River of No Return and Other Trips Around Idaho

While the 1954 movie with Marilyn Monroe made this river famous so long ago, we have our own reasons for loving the Salmon River. After all, what’s not to love? It has some of the most beautiful mountain scenery in the Western United States. The fishing and wildlife of the area alone could draw visitors from all over the world, if it didn’t also feature great, class IV rapids and a small, slow moving pools that invite you to jump in and enjoy the nice, cool water. Outdoor temperatures during the day typically range from 85 to 95 degrees, which is perfect weather for rafting.

ROW Adventures provides multi-day trips along this gorgeous river, camping out on glistening, white-sand beaches. Each one of these Salmon River rafting trips is guaranteed to bring a smile to your face and fill your camera with memories. This river is considered one of the best for families and first-timers, but is also filled with plenty of thrills, even for experienced rafters. Salmon River trips vary from 4 to 6 days, depending on the stretch that you choose to raft. ROW also offers a special, Family Magic trip designed especially for families and children. These trips take place on parts of the river that have fun, mild rapids just for kids and include River Jesters (fun, kid oriented guides) and kids menus.

If you’re looking for more adventurous trips, or just other rivers to raft, ROW also has trips on the Snake River, the Lochsa, and many others. The Snake River’s Hells Canyon is the deepest canyon in America. That’s right! Deeper than the Grand Canyon. Just across the Oregon-Idaho border, you can find some fantastic Oregon rafting on the Owyhee River in the high desert, with blooming flowers and plenty of wildlife. Check out the handful of day trips that ROW has to offer as well as their lodge-based trips. In fact, if you’re looking for a really incredible summer adventure, be sure to look into their all-inclusive adventure resort. It is literally a paradise on earth and possibly the most memorable summer adventure you will ever have.

John Wesley Powell and the Grand Canyon Expedition

As rafting experts, we learn to appreciate the originals - the “Founding Fathers” of rafting, if you will. One of these great forerunners was Major John Wesley Powell, after whom Lake Powell is named. His river expeditions may not have been done on a raft, per say, but we honor him, nonetheless, as one of the greatest white water adventurers to ever set sail.

 

In 1869, John Wesley Powell, a one-armed soldier, scientist and explorer, set out with nine men and four wooden boats to conquer the uncharted land that would one day be known as the Grand Canyon and surrounding areas. The ten men found their way down the Green River to the confluence with the Grand (Colorado) River over the course of about three months. At one point, about a month in, one member of the band approached Major Powell and stated “I’ve had more excitement than a man deserves in a lifetime. I’m leaving.” Three others also left the group at various times throughout the journey. The remaining six men finished the journey, having accomplished one of the greatest exploratory feats of the infamous “Wild West”.

Fortunately for us, our Grand Canyon rafting trips are done through Western River Expeditions. They are hands down, the best in the west. Powell’s men had to live on what few supplies made it through the rapids, WRE’s skilled guides not only handle the rapids with expert precision, but they also provide meals that rival those of 5 star restaurants - all at the bottom of the incredible Grand Canyon. Western River Expeditions offers four different options varying from 3, 4, 6 and 7 day trips. The 6 and 7 day trips cover the same stretch of river, including more than 60 rapids, and half a dozen hikes to nearby natural attractions, but the 7 day trip includes an extra day for hikes and sightseeing. Likewise, the 3 and 4 day trips cover the remaining stretch of the Grand Canyon, with the 4 day trip including a night at the Bar 10 Ranch on the North Rim of the canyon. All four options are spectacular and will never be forgotten. This trip is one that everyone should do at least once in their life!