Snake River Hells Canyon Rafting

Idaho Trips vs. Other Vacations

The Snake River trip is operated by ROW Adventures, our partner in the Idaho region. Since 1979, ROW has poured "our heart and soul into creating adventure travel experiences that enrich lives and exceed guest expectations. The result is a loyal following of ROW adventurers who trust us with their vacation dreams time and time again."

On top of the exceptional service, river rafting and food, the Snake River trip offers:

  • Itinerary is designed to visit many different points of interest, taking advantage of rock art sites, pioneer homesteads, and natural wonders in the river canyon.
  • Your trip is enriched by knowledgeable guides who share the canyon's cultural and natural history. We specifically train our guides in this area and most are Certified Interpretive Guides through the National Association for Interpretation.
  • Cargo boat travels ahead & sets up camp, including your tent
  • Complimentary wetsuits & wetsuit booties provided early and late season.
  • Your choice of river craft - we do our best to bring the type of river craft best-suited to the group including oar rafts, paddle rafts, and inflatable kayaks (affectionately called 'Daring Duckies'). Smaller oar rafts help to maximize the excitement of rapids.
  • Trip includes farewell dinner

A Typical Day on the River

Hells Canyon on the Snake River in Idaho straddles the borders of Idaho and Oregon and is the deepest river gorge in North America. The Snake River has “pool and drop” characteristics. This means there's a long pool of calm water followed by a rapid. Not long after launching we run several splashy rapids that give a fun, roller coaster ride a taste of what's to come.

We usually run two big class IV rapids the first day. Between the Snake River rapids, there's plenty of time to kick back and marvel at the snow-capped peaks that tower more than a mile above. Many people come to raft the Snake River because of the bountiful fishing. Common species include trout, smallmouth bass and North America's largest freshwater fish, the white sturgeon. Other people come to learn more about the history of the Native American tribes and early pioneers who homestead here.

Around 4:00pm we arrive at camp with plenty of free time for hiking, fishing, reading or just relaxing. Hors d’oeuvres are served around 6:00 and dinner around 7:30. The evening sky darkens and the first shimmering stars appear, inviting contemplation on the day and conversation with friends, new and old.

We awake around 7:00am and enjoy fresh-brewed coffee. Breakfast is served and you pack up your personal gear. The rafts are loaded and we depart from camp around 9:30 for an adventure-packed day of rapids, magnificent scenery and fun.

This was a great trip both on the water and off - great fun and confident guides who were helpful, knowledgeable and creative in their efforts to make this a memorable experience for all.

Craig Baken, Bothell, WA