EAT: Are you imagining camp food? Beanie weenies and mac n’ cheese? Well, not on this river trip! At Canyons, we pride ourselves on our creative, healthy, local, and unbelievably delicious meals. We’ve all heard that quote from Harriet von Horne, “Cooking is like love: It should be entered into with abandon or not at all”. When you watch our guides skillfully prepare our multi-course meals and layout the spread on a table decorated with local flora, you’ll realize when we set the table for our guests, we are setting the table for family.
SLEEP: At the end of most trips, someone will mention to me that the sleep they got on the river was the best quality sleep they’ve had in a long time. Maybe it’s our 2-inch thick paco pads, spacious 4 man tents, or cozy plush sleeping bags, but I doubt it. Those things are a fraction of why folks sleep so well out here. I think that fresh pine air, the morning yoga, the good meals, spectacular hikes, long soaks in hot springs, or that rodeo ride you had in the duckie. It’s the cool night air and a twinkling sky full of stars that lulls our guests into deep restorative sleep. It may be one of the only times in your life your animal body has adjusted to its natural circadian rhythm, waking with the sun and sleeping when the light fades. No need for a watch or schedule on Canyons trips. Out here, we run on Nature’s schedule.
PLAY: Now THIS is what you came for! From high adventure in our duckies and paddle boat to mellow cruising in our 18′ oar rafts, you can choose your own adventure with Canyons. We are the only company on the Middle Fork and Main Salmon to offer so many boat options to our guests. This is because we believe that one of the ways to fully experience the river is to step out of your comfort zone with the support of our experienced and well-trained guides and try your hand at different crafts. It’s an incredible feeling to navigate a rapid using your own arms and sense of adventure. Canyons is also one of the only companies that allow experienced guests to bring their own kayaks or even rafts along. After morning yoga and a day of rafting, you might want to stretch your legs and get a better view of the river corridor by hiking to high ridges or to nearby hot springs for a soak. Around here, we take our cues from the local otter wisdom: play can be so fulfilling, leaving you re-charged and inspired!
Ok. We know what you are thinking. Wow, this simple river life sounds fantastic and truly simple! But what about the most basic need of all (insert blushing here)… relieving yourself? How’s it done on a river trip of 30 people? This is where the groover comes in. It’s a simple and sanitary set up AND the view is usually nothing short of stunning. (The view of the wilderness surroundings that is!)
REPEAT! When you come on a river adventure with Canyons, the experience seeps into your blood. You’ll be changed. Once you head back home, the river will visit you often. In the aisles of the grocery store, you’ll suddenly remember the way dinner tastes when sitting by the river. When you exit an office building, you’ll breathe in deep and be transported to a sunny trail on the Salmon River surrounded by blooming syringa. You’ll begin to crave cool night air on your face while you sleep under the stars. We hope you’ll feel the love and come back to adventure with us… again… and again… and again.