Family Magic Rafting Trip

Trip Highlights

  • Kid-focused fun, family-focused trips – designed by our family, for families with children as young as five
  • Dedicated “River Jester™” guide – keeps kids engaged with games, hikes, and nature-based fun
  • Scenic Salmon River beaches – perfect for swimming, sandcastle building, and riverside play
  • Interactive stops – explore Indigenous rock art and old pioneer homesteads
  • Hassle-free camping – tents set up for you, complete with riverside dining and kid-friendly meals
  • Unplugged connection – time to truly bond, away from screens and distractions
  • Trusted by families for over 30 years – leaders in kid-centered river trips

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 to explore Indigenous rock art and pioneer homesteads, cliff jump, swim and hike. From the moment you arrive at camp, everything is taken care of—your tent is ready, and the riverside dining area awaits with tables and chairs set for a relaxing evening. Kids enjoy their own special dinner before you’re treated to a gourmet meal under the open sky. As the day winds down, stories are shared beneath a canopy of stars, creating memories that will stay with you long after the trip ends. (*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.)

Mornings bring wide-eyed wonder as kids leap into a new day of play and discovery with their river friends. For parents, it’s a rare chance to unplug, connect deeply, and savor uninterrupted time together in a joyful space crafted by expert guides. 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 sandy beaches as big as a baseball diamond. With over 30 years of experience leading family rafting adventures, we’ve perfected every detail to deliver a trip that’s comfortable, seamless, and unforgettable. When it comes to your family’s whitewater vacation, you’re in expert hands

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 dad and his two sons wearing red life jackets while on a red raft in Idaho
A group of kids hiking and exploring historical areas of the Lower Salmon river in Idaho.
family in red white water raft
large rock canyon walls on the lower salmon river with whitewater rafts floating through.
Two kids swimming in the calm waters of the 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
View of Lower Salmon River looking downstream
Smiling kids sitting on the beach riverside
Eggs Benedict being served while camping along the Lower Salmon River
Guests sitting around camping tables for dinner on a sandy beach along the Lower Salmon River
Six kids surrounding an inflatable whitewater kayak while they play on it in the river.
Father teaching his son how to fish on the Lower Salmon River in Idaho
Two kids floating in an inflatable kayak on the Lower Salmon river with a raft behind them.
A boy sliding down the backside of a red raft during golden hour on the Lower Salmon River
Families sitting around a campfire on a sandy beach along the Lower Salmon River while on a guided multi-day rafting and camping trip
kids on whitewater raft in Idaho
A dad and his two sons wearing red life jackets while on a red raft in Idaho
A group of kids hiking and exploring historical areas of the Lower Salmon river in Idaho.
family in red white water raft
large rock canyon walls on the lower salmon river with whitewater rafts floating through.
Two kids swimming in the calm waters of the 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
View of Lower Salmon River looking downstream
Smiling kids sitting on the beach riverside
Eggs Benedict being served while camping along the Lower Salmon River
Guests sitting around camping tables for dinner on a sandy beach along the Lower Salmon River
Six kids surrounding an inflatable whitewater kayak while they play on it in the river.
Father teaching his son how to fish on the Lower Salmon River in Idaho
Two kids floating in an inflatable kayak on the Lower Salmon river with a raft behind them.
A boy sliding down the backside of a red raft during golden hour on the Lower Salmon River
Families sitting around a campfire on a sandy beach along the Lower Salmon River while on a guided multi-day rafting and camping trip

Itinerary

lower salmon river map
Collapse all days

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 : Lunch, Dinner

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 : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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 : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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 : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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 : Breakfast, Lunch

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 13, 2025 to Jul 17, 2025
Family Magic
$1,990£0€0$0$0$1,860£0€0$0$0
Jul 14, 2025 to Jul 18, 2025
Open Enrollment
$1,990£0€0$0$0$1,860£0€0$0$0
Jul 20, 2025 to Jul 24, 2025
Family Magic
$1,990£0€0$0$0$1,860£0€0$0$0
Jul 21, 2025 to Jul 25, 2025
Open Enrollment
$1,990£0€0$0$0$1,860£0€0$0$0
Jul 27, 2025 to Jul 31, 2025
Family Magic
$1,990£0€0$0$0$1,860£0€0$0$0
Jul 28, 2025 to Aug 01, 2025
Open Enrollment
$1,990£0€0$0$0$1,860£0€0$0$0
Aug 03, 2025 to Aug 07, 2025
Family Magic
$1,990£0€0$0$0$1,860£0€0$0$0
Aug 04, 2025 to Aug 08, 2025
Open Enrollment
$1,990£0€0$0$0$1,860£0€0$0$0
Aug 10, 2025 to Aug 14, 2025
Family Magic
$1,990£0€0$0$0$1,860£0€0$0$0
Aug 18, 2025 to Aug 22, 2025
Family Magic
$1,990£0€0$0$0$1,860£0€0$0$0
Aug 24, 2025 to Aug 28, 2025
Family Magic
$1,990£0€0$0$0$1,860£0€0$0$0
Aug 25, 2025 to Aug 29, 2025
Open Enrollment
$1,990£0€0$0$0$1,860£0€0$0$0
Aug 31, 2025 to Sep 04, 2025
Family Magic
$1,990£0€0$0$0$1,860£0€0$0$0
Sep 01, 2025 to Sep 05, 2025
Open Enrollment
$1,990£0€0$0$0$1,860£0€0$0$0
2026
Jul 12, 2026 to Jul 16, 2026
Family Magic
$2,090£0€0$0$0$1,960£0€0$0$0
Jul 19, 2026 to Jul 23, 2026
Family Magic
$2,090£0€0$0$0$1,960£0€0$0$0
Jul 20, 2026 to Jul 25, 2026
Open Enrollment
$2,090£0€0$0$0$1,960£0€0$0$0
Jul 26, 2026 to Jul 30, 2026
Family Magic
$2,090£0€0$0$0$1,960£0€0$0$0
Jul 27, 2026 to Jul 31, 2026
Open Enrollment
$2,090£0€0$0$0$1,960£0€0$0$0
Aug 02, 2026 to Aug 06, 2026
Family Magic
$2,090£0€0$0$0$1,960£0€0$0$0
Aug 03, 2026 to Aug 07, 2026
Open Enrollment
$2,090£0€0$0$0$1,960£0€0$0$0
Aug 09, 2026 to Aug 13, 2026
Family Magic
$2,090£0€0$0$0$1,960£0€0$0$0
Aug 10, 2026 to Aug 14, 2026
Open Enrollment
$2,090£0€0$0$0$1,960£0€0$0$0
Aug 16, 2026 to Aug 20, 2026
Family Magic
$2,090£0€0$0$0$1,960£0€0$0$0
Aug 17, 2026 to Aug 21, 2026
Open Enrollment
$2,090£0€0$0$0$1,960£0€0$0$0
Aug 23, 2026 to Aug 30, 2026
Family Magic
$2,090£0€0$0$0$1,960£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

Family Magic Private and Charter Trips

ROW offers private and chartered Family Magic Rafting trips in Idaho, perfect for groups of 1-23 guests. For pricing details, see below or contact an Adventure Consultant for a custom quote tailored to your group’s needs. Please call for available dates.

 
2025 Private Charter Rates
  • 5-Day Trip - $41,790 for up to 23 guests (Pay for 21 and get the 22nd and 23rd seat free).
  • 4-Day 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

Similar Adventures

Middle Fork Salmon River Rafting

For another incredible 6-day adventure in the River of No Return Wilderness, the Middle Fork Salmon offers more technical whitewater, diverse landscapes, and exceptional fishing and hiking—rafting 80-100 miles upstream of the Main Salmon, starting out at 6000 ft above sea level!

Main Salmon River Rafting

For another 6-day adventure, consider rafting Idaho's Main Salmon River, connecting both the Middle Fork and Salmon River Canyons together. Experience the best the Salmon River has to offer with forests, sandy beaches, exhilirating whitewater, historical sites, hiking trails, and more!

Reviews

5
Average: 5 (44 votes)

Reviews

Google Review
5

The most memorable trip we have taken in a long time.

We recently came home from the Lower Salmon River Family Magic Trip. We were two adults and three kids, ages 5, 7, and 9. This was the most memorable trip we have taken in a long time. We owe such a wonderful trip to the amazing guides we had - Kristen, Raya, Jake, and Jade. Every guide was incredible and truly sought for us all to fall in love with the river as much as they have. Their organization and efficiency were impressive. The food was absolutely delicious (fresh salmon on the river?! - you guys are amazing); every meal was thoughtfully cooked fresh and even the kids indulged in food they wouldn't eat at home. Jade was our jester and took amazing care of our kids. Her creativity and boundless energy were OVER THE TOP - our kids were enthralled the entire trip and we were really able to engage in things we wouldn't have been able to if Jade were not there - hiking, swimming, reading, playing cards, etc. I really could go on and on about our experience (and I have to everyone I run into!). Don't hesitate to book with Row - you will have a great time!

5

Great time with our grandchildren

We had a wonderful family adventure on the lower Salmon River with our two grandchildren, ages 6 and 10. I don’t recall them having so much fun on any other excursion we have taken them on. They were happy for five days with no screens. There were other children for them to play with and the guides were always there for them. We appreciate how much time they devoted to our grand-children and the other children on the trip. All of our guides were exceptional—Aashna, Cole, Jade, Rian, Conner and Reya did everything to make sure our trip ran smoothly. We would highly recommend this trip to families and extended families. There were three grandfathers and their families with us creating exceptional memories for their grandchildren!

5

Disconnect to Reconnect

We had a fantastic time with ROW Adventures! The professional guides were knowledgeable and made the experience incredibly fun for everyone. The food was great, and the kids were well entertained, giving our parents much-needed time to relax. This trip was the highlight of our 2024 adventures, and we created unforgettable memories, especially witnessing our daughter jump off a cliff for the first time! We highly recommend this trip to small and large families looking for a memorable outdoor adventure.

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