Family Magic Rafting Trip

Designed by our family and field-tested by our own children, ROW's Family Magic rafting trips aren't just "family-friendly" but totally family-focused. What's our recipe? First, you can't go on these family rafting adventures if you don't bring a kid and we welcome kids as young as five. We bring an additional staff member, our signature "River Jester™", a specially trained guide who entertains children with nature hikes and games.

The pace is adjusted with plenty of stops to play on the magical Salmon River beaches, explore Indian rock art and pioneer homesteads. The level of service we provide is unsurpassed and, when you arrive at camp, your tent is set up along with our kitchen and riverside dining room complete with tables and chairs. Each evening a special children's dinner is served prior to the gourmet adult meal. Then it's time for a campfire and evening stories before settling in under the star-studded sky.  (*Note: In the rare case that we have less than 13 guests on a Family Magic trip, we do not have a cargo raft travel ahead, but instead travel as a group, arrive at camp together, and guests set up their own tents with the help of guides if desired.)

In the morning, children wake up to a world of wonder, eager to play with new friends. Parents celebrate the undistracted time spent as a family, immersed in nature and the nurturing, secure atmosphere our guides create. All these ingredients join together to create the perfect recipe for our Family Magic rafting trips that set the high watermark for meaningful, educational, and inspiring family vacations that make smiles stretch from ear to ear. All this takes place on Idaho's Salmon River, with warm water and sand beaches as big as a baseball diamond. As the pioneers of family rafting trips, we have been dialling in the details since 1979, you can trust your family's whitewater vacation to us.

To learn more about how we thoughtfully craft our family trips, read A Message to Mother's from ROW Founder Betsy Bowen!

We also have "Open Enrollment" (not specific to only families) departures every Monday on this Salmon River Rafting Trip. Request more info on our Family rafting trips on call 208-765-0841.

Honoring Native People and Lands

Recognizing the significance of our travels through Indigenous territory, we would like to recognize the communities whose lands we visit. It is our hope, in doing so, to honor their legacies, their lives, and thier descendants. To learn more about territory acknowledgment and specific information about the Native communities of this region, please visit our Territory Acknowledgement page.

Images & Videos

kids on whitewater raft in Idaho
A group of kids gathered around the end of an upside down inflatable kayak in the river on the Lower Salmon River
mom and daughters hugging while sitting on raft
family in red white water raft
large rock canyon walls on the lower salmon river
tents on white sandy beach on the edge of the salmon river
Kids paddling a whitewater raft with their parents in the back on the Salmon River
The backs of four boys looking downstream from the lookout of a hike on the Lower Salmon River
rafting camp sitting along river with sunsets in background
rock art found along salmon river in idaho
whitewater raft on the lower salmon river in idaho
kids playing in the sand along the river
woman paddling in red whitewater raft
Parents relaxing on a red raft while floating flat water on the Lower Salmon River
Kids smiling behind a pineapple upside down cake patiently waiting for a slice
A person in an inflatable kayak holding the kayak paddle up in the air on the Lower Salmon River in Idhao
people sitting around a campfire
A family paddling through a splashy whitewater rapid on the Lower Salmon River
sunset over rafting camp
Two boys standing on the upside down side of an inflatable kayak playing at sunset
Family paddling through a rapid in a red boat on the Lower Salmon River
A dad and his two sons wearing red life jackets while on a red raft in Idaho
View of Lower Salmon River looking downstream
Smiling kids sitting on the beach riverside
Guests sitting around camping tables for dinner on a sandy beach along the Lower Salmon River
Father teaching his son how to fish on the Lower Salmon River in Idaho
Happy couple laughing on the Lower Salmon River while whitewater rafting
A boy sliding down the backside of a red raft during golden hour on the Lower Salmon River
kids on whitewater raft in Idaho
A group of kids gathered around the end of an upside down inflatable kayak in the river on the Lower Salmon River
mom and daughters hugging while sitting on raft
family in red white water raft
large rock canyon walls on the lower salmon river
tents on white sandy beach on the edge of the salmon river
Kids paddling a whitewater raft with their parents in the back on the Salmon River
The backs of four boys looking downstream from the lookout of a hike on the Lower Salmon River
rafting camp sitting along river with sunsets in background
rock art found along salmon river in idaho
whitewater raft on the lower salmon river in idaho
kids playing in the sand along the river
woman paddling in red whitewater raft
Parents relaxing on a red raft while floating flat water on the Lower Salmon River
Kids smiling behind a pineapple upside down cake patiently waiting for a slice
A person in an inflatable kayak holding the kayak paddle up in the air on the Lower Salmon River in Idhao
people sitting around a campfire
A family paddling through a splashy whitewater rapid on the Lower Salmon River
sunset over rafting camp
Two boys standing on the upside down side of an inflatable kayak playing at sunset
Family paddling through a rapid in a red boat on the Lower Salmon River
A dad and his two sons wearing red life jackets while on a red raft in Idaho
View of Lower Salmon River looking downstream
Smiling kids sitting on the beach riverside
Guests sitting around camping tables for dinner on a sandy beach along the Lower Salmon River
Father teaching his son how to fish on the Lower Salmon River in Idaho
Happy couple laughing on the Lower Salmon River while whitewater rafting
A boy sliding down the backside of a red raft during golden hour on the Lower Salmon River

Itinerary

lower salmon river map
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Day 0

See full itinerary and trip details here

Travel to Lewiston, Idaho, and meet ROW’s Team Leader and our River Jester™ at the Hells Cayon Grand Hotel at 7:00 pm PST for a one-hour orientation meeting to answer last-minute questions. You'll also receive your waterproof gear bags. Dinner is on your own.

ACCOMMODATION : Hells Canyon Grand Hotel (Not Included in trip cost) - Make your reservations early
MEALS INCLUDED : None

Day 1

Nez Perce National Historical Park

Meet your team leader at 7:30am for a two-hour bus ride to the rafting trip launch point near Whitebird, Idaho. On the way we'll stop briefly at the Nez Perce National Historical Park for an introduction to the native peoples who lived along the Salmon River for thousands of years. Today many celebrate their heritage by living on the Nez Perce Reservation near the Clearwater and Salmon rivers. By mid-morning we arrive at our launch point. Summer here is typically dry and hot, with daytime temperatures in the 90’s and nights in the 60’s.

Before launching on family rafting trips, ROW staff prepares you with a thorough safety briefing while personal gear is loaded. The briefing covers how to ride in a raft, how to paddle, how to swim through rapids, and other tips for the days ahead. Once this is complete everyone chooses a raft - paddle, oar-powered or inflatable kayak - and climbs aboard.

The Salmon River Canyons is a trip with “pool and drop” characteristics. This means there's a long pool of calm water followed by a rapid. Today we run great introductory rapids that give a fun, roller coaster ride.

When we stop for lunch, some guides prepare the meal while others give a “camp orientation” to explain how we minimize our impact on the river. ROW adheres to "Leave No Trace" camping ethics, so you'll learn where to wash up, how the toilet system works, where to brush your teeth, place trash, etc. Then it’s time to make a sandwich and enjoy the open-air dining experience.

Around 4:00pm we arrive at camp with plenty of free time for hiking, fishing, reading or just relaxing. ROW’s River Jester™ will have fun activities planned for the children. This might be a short nature hike, a game at the river’s edge, or an arts and crafts project. Or kids can simply build sand castles and play in the water.

Parents are welcome to join in, or to relax in their own way. Hors d’oeuvres are served around 6:00pm along with the kids’ dinner. The adult's dinner is served around 7:30 and kids are welcome to join. After dinner a campfire is lit and an evening of laughter and fun begins. As the night sky darkens we’ll offer an astronomy lesson or story to send everyone to bed with sweet dreams.

ACCOMMODATION : Beach Camping
MEALS INCLUDED : L, D

Day 2

Green Canyon

You'll wake around 7:00am to the smell of fresh-brewed coffee and tea. Breakfast is served around 7:30, and while we clean up the kitchen, you pack up your personal gear. We depart camp about 9:30 for today's rafting adventure. Plenty of rapids, sun and dramatic scenery await you on an adventure-packed day of family white water rafting. Of historic interest, we stop to visit a Native American rock art site, left by the original inhabitants of this rugged land. These were the predecessors of today’s Nez Perce tribe, and were once the most populous tribe in the Pacific Northwest. Their original homeland covered millions of acres and included settlements along the Salmon, Snake and Clearwater rivers.

From these rivers they caught thousands of salmon that were both a part of their food supply as well as spiritual nurturing. During the cooler months of the year they lived in “pit houses” along this section of the Salmon River and we see evidence of these on our journey down the river. As we visit these sites and study their art, we can only wonder what life must have been like for them in past centuries.

Soon after, the river enters “Green Canyon” and we hoot and holler through the exciting rapids of Wright Way Drop and Demon’s Drop. We stop for lunch on a big beach, perfect for swimming and beach games. The afternoon has a few more rapids, peaceful drifting and the chance of seeing soaring eagles. Tonight we camp on a huge white sand beach, and after dinner we enjoy the evening campfire and marvel at the star-studded sky.

ACCOMMODATION : Beach Camping
MEALS INCLUDED : B, L, D

Day 3

Cougar Canyon, Snowhole Canyon 

Today your rafting holiday takes you through “Cougar Canyon” and “Snowhole Canyon” for full day of whitewater rafting fun. Big, splashy rapids like Lorna’s Lulu, Bunghole, the Gobbler, Bodacious Bounce, Snowhole and China make for great stories and beaming smiles.

One of the curious bits of human history unique to Idaho and the lower reaches of the Salmon River is the story of the Chinese miners who came here around 1864. Gold was discovered in 1861 and Chinese miners worked or provided support services for the mining camps. By 1870, 25 percent of Idaho's population was Chinese. In the 1880’s some set up placer mining camps along this stretch of the Salmon River.

Using simple hydraulics and hard labor they moved tons of earth to find gold. In their camps, they built small rock houses, which remain today as amazing testimony to their skill and endurance. After a full day of learning and fun, we arrive in camp. The hot weather and warm water invite everyone in for a swim.

Our guides have a bagful of games and fun for kids and adults, and this evening we may set up a volleyball net, play horseshoes or hike up a nearby mountain for stunning views. Summer evenings in Idaho are long, with darkness arriving after 9:30pm in July and early August. The night sky, crackling campfire and fresh mountain air will help you sleep like a baby.

ACCOMMODATION : Beach Camping
MEALS INCLUDED : B, L, D

Day 4

Cottonwood Creek, Blue Canyon

More fun rapids and incredible scenery. We may see playful river otters swimming and frolicking. At Cottonwood Creek the more adventurous might jump in and swim a rapid! We might hike to the old Reeves' homestead at Wapshilla Creek, named for a Nez Perce family who lived in the area. Jackson Sundown, a Nez Perce who was in the famous Nez Perce flight of 1877, married Cecilia Wapsheli and worked at the Reeves’ ranch. In 1916, at the age of 53, he won the Pendleton Round-Up world championship rodeo.

Those fishing will continue to find bass and trout and birdwatchers are likely to spot golden eagles and falcons. Home and worries will seem a thousand miles away. River time has settled into our rhythm and our souls.

After lunch we enter “Blue Canyon,” named for the bluish/black tone of the igneous rock that forms the dramatic landscape. Here the river is forced into a narrower channel and a long series of cascading rapids treats us. We'll bounce through Devil’s Slide, Sluice Box, Checkerboard and Eye of the Needle. These rapids are the perfect finale to your Salmon River journey. We make camp near the Salmon's confluence with the Snake River. It’s our last night on the river and we'll camp on another expansive white sand beach. These natural beaches can only be found on an undammed river where ground-up rock is free to travel as sediment downriver, settling to create these beautiful oases of glistening sand. When a river is dammed, the dam traps sediment behind its concrete walls and robs beaches of sand rather than replenishing them.

ACCOMMODATION : Beach Camping
MEALS INCLUDED : B, L, D

Day 5

Snake and Salmon Confluence

If we didn’t arrive yesterday, today we'll see the confluence of the Salmon and Snake Rivers. This is a powerful place where the legendary Salmon “River of No Return” ends its journey and mingles with the waters of the mighty Snake River at the lower end of Hells Canyon. Once we enter the Snake we’re floating on twice the volume of water as the Salmon alone. The Snake forms state boundaries, and from this point on we have Idaho on our right and Oregon or Washington on the left, depending on location. There are some big waves and big rides and also some long stretches of flat water.

As we travel downstream, we'll see the original Nez Perce trail descending down the canyon to a ford used for centuries by the Nez Perce as they traveled east from the Wallowa Mountains (in today’s northeast corner of Oregon).

We stop for another fine lunch on a sandy beach and put on a big smile for the group photo. A few more miles of magnificent scenery and then around 3:00 pm we reach our take-out just below the Snake River's confluence with the Grande Ronde River. Gear is untied and everyone carries their personal gear to the waiting bus.

It’s a quick 45-minute ride back to the town of Lewiston, Idaho. Depart the next morning to head home, or continue on to your next adventure.

Travel information for the next morning: If you drove to Lewiston your car is waiting for you at the hotel. If you flew, take the hotel shuttle to the Lewiston airport or a taxi to the Spokane airport.

ROW Inc. is proud to be an Equal Opportunity recreation service provider under permit from the Bureau of Land Management. Our Salmon River Canyons trips are operated under permit from the Cottonwood Resource Area of the BLM. ROW Inc. is bonded and fully licensed by the State of Idaho Outfitters and Guides Licensing Board.

ACCOMMODATION : Hells Canyon Grand Hotel (Not Included in trip cost) - Make your reservations early
MEALS INCLUDED : B, L

Day 6

Departure

If you drove to Lewiston your car is waiting for you at the hotel. If you flew, take the hotel shuttle to the Lewiston airport or a taxi to the Spokane airport.  

Dates & Rates

DatesAdult (USD)Child (USD)
Jul 07, 2024 to Jul 11, 2024
Family Magic - Recommended for kids 10+ in age
$1,990£0€0$0$0$1,860£0€0$0$0
Jul 08, 2024 to Jul 12, 2024
Open Enrollment - Recommended for kids 10+ in age
$1,990£0€0$0$0$1,860£0€0$0$0
Jul 14, 2024 to Jul 18, 2024
Family Magic
$1,990£0€0$0$0$1,860£0€0$0$0
Jul 15, 2024 to Jul 19, 2024
Open Enrollment
$1,990£0€0$0$0$1,860£0€0$0$0
Jul 21, 2024 to Jul 25, 2024
Family Magic
$1,990£0€0$0$0$1,860£0€0$0$0
Jul 22, 2024 to Jul 26, 2024
Open Enrollment
$1,990£0€0$0$0$1,860£0€0$0$0
Jul 28, 2024 to Aug 01, 2024
Family Magic
SOLD OUT
$1,990£0€0$0$0$1,860£0€0$0$0
Jul 29, 2024 to Aug 02, 2024
Open Enrollment
$1,990£0€0$0$0$1,860£0€0$0$0
Aug 04, 2024 to Aug 08, 2024
Family Magic
$1,990£0€0$0$0$1,860£0€0$0$0
Aug 05, 2024 to Aug 09, 2024
Open Enrollment
$1,990£0€0$0$0$1,860£0€0$0$0
Aug 11, 2024 to Aug 15, 2024
Family Magic
$1,990£0€0$0$0$1,860£0€0$0$0
Aug 12, 2024 to Aug 16, 2024
Open Enrollment
$1,990£0€0$0$0$1,860£0€0$0$0
Aug 18, 2024 to Aug 22, 2024
Family Magic
$1,990£0€0$0$0$1,860£0€0$0$0
Aug 19, 2024 to Aug 23, 2024
Open Enrollment
$1,990£0€0$0$0$1,860£0€0$0$0
Aug 25, 2024 to Aug 29, 2024
Family Magic
$1,990£0€0$0$0$1,860£0€0$0$0
Aug 26, 2024 to Aug 30, 2024
Open Enrollment
$1,990£0€0$0$0$1,860£0€0$0$0
Sep 01, 2024 to Sep 05, 2024
Family Magic
$1,990£0€0$0$0$1,860£0€0$0$0
Sep 02, 2024 to Sep 06, 2024
Open Enrollment
$1,990£0€0$0$0$1,860£0€0$0$0

Supplementary Information

5-Day Wilderness Rafting Trips
  • Family Magic: Every Sunday- prices listed above
  • Open Enrollment (not specific to only families although family-friendly unless otherwise noted): Every Monday - Prices listed above
4-Day Family Rafting Trip
Departures: By request for a large group - Please Call
 
Private Charter Rates (Prices based on a trip exclusive for your group):
5-Day Private Trip
$41,790 for up to 23 guests
4-Day Private Trip
Please Call
 
Group Rates for 10+ guests (Prices for a group within a non-exclusive trip):
5-day = $100 off per person
 

TRIP INCLUDES: 

  • Services of our talented adventure consultants and professional guides
  • Hand-crafted itineraries
  • River Jester entertainer for kids
  • All meals/beverages as indicated in the itinerary (including beer and wine) 
  • Clean drinking water available at all times
  • All rafting/camping gear 
  • Specialized equipment needed for activities such as helmets, paddles, personal flotation devices, etc.
  • Private pre-tour orientation meeting
  • Transportation to/from river meeting points

DOES NOT INCLUDE: 

  • 6% Land and water access fee
  • Airfare/transportation to beginning and ending points
  • Shuttling your car from launch to take out point if driving 
  • Gratuities for guides
  • Travel protection plan
  • Pre & post-trip hotel reservations
  • Items of a personal nature

Reviews

5
Average: 5 (36 votes)

Reviews

5

Best ROW trip yet!

When my adult son decided he wanted this trip (Family Magic) instead of the one not specifically designed to engage kids, I was a bit worried. We'd had such a great time 8 years ago when we took his oldest daughter and my daughter's son on the regular trip that I wondered, "If it isn't broken, why fix it?" But he made the right call. The 4 of us- 71 year old me, my son and my 13 and 10 year old granddaughters, all had a wonderful time. Having a jester and the focus on the kids made this trip much more relaxing for my son and me. I don't think that any of us were ready for it to come to an end and my 13 year old granddaughter has already said she wants to do this every year! (Please note that initially she wasn't even sure she wanted to go on a rafting trip.) ROW as a company clearly thinks through the details from answering your first question through making photos available a few days after the trip. I've been on 4 ROW rafting trips now, plus 8 days rafting in the Grand Canyon with another company many, many years ago. The ease of planning and enjoying this trip was beyond comparison. The guides -every one of them- were attentive, engaged, and responsive. It was a pleasure getting to know a little about them, too. Food and beverages were always plentiful and delicious. (Sadly, I have to drink decaf coffee now and while I initially overlooked it, because I had requested it in advance a guide actually sought me out to be sure I knew where it was.) When I asked for more caffeine-free beverages at lunch, they were there every following day. Children's tastes were considered for every meal and adult options were delicious. They also do a perfect job of knowing that we'll be starving from all of the fresh air and exercise and quickly have appetizers available before lunch and dinner, and keep some light snacks available on the rafts. The sleeping pads were more comfortable than I remembered! The people on this trip jelled beautifully. While certainly part of that is their personalities (and the children's upbringing), I give much credit to the jester and guides and how they creatively offered activities designed to not leave anyone out. The variety also meant that different interests were met. The beaches where we camped were beautiful and fun (especially the 'lazy river',) the rapids were great, and the wildlife was plentiful. The four of us enjoyed the off-water opportunities such as the Nez Perce museum, abandoned stone hut where miners lived, and walk to the petroglyphs, while the rest of my family enjoyed the 'cliff' jumping and some enjoyed the raft slide. I have nothing but positive remarks for this trip, the guides and the company!

Google Review
5

To the River!

If I were a teacher I would most certainly give this company an A+!! The grading began long before the trip that my family of four just finished last night. I booked the FAMILY MAGIC trip all the way back in February. From that moment forward the magic truly started! The office staff (Jason, Candy, and Molly) answered my many phone calls, emails, and even chat sessions with kindness and patience for this family new to rafting. I never felt silly or rushed. Frequent communications from them as the trip approached. A streamlined paperwork process all done electronically. An excellent FAQ, blog, and YouTube videos to help with planning and packing. Then the trip finally arrived and the magic approached the level of David Copperfield and Houdini! Austin and Avery met us for our trip meeting the night before we packed out. They were enthusiastic and professional. The next morning we hit the river and met our other guides - Alec, Ross, Raya, and Sammie. The level of experience, service, safety, education and fun just BLEW OUR MINDS. Each of them had a way of taking the fun and turning it into a magical adventure of connections, friendships, and family…. From impromptu history and geology lessons, rattlesnake relocations, fireside s’mores and singalongs to cliff jumps and river slides and swims…. an atmosphere of family and a lifetime of memories were created by these 6 guides in our short time together. We are forever grateful for this company and these people who have touched our lives in a very significant way…. And as they say as we toast “To the River”! Thank you!!!

5

Best Day Ever!

Best day ever was our 7 year old grandson’s cry as the whitewater hit him in the face at the front of the raft. Best day ever was his cry as he jumped off the rocks three times and another best day ever was sliding down the overturned raft into the water hole. All this coming from a pretty timid little boy. Our five year old granddaughter floated the rapids, jumped off the rocks and cried NÉE HAW as we went through the rapids laughing as the water doused her little body. Couldn’t ask for better guides. Austin, Avery, Ross, Sammy, Alec and Reya were so personable and sensitive to the camper’s every needs. My husband and I concluded the sleeping mats on the ground were actually more comfortable than some RV’s we have rented in the past. The campsites themselves were so picturesque and there’s just something to be said for completely getting away from it all and enjoying the sounds of the river. We had a great time, and we enjoyed sharing that time with the other campers and with the guides. We learned a lot and shed a lot of the detritus of our modern world, if only for a few days. Great family bonding time.

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