LOGISTICS and TRIP PLANNING

Putting together a 6 or 12-day trip in the most remote corner of our country requires a lot of logistics. This is where we shine.

Because this is YOUR vacation, we offer several options, with a great deal of flexibility, for transportation to and from the river.  Whether you are coming to Idaho from far away with a limited amount of travel time, or you are making your river trip part of a longer road trip to see more of our beautiful area, or you are from nearby…we’ve got you covered.

Ari’s warm demeanor, kind spirit, sense of adventure, and endless creative talents are a huge part of TEAM CANYONS and she’s ready to answer any questions you might have as you begin to make your trip plans.  Whether you’re wondering which kayaks or canoes to reserve, need more details about our “flight option” or “drive option”, wish to elaborate on your personal dietary needs, or just have some general questions about how the trips unfold, Ari is just a phone call or email away:  208.634.4303 or info@canyonsinc.com

Once you’ve made your river trip reservation, you’ll receive a complete email packet containing all the information you’ll need to plan, prepare and pack for your trip. But, for your initial planning purposes, here are some of the basics:

FLIGHT OPTION

(NOTE for Middle Fork guests: backcountry flights are optional, except when water levels or conditions require us to launch our Middle Fork trips at Indian Creek, which is accessible only by backcountry plane and, as such, will require a backcountry flight for an additional fee).

Most of our guests coming from out-of-state or from Boise opt for the ease and convenience of our “Flight Option”, with round trip charter flights by bush plane from & back to Boise. These round trip flights, which we arrange for you, currently run $435.00 – $450.00 per person (please note that these charter flights are arranged through a separate company, whose rates may be subject to change).

Boise Airport is served by Alaska Airlines, Allegiant Air, Delta, Southwest, United and US Airways. Idaho’s capital city offers plenty for both urbanites and outdoor enthusiasts.

Fly into the Boise Airport the day before your river trip launches and spend the day taking in the shops, galleries, eateries, parks and greenbelt within the downtown area or, alternatively, you may opt to stay right near the airport if your flight arrives late in the day and does not allow you time to take in the sights.

Get a restful night’s sleep at the Hotel 43, an upscale boutique hotel in downtown Boise, or one of our other recommended hotels (see Accommodations & Other Services). The following morning, the hotel shuttle bus will take you back to the Boise airport, where our backcountry air charter provider, McCall Air, will take you on a spectacular 1-hour ± flight to get you to the river. Our shuttle bus will bring you from the airstrip to the put-in, where you’ll meet your guides and go through a general orientation before pushing off downriver. On the last day of your trip, our shuttle bus meets you at the take-out and brings you to the nearest airport to fly you back to Boise, arriving around 5:30 pm. We highly recommend you stay the night in Boise and return back home the following day.

DRIVE OPTION

Some folks prefer to take some time to see our beautiful state by driving.  If you choose the “Drive Option” you are responsible for your own transportation to and from the river.  Please call or email us to tell us your plans or to ask questions. If a car shuttle is required, you will need to make those arrangements prior to the trip.

(Note that if you are renting a car that will need to be shuttled, currently the
only rental car agency at the Boise airport with a Third Party Driver agreement is Hertz-Boise Airport location)

Those who are doing the Middle Fork or a Combo (Middle Fork & Main Salmon) trip will meet us in Stanley, Idaho on the morning of the trip launch.  Those doing the Main Salmon will meet us in the town of Salmon, Idaho on the morning of the trip launch.   You’ll want to make arrangements for your vehicle to be shuttled (see Services & Accommodations for shuttle companies);  those doing the Middle Fork will want their car shuttled to Salmon and those doing the Combo or Main Salmon trip will want their car shuttled to McCall.

Middle Fork guests: Depending on snowpack levels, extremely high or low water levels can cause the Middle Fork put-in to change from Boundary Creek to Indian Creek, which is at river-mile 25. High water can typically happen during early to mid-June, and low water typically occurs at any point in July or August. The Indian Creek launch site is accessible only by air. We can arrange to fly you in from Stanley for an additional cost. If you are bringing your own boat, you will need to call us to discuss options for getting your boat to Indian Creek. There is an additional charge of $100/kayak to fly any kayak (whether bringing your own or using one of ours) into Indian Creek; we are unable to fly in canoes.  We will notify you as far in advance as possible if it looks like an Indian Creek launch will be necessary for your trip, as we realize this will necessitate a change to your travel plans. If you expect to be away from a phone before your trip you will need to stay in touch with us, as this change of put-in decision may be made just days before the launch.

Variations to our standard “Flight Option” and “Drive Option” are possible,  including one-way flights.  Again, we are all about options to give you the flexibility and choices to meet your needs, your budget, and your timeline.  Please call or email us for assistance and quotes if you wish to do something other than the standard “Flight Option” or “Drive Option” described above.