This Trip is All About Summer...long warm days, the excitement of whitewater, the soothing rhythms of the wilderness...star filled nights, riverside camps on white sand beaches, early morning coffee, evening swims, and great company! We provide almost everything you will need for your river trip, beginning with a van or bus ride from your hotel in Moscow, Idaho to the put-in point at Hammer Creek. When you arrive there, the dories will already be packed with the food and drink for the trip. Before you begin the 70 mile journey on the section of the Salmon River known as the Lower Gorge, your guides will take a few minutes to stow your personal gear and get you fitted with a comfortable lifejacket. You can sit back and enjoy the ride or if you are feeling adventurous you can try your hand at paddling in one of our inflatable kayaks. After five days of playing, exploring, relaxing, star gazing, and eating great food, your trip will take-out at Heller Bar, WA and you will be shuttled back to your hotel in Moscow. If you are a family with children or teenagers you will find that this is a perfect river for your vacation experience. From mid July into September, the moderate river flows create rapids (Class 3 and 4) that are exciting for the first time adventurer and equally as fun for the seasoned river rafter. You will find some of Idaho's truly magnificent rapids on this trip including - Bodacious Bounce, Demon's Drop, and The Snow Hole, China Rapid, and Eye of the Needle.

Camping on the Salmon River: In keeping with the nature of the place, SUNDOG EXPEDITIONS provides a participatory experience. We camp daily along the river on beautiful white sand beaches. You may choose to be involved in setting up camp and you will have the opportunity, if you like, to help the crew in the preparation of meals. You may set up your tent but if the weather is clear there is nothing like sleeping under the star lit sky.

Group size with Sundog Expeditions:  We to run smaller trips than many of our fellow outfitters. This allows crew and participants all to get to know each other. Our trips generally range from 8 to 16 participants and 4 to 6 guides and crew. As regulated by the BLM our maximum trip size is 30 inclusive of all. Our guest to guide ratio is never greater than four to one

 

EXPERIENCE, AGE, FITNESS
This trip is suitable for individuals of all levels of experience. The Salmon River trip is recommended for ages 7 and older - there is no upper limit. You should be reasonably healthy as river trips require a certain amount of exertion. If you are pregnant, have heart trouble or other serious health concerns please consult your physician before signing up for any river or outdoor adventure trip. People with disabilities and challenges are welcome on Sundog Expeditions trips, please call and talk with us so we can be sure we can safely meet your special requirements. First time campers are welcome and will acquire skills in outdoor living with the help of our very experienced guides. SUNDOG EXPEDITIONS is an equal opportunity service provider.

SUNDOG EXPEDITIONS provides each guest with a Coast Guard Approved/Type V Lifejacket, all eating utensils (including plates, bowls, and flatware), an insulated coffee mug with lid, a high quality 3-season tent (double occupancy), waterproof bags, and storage for breakable items.

TentsTo insure your comfort we provide you with a high quality three-season tent. We will teach you how to set it up if you have no experience or are unfamiliar with the equipment.

Clothing etc.When you sign up for a trip with SUNDOG EXPEDITIONS, you will receive an information package which will include a detailed list of what you will need to bring with you to be comfortable both on the river and at camp. Once you receive the list call us with any question you still have

Rental SleepkitsSundog Expeditions has Rental Sleepkits available. Avoid the hassle of traveling with bulky sleeping gear by renting. Sleepkits include a high quality Polarguard filled sleeping bag, a paco (sleeping) pad, a pillow and case, a sheet (for hot nights), and a ground cloth. Our rental gear is thoroughly laundered between each use and replaced regularly.

What to expect
The weather is generally hot and sunny in Central Idaho from mid-July through early September, with occasional late afternoon or evening thunder showers. Temperatures may range from 85 -100+ degreesin the daytime and 60 - 75 degrees at night. On occasions, we may enjoy rain throughout the day.

RIVER CLASSIFICATION
Class III Whitewater

By Air fly to Spokane Washington
The closest International Airport to us is located in Spokane, Washington, which is approximately 90 miles north of Moscow. Spokane is serviced by manl major airlines.

To get from Spokane to Moscow you have several options
       - You can rent a car through most major vehicle rental companies at the Spokane International Airport for the week and return it when you depart.
       -One-way rentals from Spokane to Moscow and back are only available at the airport through Hertz. The toll-free number for Hertz is 1(800)654-3131. Rental cars should be
         r eserved well in advance to insure availability during peak summer travel times.
      -Wheatland Express - Airport Shuttle Service between Spokane International Airport and Moscow, Id. These Shuttle trips arrive and depart grom the Best Western                   University Inn where our trips base out of.  Current trip price is $45.00 each way.  Advance reservations required. Please visit their website at wheatlandexpress.com or              call 800.334.2207.
         -Tripsevery day of the week leaving from Spokane Airport at 2:00PM with an additional trip on Fridays            at 7:15 pm. 
         -Trips every day of the week leaving the Best Western University Inn, Moscow at 9:30 am with an              additional trip on Fridays at 4:10 pm.

By Air fly to Pullman/Moscow
You can fly directly into the Pullman/Moscow Airport through Seattle, Washington on Horizon Air (Alaska Airlines). For reservations call 1-800-547-9308.

Driving to Moscow Idaho
If you are driving to Moscow, Idaho we recommend that you consult one of the travel planners found on the internet for directions.

Meals and Food
All meals will be provided on the river beginning with lunch on the first day of your trip and ending with lunch on the river before we reach our take-out. We serve a wonderful menu of delicious and healthy foods. Including fresh fruits, vegetables and meats which we carry in large coolers. Each evening and morning your crew will prepare amazing meals and lunch will be prepared on the river at around noontime. We are able to accommodate most dietary requests and requirements.

A sample menu for one day might go something like this...For Breakfast, Fresh Brewed Coffee, Tea, and Orange Juice, Blueberry Pancakes with real Maple Syrup, Thick-sliced Bacon, and Grapefruit and Orange Compote. For Lunch on the river...Mexican Burrito Wrap Sandwiches with Tortilla chips, guacamole and salsa. And later on at camp, Egg Drop Soup, Marinated Mushrooms, Gouda Cheese and Crackers. Dinner of fresh Curried Shrimp served with Balsamic Rice and a fresh Caesar Salad. For Dessert...Cheesecake!

Bathing You may bathe using river water at any of our camps. To keep theSalmon River clean all soap is rinsed off above the annual high water mark. Bring your soap, shampoo, and a towel and our guides will tell our everything you will need to know. Sundog Expeditions practices LOW IMPACT camping techniques.*

Toilet in order to maintain the pristine camps on the Salmon River we carry out all waste and trash. Each day when you arrive at camp your guides will set up a private portable toilet system. Please don't worry! Your comfort is paramount and your crew will explain everything you need to know at the very beginning your trip

Gratuity
Our guides work very hard to provide a great trip for you. At your discretion, a tip may be left with your trip leader and will be appreciated by all of your crew