Hells Canyon's Living History: Exploring Nature, Culture, and a Legacy of Conservation

The Day Before Your Trip

The evening before your trip meet at our boathouse in scenic Joseph, OR at 6pm. You will meet Ellen, and your trip leader,  as well as the other rafters on your trip. This is a great opportunity to ask any last minute questions and check out our Boathouse Shop. After a trip overview, your trip leader  will pass out dry bags (waterproof river bags) for you to pack your belongings into that evening.

Day 1

Meet at 7 AM for a quick breakfast then, head to the river—the drive takes approximately 3 hours with a bathroom stop.  Once at the river, you will meet the rest of the guides and hand off your large "overnight" dry bag to the gear-team. After a safety talk we will load up into to the rafts, and river time begins!

You will have the opportunity to choose which raft suits your fancy throughout the trip and we encourage trying out all the options! Work as a team in the paddle raft, or sit back and take in the views in one of our oar-boats affectionately nicknamed "relaxy-taxis."

Our first day on the river sets the pattern of the trip.  We float downriver together while Ellen and the guides share their knowledge about the canyon geology, and reading water. Ellen's teaching will be scattered throughout the trip with some planned stops and others where the moment seems gneiss for an interpretive stop, a short hike, or swimming opportunity. There is always time for a snack, refilling water bottles or a bathroom break.

After a short float we pull over for a delicious lunch. While the guides prepare the meal settle in, take in the views and get to know your fellow rafters. After lunch we will get back on the rafts to travel deeper into exotic terranes.

Sometime between mid and late afternoon, we will round a bend to camp and the gear-team. When we arrive there is short period of unloading things from the rafts before an orientation and walk-through of camp.  In every camp there will be: a "living room," kitchen,  sleeping area, and "groover" or bathroom. In the "living room" you will find shade wings, tables, camp chairs, a beverage station complete with ice cold water, and even a library! The gear-team strives to have your tents set up prior to your arrival. Nearby you will find your personal overnight dry bags, cots, and sleeping pads.  Weather dependent, we encourage you to sleep outside under the stars at least one night of the trip! Groover location requires two things: a good view and privacy—don't worry, we pack a groover tent, in the event nature doesn't supply the latter.  

While you settle into camp the guides will whip up a delicious meal.  Evenings and nights in camp are largely a choose your own adventure experience. Circle together for stories, songs, or lessons about the stars. Settle in somewhere to read a book or listen to the quiet wisdom of the water and rest well with the knowledge you will wake with the canyon in the morning.

Day 2-4

Each morning tea, hot chocolate, and our very own Winding Waters' coffee blend will be waiting for you. Relax into the early morning while the guides make breakfast.  After eating, pack up your bags and get ready for the day. If you're willing, assist with taking down your tent and bringing things to the rafts. Once everything is packed, load up into your desired raft and downriver we go!

 Hells Canyon is well known for being the deepest canyon in the lower 48 states. Together we will float through towering walls, and the splashy rapids of Whitewater alley.  Many people have lived in this canyon of deep shade dating as far back as 15,000 years. While we travel downriver you will learn about the Indigenous peoples, Chinese miners, ranchers, herders and  rafters whom have called Hells Canyon home. Don't forget to keep your eyes peeled for wildlife such as eagles, otters,  mountain goats, deer, osprey, big horn sheep, black bears or the rare sturgeon breaching the river's surface. If you're quick you may even spot coyote slinking over the rim.

After lunch on Day 2 several inflatable kayaks will be available for those seeking a personal paddling experience.

Several hiking opportunities exist including an optional 20 minute hike up to Suicide Point with it's stunning views up canyon. Learn more about the canyon's veritable history at historical stops like the Kirkwood Ranch museum, Deep Creek, Dug Bar and Imnaha.

Day 5

We will pass the confluence of the Snake and Salmon rivers, pausing to take in the convergence of a dam controlled and free-flowing river. All the beaches below are covered in the white sand of the Salmon.  Sometime mid morning we will bid farewell to the guides and load onto a jet boat from camp and continue down river, pausing at important geological and historical sites, including passing the confluence of the Grande Ronde river. Our vans will be waiting for you at Swallows boat ramp in Asotin Washington to take you back to our Boathouse and your vehicles sometime between 4-5pm.
 
By the end of this trip, you won't take the schist for granite!