Idaho
Whitewater Rafting Adventure on Idaho's Lower Salmon River
Program No. 4830RJ
Join us for a challenging and enriching adventure that’ll have you rafting the Salmon River, learning about local wildlife and gaining insight into the region’s unique history and lore.
Enroll with Confidence
We want your Road Scholar learning adventure to be something to look forward to—not worry about. Learn more
Protecting the Environment
We offset a portion of the emissions created by your travel. Learn more
6 days
5 nights
15 meals
5B 5L 5D
1
Journey to the River / Program Orientation
Salmon River
2
First Full Day on the Spectacular Salmon River
Salmon River
3
Historic Sites and Outstanding Scenery
Salmon River
4
River Journey Continues
Salmon River
5
Rafting the Salmon River & Snake River
Salmon River
6
Rafting the Snake River/Return to Lewiston
Salmon River
At a Glance
Experience a whitewater rafting adventure on Idaho's Salmon River, floating through the second-deepest canyon in North America. Learn about topics ranging from natural and human history to local culture and lore. Group leaders provide instruction in river safety, water dynamics and paddling techniques while they lead you through Class 3 whitewater. Camp on white-sand beaches, enjoy fresh, catered meals and swim in the Salmon's clear, warm water.
Activity Level
Outdoor: Spirited
Rafting and optional kayaking between 2-3 hrs. at a time on class III+ rapids. Climbing in and out of rafts. Up to 6.5 hrs. per day moving downriver, typically 10-18 miles per day. Carrying bags in camp across uneven terrain. Temperatures often in the 90+ degree range. No rafting or wilderness camping experience required. Oar rafts, paddle rafts, kayaks provided. Elevations range from 825 to 1400 feet.
Small Group
Love to learn and explore in a small-group setting? These adventures offer small, personal experiences with groups of 13 to 24 participants.
What You'll Learn
- While rafting, stop to explore historic sites such as Native American rock art, pioneer homesteads and Chinese rock houses that dot the river canyon.
- Experience river rafting 3-4 hours a day, then arrive at camp by mid-to-late afternoon and swim, fish, read or relax while Group Leaders prepare dinner.
- Board a jet boat upon joining the Snake River for a different view of Hells Canyon, North America's deepest canyon.
General Notes
Due to the nature of this program, listening devices are not available. For a comparable grandparent adventure for grandchildren ages 13-17, check out "Whitewater Rafting on Idaho's Salmon River With Your Grandchild" (#4954).
Suggested Reading List
(2 books)
Visit the Road Scholar Bookshop
You can find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
"I Will Fight No More Forever: " Chief Joseph and the Nez Perce War
River of No Return
Meals
15 Meals
5 Breakfasts
5 Lunches
5 Dinners
The following choices may be available when requested in advance: Vegetarian, Gluten Free
Lodging
Lodgings may differ by date. Select a date to see the lodgings specific to that date.
Display
- Aug 19, 2024 - Aug 24, 2024
- Aug 05, 2024 - Aug 10, 2024
- Aug 12, 2024 - Aug 17, 2024
- Aug 19, 2024 - Aug 24, 2024
- Aug 05, 2025 - Aug 10, 2025
- Aug 13, 2025 - Aug 18, 2025
- Aug 21, 2025 - Aug 26, 2025
5 nights
Lewiston
Trip meets at Hells Canyon Grand Hotel (621 21st St. Lewiston, ID 83501) and will return at the end of the trip. (We do not stay at the hotel during the trip). Every night will be camping along the Lower Salmon River in a different location. Camp chairs are provided. Camping equipment is provided for those who do not own (or do not wish to transport) this gear. High quality, three-person backpacking style tents are for 2 people or two-person tents for single people. Sleep kits (25 degree rated synthetic sleeping bag, cotton bag liner, self-inflating sleep pad, and ground cloth) are also provided per person. Deluxe kits are available for rental, which include a sleeping cot and larger tent. Please contact O.R.E. directly, 503-563-1500.
5 nights
Lewiston
Trip meets at Hells Canyon Grand Hotel (621 21st St. Lewiston, ID 83501) and will return at the end of the trip. (We do not stay at the hotel during the trip). Every night will be camping along the Lower Salmon River in a different location. Camp chairs are provided. Camping equipment is provided for those who do not own (or do not wish to transport) this gear. High quality, three-person backpacking style tents are for 2 people or two-person tents for single people. Sleep kits (25 degree rated synthetic sleeping bag, cotton bag liner, self-inflating sleep pad, and ground cloth) are also provided per person. Deluxe kits are available for rental, which include a sleeping cot and larger tent. Please contact O.R.E. directly, 503-563-1500.
5 nights
Lewiston
Trip meets at Hells Canyon Grand Hotel (621 21st St. Lewiston, ID 83501) and will return at the end of the trip. (We do not stay at the hotel during the trip). Every night will be camping along the Lower Salmon River in a different location. Camp chairs are provided. Camping equipment is provided for those who do not own (or do not wish to transport) this gear. High quality, three-person backpacking style tents are for 2 people or two-person tents for single people. Sleep kits (25 degree rated synthetic sleeping bag, cotton bag liner, self-inflating sleep pad, and ground cloth) are also provided per person. Deluxe kits are available for rental, which include a sleeping cot and larger tent. Please contact O.R.E. directly, 503-563-1500.
5 nights
Lewiston
Trip meets at Hells Canyon Grand Hotel (621 21st St. Lewiston, ID 83501) and will return at the end of the trip. (We do not stay at the hotel during the trip). Every night will be camping along the Lower Salmon River in a different location. Camp chairs are provided. Camping equipment is provided for those who do not own (or do not wish to transport) this gear. High quality, three-person backpacking style tents are for 2 people or two-person tents for single people. Sleep kits (25 degree rated synthetic sleeping bag, cotton bag liner, self-inflating sleep pad, and ground cloth) are also provided per person. Deluxe kits are available for rental, which include a sleeping cot and larger tent. Please contact O.R.E. directly, 503-563-1500.
5 nights
Lewiston
Trip meets at Hells Canyon Grand Hotel (621 21st St. Lewiston, ID 83501) and will return at the end of the trip. (We do not stay at the hotel during the trip). Every night will be camping along the Lower Salmon River in a different location. Camp chairs are provided. Camping equipment is provided for those who do not own (or do not wish to transport) this gear. High quality, three-person backpacking style tents are for 2 people or two-person tents for single people. Sleep kits (25 degree rated synthetic sleeping bag, cotton bag liner, self-inflating sleep pad, and ground cloth) are also provided per person. Deluxe kits are available for rental, which include a sleeping cot and larger tent. Please contact O.R.E. directly, 503-563-1500.
5 nights
Lewiston
Trip meets at Hells Canyon Grand Hotel (621 21st St. Lewiston, ID 83501) and will return at the end of the trip. (We do not stay at the hotel during the trip). Every night will be camping along the Lower Salmon River in a different location. Camp chairs are provided. Camping equipment is provided for those who do not own (or do not wish to transport) this gear. High quality, three-person backpacking style tents are for 2 people or two-person tents for single people. Sleep kits (25 degree rated synthetic sleeping bag, cotton bag liner, self-inflating sleep pad, and ground cloth) are also provided per person. Deluxe kits are available for rental, which include a sleeping cot and larger tent. Please contact O.R.E. directly, 503-563-1500.