SALMON RIVER by DORY

Five days of fun, swimming, whitewater, and sun on the Salmon River! Splendid geology, fabulous rapids, pristine white sand beaches, and four spectacular canyons make this a premier Idaho vacation destination. A great raft trip for first time campers and seasoned river runners alike!

THE SALMON RIVER
Originating in the Sawtooth Mountains of East Central Idaho, the Salmon is the longest free flowing river in the Pacific Northwest. It runs through 390 miles of steep canyon to reach its confluence at Hell's Canyon with the Snake River. The 6,000 foot deep Salmon River Canyon is a place of solitude and beauty. On this 70 mile stretch of river known as the Lower Gorge, exquisite geologic formations are revealed as the water flows through Green, Cougar, Snow Hole, and Blue Canyons. In between are open stretches of columnar basalt that remind us of the turbulent volcanic past that shaped the incredible geography we now enjoy. Human history in the canyon is abundant as well. Pictographs created by early canyon inhabitants and sites of human activity, bring to life the enduring stories of Chief Joseph, Chief White Bird, the Nez Perce Indians, 19th century miners, and early settlers. A prominent feature of this semi-arid riverscape is its wide white sand beaches which provide the setting for excellent camping, recreation, and relaxation. And of course there's the river itself! The Salmon picks up volume and warmth as it flows from the Sawtooth mountains and by the time it reaches the Lower Gorge the water is warm and clear - Ideal for swimming!

THE TRIP
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 lite sky!

GROUP SIZE
At 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.

WEATHER
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 85¼ -100+¼ in the daytime to 60¼ - 75¼ at night. On rare occasions it may rain throughout the day.

MEALS & FOOD
All meals will be provided on the river from lunch on the first day of your trip through lunch on your take-out day. You will enjoy a wonderful menu of delicious and healthy foods. Fresh Coffee and cooked breakfasts are prepared by your crew at camp each morning. There will be a mid-day lunch stop at one of the many beautiful beaches along the river. And your crew will begin dinner preparations when you reach camp after a day on the river. Appetizers will be followed by a full-course meal and of course a delicious dessert. We are able to accommodate most all dietary requests and requirements.

BEVERAGES
Fresh filtered drinking water is always available and we serve a variety of other beverages including coffee, hot tea, hot chocolate, soda, fruit juice, and gatorade.

EQUIPMENT SUPPLIED
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.

TENTS
To 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
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

SLEEPKITS
Sundog 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.

BATHING
You may bathe using river water at any of our camps. To keep the Salmon 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!

CAMPFIRES
Because this is a hot weather trip campfires are rarely built. If the need arises, the campfire is made in a firepan. This lets us avoid scorching the sand allows us to remove the ash from camp.

WHERE WE ARE... Our warehouse is located in the rural Idaho community of Deary and our trips are based out of Moscow, Idaho.