Idaho's Salmon River Near Riggins

DAY 0:

Before our trip begins we meet in Riggins, a small town located in a canyon overlooking the confluence of the Salmon River and the Little Salmon River in west central Idaho. Riggins lies off of US Highway 95, and it is easily accessed by car traveling north or south along the highway. The nearest commercial airports are: Lewiston-Nez Perce County Regional Airport (two hours drive); Spokane International Airport (four hours drive); and Boise Airport (four hours drive). If you are flying into one of these airports, you can then rent a car to reach Riggins.

Once in Riggins, we recommend that you stay at either the Best Western Salmon Rapids Lodge (877-957-2743) or the River View Motel (888-256-2322). Both hotels have storage facilities for your luggage while you are on the river and cars may be left in their parking lots.

We meet you at 7:30 PM Mountain Time the evening before your trip at the Best Western Salmon Rapids Lodge. Once we have gathered, we have an orientation meeting to further discuss what to expect on the next day’s adventure, answer any last minute questions you might have, and provide you with waterproof bags. We'll also have some of our specialty outdoor items for sale such as ROW hats, eyeglass retainers, and T-shirts.

• ACCOMMODATIONS: Salmon Rapids Lodge (Not Included in trip cost)
• MEALS INCLUDED: none

DAY 1: 

Unless otherwise directed by your team leader at the orientation meeting, we gather at 8:00 a.m. to leave the Best Western Salmon Rapids Lodge in the ROW bus and drive about one hour to the put-in site.

We board the rafts and set off on our trip down the wilderness shrouded canyon of the Salmon River. Soon after our launch you come upon the rambunctious whitewater of Vinegar Creek Rapid found just below the confluence of Vinegar Creek and Salmon River. As we continue our paddle through the canyon for the rest of the day, you can witness the passage of the river and wilderness Lewis and Clark once wondered at.

We set up camp near some mountain hot springs around 4:00 in the afternoon. Enjoy the free time for a dip in the springs, hiking, fishing, or relaxing on the banks of the river. We reconvene for hors d’oeuvres around 6:00 before settling in for a delicious and fresh dinner. Bring the day to a close with campfire camaraderie and sleeping under the star-studded summer skies.

• ACCOMMODATIONS: Riverside Camping
• MEALS INCLUDED:  L, D

Day 2: 

The morning begins bright and early around 7:00. Enjoy fresh-brewed coffee and the brisk mountain air before breakfast is served and we pack up camp. The rafts are loaded and we depart from camp around 9:30 for an adventure-packed day of rapids, magnificent scenery and fun. 

Today we encounter Ruby and Lake Creek Rapids, two of the biggest of the river’s rapids. These rapids are thrilling examples of "pool and drop" rapids, where a series of short rapids are followed by quiet pools. Pool and drop rapids are perfect for our inflatable kayaks, or "Daring Duckies" as we call them, and provide a brief respite as you head toward the next thrilling drop. If the rapid levels are right, we might stop at Ruby Rapids to collect the star garnets that rest on the large rocks along the shore and in the sand. Between each roaring rapid, you may float alongside the raft in the warm water or soak in the sun and the alpine scenery from a drier perch. Elk, deer, moose, and mountain goats roam the river banks while eagles, hawks, and osprey can be seen swooping down from their towering roosts in search for fish.

We once again make camp in the afternoon, leaving plenty of time for you to discover wilderness adventures off the water. Enjoy hors d’oeuvres and wine among nature’s sights and sounds while the evening meal is prepared. Afterward, take in the bright night sky and the relaxing sound of the river rippling past as you settle in for the night.

• ACCOMMODATIONS: Riverside Camping
• MEALS INCLUDED: B, L, D

Day 3: 

Today takes you from one turbulent rapid to another! We break camp and breakfast early once again before setting out on one of the best stretches the Salmon River has to offer. Today’s float brings out your intrepid spirit as you travel through the Time Zone Rapids, followed by the Tight Squeeze Rapids, Chair Rapids, Trap Rapids, and Fiddle Creek Rapids. Between chutes and pools, drops and eddies, learn more about the Salmon River’s history, its reputation as “The River of No Return,” and the pioneers and miners that tried to make their fortune along the foaming river.

Our journey along the river brings us back into Riggins, upon which we unload our kayaks and return to The Best Western Rapids Lodge before the end of the afternoon.

• MEALS INCLUDED: B, L

We highly recommend checking the weather prior to your trip for an updated forecast and current conditions. We recommend the following websites:

National Weather Service

The Weather Channel

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Here at ROW Adventures, our first and foremost goal is for you to have an enjoyable and safe experience. While most of our trips are suitable for beginners, some of our trips are more active than others and it’s important that you understand the physical requirement of the trip you choose. 

All of our multi-day rafting trips are active adventures that involve some level of physical exertion and possible exposure to the elements including but not limited to wind, rain, heat, sun, cold temperatures and cold water conditions.  ROW Adventures is able to accommodate people with physical limitations, disabilities, and medical conditions; please speak with your Adventure Consultant if you think you will require any additional assistance while on the trip.  We ask that you consult your Doctor if you have health or medical conditions that could impact your ability to participate in an active and outdoor adventure.  In general, all trip participants must be able to do the following:  

• Wear all protective and safety equipment that is required by ROW Adventures and recommended/required by industry-wide standards.

• Load and unload, on their own or with the aid of a qualified companion, the bus and/or van providing transportation for ROW Adventures activities.

• Reach the river access points (put-in and take-out) on their own, or with the aid of a qualified companion.

• Enter and exit the raft, kayak and/or inflatable kayak on their own or with the aid of a qualified companion.

• Remain seated and balanced in a floating raft, canoe, kayak or inflatable kayak w/ the aid of adaptive equipment, if necessary.

• Perform all on water activities, including following instructions that like paddling commands from the guide in class I and higher whitewater on their own or with the assistance of a qualified companion. 

• Float on their back when entering moving and still water.  The participant must be capable of turning from face-down to face-up in the water with the aid of a Personal Floatation Device and must be able to hold their breath while underwater.

• Remain calm and keep breathing under control in the event of a whitewater swim.

• Get out from under a raft, whether the raft is up-right or capsized, in moving water.

• Climb into the raft, with the help of another person, should an involuntary swim happen at any point on the river.

• Make progress toward the shoreline or a raft by swimming in moving water and must be able to exit the river and ascend the shoreline once reached.

• Participate as an active paddler when instructed by the guide for the duration of the trip. 

• Move about the campsite on their own or with the aid of a qualified companion on all trips that include overnight camping and/or lunch.

Packing properly for a river trip is CRITICAL to your enjoyment while on the river. We recommend that you prepare yourself for three basic scenarios:

• A cool day on the river.

• A warm day on the river.

• Time spent lounging in camp.

Take care of these, and you are free to let the river and the canyon work their magic.

Weather in the northwest is unpredictable. You must come prepared for the cold/wet weather and hot/sunny weather – sometimes even on the same day! The following information will help you be prepared for the expected as well as the unexpected events of your trip. You may not use all of the gear listed below, but we recommend bringing it all!

DRYBAGS THAT ROW PROVIDES

• One large waterproof bag (16” in diameter x 33” tall) per person. This will contain your sleeping bag as well as your personal clothing and items. This bag is NOT accessible during the day as it goes ahead of the group with our cargo raft. 
  Note: This bag will also contain additional gear provided by ROW: Sleeping bag, flannel liner & pillow

• A small daypack (9” in diameter x 20” tall) for items you want to access during the day such as rain gear, sunscreen, camera, medications, etc.

WHAT YOU SHOULD PACK:

All of your personal items should be packed into a soft-sided duffle bag approximately 12” x 13” x 24” in size. Due to weight allowances and raft space, please limit your gear to 20-25 pounds. This bag will then go inside of your large waterproof bag provided by ROW.

ITEMS FOR ON THE RIVER

• Two T-Shirts (1 quick dry and 1 cotton for a hot day)

• One light long-sleeved shirt for sun protection and cool evenings. Popular options are a rash guard or sunscreen shirts.

• Two pairs of shorts (nylon quick drying always better than cotton).

• Light pants are great for sun protection or on a windy day. Lightweight zip off pants works great.

• Swimsuit – two-piece suits are easier for women - tankinis with river shorts are a great option.

• One pair of river sandals (must have an ankle strap, no flipflops!) Velcro is okay if in good condition. Popular name brands include Chaco, Teva, Keen, or Merrells. Tennis shoes with polypro socks are a good option if your feet tend to get cold.

• One Cap, Sun Hat or Visor (ROW hats are available when you arrive.)

ITEMS GOOD TO HAVE IN YOUR DRY BAG ON THE RIVER

• One rain suit, jacket & pants (windbreaker without cotton liner works well, but no cheap ponchos)

• Mid-weight to light-weight long underwear tops and bottoms. Best worn over a swimsuit and undershorts.

• One synthetic or wool mid-weight sweaters for layering on the river on cool days.

• Sunglasses with retaining cord/device

• Bee Sting kit for those allergic to bees

• Sun Screen

• Water bottle with carabiner

• Extra Sun Hat, Cap or Visor

ITEMS FOR TIME AT CAMP

• Two Short sleeve shirts (Enjoy clean and comfortable cotton)

• One pair of pants (lightweight nylon, cotton or fleece)

• Pair of shorts

• One synthetic mid-weight sweaters for cool evenings

• Underwear and socks

• Flashlight or headlamp with extra bulb and batteries

• Skin lotion, lip balm, waterproof sunscreen, etc.

• Toilet kit - toothbrush and paste, soap ( biodegradable is best, no soaps can be used in the river), camp towel, washcloth, comb, handkerchief, a small pack of tissues, small mirror, moist towelettes, shaving stuff, feminine sanitary supplies, etc.

• Extra eyeglasses and/or contact lenses strongly suggested. ALL glasses need a head strap!

• One pair of tennis shoes or walking shoes for cooler weather and hiking. (We don’t recommend you bring large hiking boots as they take up too much space and aren’t necessary.) Flip-flops are also comfortable for easy walking on sandy beaches!

OPTIONAL ITEMS

• Camera – waterproof digital with extra batteries & memory card recommended. Many guests use smartphones (there is NOT cell service on the river). A waterproof case is highly recommended for protection and ease of use.

• Paddling Gloves

• Sarong – many uses for both ladies and men - a good item to help you cool off if you do not want to swim.

• Sundress for camp – ladies

• 2-3 Carabiners for clipping items to the boat

• Binoculars

• Plastic garbage bags (2-3 for separating dirty/wet clothes in your waterproof bag)

• Cards, games, books, musical instruments, journals

• Fishing gear and Idaho fishing license if you plan to fish - must be in a protective case & disassembled. Only catch and release fishing with single barbless hooks is allowed!!

LAYERING FOR OUTDOOR COMFORT
Clothing layers are the thermostat of the wilderness. As you get ready for your river trip, think about dressing in layers. By adding and subtracting layers you can keep yourself perfectly comfortable. If you were to look into the dry bags of a well-prepared river guide you would see packing for three weather scenarios -- cold, wet days; hot, summer days; and cool evenings and mornings in camp. All of your on-river clothing should be made from synthetic fabrics with names like fleece, pile, polypropylene, Capilene™ or polyester. A cotton T-shirt is used occasionally on hot, sunny days, but cotton clothing is best saved for on-shore camp use. 

• LAYER #1: The layer next to your skin should be close-fitting and thin. Start with a swimsuit and/or swim trunks and synthetic or wool shirt as a base layer. You do not want to wear cotton on the river on cool rainy days. The evaporation of water from a wet cotton layer will actually make you colder! Synthetic fibers maintain insulative properties when wet and "wick" moisture away from your skin.

• LAYER #2: The next layer should also be made of a synthetic fiber, but should be a bit heavier in weight. If you get too warm you can always peel this layer off.

• LAYER #3: The outer layer is what is known as the "barrier" layer. This layer should be waterproof and loose-fitting enough to give you a good range of motion. The idea of this layer is to seal out water, and seal in the warmth generated by you and insulated by layers # 1 and # 2. A good rain suit can do the job, or a good paddling jacket and pants. Not only will this protect you from rainstorms, but chilly water temperatures when running rapids as well! 

FISHING

If you plan to fish, please bring your own fishing gear (with a protective case), as we do not have any to loan. An IDAHO fishing license is required if you plan on fishing. You can pre-purchase a license by going to the website https://idfg.idaho.gov/license/purchase-options. You can purchase a license in Riggins only if arriving prior to 6 pm. You must have a current driver’s license to purchase a license. 

LIQUOR AND PREFERED BEVERAGES

ROW packs moderate quantity of soft drinks as well as wine and beer for legal age guests. If you bring liquor, please give it to your guide in a labeled plastic container. Beer should be in cans - No glass beer bottles please. Bottled wine is fine. All liquors in IDAHO are sold in State Liquor Stores with limited hours.  Please be aware we have limited space on our rafts therefore moderate quantities, please.  If you are arriving after 7 pm BE SURE TO PURCHASE your liquor at home and bring it with you.

Salmon River reading list Some of our favorite books on the Salmon River

Visit Idaho online Additional information about Idaho

Salmon River Lore A brief history of the Salmon River

OUR COMMITMENT
Our hope is that your first trip with ROW Adventures is just one of many. Thus our goal is to provide thorough and complete communications and be clear with the details of our agreement with you.  Because the fine print sometimes changes, you will receive the most current Terms & Conditions along with your travel documents at the time of booking.

PRIVACY POLICY
Our terms and conditions include this Privacy Policy with regards to sharing customer information, data collection, marketing, email newsletters, and cookies.

PREPARING FOR YOUR TRIP
We do our best to provide you with all kinds of great resources to prepare for your trip.  These include packing lists, reading lists, detailed itineraries and more.  All of our multiday river camping trips include tents, sleeping bags, and pads.  In most cases, we will even help you book a hotel room prior to and after your trip.  The reservation packet that we send you will include a detailed gear list of what you should bring.   

Most of our trips are suitable for beginners; however, some are more active than others.  A spirit of flexibility and adventure is a good thing to bring along.   It’s important that you understand the physical requirements for whatever trip you choose.  If you’re not sure about this, or you’re not sure which trip or date will best meet your needs, please call for advice from our talented and knowledgeable Adventure Consultants.  Be sure to read the “Trip Member’s Responsibility” below and if you have any medical concerns we encourage you to speak with your doctor before reserving space on a trip.

If you are planning a special event during the trip such as a birthday or anniversary, please let us know as always have a few surprises up our sleeves.  On our trip application form, you can indicate any food need you might have and we’re happy to accommodate those.

HOW TO SIGN UP
To make a reservation, please contact us by one of the following methods:
1)    Call us at 800-451-6034 – Monday-Friday from 8:30 to 5:00 pm Pacific Time.  
2)    Send us an email at info@ROWadventures.com
3)    Use the “Book Now” tab found on some trip pages on our website.

We accept all major credit cards for the initial deposit.  When we receive your reservation request we will hold your space and send you a confirmation packet including, invoice, trip application, waiver, and a suggested packing list.  However, confirmation is not final until we also receive a copy of your completed trip application and deposit.  Credit cards are accepted for deposits  – balance is preferred by check. Prices are based on a 3% cash discount.  You are welcome to pay the final balance with a credit card with an additional 3% administrative fee. While it is often possible to join one of our trips on short notice, space is limited and we recommend you sign up well in advance.

DEPOSITS

The following deposit amounts are required to confirm your space(s) within 10 days of your reservation:

Trips lasting 6 or more days: $600 per person.
Trips lasting 5 days: $500 per person.

Trips lasting 4 days: $400 per person.
Trips lasting 3 days: $300 per person.

BALANCE DUE
USA-based trips:  Full payment is due 60 days prior to departure.
Prices are based on a 3% cash discount.  You are welcome to pay the final balance with a credit card with an additional 3% administrative fee.

Reservations made after the balance due date must be paid in full at the time of booking. We reserve the right to cancel your reservation if full payment is not received by the due date.  

CANCELLATIONS AND REFUNDS
If you find it necessary to cancel your trip, you should notify ROW Adventures in writing, by e-mail or fax immediately.  If written cancellation is received (call to verify) before the final balance is due, you will be given a refund less the amount of the deposit.  Deposits are not refundable.  If cancellations are made on or after the final due date, no money will be refunded.  If you are unable to go on the trip, you are welcome to find a replacement for yourself.  Please understand that once you’ve signed up, we lose the right to sell your reserved space to other individuals or groups.  Therefore, we regret that we cannot make exceptions for personal emergencies.  For this reason, we strongly recommend you consider purchasing the Travel Protection Plan ROW offers.

TRANSFER FEES
If you transfer from one trip to another, there is a $75 per person charge for USA-based trips (within the same season) up until 60 days prior to departure. Transfers made after these times are treated as cancellations.  

GROUP AND CHARTER RATES
On most trips, we offer a Group Rate for groups of 10 or more.  We are also happy to arrange private charter trips. Contact us for details.

TRAVEL PROTECTION PLAN
We strongly recommend that you purchase a travel protection plan which can include a full trip refund should you cancel at any time for medical or health reasons.  Coverage also includes medical evacuation, trip delay, and other elements.  Because so many of our guests purchase this plan, we add the cost to your invoice as a convenience and it becomes effective on the day your premium is received in our office.  Should you not wish to purchase this travel plan, simply deduct its cost from your invoice.

TRIP MEMBER'S RESPONSIBILITY
Trip members have the responsibility to select a trip appropriate to their abilities and interests. We are happy to discuss the trip with you if you have any questions or concerns. Trip members are held responsible for being in sufficiently good health to undertake the trip. Members are also responsible for studying all pre-departure information; for bringing the appropriate clothing and equipment as detailed therein and, for acting in a manner considerate of fellow group members.

Any person who is diabetic, epileptic, or asthmatic or has a history of heart trouble, is allergic to bee/scorpion stings or takes daily prescription drugs should include this information on the reservation form or inform our office. Trip members will also alert their guide (s) of any medical history that could become a problem on the trip. People with a history of heart trouble, pregnant women or any other potentially serious medical condition should consult their doctor before coming on a trip.

RESPONSIBILITY ~ AN IMPORTANT NOTICE
Payment of your deposit represents your acceptance of the following conditions: ROW Inc., ROW Oregon LLC and Remote Odysseys Worldwide, Inc. (dba ROW Adventures), its subsidiaries and cooperating agencies act only in the capacity of agents for the participants in all matters relating to transportation and/or all other related travel services, and assume no responsibility or liability whatsoever for injury, loss or damage to person or property, however caused, in connection with any service, including, but not limited to, that resulting directly or indirectly from acts of God, detention, irregularity, annoyance, delays and expenses arising from strikes, theft, quarantine, pilferage, force majeure, failure of any means of conveyance to arrive or depart as scheduled, government restrictions or regulations, civil disturbances, and discrepancies or changes in transit over which we have no control.

ROW Adventures reserves the right, either prior to or after departure, in its good-faith discretion and in circumstances that warrant it, to change or re-price any tour, trip, or expedition.  This includes the possibility of moving to a different river or river segment due to extreme water conditions, forest fires, road closures and/or acts of God. If we are not able to provide a substitute trip, river, or altered itinerary and have to cancel the departure completely, you will be refunded in full. Refunds are limited to the amount actually paid to ROW Adventures.

ROW Adventures reserved the right to cancel trips that are below the trip minimum (usually 4-5 persons).  All trip members will be notified a minimum of 30 days before the trip departs and will receive a full refund.

In the event of trip cancellation, ROW Adventures is not responsible for additional expenses incurred by trip members, such as penalties incurred through the purchase of non-refundable airline tickets, medical expenses, and passport and visa fees.

PERMITTING AGENCIES
ROW Inc., and ROW Oregon, LLC, each doing business as ROW Adventures, are proud to be an Equal Opportunity recreation service provider under separate permits from the U.S. Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management, National Park Service, and Idaho and Washington State Parks.  These permits allow us to provide services and access to some of America’s most astounding resources that might otherwise be inaccessible to most members of the public.

ROW Inc. operates under special use permits granted by the Bureau of Land Management: Jarbidge, Vale, Cottonwood, Coeur d’Alene, and Judith Resource Areas. We operate under a special use permit granted by the U.S. National Forest Service on the: Salmon, Payette, Boise, Challis, Clearwater, Umatilla, and Panhandle National Forests.  Also the Hells Canyon National Recreation Area, Wallowa-Whitman National Forest.  

ROW Oregon, LLC operates on the Rogue River under permit from the Bureau of Land Management, Medford District along with the U.S. Forest Service in Siskiyou National Forest.

All our operations and facilities are operated on a non-discriminatory basis.

“The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination in all its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability and where applicable, sex, marital status, familial status, parental status, religion, sexual orientation, genetic information, political beliefs, reprisal, or because all or part of an individual’s income is derived from any public assistance program.  (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.)  Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for communication of program information (Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.) should contact USDA’s TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TDD).  To file a complaint of discrimination, write to USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, S.W., Washington, DC  20250-9410, or call (800) 795-3272 (voice) or (202) 720-6382 (TDD).  USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.”

ROW Inc. is bonded and fully licensed by the states of Idaho, Washington, Montana, and Oregon. We are members of America Outdoors; Idaho Outfitters and Guides Association; Montana Outfitters and Guides Association; National Association of Interpretation; Lewis and Clark Heritage Trail Foundation and many other effective organizations.

WAITING LISTS
If you wish to be wait-listed for a full trip, the normal deposit is required.  If an opening occurs on the trip, you will be informed and automatically transferred to the trip roster if you wish to join the trip, subject to the normal cancellation policy should you accept the slot. Otherwise, your deposit will be refunded in full.

ROW Adventures reserved the right to take photographic or film records of any of our trips and may use any such records for promotional and/or commercial purposes.

ROW Adventures reserved the right to decline to accept- or restrain from further participation- any person whose actions or deportment impede trip operations or rights, welfare or enjoyment of other trip members.  A refund based on the cost of unused land services is the limit of ROW Adventures’ responsibility.