I had been waiting for this day for years: the summer my oldest daughter would finally be old enough to join me on a commercial river trip. Late this past August, my 7-year-old daughter and I embarked on a five-night rafting expedition down the Lower Salmon River with OARS, as she had just hit the limit for this bucket list trip at low water. Spanning 73 miles through rugged Idaho wilderness, the trip was more than an adventure—it was a deep dive into the river’s history, the natural beauty surrounding it, and a chance to pass along the river-running tradition to the next generation.
After a quick shuttle to Hammer Creek, our trip began with introductions and a thorough safety briefing from the OARS guides as they ran us through river signals, what to do in the event of a flip or a swim, other boat etiquette, and procedures for the week, all designed to keep us safe and on the same page. Lavender took to the rafts and dories with enthusiasm.
The first section of the river introduced us to Class II rapids like Rollercoaster, offering an easy introduction to the Lower Salmon’s wave trains for her first-ever whitewater. As we navigated the flow, our guides pointed out the region’s basalt cliffs—remnants of lava flows from volcanic activity millions of years ago. They also shared stories of the Nez Perce, whose connection to these waters stretches back over 10,000 years, a reminder that this river has long been a highway for humans and wildlife.
The Lower Salmon picks up intensity as you move downstream. By the second day, we encountered more technical rapids like Demons Drop and Bodacious Bounce, both Class III challenges with big waves and strong eddies.
These rapids required focused teamwork and quick, powerful strokes to navigate the wave trains and position each boat for the next challenge. OARS’ guides have decades of experience on this river, and their precision in guiding us through these technical runs made all the difference.
Later in the trip, we faced the Class IV rapid Snowhole, one of the most intense on the Lower Salmon. The river narrows, sending waves crashing against rocks with such force that only experienced boaters can navigate through it smoothly. My daughter held tight through chaotic waves, adrenaline pumping as we powered through. But the trip wasn’t just about navigating rapids. After sporadic adrenaline-pumping sections, the river’s calm stretches provided time for reflection, swimming, and inflatable kayaking. I loved being back in a kayak after not having paddled in a few years, gaining confidence with each stroke. And quieter moments gave us the chance to connect with the river in a more intimate way.
Each night, we camped on the river’s pristine sandy beaches, our campsites expertly selected based on a myriad of factors by our highly experienced guides. The Lower Salmon’s campsites are one of its standout features, offering wide, peaceful stretches of sand flanked by steep canyon walls. These beaches are perfect for relaxation and games after a day of sun and paddling, and the OARS crew quickly set up the camp kitchen each night, practicing a Leave No Trace ethic while preparing gourmet meals riverside.
Nights were cool, with clear skies perfect for stargazing. I often found myself staring up at the vast Milky Way, the river’s sounds echoing in my ears, cherishing this time with my first born. Most of our beaches were large enough to spread out, and with each campsite offering its own unique view of the canyon, each night felt like a step back in time.
History and Natural Wonders
OARS guides didn’t just navigate the river—they bring it to life with stories of the region’s history and natural wonders. Along the way, they pointed out petroglyphs etched into canyon walls, and picked up shards, fragments, and arrowheads on scenic hikes. We explored remnants of pioneer homesteads, mines, and abandoned orchards, standing as quiet reminders of the region’s history.
Golden eagles soared overhead, otters played along the riverbank, and bighorn sheep grazed on distant cliffs. The Lower Salmon is a biodiversity hotspot, home to over 100 bird species and a vital habitat for steelhead trout. It’s not uncommon to spot elk or black bears along the shore, and we saw deer and other wildlife daily. Floating out through Hells Canyon, the deepest gorge on the planet (depending on your source), was an eye opening experience.
The true magic of the trip, however, came from the time spent with my daughter. In the raft, we worked together through every rapid, shared moments of awe as we witnessed wildlife, and reflected on what we were learning about the natural world.
After running rapids each day, we spent our evenings around the campfire, then in the tent, playing cards and telling stories. By the trip’s end, we had laughed, splashed, and grown closer, building memories that I hope will last her a lifetime. I’ve been on many river trips, but introducing my daughter to this experience gave it a whole new depth. She saw how much there is to learn from the river: its resilience, the history etched into its landscape, and the wildlife that depends on it. I also wanted her to see that this way of life exists, and that you don’t necessarily have to sit in front of a computer every day to make a living.
The Lower Salmon River offers everything you could want in a big-water Western rafting trip: technical rapids, scenic beauty, idyllic camping, and an immersion into natural and human history. What makes this trip stand out, however, is its combination of adventure and accessibility. While there are challenging sections, it’s also one of the best rivers for introducing younger adventurers to multi-day trips, and it’s an easy shuttle from Lewiston, Idaho. And OARS, with over 50 years of guiding experience, ensures every moment is safe, educational, and fun.
As we paddled toward our final destination at Heller Bar, I reflected on what this trip had given us: not just the excitement of running rapids, but a deeper understanding of the land, the history, and the connection that binds us to these wild places.
River Stats
Length: 73 miles, taking 6 days to complete (can be done faster, especially at higher water)
Rapids: Class II-IV with a mix of wave trains, technical runs, and big-water excitement.
Camping: Spacious sandy beach campsites, first-come, first-served.
Wildlife: Eagles, osprey, otters, deer, bighorn sheep, and black bears.
Gear: OARS provides rafts, tents, dry bags, cooking/eating gear, chairs, and sleeping kits.
Season: Late spring through early fall, with prime conditions in mid-summer.
Our Personal Gear
Even though OARS provides all the necessary gear for the trip, we decided to bring our own tent and sleeping gear for a bit of fun and to test out new product from some of our favorite brands. Here’s a rundown of some of the gear I used on this trip:
Tent: We opted for the MSR Hubba 3P Tent. This three-person tent strikes the perfect balance between space and weight, ideal for a river trip. Weighing in at just 5 lbs. 2 oz., it’s quick to set up and offers plenty of space for gear. It performs well in various conditions, with a full-coverage rainfly for storm protection and large mesh panels for ventilation, making it suitable for both hot summer nights and cooler evenings.
Sleeping Pad: For added comfort, we used the Sea to Summit Double Sleeping Pad. This self-inflating, dual-layer pad provides a high level of cushioning with the added benefit of being extra-wide—perfect for a little extra space in the tent, especially when you have to share with your dad. It’s lightweight (weighing about 2 lbs. 7 oz.) and packs down small for easy storage, yet it offers substantial warmth and comfort, especially when sleeping on rocky or uneven ground.
Sleeping Bag (Kids): For my daughter, I brought along the REI Kindercone Sleeping Bag. This bag is designed specifically for young adventurers, with a roomy fit to allow for comfort but also a snug closure to keep them warm during cool desert nights. Rated for 20°F, it offers good insulation and warmth, while the expandable footbox allows it to grow with her.
Cooking Gear: While OARS handles all of the food prep, I like having a compact stove for emergencies or a hot drink in the morning. I’m a fan of the Jetboil MiniMo, a fast-boiling stove that heats water quickly and has an adjustable simmer control. It’s an ideal stove for boiling water for coffee or tea in the mornings without taking up much space or weight in your pack. It weighs just 14.6 oz and boils 1 liter of water in around 4 minutes.
Sea to Summit Ultralight Towel: The Ultra-Sil Towel is compact, lightweight, and dries incredibly fast—ideal for wiping off after a swim or quick wash-up at camp. It’s made of microfiber material that packs down small (weighing only 2.4 oz. for the small size) but offers excellent absorbency.
Sea to Summit AlphaLight Utensils: These ultralight utensils weigh in at just 1.3 oz. and are perfect for outdoor meals. Made from anodized aluminum, they’re durable, easy to clean, and come in a set that includes a fork, spoon, and knife.
Sunglasses for Adults: I wore Costa Prescription Sunglasses with polarized lenses, which offer excellent clarity and UV protection for all-day wear. The 580G lenses provide exceptional visual comfort, especially in bright conditions, and the frames are made from lightweight yet durable materials.
Sunglasses for Kids: For my daughter, I brought along Goodr Sunglasses. These durable, fun, and lightweight sunglasses are designed specifically for active kids. They come with polarized lenses, which help cut down glare and protect her eyes from UV, plus they’re affordable and fit comfortably.
Water Shoes for Adults: I wore Teva Arrowood 2 Sport Sandals, which are a hybrid of hiking shoes and water sandals. They offer great grip, dry quickly, and are perfect for wading in the river or hiking to camp. I also had my high-performance Astral shoes that I use when I need more foot protection and traction. The Astral Rassler is a standout, with a quick-drying mesh upper and a rubber outsole that provides solid grip in and out of the water.
Water Shoes for Kids: My daughter wore Teva Original Kids Sandals, which are comfortable, iconic, and perfect for water activities. They feature a secure fit and durable construction, ensuring she can navigate slippery rocks and sandy beaches with ease.
Knives: I carried my Benchmade Bugout. I also had my SOG Bladelight on hand for preparing food at dusk and dawn and nighttime emergencies.
Dry Bags: I packed several Sea to Summit Dry Bags to keep our gear dry without question. These bags are durable, waterproof, and easily managed, perfect for keeping electronics and clothing safe and dry, even if they go for a swim. I also used the Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil Nano Dry Bag, which is lightweight yet provides an airtight, waterproof seal, making it perfect for electronics and small items.
Apparel: When it comes to sun protection with comfort, I love the Free Fly Apparel Sun Hoody. Made from bamboo viscose, this lightweight hoody is designed for long days in the sun, with a UPF 50+ rating that shields against harmful UV rays. It’s breathable, moisture-wicking, and quick-drying, making it perfect for river adventures under the sun.
