Weather Forecast River Levels FB Twitter Instagram Pinterest

(208) 634-4303 | RIVERBEAT BLOG

SIX OR TWELVE DAY RIVER ADVENTURES

MIDDLE FORK AND MAIN SALMON RIVERS, IDAHO

Category Archive: Salmon River Rafting

  1. Offbeat Interview Emily

    Comments Off on Offbeat Interview Emily

    Meet Canyon’s Social Media Diva, Emily Sedgwick! Maybe you have delighted in our Facebook feed or re-lived your Salmon River adventure through the pictures and video on our Twitter posts and on Instagram. If so, then you have been touched by the work of Emily, Founder and Principal of Em and Em Marketing. In the dynamic world of social media, Emily is a wellspring of experience, ingenuity and creativity.  Pairing her graphic design and marketing expertise, she creates posts that are joyful, positive and uplifting, with the hope of spreading kindness to all of our followers, guests and interested parties. Through Emily’s endless hustle and results driven leadership, Canyons won the prestigious Thrive Award for Social Media at the America Outdoors Conference this year! All hail Canyons Social Media Diva!

    When you meet Emily in person, you are immediately drawn to her vivacious personality, up-for-anything energy and 1,000 watt smile. As competitive skier and division one soccer captain, Emily knows a thing or two about focus, motivation and drive. Emily had been working in hospitality, advertising and marketing field when Canyons owner/guide Greg noticed she had a gift for seeing the beauty in things and creatively translating that beauty into social media content that underscores the values that Team Canyons lives by. Canyons strives to create community through offering deeply meaningful river trips and employing guides who are experts in their field (and experts in FUN). We recognize the value of the wilderness experience and strive to create community on our trips and back in town through honest and authentic engagement.  Emily drives our social media content to reflect these core values and add beauty and substance to the world.

    As our principal marketing advisor, Emily has joined Team Canyons on many trips. Her delightful personality has earned her the titles of: river sommelier, Canyon’s Guide-In-Training-For-Life (by Canyons guide Chris Madden), official raft sunbather, hot springs activist, side canyon explorer, dishline dancer, campfire closer and rescue ducky-ing delight!

    If you want more from Emily and Team Canyons, sign up and sign in on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram!

  2. Cheers to A Semi “Normal” 2021!

    Comments Off on Cheers to A Semi “Normal” 2021!

    Oh 2020. You’ve certainly made the history books and I don’t know about you, but I look forward to closing this chapter (maybe even slamming it, just for effect)! So much has happened this year and there is no need to recount it here. It’s been a wild and sobering season at Canyons but as 2020 draws to a close, the Team is feeling invigorated by the prospect of a vaccine and optimistic about next season. Cheers to a semi-“Normal” 2021!

    Staying positive seems to be one of the great challenges of this year. If ever there were a year to work on your gratitude practice, this has been it! We are feeling grateful that our work is creating extraordinary experiences in a wild land that is worthy of every opportunity we can create to save it. We feel fortunate that we can offer folks the chance to get back to their true selves and create moments of deep peace. Our 2021 season looks to draw in almost 500 guests we look forward to connecting with, learning from and inspiring.

    In high school, I had to take Calculus II / Trigonometry with Ms. Duncan. It was beyond challenging for me. In fact, it was like being thrown into Advanced Placement Mandarin without ever having taken the beginners course. It was rigorous, defeating, shocking, inexplicable and maddening. Now, several decades later, I still get a physical reaction when thinking of that class. My heart rate increases, my breathing becomes ragged and I could swear I’m breaking out in hives. I suspect remembering 2020 will incur the same reaction for years to come. But, however hard Ms. Duncan was, however hard that class was, I learned some very, very hard won lessons that made tiny victories ever sweeter (like the relief and exhilaration of receiving a C instead of the alternative!). And I’d like to think I’m the better for it.

    So here’s to 2020. May we take in the lessons we need to from it, appreciate whatever gains were made no matter how seemingly insignificant or mediocre, and walk out of that classroom into the fresh air of a new year!

    Cheers everyone to 2021! Never has a return to “normal” ever felt so needed or hoped for!

  3. Capture the Canyons Magic

    Comments Off on Capture the Canyons Magic

    The Power and Magic of a Canyons River Trip

    Aiden Chambers wrote in ‘This is All: The Pillow Book of Cordelia Kenn’:

    “I thought how lovely and how strange a river is. A river is a river, always there, and yet the water flowing through it is never the same water and is never still. It’s always changing and is always on the move. And over time the river itself changes too. It widens and deepens as it rubs and scours, gnaws and kneads, eats and bores its way through the land. Even the greatest rivers…must have been no more than trickles and flickering streams before they grew into mighty rivers.”

    This is the Magic of Canyons. While one may be fortunate enough to return for the “same” trip: it is never the same. The river itself is different, the runs are different, the guides, while still amazing, are different; however, so much more changes than the obvious. Each time I have returned to the Salmon, I have been the same, yet entirely different. I long to return at every stage.

     

    When setting out to try to capture this magic, I initially was going to discuss the ability the river and Canyons have for taking you away from reality. My first trip with Canyons, my mom was very ill. However, when we were on the river, it was all about fun and adventure. This compartmentalization is sometimes imperative to reset in order to move forward once you are back in reality. I cried when we were loading the bus at the end of the trip. Was I mourning the end of our amazing time? Definitely. Was I also a young girl mourning the return to a reality she was afraid to face? Most definitely. 

     

    Upon return to the Salmon, the same but different, I was stronger. My mom had since passed away. We were starting our trip at the usual put-in but on foot. The river was low, and we would be meeting everyone else downstream after a 3-day hike. I have since run a marathon without training and have had two children. This 3-day hike remains one of the hardest things I’ve done physically and emotionally. With over 100 degree weather, little to no shade, and challenging terrain, my pack was proving possibly too large for my adolescent frame. This challenge paired with the rapids on the river taught me that I am capable of more than I realize. Each rapid must be faced head-on. You cannot stop paddling if you want to successfully get through. Stronger still. 

     

    Just as the river “gnaws and kneads, eats and bores”, so does life. The last time returning to the river was for mourning as well as a celebration of the life of a beloved uncle. I was stronger than before but softer, more perceptive, older. The cleansing power of the river was felt. The presence of my uncle and my mom was so felt being surrounded and immersed in nature. This is the Magic of Canyons. The river is peace. You are surrounded by the overwhelming beauty of nature and can, momentarily, forget about all that is gnawing and kneading, changing you. For a moment, you only can focus on the “lovely” and “strange”, ever-flowing river. 

     

    Written by Michele Rich, Canyons Guest 1999

  4. Roasted Red Onion Flower Recipe

    Comments Off on Roasted Red Onion Flower Recipe

    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.

  5. How do I get to the River?

    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.

  6. Multi-generational family adventure

    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

  7. And the river runs through it….

    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

  8. Offbeat Interview Series with Niki

    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    

  9. Offbeat Interview Series with Kelli

    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