called “Paco Pads”, are incredibly comfortable and fit perfectly in your tent. However, they also work just as well sleeping out under the stars! We rent rectangular style sleeping bags, which are warm, clean and offer options. They can be unzipped completely and used as a blanket or as a pad cover, they can be zipped together for two or they can be zipped individually, for a cozy nights sleep. We also provide a variety of camp chairs with nice backrests, enabling you to sit and relax and take in the scenery.

    Food

    At Canyons, we pride ourselves in serving the best food around, as high-quality cuisine is of the utmost importance to us. We are passionate about using local and organic products, and our fresh produce comes straight from the farmers of Treasure Valley, Idaho and the Canyons’ garden at our headquarters in McCall. We are very proud of our commitment to sourcing locally and sustainably, and we have intentionally crafted our menu to incorporate seasonal and regional products. In addition to using the highest quality ingredients, we take pride in serving up creative, wholesome, and delicious meals that fuel you for a day of river adventures. We take dietary needs seriously, and with advanced notice, we are more than happy to accommodate our guests’ dietary needs accordingly, whether it’s an allergy or a preference.

    Clothing

    Though we typically enjoy wonderful weather on both the Middle Fork and the Main Salmon, it is always important to be prepared for inclement weather as well. We recommend that all guests bring a good raincoat and rain pants, as well as something warmer for cool nights; a fleece layer or down jacket make for both functional and cozy options. We recommend bringing one set of clothing for your day on the river, and another for your time at camp. This allows for your camp clothes to stay dry and the option to air out your river clothes at camp. For those warmer nights, don’t be surprised if you see our guides spice up their wardrobe a bit with fun Hawaiian shirts, flowy dresses and the occasional onesie for festive attire. We encourage you to bring a fun piece of clothing too!

    Entertainment

    After a day on the water, you’ll be ready to kick back and relax. Whether you dig into one of the many books in our library or treat yourself to one of the products in our Spa box, we have a wonderful variety of ways to unwind once you get to camp. If you’re still feeling adventurous, hikes from camp are a great way to explore the wilderness. Or perhaps you like to play games in which case you can ask the guides about their favorite river games and try your skills at a variety of individual and team-oriented games. We have a fire most evenings and love the opportunity this provides to chat, sing, or just take in the beauty of the river.

    Bathrooms

    Feeling anxious about the bathroom situation at camp? Don’t worry, we’ve got a great system and it’s PRIVATE! Read more about our portable toilet called the “groover” here, and believe us when we tell you to prepare for the most scenic bathroom experience of your life.

    Interested in reading more?

    Check out how to camp in comfort, read more about river cuisine, or get a sense of a typical day on the river. Still, have questions? Give us a call, one of our reservations team members will be happy to speak with you and discuss in more detail what you can expect in your time on the Salmon.

  7. Family Friendly River Trips

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    Here’s Why Idaho’s Salmon River is the Ideal Family Trip

    Canyons River Company was built on a strong tradition of family-friendly river trips. Founders Les and Susan Bechdel not only established and developed Canyons in tandem with raising their children but fostered a distinctly welcoming atmosphere for families of all kinds, to enjoy the wonders of Idaho’s Middle Fork of the Salmon and Main Salmon Rivers. Today, the family bonds of Canyons continues to run strong, with many families returning to raft with us year after year. We have created a safe, fun, and welcoming experience for all ages. Here is a snapshot of why we think a Canyons Main Salmon or Middle Fork river trip is the best kind of family vacation.

    Quality Time

    For many of us, family time occurs at the end of the workday, or on the weekends, squeezed in between our many appointments and responsibilities. For five nights and six days on the Salmon River in the Frank Church Wilderness, life is simplified, safe, and fun. We’ve found that whether you’re with your family, your friends, or new people you are just getting to know, the relaxed and stress-free (not to mention incredibly scenic) environment in which you’re immersed in during the trip, leads to meaningful and enjoyable time together and lifelong connections.

    At Canyons, we believe spending time outside is the best thing we can give ourselves and our kids in today’s world of computers, smartphones, and Netflix. Outdoor activities fuel the imagination and foster creativity. The opportunity to play in nature without the distractions of technology and the demands of life at home is an invaluable way to grow and challenge yourself.

    Facetime (but not the kind you’re probably thinking of…)

    When you are riding the waves of the Main Salmon River through the vast Frank Church Wilderness, you will not have cell service much less internet access. The unplugged nature of the trip often ends up feeling like a relief and even healing! Canyons guests often tell us that the technology-free aspect of their trip is an unexpected, much-needed, refreshing opportunity to disconnect from the constant stream of information and social media. Time on the river allows one to focus instead on spending time with those they love, in a beautiful location.

    Safety First

    Safety is our number one concern, whether you’re on the river or hanging out at camp. Canyons’ legacy as a leader in whitewater safety, goes back to the very beginning. In fact, Canyons founder Les Bechdel literally wrote the book on River Safety (River Rescue, CFS Press, 200). The Canyons Team is made up of eclectic leaders in the industry, teaching whitewater rescue and safety courses, and guiding all over the world. All of our guides go through rigorous training and certifications, and many of our staff have been with Canyons for over 10-25 years.

    Every year, we welcome back families who have made a trip down the Salmon River, a family tradition. Starting at six years old, kids are warmly welcomed on our Canyons trips, and we’ve had the pleasure to watch as young Canyons guests become passionate river people!

    Playing in the Wilderness

    What kid, regardless of age, doesn’t like to pay in the water? Our trips are all about going with the flow of the river morning, noon and night. We call it “river time” and encourage our guests to pack their watches away. We play when the sun comes up, eat when we are hungry and rest when we are tired. There are opportunities to jump off rafts and rocks, snorkel in eddies, have water fights and swim with the river otters if you are lucky to see one! We may also see elk, deer, bighorn sheep, mink and martin. Eagles, ospreys, falcons, and hawks soar the skies above. We will make camp amongst the stoic Ponderosa pines, Douglas fir, huckleberries, and thimbleberries. We will take short walks to gorgeous rushing side streams and longer walks to waterfalls and hot springs and amazing views. Some of our hikes will take us to historic homesteads where people still live and work. These sites will expand your vision of how people used to live and still do! Spending time in the wilderness presents many opportunities for creative new games, challenging yourself with new adventures and surprising yourself with your own growth.

    Opportunities to challenge yourself safely

    The Main Salmon is often called the “friendliest big water in the West” because it is considered a pool and drop river that’s rated class II-III. The characteristics of pool and drop rivers provide a great place to try out all the boats in our fleet. Your guides will point out all the perfect (safe) spots to try your hand at rowing an oar boat, paddling in a super sporty paddleboat, and paddling your own Inflatable Kayak (IK) or more fondly referred to as a ducky! Canyons brings a fleet of bright and shiny duckies to try your hand at. Guides will instruct you on paddling technique, body positioning, and rapid running. There is even a double ducky to get into with your friends or family. Nothing teaches cooperation like a ride in the double duck! If you want to move more than just your arms, try your hand at the Stand Up Paddleboard (SUP). Balance and paddling are just two of the skills you’ll practice when “SUPping”. Bring your adventurous nature and try them all!

    Nurture your inner explorer and adventurer. Immerse yourself and your kids on the WILD MAIN SALMON!

  8. An Introductory Guide to River Lingo

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    River Vernacular- a language of its own!

     

    From planning your trip, until the last day on the river, there is some river specific terminology (lingo) that pops up again and again. So whether you are planning your first Salmon trip, or your fifteenth, here’s a crash course on some of the commonly used terms surrounding river life.

    Put-In:

    The spot on the river where the trip begins; literally the location in which the boats are put in the water. At the put-in, you will find Team Canyons, ready to welcome you to a glorious 6-day trip of epic scenery, fun whitewater, and wonderful camaraderie. Here we make introductions and go over essentials like how to pack your dry bag, what to expect throughout the day and river safety. For the Middle Fork, the typical put-in is located at Boundary Creek near Stanley, Idaho. However, if the river is too high or too low for us to put in at Boundary Creek we will put in at Indian Creek, a backcountry ranger station within the Wilderness, 25 miles downstream from Boundary Creek (only accessible by backcountry plane, boat or foot). For the Main Salmon, the put-in is at Corn Creek near Salmon, Idaho.

    Take-out:

    The point at which the boats and gear are unloaded and taken out of the water or the point at which the trip ends. Our Middle Fork take-out is at the confluence of the Middle Fork and Main Salmon Rivers near Salmon, Idaho. The Main Salmon take-out is at Carey Creek near Riggins, Idaho.

    Shuttle:

    The drive between the put-in and the take-out. If you drive your own vehicle to the river, you will need to have your car “shuttled” from the put-in to the take-out, so that it is waiting for you when you finish the trip. We do offer a shorter shuttle option for our trips. Our friendly office staff can discuss various options with you if you are interested. #208-634-4303

    Oar Rig:

    These rafts make up the majority of our floating caravan. Oar rigs carry lots of gear, and people too, creating a surprisingly luxurious and effortless way to experience the river. The guide rows the boat while you take in the sights.

    Paddle Raft:

    Rather than the oar raft, where only the guide is rowing, the paddle raft involves the participation of all passengers. Under the direction of the guide, paddle rafters work together to drive the boat down the river and through the rapids – No previous experience necessary!

    Ducky:

    A fun term used for our inflatable kayaks, which come in both a one-person and a two-person option! We love that these small crafts allow for guests of all experience levels, to enjoy the river under their own power, whether in calm flatwater or splashing through the rapids. Read more about our small crafts and why we think they are so awesome, here!

    Sweep:

    Queen of the Middle Fork, the sweep boat is our largest raft at 22 feet long and carries a majority of the groups’ gear. Dating back to the late 19th century, the sweep scow is different from the traditional oar raft in that its oars are located at the bow and stern and are called sweeps. The sweeps are used to drive the boat side to side across the current, rather than to row it forward and backward. Momentum is the name of the game with this boat and slowing it down can be tricky. Guiding the massive Sweep boat through technical whitewater is no small task, and our skilled guides get some serious kudos for their sweep skills!

    Eddy:

    An area of slow-moving or flat water on the river, generally along the edge of shore or behind a rock. Eddy’s are the best places to stop moving downstream, without taking the boats out of the water. If you need to take a break, or we want to stop on shore to point out some flora, or fauna, visit some hot springs, or camp, we will “catch an eddy” or “eddy out.”

    Ferry:

    No, we’re not talking about the motorized kind. On the river, to ferry is to go from one side of the river to the other, crossing the current at an angle, without going too far downstream. Whether you’re in a raft, a ducky, a hardshell kayak, a canoe, or a SUP, ferrying is a useful skill for navigating the river. It allows you to cross from one side of the river to the other, quickly, and without losing much ground. It can also be handy in rapids, moving to avoid obstacles.

    Groover:

    Last but not least, this is one of the most important items of gear that we bring with us on any trip – our portable toilet! Set up at camp in the most scenic (and private) locations, most guests, after 6 days of grooving, don’t want to use an indoor bathroom again. For the backstory of the Groover read here.

    Do you have river lingo you’ve been wondering about, or think there’s an important term we missed? Let us know, we’d love to hear from you!

    We also have more about daily river life, camping in style, and boat options on our website.

  9. The Main Salmon – Idaho’s Best Kept Secret

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    Why The Main Salmon Should Be On Your Bucket List

     

    With its annual presence on various bucket lists, the Middle Fork has achieved impressive international name recognition, leaving the mighty Main Salmon to fly under the radar, the unsung hero of the free-flowing Salmon River. While we feel like choosing between the Middle Fork and the Main Salmon is like being asked to choose a favorite child, we think the Main offers up an absolutely incredible experience that is just as special and scenic as the Middle Fork, just a bit lesser known. Check out why we think the Main Salmon is worth bragging about!

    Sandy Beaches

    The Main Salmon is proof you can have pristine, white sand beaches without having a coastline. Whether you’re sleeping under the stars, lounging by the fire, or playing a round of Bocce ball, the gorgeous beaches on the Main Salmon are an incredibly enjoyable component of camp time, and of the river experience in general. Most camps have great eddys (slack water along the shore) for swimming, snorkeling, or practicing your SUP headstand. A great feature for water-loving kids and adults alike!

    Fun Whitewater

    The Main Salmon River is a classic high volume western river, and the big water feel means fun whitewater for all. You can be at the front of the paddle raft, manning your own small craft, or simply riding along on an oar rig. The pool-drop nature of the rapids is great for those new to whitewater, and the fun waves mean great surf spots and awesome waves for the more experienced boaters. Plus, the higher volume means that the Main, unlike the Middle Fork, never gets rocky and bony, staying fun and splashy all summer long and into the fall.

    Warm Weather and Water

    Starting at just under 3000 feet elevation, the Main is significantly lower in elevation than the Middle Fork, meaning the weather tends to be quite a bit warmer than on Middle Fork trips. This applies to the water temperature as well. The Main Salmon is noticeably much warmer than the cooler waters of the Middle Fork. On average the Main is 10 degrees warmer than the Middle Fork, having traveled several hundred miles further since snowmelt!

    Shore Exploration and Historical Stops

    On our five night, six-day journey down the Main Salmon, we have several opportunities to explore some of the historical sites along the river banks. From the turret of the legendary Salmon River recluse Buckskin Bill, to the Campbell’s Ferry homestead, we will stop to see some of the historical sites, commemorating some of the people who have called the rugged wilderness of the Main Salmon their home. With excellent trail access, many of these sites are great places to begin or end a hike, gaining a unique perspective above the river.

    Hot Springs

    Did we mention the Main also has hot springs? Seriously, what’s not to love! Whether you’re a Middle Fork veteran hoping to try something new, or you’re considering your first overnight rafting trip, the Main offers something for everyone. Having trouble deciding between the two? You don’t have to choose, we offer a Combo trip in which you can experience both rivers!

    For more information on our Main Salmon trips, check out the Main Salmon page on our website, or take a look at the Dates and Rates page for availability.