Idaho Rivers for Summer Trips

Mar 06, 2012

In the aftermath of several snowstorms and the increased level of snow, many officials have declared an ideal scenario for Idaho’s rivers for the upcoming spring and summer seasons. The increased water levels will not only ward off future wildfires but will also make for a longer summer season as well as warmer water temperatures.

Some rivers that will benefit from Idaho’s increased snowpack are the Salmon River, the Middle Fork of the Salmon River, the Lochsa and Selway rivers and Hells Canyon of the Snakes River.

The Salmon River, now at 85 percent of the normal snowpack, is a popular national destination for family river trips. Boasting water warmer than most mountain rivers, the Salmon offers visitors class III to IV rapids (on a scale of I through VI). The Yellow Jacket River Guides offer adventure-filled packages for trips on the Salmon River. From June through September, they offer five-day trips with rates as low as $899.

At the Middle Fork of the Salmon, the Canyons River Company trip offers five- and six- day trips that begin in early June and start at $1,400 per person. All trips include professional guides, gourmet meals, tents, wet suits, river equipment and the use of canoes and kayaks.

For more adept river rafters, the Lochsa and Selway rivers offer a variety of class IV and above rough rapids to maneuver through. Three Rivers Rafting provides rafting trips for all three rivers: Selway, Lochsa and Salmon. Depending on the river, packages vary from one-day to five-day trips, with rates starting at $100.

The iconic Snake River will also be in perfect condition for whitewater rafters and kayakers. Hughes River Expeditions provides spectacular rafting adventures for such river locations as Hells Canyon of the Snake River. It offers three- to four-day trips as well as five- to six-day trips, with rates starting at $400. While Snake River offers breathtaking waters and gorges, it is also known for its terrific fishing.