5 Day Salmon River Whitewater Kayak Course

The 2008 kayak school group on the beach Join Winding Waters and the Wet Planet Whitewater instructors on a beginner to intermediate whitewater kayaking course down the lower section of the Salmon River. Over 5 days and 53 miles on the Salmon, the Wet Planet instructors will help you improve your paddling skills in both river running and play-boating. The pool and drop characteristics of the Salmon River provide the perfect classroom for kayak instruction. Run class II to IV whitewater under expert instruction, then enjoy the large pools between rapids to relax and soak up the landscape. This course is all-inclusive, including round-trip transportation to and from the river, lodging the night before the launch, and fully-raft supported.

Quick Trip Details

What: 5 Day Beginner/Intermediate Whitewater Kayak Course
Where: Lower section of the Salmon River, Idaho
When: Please inquire for 2012 dates
Cost: Please inquire for 2012 rates
Who: Beginners/intermediate kayakers ages 12 and up (beginning kayakers must have previously taken a 2 day beginner course; please call if you have a question about your ability level)
Non-kayakers? This trip is designed to accommodate non-kayaking friends and family members ages 5 and up to join in the fun. They can simply ride on a guided oar boat with a Winding Waters Guide.
Instructors: This course will be taught by expert kayak instructors from Wet Planet Whitewater

Trip Includes

*Lodging the night before your launch at the Quality Inn in Clarkston, WA
*Round-trip transportation to and from the river
*All kayak and camping equipment, as well as all meals

Trip Itinerary

Kayaking :: Winding Waters River Expeditions Day 0: Arrive at the Quality Inn in Clarkston, WA. There is an airport shuttle available from the Lewiston airport. The Wet Planet team will travel from headquarters in Husum, Washington to the Quality Inn. Participants are welcome to join instructors in Husum or meet at the Quality Inn. Pre-trip meeting this evening with your kayaking instructors at 6PM. Dinner is on your own.

Day 1: Have breakfast at the Quality Inn, then depart in the Wet Planet van for the Pine Bar launch on the Salmon River. Meet the Winding Waters team at the launch. We'll spend the day warming up for the rapids downstream by practicing in the pool and eddy lines, as well as running Pine Bar Rapid. After a day of instruction and river running, arrive to a camp set-up by the Winding Waters guides. For many participants, the time spent at camp is as enjoyable as the time spent floating on the river. Relax at the river's edge on the white sand beaches while your guide team prepares a delicious dinner. In the evening, enjoy campfires (weather permitting), songs, and stories.

Day 2: This day is the first of our river journey. The river starts off with easy rapids and a big water feel. You'll get a chance to find your rhythm while working with your instructors in the flat water and class II rapids. Depending on water levels, we may camp near Cliff Rapids to take advantage of a fun play wave.

Day 3: Experience bigger rapids and more fun play spots. You'll find rapids such as Pipe Line, Lorna's Lulu, and the Bungholes as we move toward Snow Hole Canyon. Located in this beautiful canyon is Snow Hole Rapid, where the river charges through powerful class III+ and IV waves and holes. Challenge your skills or feel-free to walk around the rapid before finishing the day at a beautiful large beach camp.

On water whitewater kayak instruction Salmon River Idaho Day 4: After leaving Snow Hole Canyon, enjoy a mellower float on your way to Blue Canyon. This canyon is home to more great rapids, and you'll love flying right down the middle of ones like Sluice Box and Eye of the Needle. The lower end of this exciting canyon leads to the confluence with the Snake River. Camp at the confluence, in the same area where Native Americans previously traveled for vision quests.

Day 5: With some flat water between the confluence and Heller Bar (the take-out), hop in the rafts and enjoy an easy ride through this beautiful, remote stretch of the Snake River. At Heller Bar, ride in the Wet Planet van again back to the Quality Inn in Clarkston, WA. Expect to be there by 5pm.