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.
Best of all, you’ll…
- Experience river rafting for three to four hours a day, then arrive at camp by mid-to-late afternoon and swim, fish, read or relax while Group Leaders prepare dinner.
- Stop to explore historic sites such as Native American rock art, pioneer homesteads and Chinese rock houses that dot the river canyon.
- 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.
Whitewater Rafting Adventure on Idaho's Lower Salmon River
Program Number: 4830
River of No Return
"I Will Fight No More Forever: " Chief Joseph and the Nez Perce War