There are more than 3,100 miles of whitewater rivers in Idaho, more than any other state in the lower 48 states. You can take on these mighty rivers in rubber rafts, kayaks, canoes, drift boats or jet boats led by an experienced guide from an licensed outfitter or on your own.
You can choose a leisurely trip on calm waters, or a heart-pounding run through boiling rapids. And, the choices don’t end there. Select from a number of trips including a half-day float, a day-long trip or excursions lasting up to several days. The longer, overnight trips include camping, gourmet Dutch oven-made dining, and opportunities along the way to fish for trout or steelhead. The long float trips also give you the chance to see many forms of wildlife in their natural setting.
Snake River
The Snake River makes its way across the plains of southern Idaho before plunging into Hells Canyon. Float trips and fly fishing experiences are offered on the river’s South Fork in eastern Idaho, raft trips through the demanding Murtaugh section in the state’s south central region east of Twin Falls, Idaho, or through Hells Canyon. Raft and jet boat the canyon from the Hells Canyon Dam or Lewiston, with raft trips beginning only from the dam.
Payette River
Great whitewater is available on the Payette north of Boise, Idaho. The Payette’s South Fork offers up the chance to raft, kayak or canoe. The North Fork features the Cabarton run, an 11-mile stretch with a mix of quiet sections and rapids with I to III Class rapids. Only experienced kayakers should attempt these waters. The Main Payette River has half-day trips excellent for beginners and families.
Salmon River
This legendary “River of No Return” has something for everyone. The Middle Fork is rated one of the top 10 whitewater rivers in the world. It is a wonderful catch-and-release trout fishery, and a series of Class III and IV rapids can be found in runs through the Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness, the largest of all designated wildernesses in the contiguous 48 United States. Floats on the Middle Fork are offered for 3, 5 or 7 days. The Main Salmon River has many rafting experiences on the 80-mile leg between Salmon, Idaho and Riggins, Idaho. You can choose from full-day and half-day trips downstream from Riggins, Stanley, Challis and Salmon, where stretches of this mighty river have both white-knuckle rapids and awesome scenery. The Lower Main Salmon runs north from Riggins first through basalt canyons and then next to open, grass-covered banks before joining the Snake River north of Hells Canyon. This part of the river is good for half-day, full-day trip or multi-day trips ranging from 10 to 50 miles in length.
Lochsa River
Lochsa means “rough water” in the Nez Perce Indian language. That gives you some idea of this river test. This river follows the route of the Lewis and Clark expedition through that part of the state and also parallels U. S. Route 12 near the Montana border in the southeast corner of the Idaho Panhandle. The upper section of the river features swift, technical water and many Class III and IV rapids. Many river rapids have nicknames. For example, “The Grim Reaper” on the Lochsa is an appropriate name for a favorite rapid of mine.
Selway River
The technical Class IV and V rapids on the remote Selway are only present for a few months in the spring and early summer. As it leaves the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness at Selway Falls on the Lower Selway, there is a 20-mile stretch ending with the river’s confluence with the Lochsa River. This stretch, east of Kooskia, Idaho, is best for beginners and families.
And, finally….
Whatever your choices, river running in Idaho will end up being an experience you won’t soon forget. Make your plans now for the thrill of whitewater boating. If you lack previous experience on whitewater, selecting an licensed outfitter makes sense. Your guide will be skilled, knowledgeable and carefully trained in first aid and all aspects of your river adventure. Hang on!
The author, a resident of Idaho, enjoys a wide range of outdoor activities. His website on Idaho discusses many of the outdoor pursuits locals and visitors enjoy in his home state. For more information, see http://www.idaho-insider.com
Source: www.a1articles.com