Gearboat Chronicles Archive - Page 33 of 33 - Winding Waters River Expeditions

The Ultimate Rafter’s Guide to Navigating the Grande Ronde River: Rapids, Campsites, and River Flows

Mon, 22 Dec 2025 10:55:14 GMT

The Grande Ronde River is one of the Pacific Northwest's premier multi-day rafting destinations, offering a perfect blend of relaxing floats, engaging whitewater, and spectacular, untouched scenery. Designated as a National Wild and Scenic River, it provides an accessible wilderness experience ideal for families and seasoned boaters alike. But to truly make the most of your adventure, it helps to know the river's secrets: its rapids, its seasonal moods, and the best places to pitch a tent under a canopy of stars.

This comprehensive guide, built on the expertise of the veteran team at Winding Waters River Expeditions , will give you the inside scoop on what to expect when you embark on a Grande Ronde River rafting trip . We'll cover everything from the river's seasonal flows to a mile-by-mile breakdown of its most famous rapids.

Understanding the Flow: The Grande Ronde's Seasonal Rhythm

The Grande Ronde is a free-flowing river, meaning its character changes dramatically with the seasons. Its flow, measured in Cubic Feet per Second (CFS), is dictated by snowmelt from the Wallowa and Elkhorn Mountains. Planning your trip around these flows is key to a successful adventure. The expert guides at Winding Waters River Expeditions monitor these levels daily to ensure the perfect trip experience.

The Main Attraction: A Mile-by-Mile Guide to the Rapids

While the Grande Ronde is known for its friendly character, it serves up a handful of exciting named rapids, primarily rated Class II-III. These rapids require some maneuvering but are a blast to navigate in a raft or inflatable kayak. Here’s a look at the marquee rapids you'll encounter on your Grande Ronde adventure with Winding Waters River Expeditions .

Life on the River: Camping and Logistics with Winding Waters

One of the best parts of a multi-day river trip is life at camp. On the Grande Ronde, you'll be treated to primitive, undeveloped campsites on sandy beaches and among groves of Ponderosa pines. These sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis, which is why floating with a professional outfitter like Winding Waters River Expeditions is a major advantage—our guides know all the best spots and send a gear boat ahead to secure the perfect camp for the night.

Choosing Your Adventure: 3-Day vs. 5-Day Trips

Winding Waters River Expeditions offers two main trip lengths on the Grande Ronde, each offering a different experience:

The Grande Ronde 3-Day Rafting Adventure : This is the perfect weekend getaway. It covers the core of the Wild and Scenic section at a comfortable pace, giving you plenty of time to enjoy the rapids, swim, and relax at camp.
The Grande Ronde 5-Day Rafting Adventure : This trip offers a more relaxed and immersive pace. With two extra days, you have more time for hiking up side canyons, dedicated fishing, and simply soaking in the canyon's profound beauty and solitude. It's the ultimate escape.

Leave No Trace: Our Commitment to the River

As stewards of this incredible resource, Winding Waters River Expeditions is deeply committed to Leave No Trace ethics. This means we pack out everything we pack in, respect wildlife from a distance, and leave our pristine campsites even cleaner than we found them. We believe in preserving the wild character of the Grande Ronde River for generations to come.

Frequently Asked Questions

From the splashy fun of the rapids to the quiet moments at camp, a trip on the Grande Ronde is an unforgettable experience. Understanding the river's rhythm and its features will only deepen your appreciation for this Oregon treasure. The expert guides at Winding Waters handle all the logistics, so you can simply relax and enjoy the ride.

Ready to navigate the Grande Ronde? Book your trip with Winding Waters River Expeditions today and make memories that will last a lifetime!

The Grande Ronde River’s Volcanic History

Fri, 19 Dec 2025 10:43:10 GMT

As you drift down the stunning, sun-drenched canyons of the Grande Ronde River, it’s impossible to ignore the dramatic landscape that surrounds you. The towering cliffs, stacked in immense, dark layers like a giant stone cake, tell a story of unimaginable geological violence and continental construction. This isn't just any river canyon; it's a living, open-air museum, a place where you can witness hundreds of millions of years of Earth's history from the comfort of your raft. With Winding Waters River Expeditions , your Grande Ronde River rafting trip is transformed into a journey through deep time. This guide will help you learn how to read the rocks like a pro and understand the colossal forces that shaped this unique and beautiful corner of the world.

Many of our guests at Winding Waters River Expeditions ask us about the incredible rock formations. This comprehensive guide is our answer—a deep dive into the volcanic heart of the Grande Ronde, designed to make your next river adventure even more meaningful.

The Deep Foundation: Exotic Islands from a Lost Ocean

Long before the first volcanoes erupted, the story of the Grande Ronde began in a lost ocean, hundreds of millions of years ago. The oldest rocks you'll find in this region are not native to North America. They are what geologists call "exotic terranes" —fragments of ancient volcanic islands and seafloor that formed near the present-day Aleutian Islands around 300 million years ago [1]. These islands, through the slow, inexorable march of tectonic plates, "rafted" across the ancient Pacific and collided with the western edge of the North American continent. This collision, a process that took millions of years, literally plastered new land onto the continent, forming the very first part of what would become Oregon. When you hike the hillsides on your multi-day Grande Ronde expedition , you are walking on land that has traveled thousands of miles across an ocean to be here.

The Main Event: The Columbia River Flood Basalts

The most dominant and dramatic features of the Grande Ronde canyon are the immense layers of dark volcanic rock. These are part of the Columbia River Basalt Group (CRBG) , the youngest, smallest, and one of the best-preserved continental flood basalt provinces on Earth [2]. Between 17 and 16 million years ago, this region was torn apart by immense fissures in the Earth's crust. Instead of forming a classic cone-shaped volcano, these fissures, known as the Chief Joseph Dike Swarm , unleashed an unimaginable volume of fluid basaltic lava that flooded the landscape.

The Grande Ronde Basalt, which makes up the bulk of the canyon walls, accounts for over 70% of the entire Columbia River Basalt Group's volume, erupting in an astonishingly short period of just 400,000 years [3].

These weren't gentle flows; they were catastrophic events. Lava surged across 210,000 square kilometers of present-day Oregon, Washington, and Idaho, filling valleys and creating a vast, flat lava plain. The Grande Ronde River has since carved its way down through these layers, exposing them for us to see. The sheer scale of this event is hard to comprehend. The volume of the Grande Ronde Basalt alone is estimated to be around 150,400 cubic kilometers [4]. To put that in perspective, that's enough lava to cover the entire state of Texas in a layer over 200 meters (650 feet) thick.

How to Read the Basalt Layers: A Rafter's Field Guide

As you float the river with Winding Waters River Expeditions , you can distinguish between different parts of the lava flows. Here’s a quick field guide to help you identify what you’re seeing:

Spotting a feeder dike is like finding the ancient plumbing of the volcanic system. The Chief Joseph Dike Swarm consists of thousands of these dikes, each one a pathway for molten rock from deep within the Earth. Civil engineers even used these incredibly strong feeder dikes as foundations for bridge abutments in the region [5]. When you see one, you're looking at the very channel that fed these colossal lava flows. It's a direct connection to the fiery heart of the Earth, right here on your Winding Waters Grande Ronde rafting adventure .

A Landscape Shaped by Water and Time

The story doesn't end with the lava. For the last 15 million years, the forces of erosion have been at work. The Grande Ronde River, along with cataclysmic ice-age floods, has relentlessly carved through the thick basalt layers, creating the deep, dramatic canyon we see today. The river's path exposes not just the basalt, but also lighter-colored layers of sandstone and clay that were deposited in the periods between lava flows, giving the canyon walls their distinctly layered appearance.

Your Grande Ronde River adventure with Winding Waters is more than just a vacation; it's a hands-on geology lesson. From the ancient island fragments beneath your feet to the colossal lava flows towering above, you are surrounded by the raw power of our planet's history. So as you relax on the raft, take a moment to read the rocks. Each layer, each column, and each dike tells a part of this incredible story.

Frequently Asked Questions about Grande Ronde Geology

Ready to see it for yourself? The best way to experience the geology of the Grande Ronde is on the river. Book your 3-Day or 5-Day Grande Ronde River trip with Winding Waters River Expeditions today and experience a journey through deep time. Our knowledgeable guides are passionate about the river and its history, and they love to share their insights with our guests. We at Winding Waters River Expeditions believe that understanding the story of the landscape makes the adventure of rafting the Grande Ronde River that much more special.

A Family’s Guide to Rafting the Grande Ronde: What to Expect on a Multi-Day Adventure

Mon, 15 Dec 2025 10:37:36 GMT

Taking your family on a multi-day rafting trip is more than a vacation; it’s an opportunity to disconnect from the digital world and reconnect with each other amidst the stunning backdrop of nature. The Grande Ronde River, with its gentle rapids, beautiful scenery, and abundant wildlife, is one of the best introductory multi-day river trips in the Pacific Northwest, making it absolutely perfect for families.

This guide, created by the family-run team at Winding Waters River Expeditions , is designed to answer all the questions parents have when planning a Grande Ronde family rafting adventure . We’ll cover what to expect, how to keep kids engaged, and why a river trip is one of the most memorable experiences you can give your children.

Why the Grande Ronde is Perfect for Families

The Grande Ronde isn’t an extreme whitewater river. It’s a designated Wild and Scenic River known for its friendly Class II and III rapids, which provide just enough splash and excitement to thrill kids and adults without being intimidating. This makes it the ideal setting for a first-time multi-day river trip..

A Day in the Life on the River with Winding Waters

Wondering what a typical day looks like on a 3-Day or 5-Day trip? Here’s a glimpse into the rhythm of river life:

Morning (8:00 AM - 10:00 AM): Wake up to the smell of fresh coffee and a hot breakfast prepared by your guides. While the adults enjoy a second cup, the kids can explore the beach. After breakfast, we pack up our personal gear, and the guides expertly load the rafts.

On the Water (10:00 AM - 3:00 PM): We’ll spend a few hours on the water, navigating fun rapids, and soaking in the scenery. This is the time for water fights, swimming in calm sections, and pointing out wildlife on the canyon walls. We’ll stop for a delicious riverside lunch prepared by the guides.

Afternoon at Camp (3:00 PM onwards): We arrive at a new, beautiful campsite in the afternoon. While the guides set up the “kitchen” and start preparing appetizers, your family has time to relax and play. This is the perfect time for:

Beach Games: Frisbee, bocce ball, or simply building sandcastles.
Hiking: Exploring side canyons and getting a new perspective on the river.
Fishing: Casting a line for the river’s resident rainbow trout.
Quiet Time: Reading a book in a camp chair while the kids explore.

Evening (6:00 PM onwards): Enjoy a gourmet dinner cooked in a Dutch oven. As the sun sets, we gather around for stories, stargazing, and s’mores. The absence of city lights means the stars are incredibly bright. It’s a magical end to the day.

Keeping Kids Engaged: Activities for All Ages

A river trip is a natural playground. Here are some of the ways Winding Waters River Expeditions ensures kids have the time of their lives:

Inflatable Kayaks (“Duckies”): For older kids and teens, the opportunity to paddle their own inflatable kayak through smaller rapids is a huge thrill and a major confidence booster.
The “Splash Raft”: We often designate one raft as the “paddle raft,” where kids and adventurous adults can actively paddle through the rapids under the command of a guide.
River Games: From “king of the raft” to water fights, our guides are experts at keeping things fun.
Junior River Guide Program: We teach kids about the river, from identifying animal tracks to learning basic knots. They can even help the guides with simple camp chores to earn their “Junior Guide” badge.
Scavenger Hunts: We create scavenger hunts for kids to find different types of rocks, feathers, and plants (all while practicing Leave No Trace, of course).

Safety: Our Number One Priority

As a family-run outfitter, we at Winding Waters River Expeditions understand that safety is the number one concern for parents. All our guides are certified in Swiftwater Rescue and Wilderness First Aid. We provide top-of-the-line Type V Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs) that are required to be worn at all times on the water. Before we even get on the river, we provide a thorough safety briefing that covers everything from how to sit in the raft to what to do in the unlikely event you fall in.

Frequently Asked Questions from Parents

A multi-day rafting trip on the Grande Ronde with Winding Waters River Expeditions is an investment in family memories that will last a lifetime. It’s a chance to teach your children about the natural world, to see them gain confidence, and to simply enjoy each other’s company without the distractions of modern life.

Ready to start your family’s next great adventure? Book your Grande Ronde trip with Winding Waters River Expeditions today!

Where the Wild Things Are: A Rafter’s Guide to the Grande Ronde River’s Unique Wildlife

Mon, 08 Dec 2025 10:37:14 GMT

A journey down the Grande Ronde River with Winding Waters River Expeditions is a journey into a vibrant and surprisingly diverse ecosystem. While the canyon's dramatic geology and exciting rapids are immediate showstoppers, the wildlife that calls this place home provides a deeper, more dynamic layer to the experience. This isn't just a place to see animals; it's a place to understand why they thrive here. The unique geology of the basalt canyon creates a special set of conditions, making the Grande Ronde River corridor a critical sanctuary for some of the Pacific Northwest's most iconic species.

Unlike general wildlife guides for Eastern Oregon, this post dives deep into the specific ecology of the Grande Ronde. We’ll explore how the ancient lava flows created a haven for bighorn sheep, why moose are now calling the river home, and what makes this canyon a crucial wintering ground. With Winding Waters River Expeditions , you’re not just a spectator; you’re an invited guest in a thriving wilderness.

A Sanctuary in the Canyon: Why the Grande Ronde is a Critical Wintering Habitat

Why is the Grande Ronde so full of life, especially when the surrounding highlands are blanketed in snow? The answer lies in the canyon's geography. The river has carved a deep gorge that serves as a crucial wintering habitat for a multitude of species [1]. This isn't by accident; it's a direct result of the basalt canyon's unique features:

Lower Elevation & Milder Temperatures: The canyon floor sits at a significantly lower elevation than the surrounding plateaus. This creates a microclimate with milder temperatures and much less snow accumulation, allowing animals to move freely and access forage that would otherwise be buried.
Sun-Drenched South-Facing Slopes: The river’s constant twists and turns create numerous south-facing slopes. These slopes act like natural solar panels, soaking up the winter sun, melting snow faster, and providing critical warmth for animals looking to conserve energy.
Wind Protection from Basalt Walls: The towering basalt cliffs, a hallmark of a Winding Waters Grande Ronde rafting trip , provide excellent shelter from the harsh winter winds that scour the exposed plateaus above.

This combination of factors creates a haven where animals can survive the toughest months of the year, making winter and early spring fantastic times for a Grande Ronde River adventure.

The Icons of the Grande Ronde: A Seasonal Viewing Guide

While floating with Winding Waters River Expeditions , keep your binoculars ready. The canyon is home to a remarkable diversity of animals. Here’s a seasonal guide to help you know what to look for and when:

Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep

These masters of the cliffs are perhaps the most iconic residents of the Grande Ronde. Reintroduced to Oregon starting in 1971, they have found a perfect home in the steep, rocky terrain of the basalt canyon, which provides critical escape routes from predators [2]. Look for them gracefully navigating near-vertical cliffs. Their keen eyesight means they’ll likely see you long before you see them.

Rocky Mountain Elk

The Grande Ronde is a vital wintering ground for large herds of elk. They follow a pattern of vertical migration, spending summers in the high country of the Wallowa and Blue Mountains and descending into the canyon for food and shelter in the winter. It’s not uncommon for guests on a Winding Waters River Expeditions trip to see large herds grazing on the grassy benches above the river.

Moose

A relatively recent and exciting addition to the ecosystem, moose have been increasingly spotted in the river corridor, often with calves. They are drawn to the lush riparian vegetation, especially willows, found along the riverbanks and in side drainages. Spotting one of these massive, gentle giants is a true highlight of any Grande Ronde rafting trip .

Bald Eagles

As a designated sensitive wintering area for our national bird, the Grande Ronde provides an essential food source during the cold months: the river's abundant fish, including trout and migrating steelhead. Look for their massive nests, called eyries, in the tops of the tallest Ponderosa pines. Seeing one of these majestic birds swoop down to catch a fish is a breathtaking sight.

A Healthy River Means a Healthy Ecosystem

The presence of top predators and sensitive species is a testament to the health of the Grande Ronde River ecosystem. The clear, cold water supports a robust fish population, which in turn feeds everything from river otters to eagles and bears. The health of the river is the foundation upon which this entire web of life is built.

Large woody debris—fallen trees and logs in the river—might look messy, but it plays a vital role. It creates complex underwater habitats, providing fish with places to hide from predators and find refuge from the current. This habitat complexity is essential for a thriving fishery, which supports the entire food web [3].

Frequently Asked Questions about Grande Ronde Wildlife

When you join a multi-day rafting trip with Winding Waters River Expeditions , you are stepping into a complete, functioning ecosystem. The thrill of seeing a bighorn sheep scale a cliff or a bald eagle snatch a fish from the water is the thrill of seeing nature in perfect balance. Our guides are not only expert boaters but also knowledgeable naturalists who can bring the ecosystem to life for you.

Ready to witness this incredible wildlife display? Book your Grande Ronde trip with Winding Waters River Expeditions today!

Gearboats, Groovers and Office Computers

Tue, 21 Oct 2025 18:07:41 GMT

Gearboats, Groovers, and office computers

Going with the flow is often a lot easier said than done. Movement with gravity may seem intuitive, but add a little water, an obstacle or two and the route becomes more complicated. Owning a rafting company works the same way.

Many of you may know, and many may not; Paul and Penny Arentsen sold WWRE to Robin Pace in the spring of 2024. Paul's letter regarding “Passing the Oars" is also posted to our blog. The summer of 2024—which also happened to be WWRE’s 20th season—was ran in conjunction, primarily with Robin at the helm but with several loose ends which needed tidying before everything was fully transitioned at the end of 2024 and prior to the 2025 season. And here we are, on the backend of 2025, two seasons under my belt and I’m finally getting around to putting all of this down on paper.

For those of you who don’t know me, allow me to introduce myself. I began working for WWRE in the spring of 2013 after graduating from Boise State. Due to pathways available at the time I created my own degree in pre-Speech Pathology through the independent studies program, along with a minor in American Sign Language. My plan was to return to college for a masters degree, either continuing into Speech Pathology, or transitioning into interpreting or teaching. After my first trip I realized rafting would be part of my life forever.

Even so I believed guiding would be an interlude. Becoming an outfitter wasn’t a future I saw for myself for many years. I spent that incredibly sweaty first summer swamping on the gearboat for Todd, schlepping dry bags, setting up camp, seeking out the most picturesque groover sites, and generally learning everything I could about how to be a river guide. The next handful of years I continued to spend summers learning from all the guides I was lucky enough to chase down the river. Soaking up stories, gleaning the precise placement of oar strokes until I was the one being chased down the river telling stories. One thing that hasn’t changed is learning from everyone I float with.

Every guide and each of you, bring your own river magic. Over the 11 years I worked for Paul and Penny, owning a rafting company did become a dream I dreamt—but I didn’t tell any one. It was a dream planted around 2019 and like a little seed would be watered a little each trip. Droplet by droplet it became a wave, and when I reached that horizon line—well I couldn’t help but drop in.

Purchasing the company wasn’t what I expected to see beyond the horizon. Paul and I had been in conversation for several years regarding my moving into a position of managing the company. We had discussed the line, the steps and strokes required to get there. That’s where we were headed. I think it surprised us both when he realized he was ready for a bigger and different transition than the one we had planned. I had spent most of the 2023 summer lingering longer.

Given that the plan had been for me to spend more time at the boathouse to manage things, I was anticipating spending a lot less time on the water. So I hugged a lot of rocks along the river and spent eons gazing at canyon walls sending “I love you” with my eyes. When the plan changed, a new horizon line lurking, I didn’t say yes for a long long time. Not until August after the last hot push of the summer. Not until “yes” dripped from every cell of my body even after the sweat stopped.

Only after many conversations at many river camps with the guides did I acknowledge I wanted to see what was on the other side of this new unexpected horizon line. So I pulled out of the eddy and let the dream growing in my heart pour into the current. My heart loves this company and these canyons. Even more it loves all the people I get to share them with, be it one trip or years. Thank goodness it dropped in first.

The thing about horizon lines is you can’t see what’s on the other side. Sure you can guess by the roar. Hop up onto a cooler or dry box to take a little peak. And yes scouting is certainly prudent if you can, but this wasn’t one of those horizon lines. Purchasing a business is the kind of horizon line you run blind. Asking folks who have done it before is definitely helpful, but you’re not running the same rapid or the same line.

Turns out purchasing a business has required all the row and react skills I’ve curated over the years. Not to mention learning a whole slew of computer skills I had neglected in the nearly decade and a half I’ve spent living on rivers. There was a lot to catch up on. Running a business requires a bit more computer skills than watching whitewater videos on YouTube . All that to say, purchasing a business has been the steepest, deepest, longest river I’ve ever run. I’ve missed more than a couple oar strokes, and taken some hits sideways, but I’m getting better.

In the past two years a lot has happened. On the technology front, last November WWRE launched a new website. The new site was spurred by the progress of our technological world and the need to keep up with cookie laws, privacy settings and the fact that most browsing is done by mobile device. If you were one of those whom subsequently encountered issues, I apologize and thank you for letting me know about it.

A lot of work has been done by the web team and fingers crossed those issues shouldn’t arise any more—let me know if they do. On the river front, the guide crew stepped up universally. Swampers were licensed, multiple guides stepped into leadership roles, new gear boatmen were trained. Smiles and laughter continue to burble across the water and there have been more tears of joy rolling down cheeks than ever before. For that I am grateful. My heart is full.

Over the years I spent dreaming this dream, I knew I wanted to do it slightly different. I also knew as a baseline that would be the case. As a whole, the world of outfitting is rather small. The number of women-owned rafting companies even smaller, with the number of women in their 30s doing it solo—well let’s just say I know a couple mentors but have yet to meet a peer. I have dreamed of cultivating the world of guiding and outfitting to become better for both guides and guests for many years.

My dreams are built of balance, compromise, fulfillment, conversation and community. None of them involve shifting our program excessively. We will continue to offer a multitude of trip options and are always interested to hear what you want to see added to our offerings. For example, by request we have hosted all-women's trips with an all female crew, for the last four year's running. We have also had a handful happen by accident.

You should expect to see some new speciality trips in the future, and several are already up on our website . Maybe a new river will join our quiver. Most of all I want to push the guiding industry toward recognition in the greater sphere, with more reliability and stability for those whom choose to pursue it for the long term.

With regard to oar strokes I’ve missed in this new venture, writing blog posts and sending out email updates have certainly been one of them. This is the first of what I aim to become at least bi-monthly installments written by me personally. You should also expect to see blog posts written by guides on a variety of topics. Our Instagram and Facebook have had a number of guide contributors over the last two years and that will continue. One of my favorite things is to get a glimpse into the river world through their eyes.

Winding Waters will continue its tradition of being a family operated business. My brother Anders is the boathouse manager, and my dad is running guest shuttles. My mom drives as well but more often can be found helping me weed the garden beds or weed-eat around the boathouse. Familiar voices pick up the phone. Hilary is still creating and curating delicious river meals. Over the next couple of years the beef we serve on river trips will transition even more locally and will be raised just a mile from the boathouse on my Gram’s farm.

Grass-fed in the shadow of the Wallowa mountains. The guide family continues to blossom with new and well loved faces. As for me, well I’m going to continue running rivers with all of you as often as I can. There are a lot more river stories to come and I look forward to creating them with you.

Like many transitions, this one has been filled with relief, trepidation, beauty, nostalgia, hope, some really big questions, even bigger dreams, laughter, tears and a whole lot of gratitude. This past summer I found myself back on the gearboat schlepping gear up sandbanks and seeking out ideal groover sites. It gave me a lot of time to witness this dream in action.

It also allowed time for my heart to catch up to the pace my mind had been running these last two years. I want to thank all of you for your patience, and the time it has taken for me to get this out. To be completely honest it has taken me this long to find the words.

The 2026 schedule is up on our website and trips are booking. If you have questions about anything, or just want to say hello, please don’t hesitate to reach out. You can reach me numerous ways: calling either of the office lines( local or international ), or my business cell ( 541-263-1052 ), and via email at wwrerafting@gmail.com . I may be out of service at times enjoying the off season(skiing, hiking, biking etc), and sometimes my hands are covered in dough. Regardless—if I miss connecting with you, leave a message. I’ll get back to you as soon as I can.

All the love, gratitude, and appreciation a gearboat can carry,

Robin

The Ultimate Guide to Rafting the Salmon River: What to Expect on Your Adventure

Wed, 23 Apr 2025 18:09:54 GMT

If you're looking for a multi-day rafting trip that combines natural beauty, steady whitewater, and time to disconnect, rafting the Salmon River is a solid choice. Located in a remote part of Idaho, the Salmon River, also called the “River of No Return,” offers clear water, consistent rapids, wide sandy beaches, and a landscape shaped by both natural forces and human history.

Here’s what you can expect on a trip down this stretch of river.

Meet the River: A Remote Stretch of the West

The Salmon River is one of the longest free-flowing rivers in the lower 48 states. It cuts through rugged backcountry and gives rafters a chance to experience a landscape that hasn’t changed much in centuries.

Winding Waters River Expeditions runs trips on the lower 53-mile section of the river, known as the “Canyons” of the Salmon. This stretch includes four distinct canyons: Green, Cougar, Snow Hole, and Blue Canyon. Each one reveals different layers of rock, shoreline terrain, and river features.

The river follows a “pool and drop” pattern, which means calm stretches of water are followed by sections of rapids. These longer pools provide time to paddle, relax, swim, and take in the scenery before the next section of whitewater begins.

Camping on Sand Beaches

A unique part of this trip is the camping experience. The riverbanks are lined with soft, white sand beaches that make ideal spots to stop for the night. These beaches are large, open, and provide space to set up tents, gather for meals, and unwind by the water.

After a day on the river, evenings are spent around camp getting to know your group, enjoying a freshly prepared meal, and watching the sun set over the canyon walls. There’s no need to bring any special gear because your guides handle it all.

Some guests bring a fishing rod to try their luck at catching smallmouth bass in the quieter parts of the river.

Rapids and Calm Water

While there are sections of splashy Class III and IV whitewater, this is not a high-intensity river. The rapids are spaced out and manageable for first-time rafters and experienced paddlers alike. Guides provide instruction and handle most of the steering so you can focus on the experience.

Between rapids, the river slows down and opens up. These quieter sections are great for swimming, spotting wildlife, and simply enjoying the pace of river travel. You’ll move through different types of terrain, from steep canyon walls to wide open valleys.

A Landscape With a Long History

This area has been home to people for thousands of years. Along the riverbanks, you may see rock art created by the Nez Perce and other Indigenous groups. These pictographs are reminders of the deep cultural roots in the region.

Later, in the 1800s, miners and homesteaders tried to settle along the river. Some of their cabins and tools still remain. Lewis and Clark even attempted to travel this stretch in 1805 but quickly turned back due to the terrain. The river earned its current name from the once-abundant Chinook and Sockeye salmon that spawned here each year.

Wildlife Along the River

Spending several days on the Salmon River puts you in a good spot to observe wildlife. You might see Bighorn Sheep climbing high above the water, River Otters playing near the banks, or Bald Eagles perched in the trees. Birdsong is common in the early morning, and deer often wander along the shoreline.

Wildlife sightings vary depending on the season and time of day, but most trips include at least a few memorable encounters with animals in their natural habitat.

A Closer Look at the Geology

The story of the Salmon River begins long before people arrived. Around 300 million years ago, volcanic islands formed in the ocean near where the Aleutian Islands are today. Over time, they collided with the North American continent. This event created what geologists call the Wallowa Terrane, a chunk of crust that now forms part of the Salmon River region.

As you float through the canyons, you’ll pass rock layers that tell the story of ancient mountain-building, erosion, and tectonic shifts. It’s a good place to appreciate how long this landscape has been taking shape.

What to Know Before You Go

Winding Waters Rafting provides fully outfitted trips down the lower Salmon River. You don’t need to have rafting experience. Guides will give you a briefing each day and help with camp setup and meals. All equipment is provided, from boats to dry bags.

The season usually runs from June to September when the weather is warm and the river is running at a good level. These months also provide the best conditions for swimming and sleeping under the stars.

Book Your Trip

Rafting the Salmon River is a chance to slow down, spend time outside, and experience a part of Idaho that’s often overlooked. The combination of clear water, reliable rapids, and quiet beach camps makes it a solid choice for those looking to get off the grid for a few days.

Ready to book your Salmon River rafting trip? Book now .

Spring 2025 Rafting Season is Here! Don’t Miss the Best Time to Raft the Snake River in Hells Canyon

Sat, 05 Apr 2025 17:02:36 GMT

Spring is Rushing In – Can You Hear the River Calling?

The snow is melting, the wildflowers are blooming, and the rivers of the Pacific Northwest are roaring back to life. Spring 2025 marks the thrilling return of the rafting season in Hells Canyon, one of the most iconic whitewater destinations in North America. But here’s the catch: these coveted trips fill up fast.

Looking to unplug, unwind, and unleash your inner explorer? This is your moment.

Why Spring Is the Best Time to Experience Hells Canyon

Spring means fewer crowds, lush canyon walls, cooler temps, and, most importantly, epic whitewater! Hells Canyon, North America’s deepest gorge, is at its most dramatic in spring, with emerald slopes and roaring Class III–IV rapids.

Winding Waters River Expeditions offers all-inclusive trips on the Salmon River, where comfort meets the wild. Think luxury camping, gourmet meals, and the most experienced guides in the region.

Why Spring Is Prime Time for Hells Canyon Rafting

Spring runoff breathes life into the Snake River, transforming Hells Canyon into a churning, adrenaline-pumping waterway surrounded by fresh green hillsides, blooming balsamroot, and soaring eagles. This is the season when the river is at its wildest, and most beautiful.

Highlights:

Class III–IV rapids with thrilling spring flows
Fewer motorized boats in early season = serene mornings
Misty canyon mornings and warm sunlit afternoons
Historic ranches, Native American petroglyphs, and basalt cliffs

Popular Trip Options:

Hells Canyon 3-Day Rafting Adventure – Operates April through October
Hells Canyon 5-Day Rafting Adventure – Operates April through October

"We saw deer, mountain goats, bald eagles–and no cell signal in sight. It was a dream." – Christine B., May 2024 guest

What Makes Winding Waters Different

Experienced Guides: All wilderness-certified, first-aid trained, and experts on local history, ecology, and geology.
Gourmet Meals: Locally sourced, fresh, and often better than restaurant quality. Special diets? We’ve got you covered.
Luxury Camping: Thick pads, spacious tents, cozy sleeping bags. You won’t believe it’s not glamping.
Connection: Guests describe our trips as transformative. It’s not just rafting; it’s reconnection.

"They handled everything with such care and detail, it felt like a high-end retreat on the river." – Michelle B., July 2023

Packing Tips for Spring Rafting

Spring conditions call for smart layering. It’s not just about what to bring–it’s about what not to forget.

Must-Haves:

Quick-dry base layers (avoid cotton)
Rain shell and fleece jacket
Water sandals with toe protection (e.g., Keens or Tevas)
Lightweight pants + sun hoodie
Warm hat and gloves (mornings can be chilly)
Headlamp + power bank
Biodegradable soap and travel towel

Download our full Packing List

Travel & Logistics: Getting to Joseph, Oregon

Joseph, Oregon is your launch point for adventure. Nestled in the Wallowa Mountains, it’s worth arriving early to explore this charming town.

Getting There:

Nearest major airport: Boise, ID (approx. 4.5 hours)
Shuttle services available from Lewiston, ID and La Grande, OR
Free parking at our boathouse for all guests

Where to Stay Before/After:

The Jennings Hotel
Bronze Antler B&B
Wallowa Lake Lodge

Trip Planning Guide

Who Should Book a Trip This Spring?

Spring is ideal for:

Families with kids (ages 12+ for Hells Canyon in Spring)
Couples seeking digital detox
Retirees checking off bucket-list goals
Solo travelers craving community and nature
Corporate retreats and bonding experiences

"I was nervous to go solo, but the guides and other guests made me feel instantly at home." – Stephanie J.

Seasonal Wildlife, Scenery & Stargazing Highlights

Nature comes alive in spring. Here’s what you might spot:

Wildlife: Bald eagles, bighorn sheep, river otters, mule deer
Flora: Lupine, balsamroot, serviceberry blossoms
Sky: Pristine stargazing, with zero light pollution

Our guides often double as naturalists and storytellers, sharing insights into the ecosystem and history of the rivers.

Real Guest Stories from Spring Trips

"We saw bighorn sheep on cliffs, ate meals better than most restaurants, and paddled through whitewater that made my heart race in the best way. I haven’t felt that alive in years." – Glen O.

"I brought my two teens and they didn’t touch a phone the whole trip. We laughed, swam, and camped under stars. They’re already asking when we can go back." – Kelly M.

"It was more than rafting. It was renewal." – Kristin B.

FAQ: Spring Rafting Questions Answered

How to Book Your Spring 2025 Trip (Before It’s Too Late)

Spring trips are already filling fast–especially April through June when the rivers are at their best. Check availability and book online

Ready to Paddle Into Spring?

Spring 2025 is your chance to shake off winter, reconnect with the wild, and make memories that will last a lifetime. Whether you're conquering legendary rapids or floating with friends through canyons carved by time, one thing's certain: this isn’t just a trip–it’s a transformation.

Hear firsthand from our customers here .

So, what are you waiting for? Spring won’t last forever. Neither will these seats. Reserve your adventure now

Hells Canyon National Recreation Area: 50 Years of Adventure & Wild Beauty

Mon, 31 Mar 2025 06:15:02 GMT

The Ultimate Guide to Rafting Hells Canyon: America’s Deepest River Gorge

Imagine standing on the rim of a canyon so deep it dwarfs the Grand Canyon. Below, the mighty Snake River in Hells Canyon carves through sheer rock walls, its whitewater rapids churning with untamed energy. Eagles soar overhead, bighorn sheep scale impossible cliffs, and the silence is only broken by the rush of water. Welcome to Hells Canyon National Recreation Area (NRA) , a place where nature’s raw power and beauty come alive.

As Hells Canyon celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2025, there’s never been a better time to experience its grandeur. This year, the canyon’s past, present, and future will be a key topic at the 2025 Environmental Conference at Boise State, where Robin Pace, the new owner of Winding Waters River Expeditions , will be speaking about conservation and the importance of preserving this iconic wilderness.

But what makes rafting Hells Canyon so special? Let’s dive into the fascinating story behind the deepest river gorge in North America, explore its legendary rapids, and show you why a trip with Winding Waters River Expeditions is the ultimate way to experience it. Don’t forget your Hells Canyon map to mark your adventure!

The Formation of Hells Canyon

How did Hells Canyon become the deepest river gorge in North America?

Millions of years ago, volcanic activity and powerful geologic forces sculpted this dramatic landscape. The Snake River in Hells Canyon gradually cut through layers of basalt and granite, forming a canyon that now plunges over 7,900 feet deep, deeper than the Grand Canyon itself! This staggering depth of Hells Canyon makes it the deepest canyon in North America.

Over time, glacial floods, tectonic shifts, and relentless erosion created the jagged cliffs, rolling ridges, and isolated plateaus that make Hells Canyon a breathtaking natural wonder. Many adventurers compare Hells Canyon vs Grand Canyon, and are amazed to discover this hidden giant in the Northwest.

Today, rafters and adventurers float through this living geological museum, marveling at rock formations that tell a story 500 million years in the making.

A 50-Year Legacy: The Creation of Hells Canyon NRA

In 1975, the U.S. Congress designated Hells Canyon as a National Recreation Area, protecting its wild landscapes from development. This designation preserved 652,488 acres of pristine wilderness spanning Idaho, Oregon, and Washington, ensuring future generations could explore its rugged beauty.

To celebrate 50 years of conservation, Robin Pace, owner of Winding Waters River Expeditions, will be speaking at the 2025 Environmental Conference at Boise State . Her talk will highlight the balance between outdoor recreation and environmental stewardship, emphasizing why protecting places like Hells Canyon is crucial.

If you’re looking for a way to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Hells Canyon NRA, there’s no better way than rafting through the heart of this untamed wilderness!

The Snake River’s Musical Tribute: Pete Seeger’s Song

Did you know folk legend Pete Seeger wrote a song about the Snake River?

Seeger, known for his deep environmental advocacy, penned “The Snake River Song” as part of the conservation movement to protect the river from dam projects that would have forever changed its landscape. His music became an anthem for wilderness preservation, reminding us that wild rivers are sacred, irreplaceable treasures.

As you float through the canyon, you’ll see why artists, conservationists, and adventurers alike have fallen in love with this incredible river. Don't forget to check out the Hells Canyon Creek Visitor Center before your trip!

Why Rafting Hells Canyon is the Adventure of a Lifetime

If there’s one thing that makes Hells Canyon rafting stand out, it’s the thrill of navigating the Snake River’s legendary rapids.

Top Rapids You’ll Conquer on a Hells Canyon Rafting Trip

Wild Sheep Rapid (Class IV): A heart-pounding, roller-coaster wave train that demands expert navigation.
Granite Creek Rapid (Class IV): A steep drop with massive standing waves that will leave you soaked and exhilarated.
Rush Creek Rapid (Class III): A fun, splashy rapid that lets you catch your breath before the next big challenge.

With Winding Waters River Expeditions, you’ll have expert guides leading the way, ensuring your adventure is both thrilling and safe.

Wildlife, History, and Hidden Gems Along the River

Hells Canyon isn’t just about whitewater, it’s a living, breathing ecosystem filled with wildlife and history.

Bald Eagles & Ospreys: Soaring high above the canyon walls, these majestic birds are a common sight.
Bighorn Sheep: Watch as they skillfully climb near-vertical cliffs.
Sturgeon & Trout Fishing – The Snake River is home to some of the best fishing in the Pacific Northwest.
Ancient Petroglyphs: Evidence of the Nez Perce people, who lived along the river for thousands of years.

Travel Tips for Planning Your Hells Canyon Rafting Trip

Best Time to Go: May through September for warm weather and great water levels.
Trip Length: Choose between 3-day or 5-day rafting adventures for the ultimate experience.
What to Pack: Quick-dry clothing, a hat, sunglasses, and a waterproof camera are the bare minimum. See full details of what to bring here .
Who Can Go? No experience needed! Our guided trips cater to all skill levels.

Book Your Adventure with Winding Waters River Expeditions

If you’re ready to experience Hells Canyon like never before, now is the time to book your trip ! Our guided rafting adventures offer the perfect blend of adrenaline, nature, and relaxation.

Limited 2025 Trips Available! Reserve Your Spot Now and Celebrate 50 years of Hells Canyon NRA with the adventure of a Lifetime!

Want to hear firsthand what our guests have experienced? Check out our Google Business Profile Reviews and see why our tours leave a lasting impression!

Exploring the Spirit of the West with Fishtrap Fireside and an Unforgettable Rafting Adventure with Winding Waters

Tue, 18 Mar 2025 15:03:26 GMT

For those who cherish storytelling, the written word, and the breathtaking landscapes of the American West, Fishtrap is a name synonymous with inspiration and community. Since its inception in 1988, Fishtrap has been a sanctuary for writers, readers, and dreamers, fostering clear thinking and exceptional writing about the West. Nestled in the scenic Wallowa Lake area of northeast Oregon, Fishtrap continues to cultivate a love for words and stories through a variety of programs, including the much-loved Fishtrap Fireside readings.

What is Fishtrap Fireside?

Fishtrap Fireside is more than just a monthly reading event—it's a gathering of minds and voices that celebrate the rich cultural tapestry of the West. Launched in 2013, this event has given a platform to over 150 local writers from Wallowa County, featuring diverse storytelling formats such as poetry, fiction, memoir, essays, and humor. It’s a celebration of local talent and a testament to the power of words to inspire, provoke thought, and bring communities together.

Held in Fishtrap’s new event space within the historic Bowlby Building on Main Street in Enterprise, Oregon, Fireside is a cozy venue that radiates warmth and connection. Each month, three featured readers share their unique perspectives, transporting audiences into worlds shaped by the rugged beauty and complexities of Western life.

A Night to Remember with Robin Pace

In its 12th season, Fishtrap Fireside welcomed Robin Pace, a guide from Winding Waters River Expeditions, to share her evocative storytelling. Robin’s narrative flowed as seamlessly as the rivers she navigates, weaving together tales of heritage, the power of water, and the cyclical nature of life. Her words echoed with the wisdom of the land and the deep respect she holds for the rivers that shape her experiences.

With over 13 years guiding for Winding Waters, Robin's connection to the wilderness is profound. She beautifully expressed how guiding on rivers like the Snake and the Grande Ronde is more than just a job—it’s a relationship of respect, understanding, and stewardship. Her storytelling reminded us that adventures on the water are not just about navigating rapids but also about navigating life, connection, and growth. Listen to the whole chat here .

Fishtrap and Winding Waters: A Partnership Rooted in Adventure and Inspiration

The synergy between Fishtrap and Winding Waters River Expeditions is nothing short of magical. Both organizations share a deep appreciation for the natural beauty of the West and the stories it inspires. This collaboration culminates in one of the most immersive experiences for adventure lovers and storytellers alike—the Outpost on the Snake River in Hells Canyon.

This September, Fishtrap and Winding Waters are co-hosting a rafting trip that promises an unforgettable journey through Hells Canyon, the deepest river gorge in North America. Guided by Ana Maria Spagna, an acclaimed author and lover of the outdoors, this trip is an invitation to float down, experience the adrenaline-pumping rapids rafting , and soak in breathtaking landscapes, rich history, and powerful storytelling.

Why Join the Outpost on the Snake River with Ana Maria Spagna?

Imagine drifting through Hells Canyon, surrounded by towering cliffs and rugged wilderness, while listening to stories that echo the spirit of the West. This isn't just a rafting trip; it’s an immersive storytelling retreat that connects people to the land, to history, and to one another.

Ana Maria Spagna, known for her evocative writing about place, memory, and change, will lead participants through creative workshops, sharing her unique perspective on how landscapes shape our narratives. This journey provides a rare opportunity to be inspired by the land while honing your own storytelling craft.

The Adventure Awaits: Book Your Trip with Winding Waters River Expeditions

Whether you're an aspiring writer, an adventure enthusiast, or someone looking to reconnect with nature, this rafting trip offers an unparalleled experience. Winding Waters River Expeditions, known for its exceptional guides and unforgettable river adventures, ensures a safe and exhilarating journey down the Snake River. Their guides, including the inspiring Robin Pace, bring expertise, passion, and a touch of humor, making every trip memorable.

This isn’t just about navigating rapids—it's about navigating stories, memories, and connections that last a lifetime.

Ready to Embark on This Unforgettable Journey?

Spaces for this exclusive trip are limited. Don’t miss your chance to float down Hells Canyon, be inspired by Ana Maria Spagna, and create memories with like-minded adventurers. Book your spot now with Winding Waters River Expeditions and discover the magic where storytelling and adventure meet.

Check what our customers think about our service through our Google Business Profile Reviews !

14 Common Myths About Whitewater Rafting Debunked

Thu, 13 Feb 2025 03:52:39 GMT

Whitewater rafting is a popular way to enjoy nature, spend time with friends or family, and have some fun on the water. However, many myths about rafting persist, and these misconceptions often keep people from trying it out. At Winding Waters River Expeditions, we’ve heard these myths again and again. Our team, based in Joseph, Oregon, has been guiding trips on the Salmon, Snake, and Grande Ronde rivers since 2004. We love helping people experience rafting for the first time and want to address these common concerns. Let’s take a closer look at 14 myths about whitewater rafting and why they shouldn’t hold you back.

Why Do These Myths Exist?

Whitewater rafting can seem unfamiliar or intimidating to people who haven’t tried it before. Many myths come from exaggerations, misunderstandings, or stories that don’t reflect what modern, guided rafting trips are really like. At Winding Waters, we see people overcome these misconceptions all the time once they’re out on the river, enjoying the peaceful scenery and having fun with our experienced guides.

Here’s the truth behind 14 of the most common myths about rafting:

1. You Need to Be an Experienced Swimmer

Myth : If you can’t swim well, rafting isn’t for you.

Truth : While swimming can help boost your confidence, it’s not required. We provide life jackets that keep everyone safe, even if they end up in the water. Our guides are trained in river safety and will make sure you know what to do in any situation. Before your trip, we’ll cover all the safety basics so you’re comfortable and prepared.

2. It’s Only for Daredevils

Myth : Whitewater rafting is an extreme sport for people who want big risks.

Truth : Rafting can be as calm or as adventurous as you like. At Winding Waters, we offer trips that range from easy floats on gentle rapids to more exciting runs with bigger waves. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing day or a bit more action, there’s a trip for you.

3. It’s Too Dangerous

Myth : Rafting is unsafe and not a good choice for families.

Truth : Safety is always the top priority. Our guides are highly trained, and we use high-quality equipment to make sure everyone stays safe. We also carefully plan trips based on river conditions and group experience levels. Rafting can be a very safe way to enjoy the outdoors.

4. Kids Can’t Participate

Myth : Children aren’t allowed on rafting trips.

Truth : Many of our trips are great for kids. We provide properly sized gear and choose routes that are family-friendly. Rafting can be an amazing way for kids to learn about nature and have fun outside.

5. You Need to Be in Great Shape

Myth : Rafting is only for people who are very fit.

Truth : Rafting is a team activity, and there are different roles for people of all abilities. Some trips require more paddling, while others let you sit back and enjoy the ride. We also have oar boats where the guide does all the rowing, so you don’t have to paddle at all.

6. You Have to Paddle Constantly

Myth : Rafting is exhausting because you’re paddling the whole time.

Truth : Paddling is only required during certain sections of the trip, like navigating rapids. There are plenty of calm stretches where you can rest, take in the scenery, and relax. Guides often take care of the harder work.

7. The Water is Always Cold

Myth : Rivers are too cold to enjoy.

Truth : While some rivers can be cool, many have arm, comfortable water during the summer months. If the water is cold, we provide wetsuits and splash jackets to keep you comfortable. On a hot day, a splash of cool water can feel refreshing.

8. The Rapids Are Nonstop

Myth : You’ll spend the entire trip going through whitewater.

Truth : Rapids are just one part of the journey. Most trips include long stretches of calm water where you can relax, enjoy the scenery, and even swim. These quieter moments are often just as enjoyable as the rapids.

9. It’s Too Expensive

Myth : Rafting trips cost too much.

Truth : While guided trips are an investment, they include a lot: experienced guides, gourmet meals, top-quality gear, and memories that last a lifetime. At Winding Waters, we offer trips at different price points to make rafting accessible to a variety of budgets.

10. You Need Experience to Go

Myth : Rafting is only for people who already know how to do it.

Truth : Most people who go rafting are beginners. Our guides will teach you everything you need to know before and during the trip. You don’t need any prior experience to enjoy rafting.

11. It’s Only a Summer Activity

Myth : Rafting is only possible in the summer.

Truth : Spring and fall trips can be just as enjoyable. Spring brings higher water levels and beautiful green landscapes, while fall offers quieter rivers and colorful autumn scenery. Every season has its own unique appeal.

12. It’s Not for Older Adults

Myth : Rafting is too hard for seniors.

Truth : Many older adults enjoy rafting trips. We offer options to match different activity levels, so everyone can find a trip that works for them. Rafting can be a relaxing and rewarding way to spend time outdoors, no matter your age.

13. Wild Animals Are a Threat

Myth : You’ll have dangerous encounters with wildlife.

Truth : While you may see animals like eagles or deer, dangerous encounters are extremely rare. Our guides are experienced in understanding and respecting wildlife, making it a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone.

14. Camping is Uncomfortable

Myth : Overnight trips mean roughing it in the wilderness.

Truth : Our overnight trips include comfortable camping gear, spacious tents, and thick sleeping pads. We also prepare fresh, delicious meals so you can relax and enjoy the experience without worrying about the details.

Why Choose Winding Waters River Expeditions?

At Winding Waters River Expeditions, we focus on providing safe, enjoyable, and memorable rafting trips for everyone. Since 2004, we’ve been helping people explore the beautiful Salmon, Snake, and Grande Ronde rivers. Whether you’re looking for a quiet day on the water or a multi-day adventure, we have options for every group.

Ready to Plan Your Rafting Trip?

1Don’t let these myths stop you from trying whitewater rafting. Plan your next adventure with Winding Waters River Expeditions and see for yourself why it’s an experience worth having. Check out our trips today: Explore Rafting Trips.

You may also want to check our Google Business Profile Reviews to know what our customers think about our service!

Top 7 Idaho Family Vacations for Adventure Lovers

Mon, 03 Feb 2025 19:07:48 GMT

Idaho is a hidden gem for adventure-loving families seeking memorable trips. Known for its rugged landscapes, clean rivers, and endless outdoor activities, the Gem State offers an extensive range of experiences for outdoorsy families. Whether you’re into whitewater rafting, hiking, or exploring unique natural wonders, Idaho is the ultimate family getaway destination.

Here are the top 7 family vacations in Idaho guaranteed to provide excitement, connection, and memories that will last a lifetime.

1. Whitewater Rafting on the Salmon River

One of the best family getaways in Idaho begins on the Salmon River . Known as the "River of No Return," the Salmon offers thrilling rapids, breathtaking scenery, and opportunities for family fun in Idaho. Guided salmon rafting trips provide a perfect mix of safety and excitement, with expert guides handling the logistics while you focus on the fun.

Trips range from single-day adventures to multi-day excursions that include camping under the stars, riverside meals, and plenty of wildlife sightings. For families seeking to make some memories, whitewater rafting on the Salmon River is hard to beat.

2. Explore Craters of the Moon National Monument

Take your family on a journey to another world at Craters of the Moon National Monument . This unique volcanic landscape is filled with lava fields, cinder cones, and caves waiting to be explored.

The park’s family-friendly trails are perfect for kids and adults alike. Don’t miss the chance to venture into the lava tube caves—an unforgettable experience that feels like stepping into a sci-fi movie which is an unforgettable activity if you're planning vacation ideas in Idaho. Be sure to bring sturdy shoes, flashlights, and a sense of curiosity!

3. Discover the Magic of McCall

Nestled on the shores of Payette Lake, McCall is a charming mountain town that offers year-round activities for the whole family.

Summer: Paddleboarding, kayaking, and swimming in the lake are perfect for sunny days. Nearby trails provide excellent hiking and biking opportunities.
Winter: McCall transforms into a winter wonderland, with skiing, snowboarding, and tubing at Brundage Mountain Resort.

The town itself is full of quaint shops, delicious eateries, and family-friendly festivals, making it an ideal destination for an Idaho family vacation.

4. Camp and Hike in the Sawtooth Mountains

For families who love camping and hiking, the Sawtooth Mountains are a prime stop during your Idaho road trip . You’ll discover endless Idaho adventures —from alpine lakes to starry skies. This stunning mountain range is also home to over 700 miles of trails and breathtaking vistas.

Family-Friendly Hikes: Fishhook Creek Trail and Alice Lake Trail offer manageable distances with incredible views.
Camping: Choose from a variety of campgrounds, including Redfish Lake, which features sandy beaches, boat rentals, and plenty of activities for kids.

Whether you’re pitching a tent or staying in a cozy cabin, the Sawtooths provide a perfect setting for reconnecting with nature.

5. Soak in Idaho’s Natural Hot Springs

After a day of hiking or driving through Idaho , nothing beats soaking in natural hot springs. Consider adding this to your list of interesting things in Idaho: its natural hot springs, offering families a relaxing way to unwind after a day of adventure.Some of the best family-friendly hot springs include

Gold Fork Hot Springs : Located near McCall, this resort offers multiple pools with varying temperatures, perfect for all ages.
Kirkham Hot Springs : These riverside pools near Lowman provide a more rustic experience, complete with waterfalls and stunning views.

Soaking in Idaho’s geothermal wonders is not only rejuvenating but also a fun and unique activity the entire family will enjoy. Plan for a weekend getaway in Idaho and enjoy scenic views and serenity—ideal for cheap weekend getaways.

6. Adventure in Hells Canyon

Hells Canyon , the deepest river gorge in North America, offers a mix of thrilling adventures and serene natural beauty. It’s one of the best Idaho outdoor destinations with boating, fishing, and hiking. Families can explore this incredible destination through

Jet Boat Tours: Cruise through the canyon on a high-speed jet boat while learning about its history and geology.
Fishing: The Snake River is a prime spot for catching bass, trout, and sturgeon.
Hiking: Trails like the Hells Canyon Overlook offer stunning views without being too challenging for kids.

This dramatic and lesser-known destination provides an exciting alternative to more crowded national parks.

7. Visit Yellowstone National Park (Idaho Side)

While most people associate Yellowstone with Wyoming, the park’s western entrance in Idaho offers access to incredible family-friendly adventures.

Mesa Falls : These stunning waterfalls are an easy stop on the way to Yellowstone and provide a great spot for photos and picnics.
Henry’s Lake State Park : Perfect for fishing, kayaking, and spotting wildlife, this peaceful spot is a favorite among families.
Hiking: Trails like Harriman State Park ’s nature loops offer an accessible way to explore the area’s natural beauty.

Using Idaho as your base to explore Yellowstone allows you to enjoy the park while avoiding the crowds at its main entrances.

Other Exciting Idaho Adventures

Family Fun in Boise, ID

With plenty of family attractions in Boise, Idaho , the capital city is an excellent start or end to your Idaho family vacations.

Family Reunion Idaho Options

All inclusive family reunion resorts: the Gem State offers excellent options for large group travel. Use family reunion locations in Idaho like McCall, Sun Valley, or Timberline Adventures Idaho to plan your next gathering.

Tips for Planning the Perfect Idaho Family Vacation

Here’s some tips to make the most of your Idaho adventure:

Choose the Right Season: Idaho offers year-round activities, but the best time to visit depends on what you’d like to do. Summer is great for rafting and hiking, while winter offers excellent skiing and hot spring soaking.
Pack Smart: Bring layers, sunscreen, and plenty of snacks for the kids. Idaho’s weather can change quickly, especially in the mountains.
Book Ahead: Popular destinations like McCall and guided rafting trips on the Salmon River fill up fast, so reserve your spots early.
Embrace the Outdoors: Idaho’s beauty lies in its wild, untouched landscapes. Take the time to unplug and immerse yourself in nature.

Why Idaho is Perfect for Family Getaways

Idaho’s diverse landscapes and endless opportunities for outdoor adventures make it an ideal destination for families looking to create unforgettable memories. Whether you’re tackling rapids on the Salmon River, exploring volcanic landscapes, or soaking in natural hot springs, Idaho offers something for every adventurer.

At Winding Waters River Expeditions , we specialize in creating unforgettable family experiences on Idaho’s rivers. From guided rafting trips to customized adventures, we’ll help you make the most of your Idaho family vacation. Check out our Google Business Profile Reviews to see what people are saying about us!

Start planning your adventure today and discover why Idaho is the ultimate playground for families who love the great outdoors!

Navigating the Rapids: A Guide to Understanding River Classifications

Mon, 13 Jan 2025 18:47:38 GMT

Whitewater rafting is an amazing adventure that allows you to immerse yourself in the beauty of nature, experience the thrill of the outdoors, and create lasting memories with friends or family. The excitement of navigating fast-moving rivers, splashing through white water rafting rapids, and working together as a team can make for an unforgettable experience. However, before going on your rafting journey, it's important to understand river classifications . These ratings provide essential information about the difficulty and potential hazards of different river sections, helping paddlers assess the challenge level and prepare accordingly.

Whether you’re a first-time rafter or someone with some experience under your belt, familiarizing yourself with these classifications and levels of whitewater rafting will ensure a safer, more enjoyable adventure. In this guide, we’ll break down the different river grades, what they mean, and what you can expect as you navigate the waters.

Understanding the International Scale of River Difficulty

The International Scale of River Difficulty sorts rivers into six classes, ranging from calm waters to extreme and dangerous rapids. Each classification explains the level of challenge and skill needed, so you can pick a river that suits you. This rapids classification is essential knowledge for any rafter.

Class I: Easy

Class I rivers are great for rafting for beginners and families . The water moves smoothly with very few obstacles. These sections are perfect for relaxed paddling or taking in the scenery. You might see small ripples, but there’s almost no risk involved. These are class 1 rapids—ideal for those just starting out.

Class II: Novice

Class II rivers are still beginner-friendly but offer a bit more excitement. You’ll encounter moderate waves and a few obstacles, but they’re easy to avoid with basic paddling skills. These rivers are usually wide and clear, making them a good choice for groups with varying experience levels. These class 2 rapids or class 2 rivers are a great next step in your rafting journey.

Class III: Intermediate

Class III rapids bring a noticeable step up in intensity. They have stronger currents, irregular waves, and narrower paths. You might get splashed and bumped around a bit as you navigate medium-sized waves and small drops. These sections are great for people with some rafting experience who want more action. You might be wondering, "are class 3 rapids dangerous?" They can be challenging but are manageable with the right skills and guidance. Many whitewater rafting classes cover how to handle these.

Class IV: Advanced

Class IV rapids are challenging and require strong paddling skills. These waters are fast and turbulent, with big waves, sharp drops, and more complicated obstacles. You’ll need to stay focused and work as a team, often with guidance from an experienced leader. These rapids are ideal for experienced rafters looking for a challenge. Also known as Class IV whitewater rafting, these waters push paddlers to their limits.

Class V: Expert

Class V rapids are intense and require expert paddling skills, physical endurance, and a solid team. They include long stretches of violent water, large drops, and very little room for error. Rescue options are limited, so preparation is key. Only attempt these rapids if you have a lot of experience and the proper gear. These are often referred to as class 5 rafting. The terrain for class 5 rafting is among the most demanding, and it’s where extreme white water rafting truly comes alive.

Class VI: Extreme and Exploratory

Class VI rapids are the most dangerous. They’re unpredictable and carry significant risk, even for professionals. These rapids are usually tackled only for exploration or under controlled conditions. They’re not suitable for recreational trips. If you’re curious about the nature of class 6 white water rafting, know that these waters are often considered unrunnable or only for experts in exceptional conditions.

Rapids and Raft Types: What You Need to Know

When picking a rafting trip, think about your experience, fitness level, and how much excitement you want. Beginners should stick with Class I or II rapids to get comfortable and learn the basics. If you’ve rafted before, Class III rapids might be a fun challenge. For seasoned paddlers, Class IV and V sections offer a more demanding experience. Make sure to consult with guides and follow their recommendations if you’re unsure.

Common Raft Types for Whitewater Rafting

Common Raft Types for Whitewater RaftingWhen picking a rafting trip, think about your experience, fitness level, and how much excitement you want.

Inflatable Rafts: The most popular choice, these durable boats come in various sizes and are designed to handle different river classes.

J-Rig Raft: A larger, stable raft often used for multi-day trips on big rivers like the Colorado River. It features a rigid frame and multiple pontoons for added safety and space.

Cataraft: A raft with two pontoons connected by a frame, offering excellent maneuverability and speed, great for expert rafters tackling challenging rapids.

Duckies (Inflatable Kayaks): Smaller, highly maneuverable boats for experienced rafters wanting a more personal and agile ride.

Self-Bailing Rafts: Designed to quickly drain water that splashes in, making them ideal for rougher, high-class rapids.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Raft Type

River Difficulty: Match your raft type to the rapids classification and white water rafting levels you'll encounter.
Group Size: Larger groups may prefer j-rig rafts or bigger inflatable rafts, while solo or duo rafters may opt for duckies or catarafts.
Trip Length: Multi-day trips often require bigger, more stable rafts with storage space.
Skill Level: Beginners benefit from more stable and forgiving rafts, while experts might choose agile and faster boats.

Why River Classifications Matter

River classifications help you plan your trip, match your skills to the right river, and stay safe. They also emphasize the importance of proper equipment and having knowledgeable guides. Many companies, like us (Winding Waters Rafting), offer trips tailored to different skill levels, so you can enjoy your time on the water without unnecessary risks. Check out our different trips now!

Safety Tips for WhiteWater Rafting

Rafting is fun, but safety should always come first. Here are some basic tips to keep in mind:

Wear Proper Gear : Always use a certified life jacket!
Listen to Your Guide : Pay attention to their advice and instructions.
Stay Hydrated : Paddling can be tiring, so drink plenty of water.
Know Your Limits : Choose rapids that suit your skill level and comfort.

Ready to Plan Your Rafting Trip?

If you’re ready to plan your rafting trip, check out the Whitewater Rafting trips offered by Winding Waters Rafting in Oregon and Idaho. Whether you want a calm float down the river or a more intense ride through the rapids, there’s something for everyone. From class 3 rafting and class 4 river rafting to exhilarating class 5 river rafting, we have the right adventure for you.

You may also want to check out our Google Business Profile Reviews to know what our customers think about us! Take the next step and book your trip today. The river is waiting for you!

Passing the Oars

Wed, 01 May 2024 10:27:22 GMT

Passing the Oars

After 20 years at the oars of Winding Waters River Expeditions, Penny and I have made the decision to hand them off. This has truly been an amazing journey. Over the past 2 decades, we watched our home office/boathouse and 5 person crew blossom into the Joseph boathouse and 30 person crew. We are so grateful to all of you for trusting us with your precious vacation time and allowing us to share “the river” with you.

We are so proud of our guides and the hard work they do to make our trips happen. It is going to be easy for us to hand off the oars to one of our seasoned lead guides, Robin Pace, who has been working with us since 2013. She has done every job from groover duty to lead guide to operations manager to baby sitter for our 2 children at Winding Waters and knows the operations inside and out. Robin, Penny and I have a shared vision of guide culture, commitment to customer service, professionalism and what it means to simply mess about in boats. Robin’s leadership ability and this shared vision gives us great confidence in the continued success of Winding Waters River Expeditions. We are looking forward to seeing what is around the next bend in the river.

Penny and I plan to be a resource for Robin during the summer’s transition period and I look forward to returning as a guest guide from time to time in the future.

So what’s next for us?

Penny and I plan to spend a lot of time attending Britton (10) and Linden’s (14) sporting events and cheering them on! We are also excited to get our summers back and be able to plan our own family rafting/hiking/biking/climbing and horseback riding adventures. Penny will be working for a local engineering firm writing reports, special use permits and working in their ground water monitoring program. I have started a general contracting business "Eddy Out" with a few other “retired” raft guides. We will be building homes in the Wallowa County area.

Riverside Stargazing: A Celestial Symphony in the Joseph Area

Tue, 09 Jan 2024 14:49:00 GMT

As the sun sets behind the majestic Wallowa Mountains and the river whispers tales of the day’s adventures, there’s a whole new world that unfolds above – the captivating realm of stars and constellations.

Key Takeaways

Riverside stargazing in the Joseph area offers one of Oregon’s clearest night skies, making it perfect for spotting constellations, shooting stars, and even the Milky Way without a telescope.
Winding Waters River Expeditions combines rafting and camping with astronomy, giving adventurers a rare chance to unwind under the stars after a day on the river.
The Wallowa Mountains and nearby rivers —the Salmon, Snake, and Grande Ronde—create minimal light pollution, providing ideal conditions for crystal-clear stargazing.
Knowing when and where to look enhances the experience; summer skies reveal constellations like the Summer Triangle and Scorpius, best viewed between 10 PM and 2 AM.
Simple preparation—like bringing binoculars, dressing in layers, and learning constellations ahead of time —helps make your riverside stargazing experience comfortable and unforgettable.
Beyond sightseeing, stargazing deepens your connection with nature , blending the tranquility of the river with the vastness of the cosmos for an experience that stays with you long after the trip ends.

At Winding Waters River Expeditions , we invite you to experience the magic of camping under the stars and riverside stargazing in the Joseph area, turning your evening into an awe-inspiring celestial symphony. Join us as we explore why stargazing is not just an activity; it’s a journey into the cosmos that adds an extra layer of wonder to your rafting adventure. Our trips often align with events in Joseph Oregon, turning your evening into a symphony of constellations, cosmic stories, and peaceful wonder.

The thrill of stargazing

Stargazing has an intrinsic allure that transcends time and space. Whether you're gazing at the stars, pondering at night when the stars align just right, or setting a romantic stargazing date, it’s a chance to connect with the universe. Stargazing without a telescope is more than enough here—our dark skies allow you to look up at stars and experience the stars in the desert like never before.

Why the Joseph area is ideal for stargazing

Nestled in the heart of Eastern Oregon, the Joseph area boasts minimal light pollution, making it a prime location for crystal-clear stargazing.

On our riverside rafting trips , away from the city lights, you’ll find yourself enveloped in darkness, creating the perfect canvas for the stars to dazzle. The tranquility of the riverside setting enhances the experience, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the celestial display.

The 3 rivers we guide, the Salmon , Snake , and Grande Ronde rivers, all offer this serene nightly experience. Best yet? During the summer months cloud cover is generally at a minimum, providing excellent star gazing opportunities nightly.

A celestial complement to riverside adventures

As the sun bids farewell, casting a warm glow over the river canyons, the magic of our rafting journey extends into the night, transforming your experience into a seamless blend of celestial wonder and daytime delights. Engaging with the stars is the perfect complement to the breathtaking landscapes, diverse wildlife , and flowing rivers that captivate your senses during the day. Experience these incredible landscapes firsthand on our Salmon River rafting adventures .

A Celestial Complement to Riverside Adventures

O ur Whitewater Raftings are more than river journeys—they're camping stargazing experiences under the night sky. After a thrilling day, relax beneath the night sky in summer, taking centre stage. Many guests join our Hells Canyon 4-Day Rafting Adventure for the perfect mix of daytime thrills and nighttime serenity.

Riverside connection

Alongside riverside timers, our guests often camp under stars to truly absorb the stillness and majesty of this unique experience. Bring a blanket, relax, and watch milky way arc over the canyon. Guests staying near our Fishtrap Outpost on the Snake River especially love the stargazing views from camp. As daylight fades and the stars emerge, the riverbanks take on a different allure. The tranquil sounds of the river accompany you as you settle into a comfortable spot, enveloped by the darkness. The silhouettes of canyon walls create a natural amphitheater, enhancing the acoustic beauty of the night and inviting you to reflect on the day’s adventures.

Starry symphony over the canyons

Gazing at the stars scenery over the river canyons becomes a celestial symphony, with each constellation telling a story against the canvas under the stars at night. The rugged silhouettes of the canyons become ethereal shadows, creating a dramatic backdrop for the celestial performance above. It’s a unique and harmonious interplay of nature’s wonders that transcends the ordinary.

Wildlife in moonlight

The nocturnal world comes alive as the moonlight bathes the riverbanks, revealing subtle details of the landscape. While daytime excursions offer glimpses of wildlife, the night brings a different cast of characters. Listen for the hooting of owls, the rustle of small mammals, and the distant calls of creatures awakening under the cover of darkness. Witnessing the transition between the diurnal and nocturnal realms adds a layer of intrigue to the natural rhythm of the canyon ecosystem.

Summer constellations over the Joseph area

While just general stargazing and searching for shooting stars (you’ll see lots on our trips) is amazing in and of itself, there are also many constellations to seek out. Some of our favorites include

The Summer Triangle (Vega, Deneb, Altair): Look up, and you’ll find this prominent trio of stars gracing the summer sky, forming a distinctive triangle that dominates the celestial dome.
Scorpius and Sagittarius: These zodiac constellations are easily visible during summer nights, revealing their intricate patterns and captivating mythology.
The Milky Way: Stretching across the night sky like a cosmic river, the Milky Way becomes a luminous highway of stars, showcasing the vastness of our home galaxy. While this is not necessarily a constellation, it is a must-see site!
Cygnus the Swan: With its wings outstretched, Cygnus gracefully glides through the Milky Way, adding a touch of elegance to the celestial panorama.

Practical stargazing tips

Bring Binoculars or a Telescope: Enhance your stargazing experience by bringing binoculars or a small telescope to get a closer look at distant stars and celestial objects.
Dress Warmly: Even in the summer, temperatures can drop at night. Bring layers to stay comfortable as you lose yourself in the cosmic spectacle.
Learn the Constellations: Familiarize yourself with the constellations before your trip to make the experience even more enjoyable. Numerous stargazing apps can help you identify stars and planets. Download them before your trip!
Stargazing Before Sleep: When you are on the trip, take a few moments to stargaze before settling in for the night. It’s a meditative experience that can enhance the overall sense of calm.

Summer Constellations Over the Joseph Area

The Milky Way in Joshua Tree National Park may get all the attention, but Eastern Oregon puts on its own stellar show. Notable mentions:

Can you see the Milky Way with the naked eye ? Absolutely—especially on our trips!
Can you see Orion in the summer ? You might catch a glimpse as you explore the October night sky.
Best time of night to see Milky Way? Usually between 10 PM and 2 AM, but our guides can help you spot it.

Practical Stargazing Tips

How to spot milky way ? Follow our guide’s advice and watch for dark patches in the sky with concentrated stars.
Use apps to identify constellations, but don’t miss the joy of just observing.
Pack layers—it gets cold out there under the winter night skies.

Frequently Asked Questions

Discover everything you need to know about riverside stargazing adventures in the Joseph, Oregon area with Winding Waters River Expeditions — where rafting and the cosmos meet under the pristine Eastern Oregon skies.

Creating lifelong memories

Riverside stargazing in the Joseph area isn’t just about looking up at the stars; it’s about immersing yourself in the cosmic tapestry that unfolds above the Wallowa Mountains and the meandering river. Join us for an evening of celestial wonder, where the magic of the night sky becomes an integral part of your rafting adventure.

Get ready to embark on the adventure of a lifetime with Winding Waters River Expeditions and the captivating wilderness of Eastern Oregon! Browse our available rafting trips and reach out with any questions you have! You can also customize your experience through our private rafting charters for families or small groups.

Curious what makes Winding Waters rafting trips so memorable? Our guests share their thrilling experiences—check out our Google Business Profile Reviews !

A Beginner’s Guide to Rafting in the Pacific Northwest

Wed, 15 Nov 2023 17:21:00 GMT

Key Takeaways

Start with the right river: Choose beginner-friendly rafting in the Pacific Northwest such as the Snake, Salmon, or Grande Ronde Rivers—ideal for families seeking calm floats or mild rapids.
Safety is non-negotiable: Always wear provided life jackets, follow your guide’s instructions, and understand basic white water rafting safety terms before hitting the river.
Pack smart for the river: Bring lightweight, quick-drying clothes, sun protection, river shoes, and reusable water bottles—comfort and preparedness make rafting more enjoyable.
Enjoy more than the rapids: Add swimming, fishing, and short hikes to your itinerary to experience the Pacific Northwest’s natural beauty beyond the raft.

Go with expert guides: Joining a reputable outfitter like Winding Waters River Expeditions ensures local expertise, high safety standards, and an unforgettable Pacific Northwest rafting adventure.

Calling all adventure-seeking families! If you’re looking to dive headfirst into the exciting world of rafting in the Pacific Northwest , you’re in for a treat. As seasoned river guides who have navigated the exhilarating waters throughout the Pacific Northwest, we’re thrilled to present this beginner’s guide to rafting in this breathtaking region.

Whether you’re a local looking for rafting for beginners or a family visiting from another country, this guide will provide you with everything you need to know for an unforgettable rafting experience in the Pacific Northwest.

Need help to decide on a destination? We’ll walk you through your choices and get you started on a trip of a lifetime with our expert-led Whitewater Raftings .

Choose your adventure:

Rafting in the Pacific Northwest offers a diverse range of experiences, from tranquil floats to heart-pounding rapids. You can opt for Pacific Northwest float trips, which meander through calm waters, offering a relaxed and immersive nature experience. Families seeking a bit more excitement can venture into more adventurous rapids, adding an extra thrill to their journey.

While we raft rivers that feature both mellow and exhilarating rapids, all of our Whitewater Raftings require no prior experience and are suitable for families of ALL AGES and ability levels. We make safety a priority on each trip while keeping an eye on making the rapids fun for everyone.

Pick the right river for you

The Pacific Northwest boasts a variety of rivers, each with its own unique charm and intensity. Here in Eastern v , our rivers meander through a desert landscape that needs to be seen to be believed. As you make your way through epic canyons, you’ll encounter a wide range of flora and fauna, and many other distinct features that make this region the beautiful area that it is.

The Snake , Salmon , and Grande Ronde Rivers are excellent options in our beloved “Land of the winding waters,” offering a mix of serene floats and exciting rapids that make this region the beautiful area that it is—especially along our scenic Grande Ronde River rafting trips. We're proud to be among the most trusted Oregon river runners, providing guided adventures suited for both novices and experts alike.

While we’re based out of Eastern Oregon and float our favorite rivers of this region, the entire Pacific Northwest is filled with excellent white water that’s worth exploring. The rivers of Southern Oregon, such as the Rogue River, offer a unique experience all its own through a more forested part of the state. Additionally, the Upper Skagit and Skykomish Rivers in Northwest Washington offer a unique opportunity to raft close to Seattle.

Don’t forget about the activities

One of the best parts of white water rafting is how you’ll be spending your days in addition to floating the river. On our rafting trips, we’ll be floating through cool, clear water and staying at beautiful camps, allowing for fun activities such as:

Fishing: On all the rivers we float, you’ll have an opportunity to fish and experience the river in a whole new light.
Swimming: We float through big deep river canyons that feature swimming spots galore. Whether it’s at the campsite after a day of floating, midday before lunch, or simply jumping out a floating next to the raft, swimming is always a crowd favorite.
Hikes: While we’ll be floating every day, there will be opportunities to hop off the raft and explore the areas we’ll be rafting through, including interesting ancient and not-so-ancient cultural sites!

If you love multi-day journeys packed with side adventures, our Salmon River Rafting Adventure delivers the perfect blend of wilderness and fun.

These extra activities make rafting more than just a ride—it’s a full nature immersion. If you're wondering what to expect, get familiar with white water rafting terms and whether it’s white water rafting or whitewater rafting—both are correct, and we love them both!

Safety first

Safety is paramount when rafting, no matter how many times you’ve been before. When you join us for a rafting trip, we’ll always provide white water rafting safety equipment, including life jackets.

Our guides are extremely experienced and will make staying safe easy and comfortable. We’ll keep you updated on everything you need to know before and during your trip, including rapids classes explained, using a wetsuit white water rafting, understanding white water rafting water levels, and brushing up on white water rafting terminology or whitewater rafting terms.

What to bring on your trip

Preparing for your river adventure is just as important as the trip itself! If you're wondering what to bring water rafting, you’re not alone—we get these questions all the time. Luckily, we’ve made it easy for you with a complete rafting trip packing list that ensures you’re river-ready from head to toe.

On all of our Whitewater Raftings, the following items will be included:

• Transportation to and from the river from Joseph, OR, or Clarkston, ID
• All necessary rafting essentials, including life jackets, dry bags, spacious tents, cots, and comfortable sleeping pads
• Gourmet meals tailored to dietary needs
• Experienced guides to lead your adventure safely and smoothly

Still, there are additional river trip essentials you’ll want to pack yourself. Not sure what to bring on a rafting trip? Here’s a helpful breakdown of river trip packing list favorites:

Seasonally appropriate clothing
Sunscreen and sun hat
River rafting clothes or rafting outfit
River shoes or clothing for rafting
Sunglasses
A good book
Camp towel
Float trip necessities like lip balm and reusable water bottles
Fun things to bring to the river like waterproof cameras or small games
Best clothes for rafting, especially if you're rafting in the summer
White water rafting clothes and white water rafting attire
What to wear to white water rafting and what to wear on a rafting trip

A few more handy items from our guides' go-bag include:

Quick-drying layers and white water rafting clothing
A light rain jacket or splash top
White water rafting essentials like water-resistant bags or sunblock
Float trip packing list with your top comfort items
What to wear rafting in summer—think breathable and fast-drying
Best clothes for white water rafting, including UV-protective shirts
Reusable water bottles, because hydration is part of river essentials
Things to bring on a float trip like snacks, wet wipes, and waterproof bags

Don’t forget, your attitude matters just as much as your outfit. Along with your river trip essentials, pack a sense of adventure, flexibility, and an eagerness to unplug and connect with the wild beauty of the river.

Raft with a guide who knows their rivers inside and out

Embarking on your first rafting adventure in the Pacific Northwest is a thrilling opportunity to unplug, connect with nature, challenge yourself, and create lasting memories with your family. By choosing the right river, prioritizing safety, and opting for a guided tour, you’re setting the stage for an unforgettable experience. Our raft guides are trained to ensure you get the most out of your journey.

At Winding Waters River Expeditions, we provide a world-class rafting experience right here in the Pacific Northwest. We’ve been running the rivers we guide for years and will give you and your group an exciting and fulfilling experience out on the water. You can even customize your adventure with private charter rafting trips designed for families or small groups. From rafting tips and tricks, tips for whitewater rafting, water rafting tips, to understanding what is whitewater rafting, and learning the basics of rafting terms—we’ll prepare you well. Want to know about river gear? Explore river trip essentials , and the value of having a great raft guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

Discover everything you need to know before your first rafting adventure in the Pacific Northwest — from what to pack and where to go, to how to stay safe and have fun on the river.

Want a real taste of adventure? For an unforgettable wilderness challenge, try our Hells Canyon 5-Day Rafting Adventure —a true bucket-list trip for first-timers. Read firsthand stories from our guests on Google Business Profile Reviews and see why Winding Waters is a rafting favorite.

Rafting & Wildlife: What to Spot on Eastern Oregon Rivers

Mon, 13 Nov 2023 17:32:00 GMT

Welcome, fellow adventurers and nature enthusiasts! If you’re seeking a thrilling, educational, and completely immersive natural experience for your family, look no further.

At Winding Waters River Expeditions , we’re dedicated to providing families with unforgettable journeys that will foster a deeper appreciation for the natural world and create lifelong memories. In this blog post, we’ll explore the rich biodiversity and stunning landscapes you can expect to encounter on your rafting adventure with us.

The Eastern Oregon wilderness

Eastern Oregon is a hidden gem for nature enthusiasts, offering some of the most pristine and untouched landscapes in the United States. The Snake , Salmon , and Grande Ronde Rivers meander through the heart of this wilderness, making them perfect conduits for an up-close and personal encounter with wildlife and the local flora and fauna.

While many people don’t think of a desert as an ecologically vibrant environment, nothing could be further from the truth. As the rivers wind and bend through this landscape, it creates an oasis of life that needs to be seen (and experienced) to be believed.

When you join us on one of our adventures, you can look forward to experiencing a vast array of wildlife, flora, and fauna.

Here’s what you can look forward to:

Majestic wildlife

Bald eagles

The sight of a bald eagle soaring overhead will surely send chills down your spine. These iconic birds of prey are a common sight along our rivers, and their nests can be spotted in towering trees along the banks.

Ospreys

With their distinctive black eye stripes and sharp talons, ospreys are frequently seen hunting fish near the water’s surface. If you’re lucky, you might witness one of their dramatic dives for a meal.

Mule deer

The banks of the rivers are often visited by mule deer, graceful and agile creatures that may come down for a drink or a bite to eat.

Bighorn sheep

The rocky canyons of the Snake River are a prime habitat for these incredible creatures. Their impressive horns are a sight to behold. Make sure to bring binoculars for the best view of these incredible animals!

Otters

These playful creatures are a delight to watch as they frolic in the water and along the riverbanks. Keep your camera ready for their adorable antics.

Mountain Goats

Witness the majestic mountain goats scaling sheer cliffs with unparalleled grace, their white coats contrasting against the rugged landscapes, a testament to their mastery of Eastern Oregon’s high-altitude terrain.

Great Blue Heron

Graceful and patient, the Great Blue Heron stands sentinel along the riverbanks, its elegant silhouette poised for the perfect strike as it becomes a living embodiment of serenity and skill in the vibrant ecosystem.

KingFisher

With a flash of brilliant blue, the kingfisher becomes a fleeting jewel along the river. Its rapid dives and distinctive call add a lively and colorful melody to the symphony of nature surrounding our rafting journey.

Plant life

Bunchgrass

The resilient bunchgrass carpets the riverbanks, swaying in the breeze and providing a verdant backdrop to our rafting adventure, showcasing the hardiness of Eastern Oregon’s flora.

Wildflowers

The riverbanks burst with colorful wildflowers in the spring and early summer, prickly pear cactus, yarrow, lupine, phlox, and arrowleaf balsamroot. It can be particularly fun to walk around at the nightly campsites to see these beautiful wildflowers up close!

Dogwood Willow

The delicate dogwood willow, with its slender branches and vibrant leaves, adds a touch of understated elegance to the river’s edge, enhancing the scenic beauty of our journey through its intricate and graceful presence.

Douglas fir and ponderosa pine

Two of the Pacific Northwest iconic trees can be seen at different parts of the rivers we float. These towering conifers can dominate the landscape, providing shade and habitat for countless wildlife species.

Netleaf Hackberry

Amidst the riverside flora, the Netleaf Hackberry stands as a testament to nature’s craftsmanship, with its distinctive leaves adding a touch of sophistication to the riparian scenery, making it a subtle yet captivating feature of our Eastern Oregon rafting experience.

Educational adventures for families

Our rafting trips are designed not only for adventure but also for education. We have experienced rafters on board who will share their knowledge about the region’s ecology, geology, and history.

Creating lifelong memories

At Winding Waters River Expeditions , we believe in fostering a deep connection between families and the natural world. The memories you create on our trips will stay with you forever. Whether it’s sharing stories around the campfire, marveling at the wildlife, or conquering the rapids together, our rafting adventures are an opportunity to unplug, reconnect, and embrace the beauty of Eastern Oregon.

If you’re a family living in the Pacific Northwest or looking for a remarkable family trip idea, join us for an immersive, educational, and unforgettable experience. By the end of your journey, you’ll leave with a profound appreciation for nature and a treasure trove of memories that your family will cherish for a lifetime.

Why Whitewater Rafting is the Best Summer Adventure in Oregon & Idaho

Mon, 07 Aug 2023 11:55:00 GMT

As a river guide who has spent countless summers navigating the waters of Eastern Oregon and Idaho, I can confidently say that white water rafting is the ultimate way to experience the thrilling beauty of this region.

From the rushing rivers to the breathtaking canyons, this area offers unparalleled opportunities for families seeking adventure and connection with nature. In this blog post, I’ll share why white water rafting should be at the top of your summer itinerary when exploring Eastern Oregon and Idaho.

The vitality of rivers in Eastern Oregon and Idaho

Rivers are the lifeblood of Eastern Oregon and Idaho, playing a crucial role in shaping the landscape and sustaining the region’s ecosystems. Here’s why these rivers hold such importance:

Water resources

Eastern Oregon and Idaho rely heavily on the rivers for their water resources. The rivers that flow through these regions provide irrigation for agriculture, drinking water for local communities, and support for wildlife habitats. They serve as a vital source for irrigation in arid landscapes, allowing agriculture to flourish and supporting the growth of crops such as wheat, potatoes, and fruit orchards. The abundance of water from these rivers has also attracted settlers and helped establish thriving communities throughout history. Whether you’re rafting the Clackamas River Oregon, the Owyhee River rafting canyons, or floating the Sandy River rafting Oregon routes, water supports it all.

Scenic beauty and recreation

The rivers of Eastern Oregon and Idaho are renowned for their scenic beauty and provide countless opportunities for outdoor recreation. These waterways carve spectacular canyons, meander through pristine wilderness, and offer breathtaking views that attract outdoor enthusiasts worldwide.

Families can enjoy a variety of recreational activities such as white water rafting, fishing, kayaking, swimming, and camping along the riverbanks. The rivers act as a natural playground, offering endless opportunities for adventure and connection with nature.

Biodiversity and wildlife habitats

The rivers of Eastern Oregon and Idaho sustain diverse ecosystems, supporting a rich array of plant and animal life. The riparian zones along the riverbanks provide essential habitats for numerous species, including migratory birds, fish, amphibians, and mammals.

Salmon and steelhead are iconic species that rely on these rivers for spawning, making them crucial for maintaining healthy fish populations. The rivers also serve as migration corridors, allowing wildlife to move between different habitats and ensuring biodiversity in the region.

Cultural and historical significance

Rivers have played a significant role in the cultural and historical development of Eastern Oregon and Idaho. Native American tribes have lived along these rivers for thousands of years, establishing thriving communities that depended on the rivers for sustenance and transportation.

The rivers were integral to the exploration and settlement of the American West, serving as important transportation routes during the days of the Oregon Trail and the gold rush era. The rich history and cultural heritage associated with these rivers make them important symbols of the region’s identity.

Why is white water rafting the best way to experience this wonderful area of the country?

Immersive nature experience

White water rafting takes you deep into the heart of nature, immersing your family in the pristine wilderness of Eastern Oregon and Idaho. As you navigate the rivers, you’ll witness awe-inspiring landscapes, including towering canyon walls, lush forests, and rugged mountains. This immersive experience allows you to fully appreciate the region’s natural beauty and forge a deeper connection with the environment.

A thrilling adventure for all ages

White water rafting offers a thrilling adventure suitable for the whole family. Whether you have young children or teenagers, all of the rafting trips we offer will be fun for all family members and skill levels. From gentle floats to class 5 river rafting thrills. If you're after excitement, look no further than rafting Salmon River

Escape from the summer heat

Eastern Oregon and Idaho can experience scorching temperatures during the summer months. White water rafting provides a refreshing escape from the heat as you plunge into the cool waters of the rivers. The splashes, rapids, and natural swimming holes offer a respite from the sweltering summer days, ensuring your family stays comfortable and engaged throughout the adventure.

Spectacular scenic views

One of the highlights of white water rafting in this region is the opportunity to witness breathtaking scenic views only accessible from the rivers. As you navigate through canyons carved by ancient forces of nature, you’ll be treated to panoramic vistas that will leave you in awe. The rugged cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and untouched landscapes provide a picturesque backdrop for your rafting journey.

Educational and historical significance

Eastern Oregon and Idaho have a rich history that can be explored during white water rafting trips. Many rivers in the area were once vital transportation routes during the days of the Oregon Trail and the gold rush era. Experienced guides often share fascinating stories and insights about the historical significance of the rivers, adding an educational element to your family adventure.

Unforgettable bonding experience

White water rafting is not just about the adrenaline rush; it’s also a chance to create lasting memories and strengthen family bonds. Working together as a team to navigate the rapids, cheering each other on, and sharing laughter and excitement along the way fosters a sense of unity and creates unforgettable shared experiences that will be cherished for years to come.

See the best of Eastern Oregon and Idaho this summer

When it comes to exploring the wonders of Eastern Oregon and Idaho in the summer, white water rafting stands out as the ultimate adventure for families. From the immersive nature experience and thrilling rapids to the escape from the summer heat and breathtaking scenic views, rafting provides a unique and unforgettable way to enjoy the beauty of this region.

So, gather your loved ones, embrace the spirit of adventure, and embark on a white-water rafting journey that will leave you with lifelong memories of Eastern Oregon and Idaho. Contact us today to learn more.

Curious what makes Winding Waters rafting trips so memorable? Our guests share their thrilling experiences—check out our Google Business Profile Reviews !

Fun Family Trips in the Pacific Northwest

Thu, 18 May 2023 11:34:00 GMT

Key Takeaways

The Pacific Northwest offers endless family vacation ideas, from Oregon’s coastal towns to Washington’s mountain parks — perfect for adventure, relaxation, and scenic exploration.
Rafting the Snake, Salmon, or Grande Ronde Rivers provides one of the best Pacific Northwest family experiences, combining wilderness beauty, whitewater thrills, and expert-guided comfort.
Olympic National Park, Mount Rainier, and the Columbia River Gorge showcase the region’s diverse landscapes — ideal for hiking, wildlife viewing, and nature-filled road trips.
The San Juan Islands and Oregon’s North Coast are top picks for families seeking ocean views, whale watching, kayaking, and small-town charm on the water.
Winding Waters River Expeditions delivers an all-inclusive, family-friendly rafting adventure — offering guided expertise, gourmet meals, and lasting memories in the heart of the Pacific Northwest.

Whether you’re looking to experience the Pacific Northwest for the first time or you live here and are looking for some new pacific northwest family vacation ideas, there are endless fun possibilities in this corner of the country for pacific northwest family vacations.

Keep reading to see some of our favorites that span the region — from Oregon family vacation spots to Washington state spring break ideas — delivering memories your family will treasure for years to come.

Rafting on the Snake, Salmon, or Grande Ronde River

While many people think of the big cities and wet weather, one of the best pacific northwest family vacations is east of the Cascades in cowboy country. Rafting the Snake , Salmon, or Grande Ronde Rivers is one of the best ways to experience this unique area — a perfect blend of pacific northwest float trips, beautiful scenery, wildlife, and a true wilderness getaway.

Featuring thrilling white water, side hikes, and nights under the stars, rafting the main Salmon River in Idaho , floating the Salmon River, or exploring the Grand Ronde River is an experience your family will remember forever .

A fun rafting adventure for all ages

When your family joins Winding Water River Expeditions for a rafting adventure , you’ll be leaving technology behind to spend time with family and friends in one of the most beautiful places in the world. Our crew will do all we can to make your trip enjoyable and comfortable—we’re the white water rafting experts — just come to Joseph, Oregon, sit back, and relax.

With all of our trips, you’ll receive:

Olympic National Park

Located west of Seattle but seemingly a world away, Olympic National Park is a must-visit for any family looking to experience the best of the Pacific Northwest. With its rugged coastline, ancient rain forests, and snow-capped mountains, Olympic offers a range of pacific northwest vacation ideas for families of all ages.

While this area experiences lots of precipitation during the winter months (which offers its own unique experience), summers are much drier and offer a pleasant reprieve when temps rise inland — a perfect time to explore hiking trails, discover wildlife, or enjoy Scenic drives through the park. You can hike through the Hoh Rainforest, explore the beaches along the coast, or climb to the top of Hurricane Ridge for breathtaking views of the park.

San Juan Islands

If you’re looking for an island adventure, the San Juan Islands are a great choice for families. These islands are located just off the coast of Washington State and are only accessible by just a ferry ride from Anacortes or Seattle—offering a unique blend of Pacific Northwest getaways, whale-watching, kayaking, and small-town relaxation. Some of the more popular islands include:

Orcas Island
San Juan Island
Lopez Island
Sucia Island

All of the islands offer plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation, including kayaking, San Juan Islands whale watching, and hiking. You can also visit the charming towns of Friday Harbor and Roche Harbor (both located on San Juan Island), where you’ll find unique shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions.

Mount Rainier National Park

If you’ve ever visited Seattle, you’ve probably noticed Mount Rainier in the distance, looming over the city. This active volcano is a delightful destination that offers camping, quaint small towns, and plenty of hiking, fishing, and outdoor recreation.

Mount Rainier National Park is the best way to experience this beautiful area and offers endless opportunities for family fun. From wildflower meadows to snow-capped slopes, there’s something for everyone—whether you want to go hiking near Rainier (for experienced only), see a waterfall, explore historic lodges that dot the park, or appreciate the rich national parks near Seattle.

Columbia River Gorge

For families who love outdoor adventure, the Columbia River Gorge is a fantastic destination. This scenic area — close to Portland, Oregon — offers Columbia River Gorge tour options, miles of hiking trails, incredible waterfalls, and amazing views of the Columbia River.

Formed by molten lava pressure 40-60 million years ago, the Gorge is now home to small towns on both sides of the river, some of the best hiking in the area, and stunning views at every turn. You can also go windsurfing, fishing, or take a scenic drive along the historic Columbia River Highway. Nearby Hood River is one of Oregon’s best cities for food, beer, and wine, and is worthy of a trip all on its own!

Oregon’s North Coast

Sandwiched between Oregon’s Coastal Range and the Pacific Ocean, Oregon’s North Coast is home to beautiful seaside towns in Oregon, dramatic forests, and charming coastal communities. From Cannon Beach, OR, to Astoria, there’s something for every kind of family vacation — whether you want relaxation, sightseeing, or wildlife spotting. Similar to Olympic National Park, Oregon’s North Coast is wet in the winter but springs to life come summer with lots to see and do.

Astoria, located at the mouth of the Columbia River, is a historic town and a great destination for families who want to experience the rich maritime history of the Pacific Northwest. You can visit the Columbia River Maritime Museum, explore the historic downtown area, or take a ride on the famous Astoria Riverfront Trolley.

Leavenworth, WA

If you’re looking for a unique cultural experience, Leavenworth is a must-visit destination in the Pacific Northwest. This charming Bavarian-style town offers plenty of family-friendly activities, including live music, festivals, and outdoor recreation. You can also explore the nearby hiking trails in thew Cascade Mountains, where you’ll find endless opportunities for hiking and skiing.

This is a particularly fun trip in October when the city celebrates its German roots by hosting the Leavenworth Oktoberfest . With beer gardens, music, dancing, and food!

Willamette Valley Wine Country

While California might be known as the wine country, the Pacific Northwest is no slouch when it comes to wineries, including the Willamette Valley in Oregon. This is Oregon's wine region in the United States, and is known for its world-class Pinot Noir.

Families can take tours of local wineries in Willamette Valley, sample delicious wines with local ingredients, and learn about the winemaking process. In addition to wine, the region is also known for its farm-to-table cuisine, with many restaurants and markets featuring locally sourced ingredients.

Experience the best the Pacific Northwest has to offer

At Winding Waters River Expeditions, we want to provide your family with the best rafting experience anywhere — not just in the Pacific Northwest. We’re proud to lead fully supported rafting trips down the Snake , Salmon, or Grande Ronde Rivers. Our guides will do everything we can to make your experience a comfortable and rewarding white water rafting trip in the Pacific Northwest. We also offer private charters for families who want a fully customized river adventure.

Frequently Asked Questions

Discover the most fun and family-friendly destinations in the Pacific Northwest — from rafting the Salmon River to exploring coastal towns, national parks, and charming mountain getaways.

Get in touch to learn more about our white water rafting packages and to book the experience of a lifetime next summer!

Hear it straight from the river! Read what other rafters had to say about Winding Waters in our Google Business Profile Reviews —your next adventure awaits.

What It Takes to be a River Guide

Mon, 08 May 2023 20:18:00 GMT

Key Takeaways

Being a river guide takes more than strength—it requires patience, problem-solving, and adaptability. From managing gear and guests to navigating unpredictable rivers, every day tests a guide’s grit and leadership.
White water rafting guides wear many hats beyond rowing the boat. They’re storytellers, chefs, medics, and morale boosters who ensure every trip runs safely and smoothly.
Life as a river guide blends hard work with camaraderie. Long days, dirty hands, and shared laughs around the campfire create bonds that feel like family.
Guides master the art of preparation and adaptability. Whether it’s packing efficiently, handling unexpected challenges, or keeping spirits high, success comes from readiness and teamwork.
Whitewater rafting is as rewarding as it is demanding. It builds resilience, humility, and connection—with nature, the river, and the people who share the adventure.

“What do you do for work?” is the age-old question that every rafting guide struggles to fully answer. Saying “River Guide” usually elicits a response like “Oh, that must be fun!”. And it is fun. What is better than floating some of the world’s greatest whitewater among a crew of your best friends?

But being a white water rafting guide isn’t all muscles and glory. Raft guiding is much more than just rowing a boat down a river; it is a thousand different jobs combined into one: a storyteller, a chef, a medic, a historian, a kid wrangler . . . the list goes on. One could say raft guides are “renaissance men,” but that just seems too prim and proper.

Our jobs are messy but wonderful, exciting but monotonous, fast-paced but full of roadblocks, and way less glamorous than most people think. When I signed up to be a river guide, I had no idea what I was getting myself into. Here are some things about the job that I never expected but have learnt along the way.

The Guts and Grit of River Guides

Patience

And then some more. From a busy congested boat ramp to the inevitable truck issues, waiting is a part of the job. Good thing we are always stocked up on cold beer and great stories to help the time pass.

Our guides taking a break to enjoy the view on their way out of Hells Canyon

Guts

River guiding takes a lot of them. We all go through big anxiety-inducing firsts: first big drop, first big swim, first step out of training to rowing guests on your own. Yes, even guides get nervous, but we’re experts at faking it until we make it.

Running a paddle-raft through Snow Hole (Class IV) on the Salmon River

The Daily Life of a Raft Guide

Late nights and early mornings

You have no choice to be an “early bird” or a “night owl”. If you’re a guide, then you’re automatically both. Loading boats in the dark, staying up late telling stories, and then waking up at 4:30AM to make coffee is all a part of the job.

Our guides getting cozy for a late-night chat around the fire (Photo by Anna Lueck)

You become a Professional Inventory Clerk

River guides may not be renowned for their math skills, but we seem to spend a lot of time adding-up gear. A multi-day trip requires a lot of equipment, which means counting silverware, napkins, tents, chairs, sleeping pads, toilet paper, etc. And once you think you have it all packed, counting again. After forgetting the coffee or toilet paper once, you quickly learn to check the massive packing list . . . multiple times.

A full river trip all packed up and ready to go at the Winding Waters boathouse

You become a tetris master

You learn how to strategically fit everything in the trailer, and then fit everything on the boats . . . and then back on to the trailer.

You (almost) get used to managing poop

C leaning the groover is a rite of passage that every guide must undertake. A visit to the groover cleaning shed can be just as exhilarating as the rapids themselves: will all of the waste easily dislodge from the vault? Will the disposal hose stay on?

Will the gasket seals on the lid stay tight? Unfortunately, there is a time (or many times) in every guide’s life where the groover splashes back at them. But the groover builds character, and, eventually, you don’t even notice the smell of the groover vaults wafting in the back of the gearboat.

Anson, a brave guide-in-training, takes on groover duty

One day of the month, your home becomes a laundromat

And your poor washing machine fills up with sand. When you’re running back-to-back trips, any time at home instantly becomes dedicated to getting yourself and your things really clean — not just “river” clean (which is an equally respectable standard among white water rafting for beginners ).

Grime, Superpowers, and Brotherhood

Grime

Everywhere. It’s no secret that river and whitewater training guides are stinky and dirty. Unfortunately this stereotype is true. You’re bound to get mystery black grime on every part of your body. After a season on the river, all of your clothes get a shade darker, and those grease stains won’t ever come out.

You learn your personal superpower

Not the one you asked for, but the one everyone else recognizes you for. Whether you’re the spotter, the sniffer, the taster, the knot untangler, the fish fryer, the tall one, or the tiny hand bearer, tasks will be thrust before you. Who are you to deny your power, after all, you are the chosen one.

Mike Baird, our resident grill master, showing off his superpower

River Guides Become Family

Your crew becomes family

After months on the water together, navigating rapids, managing camp, and sharing meals, you can’t help but to rely on one another for support. You quickly get to know one another’s strengths, weaknesses, and quirks and develop a relationship that extends far beyond the river.

Robin, one of our trip leaders, receives a morning hug from the crew (photo by Alissa Hsu Lynch)

At the risk of sounding vain, guides are some of the most multi-talented people that I know. One thing you can always count on while guiding is to expect the unexpected: from huge camp crushing storms to a surprise food allergy. But guides have the wide range of skills to make the best out of any extraordinary situation, and move on like it was part of the original plan.

The guides that I know continually surprise and amaze me. Just when I think I know everything about my co-workers, they pull another trick out of the bag, whether they are a musician, a welder, a carpenter, a baker, a poet, a painter, an activist, the list goes on. I guess what I am saying is, the guides I know are not just river-runners, they are a melting pot of merit and skill, and I feel so lucky to work among them.

I feel so lucky to be a white water rafting guide . . . even when I get stuck with groover duty.

Frequently Asked Questions

Curious what it really takes to be a river guide? Here are the most common questions people ask about life on the water, answered by those who live it every day.

Experience Whitewater Rafting with Winding Waters

Looking for your own whitewater rafting adventure ? Winding Waters Whitewater Raftings is here to guide you every step of the way—whether you’re a first-timer or a veteran rafter. Our team of expert white water rafting guides is passionate, skilled, and eager to share their knowledge and stories with you. From navigating majestic rapids to creating lifelong memories, we’re there to make your trip truly exceptional.

Book your Whitewater Rafting trip with Winding Waters today — and let’s make your own stories together! Thrilling, refreshing, unforgettable—see why guests rave about Winding Waters rafting trips by checking out our Google Business Profile Reviews today!

Kids on the River

Mon, 18 Apr 2022 17:58:00 GMT

We got the scoop on why kids love rafting!

Being a kid and being on the river go together like peanut butter and jelly. Kids are made for the river, or quite possibly, rivers are made for kids. The wide open beaches, splashy rapids, and big swimming pools provide a natural playground that no kid can resist (or adult for that matter). But don’t take it from us! We wanted to know, first hand, how awesome it is to be a kid on the river. So, we went to our resident expert river kids: Linden and Britt Arentsen . With over 10 years of combined river experience, they are the region’s most trusted source on rafting vacations for kids. Luckily, they agreed to sit down with us and answer some questions about what is it like to be a kid on the river:

Key Takeaways

Rafting is perfect for kids — the river offers endless fun, natural adventure, and a chance to disconnect from screens while exploring the outdoors.
Starting young builds confidence — kids like Linden and Britt show that rafting helps children develop courage, independence, and teamwork through real experiences.
Every moment on the river is an adventure — from paddle boarding and swimming to spotting otters and bears, rafting trips create lifelong memories.
Family river trips encourage bonding — shared experiences like setting up camp, cooking meals, and laughing through rapids strengthen family connections.
Guided whitewater rafting trips make it easy — with expert guides, safe equipment, and kid-friendly itineraries, families can enjoy the river worry-free.

Linden: Eleven
Britt: Seven and three-quarters

How old were you when you first started taking multi-day river trips ?

Linden: Three
Britt: Four

When I say “the river” what words or pictures immediately come to mind?

Linden: Fun! whitewater!
Britt: Fun! splashy!

How do river trips make you feel?

Linden: Disconnected from everything else, in a good way!
Britt: Excited!

Can you tell me about a time that you felt proud of yourself on a river trip?

Linden: When I paddle boarded most of the Salmon River . I fell off a lot. The first couple of times I was scared when I fell off but then I got used to it and realized I could just float and it was just water! Also when I learned how to put up a cot and a tent.
Britt: When I rowed the boat. It’s fun! I like feeling the of the push of the water. I also like to row because I can splash people with the oars.

Linden: Bocce ball, sardines, swimming through rapids. It’s fun to go up and down in the waves!
Britt: Kubb, jumping off the boat!

If your kids love swimming and games on the beach, they’ll adore our Grande Ronde River rafting adventures .

Do you ever get bored on rafting trips?

Linden: No, not really. There’s always stuff to look at and do.
Britt: I don’t usually get bored when I am out there. If I do then I usually get a snack or go in the water.

Do you like the food on river trips?

Linden: Yes! I love the food. It’s one of my favorite parts.
Britt: Yes!

What is your favorite food on the river?

Linden: Santa Fe cakes . Pineapple upside down cake.
Britt: Bacon.

What is your least favorite part of river trips?

Linden: Bee stings. — is it ok to include this?
Britt: Leaving the river. It just makes me want to get in a jet boat and go back up and do it all over again.

What is the coolest wildlife you have seen on a rafting trip?

Linden: Otters!
Britt: Bears!
Linden: I don’t like to get close to the snakes but I think it’s really cool when I see them.

Wildlife encounters like these are common in Hells Canyon Snake River , one of our favorite places to take families.

What is your favorite memory from the river?

Linden: The first time I jumped off the tall jumping rock on the salmon river. It made me feel proud of myself!
Britt: The first time I did a front flip into the water!

What is your favorite video game right now?

Linden: Minecraft
Britt: Roadblocks

If you could choose between playing that video game for a week or going on a river trip for a week, which would you choose?

Linden: River trip 100%!!!!
Britt: River trip! River trip! River trip!

What advice would you give other kids who are taking their first river trip?

Linden: Don’t leave the groover box at the groover. If you drop your food on the ground make sure to pick it up because it attracts bees. Don’t just bury it in the sand.
Britt: If you want to go on a river trip you’re not immediately there. It takes awhile to get there and it takes awhile to get the boats ready. Bring your life vest and always stay seated when entering a rapid.
Linden: Drink lots of water
Britt: But don’t drink the river water
Linden: Yeah, don’t drink the river water</span
Britt: But you should pee in it.

There you have it! A glowing review from river rafting’s top critics. Want to join in on the fun? Bring out your inner kid and come down the river with us! Check out the variety of trips we have to offer: Guided Whitewater Rafting Trips

Frequently Asked Questions

Discover why kids (and adults) love whitewater rafting — from fun rapids and sandy beaches to wildlife and lasting memories on the river.

Have any questions? Feel free to reach out to us directly!

Rafting Trips – the Perfect Mom Vacation

Tue, 15 Feb 2022 21:13:00 GMT

Why our river trips get the Mom Seal of Approval

“Rafting with Winding Waters really redefined family vacation for me. . . We don’t need to travel to an exotic location to have a vacation. We need a place where we can be off screens and having fun together”

– Beth E. (long time guest and mother of two / mom on vacation)

(Blog warning – there’s blatant honesty ahead…)

What are the factors that go into selecting a popular family vacations in us? Fun for everyone typically is #1. Yet often times the ‘fun’ overshadows the ease of the trip and, let’s be honest here, adventurous moms are generally left burdening the planning surrounding the ‘fun’. Planning accommodations, finding food that everyone likes, and keeping your kids entertained often make vacations more stressful than relaxing.

It is typically moms vacation dreaming of the perfect trip who contact us to discuss booking a trip for their family, hoping they have found THAT trip – mother and son vacation , a full-family adventure, or maybe even western vacations for families . And they are excited to hear that our rafting trip truly ARE a vacation for moms (and dads), too!

Our trips are great for everyone in the family because they provide space. Space for excitement, relaxation, reconnection, and, most importantly, space for rejuvenation. From food, to safety, to cozy accommodations, we take care of everything so that even the moms can have a vacation. Check out our video below about our family rafting trips .

Safety

When considering a whitewater trip for a family vacation, safety is generally the first question we get from moms. We are proud to say that we regularly take kids as young as 5 years old down the river! This accommodation of youngsters on our trips is due to our robust training, protocols, and safety minded-guides. At a minimum, all of our guides are required to be trained in first aid. Many of our guides, including all of our trip leaders, are trained in a 40 hour Wilderness First Responder course and a Swiftwater Rescue course. Thanks to our highly trained guides and detailed protocols, your mother son travel adventure is in the best hands.

Relaxation

“The crew was phenomenal – very cognizant of safety but all while ensuring everyone (of any age and any ability) is having fun. They went above and beyond to make this a special trip for the kids – from ducky slides at lunch, to swimming through a rapid, to having mac and cheese available at dinner.”

Kelly P. (Mother of two/ a mom and son vacation veteran)

Your mom getaway is about ease. The rafting package includes all gear, meals, and setup — no hotel logistics, no driving, no cooking.

Every mom knows that the key to relaxation is having happy kids that are having fun. This is easy on the river, where the wide open beaches, fun rapids, and inviting swim water make it a natural playground. And our guides are fantastic kid wranglers. By the end of the day, your kids will have perma-grins and be exhausted from all the fun.

We also provide different types of watercraft to fit a variety of comfort levels. For those looking to get active and splashy, we can bring a paddle raft where the passengers paddle with the guide. For those looking for a relaxing ride, we bring several large oar boats where the guide is in complete control. And for those looking for an independent adventure, we bring inflatable kayaks. We do our best to provide the right type of adventure for everyone in your family. Whether you're planning vacation ideas for mother and son or seeking best trips for brothers , we have something for everyone.

Reconnection & Screen Free

“What if I told you that a high caliber, professional, experienced, safety conscious river crew existed in Joseph, Oregon to ensure that, indeed, your biggest task would involve replenishing your soul and reconnecting with yourself and your family while being constantly in awe of your surroundings? Winding Waters River Expeditions surpassed all of our expectations.”

Kelly D. (Mother of one)

At WWRE we operate on “river time” – a slower paced, more present way of living. There is no schedule, no deadlines, and, most importantly, no “to-do” list. This means you can focus on what’s important while we have the details covered. Every evening, you will be greeted by a camp that is already set up with tents, comfortable sleeping pads & cots, and a shady pavilion. For breakfast, lunch, and dinner you will be served home-cooked meals with locally sourced ingredients. Our menu is naturally kid friendly, but if you have a picky eater we always bring back up PB&J and mac’n’cheese. We think of everything, so all you’ll have to worry about is packing your bags . With no to-do list, you will have a lot more time for family and relaxation.

There are so few places we go anymore where we are not connected to a screen. The river is one of those rare places where youstill can’t find a wifi signal. Some of the most common feedback we get from parents is that they derive so much joy from experiencing family time screen free. Plus, there is so much to do and see on the river that even your kids won’t miss their phones. Outside the bounds of a wifi signal, you will be able to focus on fun, family, and renewing relationships.

Capture the Moments

Want memories to last? Take h ome stunning pictures of whitewater rafting, playful whitewater rafting pics, and maybe even frame that classic image of white water rafting from your trip.

You’ll be glad you packed your camera to photograph your raft river experience. Just ask any mom on vacation who's returned with a gallery full of smiles.

Ready for the family vacation of a lifetime?

If you're planning a mother-and-son vacation, Winding Waters delivers unforgettable Whitewater Raftings.

If you’re dreaming of a mom and son in vacation moment or planning a summer full of family vacations Idaho, we’re here to help. Let us handle the details — you just show up and enjoy. It's even better than the moms bedroom peace and quiet you crave.

Contact us today to plan your next whitewater rafting special or to ask how how long whitewater rafting is on our trips. We can even help you build a custom water rafting package if you'd like something just right for your crew.

Thrilling, refreshing, unforgettable—see why guests rave about Winding Waters rafting trips by checking out our Google Business Profile Reviews today!

Beyond the Packing List

Wed, 05 Jan 2022 23:08:00 GMT

How to pack like a pro for your next river trip

So, you have booked seats on an adventure of a lifetime: a river trip . The months and weeks of anticipation are turning into reality. You sent your last work email, set your auto reply, filled out your beer order , and bought out the sunscreen aisle from your local drug store. You’re almost there! Now…to pack. You’ve poured over our comprehensive packing list based on our years of experience. But there are a few key items that are hard to explain in just a list and will make your trip that much more enjoyable. Sarah Petrillo , one of our lead guides, goes “beyond the packing list” to expand on these key items:

Key Takeaways

Pack lightweight, quick-dry gear — Skip cotton and go for moisture-wicking materials like nylon or polyester to stay comfortable and protected from the sun during your white water rafting trip.
Bring river-friendly clothing options — Sundresses, sarongs, and merino wool underwear are versatile, breathable, and quick-drying essentials that keep you cool and comfortable both on and off the water.
Protect your skin and stay hydrated — Invest in salves and moisturizers made for outdoor conditions to prevent dryness from the sun, wind, and water exposure common during rafting adventures.
Don’t overlook your footwear — Use separate shoes for rafting and camp to avoid blisters and discomfort. Crocs, flip-flops, or muck boots are guide-approved options.
Plan for fun and functionality — Pack an extra hat and a few funky costume items to embrace the playful side of river life while staying sun-safe.
Consult the experts before you go — When in doubt about what to wear or bring for white water rafting, reach out to your outfitter or review trusted guides like Winding Waters to ensure a smooth, enjoyable trip.

Quick dry pants and long-sleeve shirt

The sun on the river can be intense and we want to stress the importance of these 2 seemingly “overkill” clothing items. Slathering on sunscreen every couple of hours is a hassle. We suggest bringing a pair of full-length pants and a long-sleeve shirt for those days when you really don’t feel like re-applying. Make sure to bring quick-dry material for time on the water, like thin polyester or nylon. You will want to avoid materials with cotton (like jeans and sweatshirts) because they take a long time to dry out. After a couple of days in the sun, your skin will thank you for covering up.

Our guide Wilson rocking full sun protection

Sundress

Sundresses and sarongs are underrated heroes of riverwear. If you're considering what to wear while rafting, a sundress offers breathability and comfort, while a sarong is versatile, cool, and protective. These pieces solve the age-old puzzle of what to wear rafting in summer and can double as white water rafting outfit options at camp. Our guides love this river dress: NRS Women’s H2Core Silkweight Hoodie Dress

A sundress is not just practical, it also pairs well with a canyon sunset

Something funky to wear

They say what happens on the river stays on the river. . . including your questionable outfit choices. So get a little weird and bring a costume or two. Tutus, Hawaiian shirts, funky leggings, and wigs all pack well in a dry bag. If you plan on having a costume night then let us know! We will bring a costume bag so that everyone can join in on the fun.

Lookin’ good! A costume night can really spice up a river trip! (That’s Sarah, author, in the purple dress with her family & guide buddies on the Salmon River )

Salves/lotions

Skin care is one of the most overlooked packing items on a river trip. The constant exposure to water, wind and sun is guaranteed to dry out your skin. We suggest bringing moisturizer and salve to put on at night in order to prevent dry, cracked lizard skin. Some of our favorite skin care products come from both Wild Carrot Herbals & Orchard Farm Soap . Both of these family owned companies produce skin care products with locally grown & sourced ingredients. Orchard Farm is owned by one of our guide’s family ( Avery Jaeckel ). The Boathouse Shop will be carrying products from both businesses for 2022.

Extreme “lizard skin” from river wear and tear

Camp shoes

The shoes that you wear on the river should be different from the shoes you wear at camp. The straps commonly found on river shoes tend to rub and become abrasive next to wet skin. Sand and gritty pebbles also tend to cling underneath the straps, making the problem worse. You can avoid hot spots and blisters by bringing another pair of shoes to change into when you get to camp. A guide favorite for hot weather is crocs or flip-flops, because they are breathable and easy to slip on and off. For cold weather, we suggest bringing muck boots.

Extra hat

Nothing is lost to the river more than hats! Strong wind gusts, big rapids, and intense water fights often end up with hats going in the water. Bring an extra ball cap just in case. And a hat with a strap is a great idea to help keep those pesky wind gusts from stealing your hat!

Quick-Dry Underwear

Nobody wants to sit in a puddle of water all day. Unfortunately swim suit material does not dry out quickly and often leads to an uncomfortable undercarriage. We suggest wearing lightweight underwear. Our guides suggest merino wool underwear because it is soft, smell resistant, and dries out quickly.

Sarong

One of the greatest river companions you could have is a sarong: a long piece of cloth that can be wrapped or draped around the body. Sarongs are very versatile and have a thousand different uses. They especially come in handy for covering your legs or shoulders while sitting on a boat in order to protect them from the sun . On a hot day, you can dip them in the river and drape them over your body to cool off. They also work as a skirt or a changing towel in a pinch. You won’t want to leave this one out of your pack.

Cole showing us that sarongs are not just functional, but fashionable too!

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some of the most common questions about what to pack and wear for your next river trip, so you can stay comfortable, safe, and adventure-ready.

Got More Questions?

T hinking “should I wear a bathing suit for white water rafting” or “what do you wear for white water rafting”? Don’t overthink it. Just avoid cotton, pack smart, and keep things functional.

Also, don't forget to tip your guides! Wondering how much to tip a raft guide? A good ballpark is 10–20% of your trip cost if your guide made your whitewater rafting unforgettable.

We’re Ready When You Are

Still sorting out what to wear whitewater rafting or what makes the best clothes for rafting ? Just reach out—Winding Waters is here to help make your Whitewater Raftings experience as seamless and memorable as possible.

From river essentials to what you need for white water rafting wear, we’re your go-to crew for advice, gear, and adventure.

Hear it straight from the river! Read what other rafters had to say about Winding Waters in our Google Business Profile Reviews — your next adventure awaits !

Going Pee at Night on the River

Mon, 12 Apr 2021 19:03:00 GMT

Key Takeaways

Practice your nighttime system before your rafting trip. Test your reusable bottle and funnel setup at home to avoid spills and ensure comfort when nature calls on the river at night.
Always use a reusable urinal system. Reusable bottles and funnels help reduce waste and make it easy to empty into the river in the morning, keeping campsites clean and eco-friendly.
Keep essentials close in your tent. Store toilet paper or a reusable wipe, plus a sealable bag for containment, to stay organized and maintain hygiene overnight.
Know where the groover is located. For long-distance calls, use the groover and bring a headlamp—scouting it before dark helps you navigate safely at night.
Respect river hygiene practices. Emptying urine into the river and keeping beaches clean supports Leave No Trace principles and preserves the natural environment for future rafters.

WHEN NATURE CALLS…AT NIGHT

Picture this, you just had an incredible day of white water rafting ! Not only did you: explore a beautiful wild or scenic river , fill your belly with awesome food to the point of bursting, and laugh with other incredible humans—you also mastered the art of how to “make a call” on the river, aka, go to the bathroom in nature.

Terminology Backstory: before we dive into some night-time talk, let’s familiarize you with some terms.

https://www.windingwatersrafting.com/gearboatchronicles/river-portable-toilet/ The Groover https://www.windingwatersrafting.com/gearboatchronicles/river-portable-toilet/ : the river name for toilet and is complete with a toilet seat. Saying that you ‘need to use the groover’ or you ‘need to groove’ are other ways to say you ‘need to go to the bathroom.’

Long-Distance Call : refers to going #2 or pooping (we’re all adults here).

Local Call : refers to peeing or going #1. Read up on the practice of placing a ‘local call’ while on the river here

Back to our scene—you had an incredible day on the river (like our Grande Ronde River adventures) and are preparing to tuck yourself in for a little star gazing. You just have one question, how do you make a local call at night? Fortunately for you we are well versed in local calls at any hour and this blog post is here to help!

Our previous post discussed the importance of making sure local calls end up in the river to keep beaches and campsites clean. The same principle holds true at night. However, if walking to the river or groover isn’t appealing, you can make a local call in your tent. The way to do this is to have a reusable sealable bottle and a funnel if you need one.

There are many brands and varieties of reusable bottle/funnel combinations with cost ranging between the $8-$15. If you search “unisex urinal” many different options will come up. You will need a reusable option. A couple examples are the AWOKEN unisex potty urinal or the OUTFANDIA Urinal (pictured right).

This set up makes it easy to complete your local call from the comfort of your own tent. In the morning when you wake up, simply take your set up down to the river to dump and rinse. Due to the sterile nature of urine, a simple daily rinse will keep it fresh. You can do a more thorough wash with soap at the end of the trip.

Tips for local calls at night:

If it’s your first overnight on the Snake River in Hells Canyon , practicing your setup at home helps a ton.

ALREADY HAVE A SYSTEM?

Some of you may already have a system for making a local call at night. If you have a system you are comfortable with and use in camping situations- please do that. Again we ask that you use a system that allows you to ultimately empty local calls into the river.

Similarly some of you may already have a funnel or not need one; in this case all you would need is a bottle with a lid. Make sure that you have a bottle with enough capacity, we suggest 1.5 quart minimum.

LONG DISTANCE CALLS AT NIGHT

All long distance calls need to be made in the groover. Although long distance calls at night tend to be rare it does happen. Consider walking to the groover during daylight even if you don’t need to use it so that you know where it is and make sure to bring a headlamp or flashlight (included on our PACKLIST ).

We hope this post helps you feel more comfortable about your trip with us. When you are on your trip your guides will go over everything regarding grooving and making calls. Until then we will be watching the snow melt and looking forward to spending time on the river together!

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions people ask about going to the bathroom—especially peeing—while camping or rafting at night on the river.

For more information about our rafting trips, give us a visit at Guided Whitewater Rafting Trips.

Whether you’re camping beside the Grande Ronde or enjoying Salmon River rafting trips , the same nighttime system applies.

How Much Beer?

Wed, 07 Apr 2021 17:26:00 GMT

So, how much beer should you really bring on your next river trip?

Allow us to tell you the story of every guide’s nightmare. A flipped boat? No. Forgetting the toilet paper? No. Forgetting the coffee? No. But that’s close. This is a far more haunting story. A story that goes back generations, and has been told over and over by guides and guests alike.

This is the tale of the Accidentally Sober River Guest. It’s a sobering story, pun intended, about that person who didn’t bring enough beer on his river trip. Yet, despite its chilling message, the tale comes back to haunt our hallowed river corridors every year.

Key Takeaways

Always bring your own beverages and don’t rely on others—beer or not, being self-sufficient ensures you’ll fully enjoy your river trip without running dry.
Overestimate slightly when packing drinks; a good rule of thumb from seasoned river guides is about one beer per river mile per person—better to have extra than too little.
Avoid glass bottles for beer to keep everyone safe and follow Leave No Trace practices; cans and boxed options are ideal for river environments.
Keep drinks cold by coordinating with your guides about cooler space—most outfitters like Winding Waters River Expeditions have dedicated ice coolers for guest beverages.
Even if you’re skipping alcohol, pack plenty of your preferred non-alcoholic drinks like kombucha, coconut water, or hop water—hydration and enjoyment go hand in hand on the river.

The tale usually starts one of two ways: a recent health kick, or a tragic miscommunication.

In the second scenario, a guest texts their friend the night before the trip: “Hey, can you grab some beer for me at the store tonight?” Then, their friend shows up to the put-in with one 6 pack for the entire trip. What follows is an ugly game of blaming and beer rationing.

No matter the cause, the tale always ends up ending the same way: asking the guides for their spare beers. Guides tend to be generous and understanding, especially when it comes to giving an empty-handed pal some beers. But trust us when we say, you don’t want to be empty handed too early on a trip.

If you have been in this situation before, don’t be ashamed, for you are not alone. In fact, you are in the company of many river guests before you who made the same mistake, going back over a hundred years. Whether it’s a Grande Ronde River rafting adventure or a trip through Hells Canyon, the same rule applies — bring plenty of your favorite beverages.

The earliest known incident of the Accidentally Sober River Guest was in the early 1880s, when talk of ore and rich grasslands attracted brave homesteaders to the rugged wilderness of Hells Canyon . Among those were Alex and Bob Warnock , who set off to the banks of the Snake River in 1882 in order to develop mining claims and raise cattle. At the time, the only way to access Hells Canyon was by steep, and sometimes treacherous trails. Pack horses were required to bring in supplies, including booze.

Not wanting to go a winter without libations, Alex and Bob packed a horse full of whiskey. When they reached a particularly hazardous section of the trail, the horse slipped and rolled, breaking all of the whiskey bottles along the way. To their misfortune, they spent the winter in sobriety. The creek where they camped became known as “Temperance Creek Ranch”, and the homestead can still be seen on the banks of the Snake River today. (Photo credit: Temperance Creek Facebook Page)

How do I make sure that I don’t end up like the Accidentally Sober River Guest?

Good question. Here are some general rules that will help you avoid being sober unintentionally. that guy.

So, how do I know that I brought enough?

A seasoned river guide once told me that you should bring one beer, per river mile, per person. For a 5 day trip in Hells Canyon , that would be 80 beers/person. For the Lower Salmon , it would be 62 beers/person. Let's be clear, that is DEFINITELY too much, however you may have a couple more each evening than you do at home.

So factor that into your formula and if math isn’t your thing, go with your intuition. A good way to know that you have brought enough beer is when you start to question “am I bringing too much beer?”. . . buy one more 6 pack.

Not a beer drinker? No worries many of our guests and guides are sober these days. However the same rules still apply to any of your favorite non-alcoholic beverages. If you want it, bring a lot of it. Some of our guide favorites are coconut water, hop water, non-alcoholic beers, and kombucha. Please remember, NO GLASS -we have a story of the exploding kombucha bottle, but will save that for another time...

Keepin’ it cold

If you’re sitting there thinking, how am I going to keep all of this beer cold, in the backcountry, in a hot canyon, for 4-5 days? Don’t fret. We have got you covered. We bring plenty of coolers on each trip to keep all of your favorite drinks cold. We also bring a massive cooler specifically dedicated to ice.

This means that you can still crack open a cold beer by the end of the trip. If you can please try to let us know how much and what you're planning to bring so we have appropriate cooler and dry box space ready ahead of time. For groups wanting a custom experience, our private river charters include personalized menus, coolers, and gear for your crew.

Congrats! Now you are an expert in beverage-preparedness! Come enjoy a beer (or three) on the river with us. Book a trip with us today. If you’re new to rafting, check out our guided white water rafting trips to find the right adventure for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about bringing beer and beverages on a river trip — and how to make sure you’re fully prepared.

The post How Much Beer? appeared first on Winding Waters River Expeditions .

Peeing on a River Trip

Thu, 18 Mar 2021 21:06:00 GMT

LOCAL CALLS – WHAT ARE THEY AND HOW TO MAKE ONE

Key Takeaways

Follow Leave No Trace principles: Always make your “local calls” directly into or next to the river to help keep campsites clean, minimize odors, and prevent attracting wildlife.
Choose the right spot: Only use main river channels like the Snake, Salmon, or Grande Ronde—never small creeks or side streams with low water flow—to ensure proper dilution and environmental safety.
Know the camp setup: Each campsite includes a designated groover system with a separate, brightly marked pee box to ensure privacy, hygiene, and easy use for all guests.
Plan for nighttime needs: If nature calls after dark, use the groover or pee bucket setup for convenience and safety instead of venturing into the woods.
Comfort and inclusivity for everyone: Whether you’re a first-time rafter or part of the experienced “Riva Sistas,” Winding Waters River Expeditions provides discreet and comfortable solutions for all guests—especially women and families.
Enjoy the journey responsibly: By understanding proper bathroom etiquette on a river trip, you help preserve the pristine beauty of wild and scenic rivers while making your rafting adventure more enjoyable for everyone.

We borrowed the phrases “long distance pee” and “local call” from the Riva Sistas, a group of ladies who have been running rivers together with us for years. Thanks Rivah Sistahs for the catchy phrases!

Unlike long distance calls which primarily happen in camp, local calls happen throughout the day, both in camp and while on the river. Because of this there are a few more specifics to discuss with regards to the logistics of making a local call.

KEEPING OUR CAMPS CLEAN

Different rules and regulations apply depending on the river when nature calls. All three of the rivers we offer trips on—the Snake , Salmon and Grande Ronde —follow the same protocol for local calls. All local calls should be made into or immediately next to the river. This may sound counterintuitive at first but there are several reasons for making local calls in the river.

LEAVE NO TRACE

A cornerstone principle of responsible recreating is “Leave No Trace” (LNT). There are a number of ways we practice LNT techniques while rafting, one being, making local calls into the river. Our guided white water rafting trips are designed around these same Leave No Trace principles, helping guests enjoy the wild while keeping it pristine.

Making a local call into the river helps keep the shore and campsites clean both for ourselves as well as future visitors. This works several ways. First it keeps beaches and campsites from smelling like a bathroom. Secondly, this diminishes the attraction of animals and insects to the salty spots left behind by peeing onshore.

VOLUME OF WATER

Volume of water is important and considered when making a local call. The three rivers we run have enough volume that they dilute any local calls we make while on a trip. However, small side creeks do not have the same amount of flow, and local calls should not be made into or near them.

HOW TO DIAL

We will stop and take breaks throughout the day to snack, play, or explore. These breaks are good opportunities for local calls. Most often the weather on our trips is quite warm, and many people enjoy the opportunity to jump in while floating , too, and cool off while making a local call.

When and Where to Pee During the Day

Talks about stops during the day for snacking, swimming, and making a "local call" discreetly.

Camp Bathroom Setup

Describes the groover box and pee-specific bathroom system set up at camp.

Nighttime and Emergency Bathroom Options

Details about the groover, pee buckets, and navigating urgent needs at night.

On private charter trips , our crew tailors camp setups—including groover systems—for families or groups wanting extra privacy and comfort.

Thank you for recognizing the importance of keeping beaches and campsites clean. We look forward to spending time with you on “ the river .”

LADIES & BATHROOM LOGISTICS ON THE RIVER

Many guests, especially women, ask about how to go the bathroom outdoors. We've guided everyone from first-timers to seasoned pros like the Riva Sistas, and we've seen it all—from woman going to the bathroom by starlight, to a casual women river bath at sunrise.

If you're a lady going to the bathroom in nature, don’t worry—we’ve designed our Whitewater Raftings setup to offer privacy, comfort, and respect. For daytime river calls, there's nothing wrong with a mid-float zoom while on toilet moment—just make sure you're not mid-photo op!

NIGHTTIME & EMERGENCY OPTIONS

What if you wake up and have to go to the bathroom or feel the pressure from that camp chilli? That’s where the rafting groover shines. It’s always accessible, well-lit, and better than pee in park or peeing on trailside foliage. We even teach you how to use a pee bucket camping setup safely, especially in places like the Grand Canyon river camping zones.

If you’ve got kids, know that fishing on the toilet stories happen. If you’re lucky, you won’t be the one saying, "I want to go bathroom" mid-cast with a trout on the line.

READY FOR THE ADVENTURE OF A LIFETIME?

At Winding Waters River Expeditions, we offer a number of special interest rafting trips on three of the Pacific Northwest’s premier rivers : the Snake, Salmon, and Grande Ronde rivers. These rivers are all wild and scenic rivers, and give you the feeling as if you and your expedition group are the only ones in the world.

Trips are all inclusive and include:

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are the most common questions people have about peeing on a river trip — also known as making a “local call” — and how to handle bathroom needs responsibly while rafting.

Questions about making calls or anything else with our expeditions? Let us know! We’re happy to answer any questions you have or explain what you should expect when on one of our expeditions.

Want a real taste of adventure? Read firsthand stories from our guests on Google Business Profile Reviews and see why Winding Waters is a rafting favorite

Top 10 Reasons to Try Whitewater Rafting in Oregon

Thu, 25 Feb 2021 17:39:00 GMT

Going on a multi-day whitewater rafting excursion may not sound like the relaxing vacation you are dreaming of. Add in the excitement of rapids and one may be second guessing whether it could be a chance to unwind or a test of endurance. However, anyone who has been on a river trip will tell you that rafting ideas range from extreme adventure to peaceful river floats. At Winding Waters River Expeditions, we bring luxury to the river for you. Here are some surprising ways that a river rafting trip is the rejuvenating vacation you are looking for:

Camp is set up for you

Not only that, but camp is generally ready by the time you hit the beach. Each morning we send a boat ahead so that the crew can get an early start on setting up camp. By the time you arrive, you will be greeted by cold beverages, a comfortable camp chair, and a shady pavilion calling your name. Whether it’s one of our multi-day rafting trips colorado or a shorter getaway, the comfort is real.

A comfortable night sleep

Sleeping outdoors does not mean that you have to give up comfortable sleeping arrangements. We provide cots and thick foam pads to keep you off the ground and cozy. Plus, our large 4 and 5 person tents provide more than enough room for you, your gear, and your loved ones. We typically plan on having only 2 people per tent and if you are traveling solo you can expect to have a tent all to yourself. However, we suggest sleeping outside the tent, where you will be rewarded with stunning views of the milky way and the sound of trickling water to soothe you to sleep.

Saying goodbye to your watch

Before we set off on the river, one of our biggest rafting tips and tricks is to leave your watch behind. The linear, mechanical time that governs us at home has no authority on a river rafting trip. Instead, we abide by "river time," ruled by sun and moon, stars and shadows, and the passing of water. On river time nobody can be early or late; there are no shifts, no meetings, and no deadlines. The river asks nothing of you but to be present. Once you are on river time, you won’t regret leaving your watch at home.

The gourmet food

Our river rafting trips are held in the backcountry, but that doesn’t mean you will be eating canned chili and freeze-dried meals. At Winding Waters we make good food a priority. We start close to home, sourcing our ingredients from local farms and ranches in Wallowa Valley. Our dedicated chef carefully curates our menu, including a wide range of meals inspired by American, Asian, Mediterranean, and Latin American cuisine. Check out a few of our River Recipes . Our meals are then prepared fresh on the river by our guides, the likes of burgers with local corriente beef, creamy dutch oven mac’n’cheese, and freshly baked dutch oven fudge brownies. Have any dietary restrictions? Just let us know and we will do our best to accommodate. Come with a big appetite because you will not leave hungry. And yes, we’ll even show you how to make coffee when rafting the Grand Canyon!

Icy cold beverages

One of the greatest pleasures in life is cracking open a cold beer by the water. That is especially true in a river canyon, where the dry summer heat begs for a cool drink. When the heat ramps up, we come prepared with a whole cooler dedicated to ice so that we can keep the cold beverages flowing. What? A cold beer on day 3, 4, or 5 of a rafting trip? Awesome. It’s one of those fun things to bring to the river .

Choose Your Own Adventure

We bring a variety of boats on each trip to suit a variety of adventure seekers. Our inflatable kayaks and paddle raft are great for those who want an action-packed ride on the water. Looking for a more relaxing ride? Our larger rafts are the perfect fit. In these “princess” boats, the guide is completely in charge of the oars. Plus, we outfit the rafts with comfortable padded seating. That means you can sit back and relax while we do the work, no paddling required. Perfect for Grand Canyon rafting trips for families and anyone who wants flexibility.

Down time between rapids

Sure, the rapids are fun and exciting, but some of the best memories are made in the flat water in between. These flat-water stretches are great for swimming, water gun fights, fishing or just laying back and basking in the sun. Whatever your idea of fun, the river provides it all. Just don’t forget the river essentials and tips for whitewater rafting to make the most of your time. Yes, even whitewater rafting in the winter is possible with the right gear !

The river is accessible

You don’t have to be a marathon runner to go on a trip with Winding Waters. If you can walk up a flight of stairs and sit in a bathtub by yourself, then you can go on a river rafting trip. In the past we have hosted folks from 5 years old to 83 years young. Don’t let your age or fitness level stop you from having an adventure on the water. We welcome everyone, whether it’s a scenic float or something more like white water rafting tips or water rafting tips level!

Groover view s

Our leave no trace policy means that everything comes down the river with you, including your number twos. We make packing out waste easy by using a portable toilet that we fondly call the “ groover ”. The groover may not be the most luxurious bathroom experience, but we can guarantee that it will come with the most beautiful view. We take care to strategically position the groover at some of the most scenic areas of camp, so that you can enjoy incredible canyon views while on the throne. These open-air bathrooms are so gorgeous that you may start looking forward to your next stop at the loo. Follow this link for more intel about our Groover setup .

ready-made play

Experience Nature the Winding Waters

Whether you are looking for endless adventure and action, or just looking to relax and enjoy the beautiful views that nature has to offer, a whitewater rafting trip is the perfect fit for you. At Winding Waters River Expeditions, we make the wilderness accessible and enjoyable for folks of all ages and abilities. Need any special accommodations? Just ask. We will do our best to supply it for you. For more information about what a river rafting trip could provide for you, check out the variety of trips we offer here: Guided Whitewater Rafting Trips

Curious what makes Winding Waters rafting trips so memorable? Our guests share their thrilling experiences—check out our Google Business Profile Reviews!

Joy in the Time of COVID

Tue, 19 Jan 2021 21:17:00 GMT

Why a river rafting trip became the perfect vacation for 2020

With overseas travel nearly impossible, outdoor vacations close to home were popular this year. River rafting trips ended up being the perfect solution for adventurous people looking for an outdoor domestic vacation. The remote canyons, warm weather, and gorgeous beaches provide a change of scenery that makes you forget that you are in the reaches of the Pacific Northwest. Plus, the lively rapids and magnificent wildlife satisfies the cravings of adventure-seekers looking for excitement. Although COVID demanded a change of travel plans, many families found a silver lining by discovering the joys of the river in their own backyard.

Some of the changes we made actually ended up being popular among the guests and our crew. To decrease the number of high-touch surfaces, our guides plated food for the guests rather than everyone serving themselves. This change made meal times feel more like a fine-dining restaurant than a potluck. Another popular improvement was color-coded bags, which made it easier for guests to find their belongings. With a little bit of innovation and out-of-the box thinking we managed to have a COVID-free river season while still providing a fun and relaxing experience on the river.

We were honored to bring some joy and relaxation to our guests in a year where it was hard to find either. We are so thankful for the support of our amazing guests. Because of them, we were able to remain open and provide the rest and rejuvenation that we all needed this year. We are looking forward to what 2021 will bring. COVID or not, we will still be here, ready to make some more memories on the river with you all.

The post Joy in the Time of COVID appeared first on Winding Waters River Expeditions .

The Future of Our Rivers

Wed, 02 Dec 2020 17:59:00 GMT

Do You Love River Life? Help protect it for the future

“ If a man fails to honor the rivers, he shall not gain the life from them. ” ~ Code of Hammurabi 1772 B.C.

Key Takeaways

Rivers symbolize life and renewal, serving as vital ecosystems that sustain people, wildlife, and culture while offering recreation and reflection.
Historic victories like the protection of Hells Canyon and the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act show how public advocacy can stop industrial threats and preserve river habitats for future generations.
Modern conservation challenges, such as the Stibnite Gold Project , highlight the need for ongoing vigilance to prevent pollution and safeguard tributaries that feed protected rivers.
River conservation benefits everyone , from indigenous communities and anglers to hunters and outdoor enthusiasts, by maintaining biodiversity and protecting cultural traditions tied to the water.
Supporting groups like American Whitewater and Western Rivers Conservancy through donations or recreation helps keep rivers in public hands and ensures their long-term protection.

Exploring rivers responsibly through guided rafting trips builds personal connection and awareness—turning every adventurer into an advocate for cleaner, freer-flowing waterways.

River Symbolism and Meaning

People often as k: what does the river symbolize i n stories, cultures, and our lives? Rivers are often seen as symbols of life, purity, movement, and renewal. From indigenous traditions to modern conservation movements, rivers are central to our physical and emotional well-being.

History of River Conservation in the West

The three rivers that we run today, the Snake river in Hells Canyon, the Lower Salmon, and the Grande Ronde, have not always been protected resources. Historically, the integrity of these rivers have been threatened by industrial interests, pollution, and dam projects.

As the legal battles for dam construction made headlines, concern for the future of Hells Canyon caught public interest. By the 1960’s, the environmental movement was on the rise and big industrial projects that threatened wild places started to become unpopular among the American public . The growing interest in environmental conservation and outdoor recreation swayed the Supreme Court to rule in favor of neither dam proposals , and instead rule in the favor of public interest. Ultimately, the dam was not constructed, but the movement to protect the Snake River in Hells Canyon did not stop there. The efforts to save this segment of river from damming inspired President Gerald Ford to designate Hells Canyon as a National Recreation Area in 1975, so that no industrial threat could endanger Hells Canyon in the future.

The Legacy of River Advocates

From environmentalists to ranchers, many have fought to keep these areas wild. Ranchers still graze land responsibly, continuing the rivers foundation of stewardship and co-existence. Their understanding of how does still water happen, and how to keep it clean and balanced, is vital to maintaining this delicate ecosystem.

The fight to save Hells Canyon inspired a legacy of conservation efforts and birthed a generation of senators who put environmentalism at the core of their policies. These environmentally conscious senators helped usher in the Wild and Scenic Rivers act of 1968 . This groundbreaking legislation legally recognized rivers as valuable in their natural state. The act honors rivers for their “outstandingly remarkable scenic, recreational, geologic, fish and wildlife, historic, cultural or other similar values,” and protects them in their wild condition. Today, the Grande Ronde and Hells Canyon are designated as Wild and Scenic Rivers. The Lower Salmon, however, is not protected by the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act, and is one of the reasons you will see private housing and remote roads along the riverside.

Current Conservation Issues

Although we have seen some great wins in the history of river conservation, we still have a lot of work to do if we want to keep our rivers protected for the future. Not all rivers enjoy equal protection. Even now, threats like the Stibnite Gold Project endanger vital water from the river sources. Our rivers are constantly in jeopardy from private industrial interests. Even if a river is protected, its tributaries may not be, making the protected river vulnerable to industrial threats upstream.

ecosystem Support and Cultural Connection

From river watchers to anglers and hikers, river users know the critical role these ecosystems play. Healthy river decor — lush banks, thriving species, and clean flow — isn’t just scenic; it supports countless species.

For indigenous groups like the Nez Perce, rivers are more than resources. They are rivers of information , linking history, culture, and survival. Safeguarding these spaces protects treaty rights and honors traditions that go back millennia.

Who Benefits from River Conservation?

River conservation does not only benefit us river rats. The wildlife and biodiversity that are unique to river corridors are also enjoyed by hunters and anglers. River conservation not only protects the water, but also the land around it, allowing wildlife a space to thrive. On the rivers we run, the surrounding canyons are popular among hunters for its wide range of game, from small pheasants known as chukars to big game such as elk and bighorn sheep. River corridors provide wildlife protection from harsh weather, and allow them to access food and water in the scarcity of winter. Keeping our river corridors protected is critical to maintaining healthy ecosystems so that the long tradition of hunting in these areas can survive.

These conservation efforts are particularly important to indigenous groups such as the Nez Perce, who have fished the waters of the Snake and Salmon for thousands of years . Fish harvesting has long been an important part of Nez Perce diet and culture. However, historically important native fish such as salmon and steelhead are currently listed as threatened or endangered . Clean and free-flowing rivers are critically important to conserving these populations that have long been culturally significant to the Nez Perce. Safeguarding the treaty rights and fishing practices of indigenous groups is yet another reason why river conservation is so important in our area.

Champions of Conservation

Victories in river conservation would not be possible without the relentless work of non-profit groups like American Whitewater and the Western Rivers Conservancy . These organizations advocate for the health of our rivers, and help keep them in public hands for public use. Without them, our rivers would not be the pristine and remote wilderness landscapes that we enjoy today.

At Winding Waters River Expeditions, we have developed a partnership with the Western Rivers Conservancy. Every year we donate the proceeds from our Music for Wild Places trips to their cause. Their work depends on funding from people who love rivers and care about their health and protection for the future. If you are interested in keeping this important work going, you can donate here: Western Rivers Conservancy , American Whitewater .

Other than advocacy work, one of the best ways to protect our river corridors is to use them! Being a river recreationist is a means of conserving them as wild places. The more people who develop a connection with these rivers, the more likely we are to keep them protected. So, invite your friends and extended family on a trip, and share these beautiful places with those you love. Come and enjoy what the long legacy of river conservation has to offer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Learn more about the history, meaning, and protection of our rivers — and how we can all play a part in preserving them for the future.

Final Reflection – The River’s Role in Our Lives

Whether you're pondering river action through rafting or teaching kids to identify three sources of water that can become a stream , one thing is clear: rivers touch every part of life.

From the river habitat to the people it feeds and inspires, the river is a symbol of unity, continuity, and hope. For every person wondering why is river important , the answer lies in the ripple of water, the flight of the heron, the laughter of children by the banks.

Come Paddle With Us

If you’re ready to embrace the wild spirit of rivers, join us for an unforgettable journey. Winding Waters offers guided Whitewater Raftings on some of the most spectacular rivers in the West — from Hells Canyon to the Lower Salmon.

When you raft with us, you’re not just riding rapids — you’re becoming part of a movement to protect rivers for future generations. Bring your friends, your family, and your curiosity. Let’s explore and protect the river together.

Book your guided rafting trip now with Winding Waters River Expeditions — where adventure meets advocacy.

Don’t just take our word for it—visit our Google Business Profile Reviews and see why Winding Waters white water rafting trips keep guests coming back!

White Water River Spotlight: The Grande Ronde River

Wed, 07 Oct 2020 23:00:00 GMT

Looking for a whitewater rafting adventure that is rich in history, wildlife, and beautiful scenery? Allow us to introduce you to the Grande Ronde River! Cut into deep basalt canyons and boasting stunningly varied landscapes, the Grande Ronde River is one of the most beautiful and unique adventures you can take in Oregon.

Read on to learn more about its incredible landscape and history, plus what to expect from rafting the Grande Ronde River .

Natural & Cultural History

The Grande Ronde River is a naturalists’ paradise in the lower reaches as it flows through towering basalt cliffs and beautiful Ponderosa Pine forests. These steep cliffs are made up of Columbia River Basalt which is the worlds’ largest basalt flow both in extent and volume. Lava oozed from a series of feeder dikes called the Chief Joseph Dike Swarm starting approximately 16 million years ago. When floating the Grande Ronde, one can see the horizontal layers of the basalt flows are interspersed with vertical feeder dike columns. Interestingly, in more recent history, civil engineers building bridges across this river used these feeder dikes as foundations for bridge abutments because of their strength.

Native Americans tribes, like the Wallowa Band of the Nez Perce, spent winters in the lower reaches of the Grande Ronde canyon. Legend has it that the young Chief Joseph was born in a cave near the confluence of the Grande Ronde and Snake Rivers. The native americans in this region practiced vertical migration during the course of a year. In the fall, the tribes would travel down into the canyons for the winter where temperatures were predictably warmer. In the spring, the tribes would travel up out of the canyons into the Wallowa and Blue Mountains country where they could hunt and gather for food.

In more recent homesteader history, the Grande Ronde played a central role in logging and ranching. Irrigation water is pulled annually from the river to provide a range of crops in the region. The river was also used to move logs downriver to now defunct mills. In the early 20th century, Minam was a mill town.

The Course of the Grande Ronde River

The Grande Ronde River headwaters in the Blue and Wallowa Mountains and runs through northeastern Oregon and southeastern Washington. It is a tributary of the Snake River. The full length of the river runs 182 miles and ends where it meets up with the Snake River in Rogersburg, Washington, just five miles north of the Oregon border.

In the lower reaches below Minam, this river corridor is managed by both the Bureau of Land Management and the United States Forest Service. In 1988, 43.8 miles of the Grande Ronde were recognized for its remote wilderness, roadless sections, and the subsequent intrinsic value to wildlife and recreation and were added for conservation purposes to the National Wild and Scenic River System.

Use a Grande Ronde River map or a Grand Ronde River map to follow its journey. You can even reference a grande ronde river guidebook for details on rapids, campsites, and historical notes.

Today, sections of the Grande Ronde River in Oregon are part of the National Wild and Scenic River System. Much of the corridor is still wild, monitored by agencies, and enjoyed by outdoor lovers.

White water rafting the Grande Ronde River

While the entire river is a great adventure, here at Winding River Expeditions, we raft the wild and scenic section of the Grande Ronde River. This 46 mile trip provides some easy, class II & III white water rapids, making it a perfect fun-filled 3-day adventure for the family.

On this 3-day expedition on the Grande Ronde River, you can expect:

Breathtaking scenery

We might be biased, but we think the Grande Ronde River is one of the great hidden gems of Oregon. Because much of the Grande Ronde River is only accessible via the river, the views remain largely untouched. The landscape spans from heavily forested ponderosa pine and steep basalt canyons to sparsely forested open fields and wildflowers. The river itself is largely mellow, making it easy to soak in the sun, views, wildlife, and spend time exploring land that few people get to see.

Abundant wildlife

Because the landscape is so diverse, the Grande Ronde River boasts a wide array of different wildlife. Look forward to opportunities to view deer grazing alongside the river bank, bald eagles soaring through the air, river otters splashing around in the water, or mountain goats making bold jumps off their rocks. Plus, you might also catch a glimpse of herons, bighorn sheep, and even black bears and cougars (all from the safety of your raft!)

Great fishing

The Grande Ronde River is known for offering some of the very best fishing and fly fishing in the Pacific Northwest. It is a great fishery for rainbow trout, and in the fall and winter, a superb place to catch steelhead.

Interested in fishing on your expedition? Don’t forget your fishing license! You can purchase one at our Boathouse Shop before launch.

An all-inclusive experience

Our expert guides will handle all of the details for you! On this expedition, we’ll provide:

Not sure what personal items to bring? Check out our recommended packing list here .

More Ways to Explore

The Grand Ronde River and Grande Ronde Lake offer more than just rafting. Visit the Rondees Festival and use a river map of Washington to plan your multi-river adventure. Love history? Use a map of Washington State with rivers to connect the dots between the major rivers of Oregon and the rivers of Washington State.

Book your adventure today!

Are you ready for a fun-filled adventure on the Grande Ronde River? We’re now accepting reservations!

Reserve your spot now by contacting us online or by calling us at (541) 432-0747 . Or, learn more about our other whitewater expeditions here .

Don’t just take our word for it—visit our Google Business Profile Reviews and see why Winding Waters white water rafting trips keep guests coming back!

What We Use: An Overview of Whitewater Rafting Gear

Thu, 09 Jul 2020 16:24:00 GMT

At Winding Waters River Expeditions , we take the gear we use seriously. The rivers we raft are powerful, but with the right equipment and safety precautions, they’re a whole lot of fun.

Read on to learn the gear we use on our white water rafting trips on the Snake , Salmon , and Grande Ronde Rivers !

Key Takeaways

White water rafting gear ensures safety and comfort. From durable self-bailing rafts to whitewater-rated life jackets, every piece of equipment at Winding Waters River Expeditions is chosen for stability, protection, and fun on the river.
Self-bailing rafts make for smoother rides. Designed to automatically drain water, these modern rafts enhance comfort and safety compared to older manual bailing systems.
Personal flotation devices are non-negotiable. Even experienced swimmers need proper PFDs to stay afloat in fast-moving rapids—safety always comes first on white water rafting trips.
Dry bags keep your essentials safe and dry. With both large and small waterproof bags provided, you can protect clothing, sleeping gear, and personal items from splashes and rain.
Proper clothing boosts your rafting experience. Quick-dry layers, sun protection, and sturdy river sandals like Chacos help you stay comfortable in variable weather conditions.

Eco-friendly practices protect the river. Portable toilets (groovers) and strict pack-out policies ensure that every rafting adventure leaves the rivers as pristine as they were found.

Rafts

All of our rafts are well maintained and intended for use in the exciting rivers that we raft. They’re especially designed to handle the dynamic currents of a Snake River rafting adventure , where stability and self-bailing performance truly shine.

While there are many types of rafts, the categories of white water rafting rafts we use are self-bailing, framed rafts. These rafts are designed to comfortably fit the groups we take out on the river and are very stable for our guests.

As mentioned above, these rafts are self-bailing. They’re designed to remove any water that gets in them on their own. Developed in the 90’s, self-bailing rafts have created a way more pleasant rafting experience. Prior to their invention, you’d have to physically use buckets and pumps to get water out of the raft. This not only led to a more uncomfortable experience, but also weighed the raft down and reduced stability in rapids.

key parts to a white water raft:

The raft

Made from rugged, durable materials, rafts are made into their oval-ish shape through many different inflatable air chambers. This ensures if one breaks the raft will still remain safe until the raft is patched.

Frame

This is the metal frame that holds the 2 primary oars (controlled by the guide) and a seat or slanting board where your guide will sit.

Thwarts

Used in our paddle rafts, these cross tubes of air add stability to the inflated raft and help keep its shape. They’re also useful for those not in the front of the raft to help keep them secure.

Oar Boats vs Paddle Rafts

In our oar boats, the guide sits in the center of the raft and rows, controlling the boat 100% through rapids while our guests sit in the front and/or back and hang on. In a paddle raft, both the guide and the guests will provide power for moving the boat. While paddle rafting, the guide will be steering through tricky rapids and have control over the raft. The guests will also have their own paddle. While the guide will be the driver of the raft, you and the other guests will be the motor that powers it through the river.

Personal Safety Equipment

While white water rafting would not be possible without the rafts and oars, the most important piece of white water rafting safety equipment is undoubtedly a personal flotation device, also known as a life jacket.

No matter how good a swimmer or rafter you are, life jackets are a key water rafting safety equipment piece and are necessary to ensure your safety. While we’ve all seen life jackets throughout our lives, PFDs made specifically for white water rafting are necessary for a safe trip. The white water grade life jackets will make sure that if you are to fall out of the raft, you’ll be kept floating despite the white water. We provide comfortable, clean, and whitewater rated personal flotation devices on all of our trips.

We also provide helmets for our inflatable kayakers and paddle rafters.

Groovers

While not a piece of gear that’s needed to physically go down the river, groovers are necessary for multi-day rafting trips on the Grande Ronde River and other scenic waterways.

To protect the ecology, cleanliness, and wildlife of our rivers, we’re legally required by the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act to pack out everything we bring into the river. Yes that’s right, even our own human waste.

While this is an unsightly topic, groovers are portable toilets designed to make the process a whole lot less icky.

At Winding Waters River Expedition, we do everything possible to make sure the bathroom experience out in the wilderness is as comfortable as possible for our guests. Part of this is setting up and cleaning the groover, as well as providing full washing facilities for when you’re using the groover. We even have a “key” system to ensure you’re provided with adequate privacy.

Dry bags

One of the most crucial pieces of gear when you’re spending time out on the water is a quality dry bag.

These rugged waterproof sacks are used to keep your belongings dry throughout your white water adventure.

We provide large and small dry bags for your white water rafting trip to keep your belongings safe and dry. Each guests will receive:

Your large bag will fit a large duffel, as well as your sleeping bag and pillow. We recommend that you bring your own sleeping bag, but do offer them for those without their own. This bag will go on a cargo raft and will not be accessible throughout the day.

For longer journeys like our Salmon River 6-Day Rafting Adventure , keeping your gear dry and organized is essential.

Your small dry bag will be for personal items. You’ll bring this bag with you daily and will have it with you on the raft.

Helpful gear you should bring

At Winding Water River Expedition, we have you covered with all of the professional rafting and camping gear you’ll need for the trip.

There are some items that we always recommend for your trip down the river, and have provided a whitewater packing list for just this purpose. Most of these items are to improve your experience and ensure you’re comfortable on the water. Some of the most key items include:

Sun block and chapstick
Sunglasses and eyeglass holders
Rainsuit or poncho
Long sleeve pants and shirts, quick dry if possible
Swimwear
River sandals (our guides love Chacos)
Wool socks
Sun hat and warm knit hat

What to Wear White Water Rafting

When you’re wondering what to wear for rafting, it's crucial to prepare for both wet conditions and changing temperatures. Ideally, you'll want gear for white water rafting, paddle board outfit, and wetsuit under clothes. Our guides appreciate wearing Chacos and a hat for additional protection from the elements.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some of the most common questions people ask about whitewater rafting gear and what to expect on a guided rafting trip.

Book your river adventure today!

At Winding Waters River Expeditions, we raft some of the top white water rivers in the United States. Our trips are fully catered with gourmet meals and you’ll be rafting with some of the best guides in the Northwest. Take a look at some of our trips and reach out to us with any questions you have!

Hear it straight from the river! Read what other rafters had to say about Winding Waters in our Google Business Profile Reviews —your next adventure awaits.

If you’ve already booked a trip with our team, we’re looking forward to seeing you out in the land of the winding waters!

All About Rafting the Snake River

Thu, 02 Apr 2020 22:35:00 GMT

At Winding Waters River Expeditions , we love all the rivers we raft here in the land of the winding waters. From Grande Ronde River rafting to the iconic Snake, each river offers its own rhythm and rewards. However, the Snake River holds an extra special place in our hearts. The primary tributary of the vital and powerful Columbia River, the “Snake” holds a wealth of recreational opportunity, particularly through Hells Canyon, North America’s deepest gorge.

Key Takeaways

Snake River rafting offers a rare mix of scenery and adventure — Stretching through Wyoming, Idaho, Oregon, and Washington, the Snake River showcases everything from Yellowstone’s headwaters to the rugged Hells Canyon, North America’s deepest gorge.
Hells Canyon rafting is the ultimate Snake River experience — This 79-mile section delivers thrilling Class III–IV rapids, dramatic canyon walls, and incredible wildlife viewing that make it one of the top white water rafting destinations in the Pacific Northwest.
Winding Waters River Expeditions ensures a seamless trip — With expert guides, gourmet meals, full camping setups, and proper permits, adventurers can focus on enjoying the ride rather than logistics or safety concerns.
Fishing and hiking elevate the adventure — Anglers can catch Rainbow Trout and Smallmouth Bass, while hikers can explore remote trails and swimming spots accessible only by river.
Perfect for all kinds of adventurers — Whether you’re chasing adrenaline, solitude, or unforgettable landscapes, rafting the Snake River offers a balanced mix of excitement and relaxation you’ll remember for a lifetime.

Read on to learn about rafting and recreating on this majestic river.

Snake River’s Route and Geography

Where is the Snake River?

The path of the Snake River runs through the states of Wyoming, Oregon, Idaho, and Washington, and is the largest tributary to the mighty Columbia River. The river meanders along the border of Idaho and Eastern Oregon for much of its track.

The first big population center downriver from the headwaters of Snake River is the scenic Wyoming city of Jackson. Other cities along the path of the river include Idaho Falls, ID; Twin Falls, ID; Lewiston, ID; and the city of the mouth, Pasco, WA.

What is the course of the river?

The Snake River is one of the most scenic and wild places that exists in the United States.

The headwaters of the river are in Yellowstone National Park, and the first 50 miles of the river flows through Jackson Hole, a valley between the Teton Range and Gros Ventre Range in Wyoming. From here, the river passes through the Snake River Canyon and the Snake Range. There are some major waterfalls in this area, including Shoshone Falls, the historical limit of migrating Salmon on the Snake River. This waterfall is higher than Niagara Falls and truly a sight to see!

After this, the Snake gains steam as it collects water from several major tributaries and begins to form the border of Idaho and Oregon. North of Boise, ID, then drops into Hells Canyon Snake River , one of the most dramatic stretches of the entire river system., which is formed between the peaks on both sides (more on the incredible canyon below). Halfway through the canyon, the river reaches an incredibly remote stretch of river that’s inaccessible by vehicle.

A little after halfway through Hells Canyon, the river begins to form the Washington and Idaho border. After leaving the canyon, the river flows through the Palouse Hills of Eastern Washington, before losing much of its liveliness in a series of dams in the lower river. It then enters the Columbia River, from there flowing together 325 miles to Astoria, OR and the Pacific Ocean.

This shows you what states does the Snake River flow through — Wyoming, Idaho, Oregon, and Washington — and what states does the Snake River run through — it's a true Pacific Northwest icon.

Hells Canyon

As mentioned above, one of the most remote and impressive parts of the Snake River is Hells Canyon , a 10-mile wide river canyon that is the deepest river gorge in North America. The gorge runs for 125 miles. For 40 miles, the gorge sits at more than a mile deep!

The gorge itself is located along the Idaho and Oregon border for most of its journey and sits along Idaho and Washington for the remainder. Most of this dramatic landscape is completely inaccessible by vehicle and can be accessed only through white water rafting in Hells Canyon , horseback riding, and backpacking.

At Winding Waters River Expeditions, we specialize in Snake River Expeditions through this remote section. Learn more about our Snake River Hells Canyon rafting trips and what makes this stretch so legendary. Depending on your trip, your float will travel 79 miles through class III-IV rapids through the heart of the canyon.

Throughout your trip, you’ll find:

Abundant wildlife , wildflowers, and other flora & fauna
Artifacts from prehistoric tribes
Relics of early miners and settlers

Rafting the Snake River

White water rafting on the Snake River is a truly epic experience. For those who have not experienced the high desert landscape, there is nothing quite like it. Whether it’s the dry, pristine desert air, bright stars, or rushing cold water underneath you as you bask in the sun, it’s unlike anything else in the world.

While there are desirable floats upriver, the best rafting — we wholeheartedly believe — is white water rafting in Hells Canyon .

Part of the wonder of rafting is getting away from it all and experiencing the awe of nature. White water rafting in Hells Canyon provides just this opportunity. Unlike many other popular rafting trips that take you through remote wilderness areas, this trip can be completed in under a week. If you’re ready for the ultimate multiday journey, explore our Hells Canyon 6-day rafting adventure , which showcases the best rapids, campsites, and scenery in the canyon. Compare that to the Grand Canyon, which lasts up to 3 weeks!

Other activities on the Snake River

In addition to the stunning white water rafting, the Snake River is known as a world-class Rainbow Trout and Smallmouth Bass fishery. While wild Steelhead still stalk these waters and offer productive fishing in many tributaries, dams have depleted numbers and made the Snake more of a Rainbow Trout and Smallmouth Bass fishery through Hells Canyon.

At Winding Waters River Expeditions, we bring fishing tackle so you can experience this abundant fishery while white water rafting in Hells Canyon.

Additionally, there’s bountiful hiking and swimming along its course — perfect for adding depth to your Snake River Expedition.

What gear do you need for a Snake River white water rafting trip?

Rafting this powerful river is not something that should be taken lightly and should only be undertaken by VERY experienced private rafters or under the guidance of an experienced outfitter and guide. For first-timers or families, our guided white water rafting adventures provide expert support and everything you need for a safe, memorable trip.

At Winding Waters River Expeditions, we provide everything you need for a fun, safe, and fulfilling experience out on the water. This includes:

Transportation to and from the river (on most of our launches except our 3 day trip)
All the rafting and camping gear you need for a safe and comfortable experience
Campsites set up for you every night
All-inclusive gourmet meals for the entirety of your trip
Professional white water rafting guides with decades of white water rafting experience
All necessary permits and legal requirements to float the Snake River

Frequently Asked Questions

Learn everything you need to know about white water rafting the Snake River—its route, famous Hells Canyon section, what to expect on the water, and how to prepare for an unforgettable adventure.

Are you ready for the trip of a lifetime?

We’re currently accepting reservations for all of our white water rafting trips. Spots are limited and sell out fast every year.

At Winding Waters River Expeditions, we’re passionate about creating an experience that you’ll remember for a lifetime — filled with adventure, awe, and a deep connection to nature. You can also discover our Salmon River rafting experiences if you’re craving a different kind of adventure in the Pacific Northwest. Let us guide you to the Snake River ’s most majestic stretches, where every twist brings new stories, wildlife, and breathtaking views. Gather your friends, family, or team, and make memories that will last a generation with Winding Waters Whitewater Raftings!

Don’t just take our word for it—visit our Google Business Profile Reviews and see why Winding Waters white water rafting trips keep guests coming back!

Coronavirus (COVID-19) and Winding Waters River Expeditions

Fri, 20 Mar 2020 20:22:00 GMT

Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update from WWRE ( last updated July 29, 2020 )

All of us here at Winding Waters River Expeditions are monitoring the Coronavirus situation constantly and will be updating this page as changes occur, we learn more, and new travel advisories are released.

The following information is provided here:

As the owners of Winding Waters River Expeditions, we’ve greatly enjoyed sharing the adventure of whitewater rafting with our many guests. We understand in the current climate that a rafting trip in the outdoors and in pristine wilderness environments is exactly what many folks need right now. We also understand that the Coronavirus (COVID-19) situation is an entirely new one and we, like many of you, are working to understand and navigate what this means for travel today.

We want to reassure all of you that our top priority is, as always, the health and well-being of our guests and our crew. We are all in this together. Our crew is part of our family and you, our guests, are an extension of that family. Paul and I want to assure you that we’re doing our best to make sound decisions that are fair and in the best interest of all involved. Our decisions include the advice of front line medical professionals, official government channels, past lessons learned, and the daily changing climate of the situation.

We would like to thank you for navigating these times with us. The outdoors is and always will be the place many of us seek to recharge and find solace in the world. As we personally are keeping abreast of this situation between homeschool lessons with our kids’ Linden & Britton, we realize the world has changed dramatically for all of us. And we’re uncertain for how long all of this will last. Thank you to the many helpers out there, from our healthcare workers to the employees wiping down surfaces and keeping the shelves stocked with needed supplies. We appreciate your trust in us and we’ll make it through these uncharted waters together. We will update this post as more information comes to light relative to our 2020 Rafting Season. If you have any questions or comments, please reach out to us at 877.426.7238 or email us . Peace and health be with all of you.

~ Paul & Penny Arentsen

FAQ’s About the Current Coronavirus Situation

Please know that we will be updating these answers as we learn more hourly & daily regarding this virus
Are you still operating your trips?
At this time we are taking things a week at a time. We have rescheduled our trips through mid-June. Unless conditions prevent operations, we will be running our mid-June through September trips as scheduled. Federal, state, and local protocols are still evolving and we are following the Oregon and Idaho Phased reopening for our ability to operate for the 2020 rafting season.

For information on the Oregon Phased Reopening Plan, visit this site: https://govstatus.egov.com/or-covid-19/.

What should I do if I’m booked on a trip but health concerns make me wonder if I should travel?
We understand that we are traveling in uncharted waters and your health and well-being is our greatest concern. We, like you, are sitting tight and watching the ever changing environment surrounding this virus and its effect on all us. In these surreal times, we are deviating from our standard cancellation policy. If you decide not to travel due to health concerns, we suggest one of 2 paths:

Will travel insurance protect my vacation investment?
It’s best to get information directly from the travel insurance companies. Here is coverage information from Travelex Insurance as it relates to travel affected by the Coronavirus. With the current Coronavirus situation, you may want to consider the “cancel for any reason” (CFAR) coverage. This coverage must be purchased within 21 days of paying your initial deposit.

What precautions does WWRE take during trips & will new ones be implemented to help prevent spreading the virus?
On every rafting adventure, we will continue to implement sanitation procedures that follow best-practices and new protocols as they develop, set forth by the Center for Disease Control (CDC), World Health Organization (WHO), and state and local agencies . For the CDC guidelines, visit this site: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/prevention.html.

Each family, couple, or group of friends on a trip is considered a ‘Pod’. We will operate under the assumption that pods are comfortable being closer than 6′ together. We will plan on having 1 pod per boat with 1 guide. We have figured out a boat arrangement that allows for 6′ of spacing between the pod and our guide.

Our guides will be wearing face masks in the kitchen while preparing and serving meals.

What if I am unable to travel at the time of my trip departure due to a travel ban, or restrictions imposed by federal, state or local government authorities?
If an official travel ban has been issued that does not allow you to travel to or from your point of origin, we have 2 options for you:

What if WWRE is unable to operate during the date(s) of my trip due to Federal, state, or local mandates?
If we are unable to run our trips due to a closure by federal, state, or local authority, governmental intervention, our own decision based on the health and well-being of our guests, crew, and all humanity, or any other reason, we offer you the following option which deviates from our standard cancellation policy:

If I cancel or reschedule my departure, or WWRE needs to reschedule my trip, will WWRE cover my costs for pre or post-trip flights, car rentals, hotels or other associated trip expenses?
In the event of any cancellation or rescheduled trip, you are responsible for cancellation or change fees related to rental cars, pre or post-trip flights, hotels, etc..

What if I’m considering making a new reservation?
Please call us, we’re here to answer all of your questions and discuss options.

Where can I find trusted information about Coronavirus?
We believe it’s important to stay well-informed from trusted sources to have a complete understanding regarding this global health risk.

To this end, we rely on the following news and other health-related sources to stay current with the situation. Some of our sources, with accurate and measured information, include the following:

The post Coronavirus (COVID-19) and Winding Waters River Expeditions appeared first on Winding Waters River Expeditions .

Top White Water Destinations in North America

Tue, 03 Dec 2019 01:09:00 GMT

Looking to get a taste of the wild side here in North America? There’s no better way to experience the wonders of American rivers than with white water rafting. In addition to the thrill of the white water rafting experience, you also get a taste of the natural world in a way you can get anywhere else.

If you’re wondering what is white water rafting, this guide has you covered. We’ll explain the white water rafting meaning, and give you the lowdown on how to enjoy it safely with the help of Whitewater Raftings from Winding Waters. Read about some of our favorite white water rafting rivers in North America!

Key Takeaways

White water rafting offers an unmatched mix of adventure and natural beauty, letting you explore North America’s wild rivers like the Salmon, Snake, and Colorado in ways no other activity can.
The best white water rafting destinations —from Idaho’s Salmon River to Maine’s Kennebec—combine scenic wilderness, rich history, and rapids for every skill level, from beginners to thrill-seekers.
Understanding rapid classifications (Class I–VI) is crucial for safety and enjoyment; families can enjoy Class II–III waters, while advanced rafters can chase Class IV–V challenges.
The Pacific Northwest and Rocky Mountains feature world-renowned rafting routes that balance adrenaline-pumping rapids with serene landscapes and wildlife encounters.
Booking with Winding Waters River Expeditions ensures guided, all-inclusive rafting trips where expert guides handle safety, comfort, and logistics—so you can focus on the ride

To make the most of your next adventure, plan around seasonal flows —spring brings high water for thrill-seekers, while summer offers calmer conditions perfect for families and first-timers.

What Is White Water Rafting?

If you’ve ever asked what is river rafting or why is it called white water rafting, the answer lies in the bubbling, fast-moving water that creates rapids. The thrill comes from navigating these natural obstacles in an inflatable raft. You'll often see the term used interchangeably in other regions—like what is white water rafting in Spanish or the local experience of rafting en el rio atuel. We’ll also break down the white water rafting definitions to help you better understand this popular outdoor activity.

Best Rivers for white water rafting

Pacific Northwest Rivers

Salmon River

Location: Idaho

Rapid Class: III-IV

A primary tributary of the mighty Columbia River, Idaho’s Salmon River is universally considered one of the best white water rivers in not only North America, but the world.

What makes this river so special? First off, it offers a unique and unforgettable trip through the largest section of roadless wilderness and the longest section of undammed river in the lower 48. The section we raft, a 72-mile section known as “The Canyons,” is endless fun and whitewater for the whole family.

You’ll enjoy alpine forests winding their way to desert stretches, with a high variant of wildlife and flora & fauna throughout. This is truly a magical experience for any lover of white water and wild places.

Snake River

Location: Idaho

Rapid Class: II-IV

The Snake River is also a major tributary of the Columbia River. With its pristine headwaters in Wyoming, this iconic Northwest river winds through a remote section of Idaho. Our most popular trip on the Snake , a 79-mile trip from Hells Canyon Dam to Heller Bar, is a classic white water section. This trip weaves through North America’s deepest river canyon in North America, Hells Canyon .

This river is also loaded with a world class rainbow trout fishery and is loaded with historical sites, providing a rich cultural experience. This is truly the way white water rafting was intended to be enjoyed.

Grande Ronde River

Location: Oregon

Rapid Class: II

The final river on the list in the upper Columbia River watershed is the Grande Ronde River . This iconic river is world famous for its summer steelhead run, but is also a wonderful family-friendly class II white water float.

This 3 day float meanders through a roadless wild and scenic section of the “Ronde,” weaving through ponderosa pine forests and a deep basalt river canyon. This mellow float is great for children, but also for enjoying the scenery and experiencing the best Eastern Oregon has to offer.

Our favorite way to experience this trip as fly fisherman is through 5-day guided fly fishing floats . This lets you enjoy just how wild this river is and experience nature on a whole other level. There is truly no better way to get to know a river than to raft and fish it!

Rocky Mountains & Southwest Rivers

Colorado River

Location: Utah and Arizona

Rapid Class: II–IV

There may not be a river more iconic for rafting than the Colorado River. While it begins in Rocky Mountain National Park, its most legendary whitewater flows through Utah and Arizona.

The crown jewel is the 226-mile Grand Canyon section—remote, massive, and unforgettable. A 2-week wilderness journey through red rock canyons and deep desert gorges.

Spring brings high flows and big thrills; summer offers mellow floats for families and newcomers.

Arkansas River

Location: Colorado

Rapid Class: III-IV

Starting in the mountains of Colorado and flowing all the way to the Mississippi River in Arkansas, the Arkansas River is likely Colorado’s most well known white water river. With over 100 miles of incredible rafting opportunities, there’s something for everyone.

The Arkansas actually drops 5,000 feet from its headwaters near the continental divide in its first 125 miles. The river flows through multiple incredible zones, including the scenic Browns Canyon National Monument.

Whether you’re going through Brown’s Canyon, wide glacial valleys, or the thrilling Royal Gorge area, the Arkansas is a worthwhile white water bucket list destination for any seasoned rafter.

Southeast Rivers

Chattooga River

Location: Georgia and South Carolina

Rapid Class: III-V

This premier Southeastern river is one of the longest free-flowing (undammed) rivers in the whole country. While the east coast is not often thought of as a rafting mecca, this river should put that thought to rest.

The river is known for a stretch that flows from South Carolina into Georgia and offers 26 miles of continuous rapids. While this river offers rapids for all age groups, in the spring some sections boast class V rapids.

This remote gorge in SEC country is a unique and wonderful experience in a part of the country where wild places are harder to find.

northeast Rivers

Deerfield River

Location: Massachusetts

Rapid Class: II - IV

A unique New England experience, Western Massachusetts’ Deerfield River is a diamond in the puritanical rough.

This Connecticut River tributary, once a legendary Atlantic Salmon stronghold, provides some of the best white water opportunities in New England. This scenic river winds through New England villages and iconic Berkshire landscapes, with class II-IV whitewater throughout the journey.

While not as remote as some other rivers on this list, the Deerfield river is one of the more unique rivers. Nowhere else will you be able to get a taste of old, quaint, history-filled villages as you charge class IV rapids.

Kennebec River

Location: Maine

Rapid Class: III - IV

Draining a large part of Maine and residing in the heart of vacationland, The Kennebec River is about as close to a wilderness experience as you can get in the Northeastern United States.

The Kennebec River originates in Moosehead Lake in Northern Maine, and flows through backwoods through pristine wilderness. The river offers large rapids and is known for its 6-8 foot waves, providing an exhilarating ride for those hoping to get wet.

This river is a great summer destination when the weather is warm and the river can be run the entire summer (not possible with all rivers in glacier-less New England). The river is also filled with opportunities for swimming, trout fishing, and waterfall hiking. A true summer paradise.

Utah and Arizona

Rapid Class: II-IV

There may not be a river more ubiquitous with white water rafting than the Colorado River. Beginning in the headwaters in Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado, the best white water opportunities flow through Utah and Arizona.

The most essential white water trip on the Colorado of course goes through the 226 miles of the Grand Canyon. Trips through this red rocked, desert canyon are the definition of remote and big. Lasting 2 weeks, a float through this section is a true wilderness experience.

Beyond the canyon, there is still much to be explored on the southeast’s most prominent and powerful river. No matter where you raft, spring offers more thrilling flows, while summer offers gentler, mild flows for more relaxed floats.

Understanding the Rapids: Classes & Safety

Each rafting river is classified from Class I (easy) to Class VI (extremely difficult). You might be asking:

What is a class 3 rapid?

Are class 2 rapids dangerous?

Are class 3 rapids dangerous?

Let’s break it down. Class 2 whitewater and class 3 whitewater are generally safe for families. As you move up, class 4 white water, class 5 rapids or even class 6 river rafting provide extreme excitement. If you're planning an adventure, it's important to understand the different white water rapids levels , and overall white water classifications.

Experience the best white water rafting in North America with Winding Waters River Expeditions

The upper Columbia River watershed is truly as magical as white water can be. The Grande Ronde, Salmon, and Snake rivers are all unique waterways that provide unforgettable river experiences.

At Winding Waters River Expeditions , we lead fully supported rafting trips down these beautiful rivers. Not only will you get a true wilderness experience, but our guides provide everything you need and a comfortable experience.

Get in touch to learn more about our white water trips and to book the experience of a lifetime next summer! Also, you might want to check our Google Business Profile Reviews to learn more about what other people say about us!

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some of the most common questions people ask about white water rafting and the best destinations in North America.

6 Under the Radar Adventure Destinations in The United States

Mon, 04 Nov 2019 20:26:00 GMT

Key Takeaways

Discover under-the-radar adventure destinations across the United States—from Oregon’s Columbia River Basin to Montana’s Glacier National Park—for unforgettable outdoor experiences beyond the usual tourist spots.
Moab, Utah and the Olympic Peninsula stand out as bucket-list destinations offering a mix of canyoneering, mountain biking, surfing, and hiking through some of America’s most dramatic natural landscapes.
The Florida Everglades and Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness deliver rare opportunities to explore remote ecosystems, go glamping, paddle quiet waters, and reconnect with nature away from crowds.
Northwestern Montana’s Glacier National Park is a year-round playground for adventurers—perfect for skiing, hiking, and fishing against breathtaking alpine backdrops.
Winding Waters River Expeditions provides guided whitewater rafting adventures in Oregon, letting you experience the wild beauty of the Columbia River system up close while supporting eco-friendly tourism.
For your next U.S. adventure vacation , choose destinations that combine excitement, conservation, and serenity—ideal for couples, families, or solo travelers seeking authentic outdoor getaways.

Does urbanization have you down? Sick of the modern world and looking for an escape? Well drop that phone—get ready for the adventure of a lifetime! North America still has some of the most well‑preserved, wild places left in the world. From unique vacation spots in the United States, we’ve detailed some of our favorite adventures in America below to get you started on where to travel.

Whether you're planning a 4 day trips in the us, a wilderness vacation, or seeking adventure vacations, this guide gives you a great starting point for truly adventurous places to explore.

The Upper Columbia River Watershed near Joseph

Adventure Basecamp: Joseph, OR
Top Activities: White water rafting, steelhead fly fishing, hiking

Why It Stands Out

For the river rats, there may not be a more legendary place in the USA than the Columbia River watershed. This is particularly true in the cold water canyons and high desert landscape of the Snake, Salmon, and Grande Ronde rivers .

River Science & Conservation

Curious minds often ask: is the Columbia River freshwater? Yes, and it’s known for its diverse aquatic life, making it ideal for both rafting and fishing. Conservationists also follow the Columbia River fish passage and Columbia River dams salmon habitat study to monitor local ecosystems, ensuring these us nature vacations remain pristine.

The Columbia River drains a massive area a far north as Alberta and British Columbia and as far south as Nevada. The area around Joseph, OR, including the Snake, Salmon, and Grande Ronde rivers, is a major artery in the vast network of tributaries that make up the Columbia River basin.

The Ultimate Outdoor Experience

These rivers are legendary for their white water opportunities. For example, our Salmon River Rafting adventures offer exciting rapids paired with breathtaking canyon views. As these rivers wind through epic, prehistoric canyons and vistas you’re treated to exhilarating white water rapids. These waters are good for all abilities and ages, making this a great adventure destination to experience the best Northern America has to offer for white water rafting.

This area, particularly the Grande Ronde , offers some of the best fly fishing for summer run steelhead in the world. Unlike the winter run steelhead west of the Cascade Mountains, these high desert rivers of the Columbia offer the excitement of catching a fish from the ocean in a beautiful mountain range hundreds of miles from the sea! Those seeking an even wilder journey can explore the Snake River in Hells Canyon , one of the deepest and most dramatic gorges in North America.

Add in the nearby Wallowa mountains and the backpacking opportunities they afford, Joseph, OR is a world class adventure destination. We also offer private rafting charters for families, groups, and couples who want a custom wilderness experience.

Arches and Canyonland National Parks

Adventure Basecamp: Moab, UT
Top Activities: Hiking, canyoneering, mountain biking, rafting

Iconic Rock Formations

The Moab, UT area of Eastern Utah houses 2 of the most breathtaking national parks in North America: Arches and Canyonland National Parks . These these unique American vacations are known for their high desert environment and absolutely stunning geographic features. Said by some to look like Mars, Moab’s iconic red rock landscape should be on everyone’s bucket list.

Canyonland is Utah’s largest national park and features deep red canyons carved out by the mighty colorado river over millennia. The most popular area is Island in the Sky, a 1500 foot mesa that affords many epic views. There are also hundreds of miles of hiking trails throughout the sea of canyons to experience the wilderness backcountry. Just be careful, the vast network of canyons are easy to get lost in! This adventure destination is not for the faint of heart!

Arches National Park is known for its standalone sandstone formations. The area is a beautiful place to drive through and take in the wonder of the geology. Some standout formations include:

Balanced rock
The windows
Double arch
Tunnel arch

Trail Planning Essentials

Use a map of Arches in Arches National Park to locate Petrified Dunes Viewpoint, Garden of Eden Arches, and the Dark Angel Arches National Park trail. The region is great for short adventure breaks or a luxury adventure vacation that combines rugged hiking with spa time in Moab.

The Olympic Peninsula

Adventure Basecamp: Port Angeles, WA
Top Activities: Hiking, surfing, steelhead fly fishing

Lush & Wild

The Olympic Peninsula is a dream destination for outdoor adventurers. With its lush forests and alpine peaks, it’s easy to see why it’s a favorite for active vacation ideas and adventure weekends. Though most known for Olympic National Park , The “Peninsula” as Pacific Northwesterners call it, is a land of natural wonders and iconic mysticism.

Centered around the Olympic mountain range, the state’s 2nd-highest range, the peninsula is home to a legendary group of temperate rainforests. With such a large mountain range next to the open seas of the Pacific Ocean, the area does receive a lot of rain every year. In turn, this also creates some of the region’s premier winter steelhead fishing opportunities.

The hiking, particularly in the Hurricane Ridge section of Olympic National Park, offers incredible views of the range. The area’s many beaches, including Shi Shi Beach and Third Beach, offer beach camping and surfing opportunities without the crowds.

There really is nowhere like the Olympic Peninsula in the United States. If you’re looking for places to visit out west that combine lush nature and ocean views, this is one of the great outdoor vacations to take.

The Florida Everglades

Adventure Basecamp: Everglades City, FL
Top Activities: Birding, paddling, fishing, hiking

Unconventional Wilderness

Though Florida is not often thought of as an adventure mecca, the Everglades are solidly one of the most unique natural areas in North America. The diversity of wildlife, flora, and fauna make this large wilderness area ( Everglades National Park is the 3rd largest National Park in the United States) one of the most wild places in the country and a top adventure destination.

While the alligators and crocodiles may scare some people off, the area boasts some of the best paddling around. One of our favorite multi-day trips in the country is a multi-day paddle through the Everglades backcountry!

Comfortable Adventure

Want to go glamping? Options like glamping in the everglades make it a perfect combo of adventure and relaxation vacation. You’ll also find great spots for photography, especially if you love coloring pages of animals hard.

Other popular activities include bird watching over 360 different types of birds native to the area, fishing the emerald waters, and hiking through trails to experience the lush wilderness of the Florida Everglades.

Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness

Adventure Basecamp: Duluth, MN
Top Activities: Paddling, fishing, hiking

One of the most treasured areas of the country, and one of the least known pristine natural areas, is the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness area in Minnesota. This area butts up against Lake Superior and is very close to the Canadian border.

This over 1 million acre wilderness area was formed by glaciers, leaving a massive network of interconnected lakes and streams. The entire area is connected through both streams and portages, which are trails cleared for you to carry your canoe or kayak to another lake.

This is one of the last areas of the country, particularly in the midwest, that is as remote as it is. You can truly take off at a canoe launch and not see another soul except the many deer, moose, beaver, bears, timberwolves, and loons until you return to the boat launch upon your return.

Map & Navigation

Navigating via bwca interactive map is essential. Visitors explore hidden gems like Knife Lake BWCA.

I deal for wilderness adventures for adults, this area supports everything from adult adventure retreats to vacation outings and adventure activities for adults who want to unplug in a remote wilderness.

Northwestern Montana

Adventure Basecamp: Whitefish, MT
Top Activities: Skiing, trout fishing, hiking, paddling

Centered around the city of Whitefish and Glacier National Park , Northwestern Montana has truly turned into a mecca of the outdoor world.

Peaks & Trips

This year-round adventure zone is known for Glacier National Park above all else. This park, bordering on Canada, is known for its glacially carved mountains, mountain lakes, and unique wildlife, including wolves and mountain goats. It is one of the best adventure getaways in the United States to backpack.

Other notable areas include Whitefish Mountain Resort , which offers some of the best skiing in the state and a top winter adventure destination. Flathead Lake and the many rivers in the area offer incredible fishing, rafting, and water sport opportunities.

Frequently Asked Questions

Explore some of the most underrated adventure destinations across the United States — from Oregon’s wild rivers to Utah’s red rock canyons — and learn how to make the most of your next outdoor escape.

Experience the best of the American natural landscape with Winding Waters River Expeditions

Wherever your journey takes you—be it the Olympic Peninsula, Everglades, or Columbia River Basin Project—Winding Waters is here to help you go on an adventure worth remembering. Our Whitewater Raftings trips in Oregon let you explore some of the best places to see in the USA from a different perspective: floating canyon walls, casting into steelhead waters, and camping under the stars.

Contact us now to discover more about our adult adventures, adventure vacations for couples in USA, or simply ask what’s best for your next outdoor escape.

Curious what makes Winding Waters rafting trips so memorable? Our guests share their thrilling experiences—check out our Google Business Profile Reviews !

What to Pack in Your Day Bag

Tue, 23 Jul 2019 01:11:00 GMT

We love taking folks down the river for their first whitewater adventure, or their fiftieth. We understand if you are new to rafting you may have some questions, especially about what to pack .

Key Takeaways

Pack smart for your whitewater rafting trip by separating essentials into a small day bag (“river purse”) for quick access and a large bag for camp items.
Include sunscreen and sun-protective clothing like hats, long sleeves, and sunglasses to prevent burns during extended sun exposure on the river.
Always keep rain gear handy in your day bag—weather can change quickly, and staying dry helps maintain comfort and safety throughout your rafting adventure.
Store essential medications and personal hygiene items where they’re easily reachable, and inform your guide of any medical needs before launch.
Use dry bags or waterproof cases to protect electronics and valuables from water damage while rafting.
Before your trip, review your rafting gear checklist with Winding Waters River Expeditions to ensure you’re well-prepared for an unforgettable experience.

When you arrive for our pre-trip planning meeting you will be given two bags — one large bag and one small bag. The smaller bag will become your day bag or what we like to call your “river purse”. Your day bag will hold all the items you will want access to throughout the day. Your larger bag will be buried by other bags on the gear boat and inaccessible when not at camp.

The following is a list of items you may want to include in your day bag:

Personal Protection Essentials

Sunscreen

And lots of it. You will want to regularly reapply sunscreen throughout the day, especially if you are sweating or jumping in and out of the water. Alternatively, you can wear layers of sun protection (see above) if you do not want to bother with lotions. If you are fair-skinned, combine with sun protection items like whitewater rafting clothes , river rafting clothes , and rafting outfit pieces to help prevent burns.

Sun Protection

Sun protection differs from sunscreen. It includes long-sleeved t-shirts, pants, hats, sunglasses, umbrellas, sarongs , and handkerchiefs. When rafting you are exposed to the sun for long periods of time. On trips like our Snake River in Hells Canyon expeditions, shade can be limited, making good sun protection essential. Even with copious amounts of sunscreen, you can still become sunburnt. It is best to be prepared with items to protect you from the sun. We recommend bringing a backup hat and pair of sunglasses in the event of loss in an out-of-raft experience.

Weather-Ready Packing

Rain Gear

The weather can be unpredictable and we like to be prepared for whatever comes our way. Packing rain gear in your day bag will ensure you stay warm in the event of rain. Those joining our Grande Ronde River rafting trip often encounter shifting conditions, so packing smart is key. It won’t do you any good to pack it in your larger bag that is buried on the gear boat. A 5l dry bag , 8 litre bag , or 10 litre bag size is perfect for storing your jacket and extra layers. Even if rain is not in the forecast it is wise to pack along. Both rain jackets and rain pants are useful, or we have wetsuits we can provide if you would like an additional warm layer.

Health and Hygiene

Medications and Toiletries

You can still go rafting, even if you have a medical condition. All of our boats are equipped with first-aid kits to treat minor injuries. If you require the use of an inhaler, EpiPen, insulin or other medications please be sure to carry those with you in your day bag. It would be useful to let your boat captain or fellow passenger know where they are located prior to launch in the event you need help accessing them.

If you’re preparing for a multi-day Salmon River adventure , keeping essential medications close ensures a smooth experience on the water.

Additionally, we do provide feminine hygiene products in our groover setup at camp but they will likely be unavailable while on the water. Be prepared with any personal toiletry items you need while traveling down the river.

Tech & Valuables

Camera/Cell Phone

Protect your tech in a dry bag or pelican-style case. If you’ve ever seen a vacation raft scene go wrong, you’ll know the river doesn’t spare electronics. Wondering what are dry bags or whats a dry bag? Visit our site or call—we’ll help you prepare.

You assume the risk of losing any number of items to the powers of the river. Being prepared with back up items in your day bag is always a welcomed idea.

Extra Hints for Packing

Looking for rafting ideas or wondering what to take on a rafting trip? Don't overpack, but do include things to take on a float trip like dry snacks and a float trip list. Some guests even throw in a compact over it raft cover or plastic rafting toys for fun. On longer trips like our Hells Canyon 5-Day Rafting Adventure , thoughtful packing can make each day more comfortable.

What to bring on a white water rafting trip? Simple: start with gear for white water rafting, ask about the age limit for white water rafting, and make sure your rafting package fits your adventure level. If you’re on a long journey—say what to pack two weeks in Europe—we can guide you on how to keep your river kit light.

Join Us on the Water

Ready for your next great river adventure? Whether you're planning your first whitewater rafting trip or returning for more, Winding Waters River Expeditions is here to provide an unforgettable experience. Explore our special interest rafting trips for photographers, families, and groups looking for a custom experience. Let us take care of the details so you can enjoy the rapids, the views, and the memories.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some helpful answers to common questions about what to pack in your day bag for a whitewater rafting trip.

If you have any further questions about what or how to pack you will have a chance to ask plenty of questions at the pre-trip meeting the night before you launch. Be sure to visit the boathouse store for any items you may have forgotten to bring. For specific questions, always feel free to call us. We look forward to seeing you soon.

Thrilling, refreshing, unforgettable—see why guests rave about Winding Waters raf ting trips by checking out our Google Business Profile Reviews t oday!

I Have a Medical Condition. Can I Still Go Rafting?

Mon, 10 Jun 2019 21:11:00 GMT

We try our best to accommodate all of our guests’ needs on multi-day river trips . If you have a medical condition you are concerned will prevent you from enjoying an overnight trip, we may be able to help in most cases.

We always encourage our guests with specific needs to contact us before booking a trip. This helps to ensure a safe and fun experience. Winding Waaters River Expeditions does not ask for your medical history in order to join us on a multiday trip. However, there are certain conditions that are imperative for us to know before launching. If you have a condition that will prevent you from swimming or could put you at risk by not having immediate medical care access, it is in your best interest to notify us before we leave the boat ramp. The following are common issues we encounter and take pride in providing solutions for.

Key Takeaways

Most medical conditions don’t prevent rafting. Guests with health concerns can still enjoy whitewater rafting by informing the Winding Waters team in advance for personalized support and safety planning.
Accessibility and comfort are prioritized. From cots for guests with joint or back issues to mobility-conscious rafting setups, every detail is designed to make rafting accessible for all, including seniors.
Medication safety is well-handled. Guides provide coolers for temperature-sensitive medications and day bags for easy access to essentials like inhalers or heart meds during the trip.
Dietary and allergy accommodations are available. The team offers gluten-free, vegan, and allergy-sensitive meal options while maintaining safety measures like epinephrine in every first aid kit.
Trained guides ensure peace of mind. With certified rafting experts, satellite communication, and first aid readiness, guests can trust that safety is always the top priority on the river.

Preparation enhances the experience. Understanding gear, rafting safety, and river classifications helps guests with medical conditions feel confident and ready for adventure.

Joint Mobility

Stiff joints can affect us all. Sleeping on the ground can be uncomfortable for those who have had hip or knee replacements, back injuries or other joint problems. We gladly provide cots to any of our guests who request them. The elevated cots make it easier to get up in the morning, quite literally. Rather than having to get yourself off the ground, the cots allow you to roll over and sit up upright.

One of the joys of a fully guided trip is your tent and cot are set up and ready for you by the time you arrive at camp. There is no need to learn how to set up and take down the cots. We’ve got you covered.

As part of our Whitewater Raftings , we also consider physical mobility when planning gear and raft guidelines. We take pride in supporting guests of all abilities, including white water rafting for seniors.

MEDICATIONS

If you require daily medications, pack them along with your personal toiletries and other items in your dry bag . If your medication requires refrigeration such as insulin, our guides will reserve a spot in one of our coolers for such items. Please let them know if you will need access to it while on the river so the guides can plan accordingly.

If you have medications you will need during the day such as heart medication or an asthma inhaler, keep it handy in your day bag. We provide day bags for you the night before at our informational meeting. Keep your medication alongside your sunscreen, chapstick, and camera for easy access. We don’t recommend keeping it in your pocket unless it is in a waterproof container and your pocket has zippers. We do carry a full first aid kit on each boat for emergencies.

Safety is our top priority. Our team is well-versed in whitewater rafting safety and prepared for situations such as a whitewater rafting accident. If you’re wondering -- is white water rafting dangerous? Rest assured that with us, you’re in safe hands.

FOOD AND ENVIRONMENTAL ALLERGIES

Gluten-free? Keto? Nut-free? Vegan? Our food guru and chef, Hilary , is able to provide options for most food allergies and diets. One thing we love just as much as running rapids is providing delicious, locally sourced meals for our guests. Let us know how we can be sure to align with your dietary needs.

If you have allergies to bees, hornets, yellow jackets or any other stinging insect and carry your own epi-pen, keep it in your personal day bag while on the water. You are much more likely to encounter them while at camp than on the water. It is wise to keep it available and near you at all times. We are prepared with epinephrine in each boat’s first aid kits. However, if you are known to have an anaphylactic response to stings, it is best to carry and provide your own medications.

If you have a medical condition, it doesn’t necessarily mean you can’t join the trip. In the event of a medical emergency, we have a satellite phone to contact emergency personnel. Rest assured we have your best interests in mind. Our well-trained staff will ensure your safety every step of the way.

If you have any questions pertaining to medical conditions, please contact us directly. For guests who prefer a smaller or more personalized setting, we also offer private charter rafting trips . It is unlikely you are going to surprise us, so no need to feel embarrassed. It is our pleasure to craft a rafting trip that is fit for you. Keeping us informed enables us to do that to the best of our abilities. We understand every guest is unique. For questions like how old do you have to be to go rafting, or what the age requirement for white water rafting is, we provide personalized info.

Wondering about gear? Our guides will explain about gear for whitewater rafting and white water rafting essentials. We’ll advise you on what to wear whitewater rafting. From what shoes to wear white water rafting to whitewater rafting clothes, we’ve got your wardrobe covered.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are answers to the most common questions people ask about rafting with medical conditions and how Winding Waters ensures every guest’s safety and comfort.

Make Your Trip Unforgettable with Winding Waters

From great white water rafting destinations to curated wilderness escapes, Winding Waters is your go-to for unforgettable adventure. Our Whitewater Raftings are crafted with your safety, comfort, and thrill in mind.

Whether you’re concerned about deaths from whitewater rafting, dangers of rafting, or asking is rafting safe, we’re here to guide you every step of the way—with certified guides, first-class safety equipment, and a passion for people.

Join us and guide a raft, explore a Class VI rafting thrill , or just soak in the wild beauty. From start to finish, we’ve got everything you need.

You can also explore our special interest rafting trips tailored for photographers, families, and wildlife lovers.

Want a real taste of adventure? Read firsthand stories from our guests on Google Business Profile Reviews and see why Winding Waters is a rafting favorite.

The 25 Best Naturalist Quotes from our 5 Favorite Naturalists

Mon, 29 Apr 2019 18:23:00 GMT

Here at Winding Waters River Expeditions , we’re constantly inspired by the wisdom of naturalists from yesteryear. On all of our trips through the Pacific Northwest’s finest rivers , we develop an almost spiritual relationship with the natural world around us. Preeminent naturalists spoke to this relationship and inspire outdoor enthusiasts to this day.

Key Takeaways

Naturalists shaped modern conservation. Icons like John Muir, Theodore Roosevelt, and Gifford Pinchot helped establish the foundation of America’s National Parks and forest management systems, inspiring generations to protect the wild.
Nature and philosophy go hand in hand. Thinkers like Henry David Thoreau reminded us that connecting with nature is not just recreation—it’s a path to self-discovery, mindfulness, and moral clarity.
Observation leads to appreciation. From John James Audubon’s bird studies to Muir’s wilderness writings, the art of observing the natural world deepens respect for every living thing and encourages environmental stewardship.
Conservation is an active responsibility. The writings and actions of these five naturalists emphasize that protecting natural resources requires awareness, advocacy, and sustainable practices.
You can cultivate your own naturalist spirit. Immersing yourself in the outdoors—through rafting, hiking, or simply being still—helps you rediscover your bond with nature and carry forward the legacy of these great conservationists.

In this post, we’ll talk about some of our favorite naturalists and the best naturalist quotes that encapsulate their wild spirits.

John Muir

Perhaps, the United States’s most influential naturalist-explorer, John Muir is known for his explorations through California’s Sierra Nevada mountains. The Scotsman wrote about his experiences and conviction to conservation in his writings focusing on the appreciation and protection of the natural world.

Known as “The Father of National Parks,” Muir’s writing and advocacy has helped protect countless natural areas in the United States. Some notable parks he directly helped protect through his writings include:

Often called “John of the Mountains,” his spirit lives on throughout the country in public wild spaces to this day.

Our top 5 favorite John Muir quotes

Henry David Thoreau

Is there any naturalist who blended the natural world with the American spirit quite like Henry David Thoreau?

Known for his seminal work, Walden Pond , and his deeply influential essay Civil Disobedience , Thoreau truly embodied the Naturalist spirit. The former detailed his 2 years living on a remote pond in Concord, MA, and the latter detailing his philosophy that government shouldn’t force you to make moral compromises.

Disobedience was written shortly after coming back from Walden Pond, and was a direct response to both slavery and imperialism shown in the Mexican American war.

This combination of works show us how a life guided by the natural, free world is something more than just a recreational pursuit, but one guided by a philosophy of respect and connection with the wild.

Our top 5 favorite Henry David Thoreau quotes

John James Audubon

James John Audubon is one of the premier American ornithologists. Audubon identified 25 new species of birds and completed the masterwork, The Birds of America .

The volume contains 435 true-to-life sized watercolors of birds from across the country engraved on plates. In completing the book, Audubon traveled the country with nothing but his gun, art materials, and his assistant to discover and capture the electric energy of the nation’s birds.

While he did not found the organization, the Audubon Society is committed to continuing his legacy through the protection of birds and their habitats.

Our top 5 John James Audubon quotes

Theodore Roosevelt

To those who love the modern conservationist spirit of the United States, Teddy Roosevelt needs no introduction. As president, Roosevelt enacted a series of conservation measures, including:

All in all, Teddy placed 230,000,000 acres under public protection, most of which was done under executive order.

This conservation-minded approach to land management irked many members of his own party from western states, including Oregon’s own Senator Charles Futon. Eventually, Congress limited Roosevelt’s ability to set aside land through executive order, but not before he established 21 forest reserves immediately before the restrictions went into place.

Many of the wild landscapes they helped protect still thrive today, including iconic areas like the Hells Canyon Snake River , where adventure and conservation meet.

Our top 5 Theodore Roosevelt quotes

Gifford Pinchot

The inaugural chief of the National Forest service and the 28th Governor of Pennsylvania, Pinchot was in Teddy Roosevelt’s conservation circle and an important figure in the era’s conservation movement.

As the leader of the National Forest Service, Pinchot was the de-facto leader of much of the Western United States federally-owned land. Under his leadership, the Forest Service established a more conservation-minded approach to land management. He also established better practices to forest management and was a large proponent of what he called conservation ethic, which called for scientific methods in forestry management.

Our top 5 Gifford Pinchot quotes

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some helpful answers to common questions about what to pack in your day bag for a whitewater rafting trip.

Pining to find your own naturalist spirit?

At Winding Waters River Expeditions, we lead river journeys down some of the most wild and scenic rivers in the entire country, The Salmon River , The Snake River , and the Grande Ronde River . Many of our trips will guide you through multiple days in remote sections of wilderness where you can truly get away from it all.

Read about our rafting and fly fishing trips that will help you explore not only our beautiful rivers, but your own naturalist spirit. Contact us to learn more about how to get more in touch with the wilderness. And if you’re looking to immerse yourself in nature for several days, our Salmon River 6-Day Rafting Adventure offers the perfect way to reconnect with the wild

Learning to Kayak on the Salmon River with Will Howerton

Sat, 20 Apr 2019 22:34:00 GMT

WWRE is bringing back an old favorite this summer! We will be offering a revamped kayak course July 16-20, 2019 in partnership with Central Oregon Whitewater Academy (COWA). The trip will take place on the lower portion of the Salmon River known as The Canyons. In just 5 days and 53 miles Will Howerton, owner and operator of COWA, and his crew will equip you with the skillset to confidently run class III-IV rapids.

Floating the Salmon River is more than a scenic experience—it's a true introduction to thrilling water navigation. Our program complements the journey, giving you a full Salmon River experience that balances safety, education, and adventure.

Key Takeaways

Learn kayaking from an expert: The Salmon River kayak course is led by seasoned instructor Will Howerton of Central Oregon Whitewater Academy, who brings over a decade of experience teaching beginners to tackle class III–IV rapids with confidence.
Perfect location for beginners: The Lower Salmon River offers ideal conditions for learning—featuring pool-and-drop rapids, safe recovery zones, and manageable whitewater that helps students master essential kayaking skills.
Five days to real progress: Designed as an immersive five-day whitewater kayaking course , participants quickly advance from novice to independent paddlers ready for future rafting and kayaking adventures.
Safety-first instruction: With a 1:4 instructor-to-student ratio , certified guides ensure safety and personalized coaching, maintaining a 10–15 second response distance during every rapid.
More than kayaking: The adventure extends beyond the river—visitors can enjoy nearby Salmon Hot Springs , explore local shops , or plan future trips like Middle Fork Salmon River rafting for an even deeper outdoor experience.
Experience the spirit of Winding Waters: Whether you're joining for beginner kayak lessons or scenic Whitewater Raftings , Winding Waters River Expeditions delivers a balance of safety, skill-building, and authentic adventure on the Salmon River.

Will Howerton has over a decade of experience in running whitewater in both Idaho and Oregon. He got first got his feet wet on the banks of the Main Payette river outside of Boise, Idaho and was instantly hooked to the sport of kayaking. To learn more about Will, his past boating and guiding experience and what the WWRE course will offer, read on.

Meet the Instructor: A Q&A with Will Howerton

Where are you from?

Born and raised in Wendell, Idaho about an hour and a half east of Boise.

How long have you been kayaking?

I have spent about 12 years on the water. I started getting into whitewater with my uncle when I was 19. The first time I went out on an inflatable kayak and flipped in the rapids on the Main of the Payette like three or four times on the Main of the Payette. I thought it was the most fun thing I had ever done and I was instantly hooked. I went every weekend with him.

In 2011 there was a flood year and I saw all the crazy kayaking that was happening and wanted a piece of it. I started to take kayaking more seriously by going to roll classes and going down the Main of the Payette with some other beginners. From that year I went from not knowing how to kayak at all to running some straightforward class V rapids.

What inspired you to teach kayaking?

I worked for Cascade Raft and Kayak in Idaho and they put on a lot of kids camps. All the kids always looked like they were having so much fun. The instructors seemed to actually enjoy their work, 100 percent of the time. It seemed a lot less intense than guiding and a much more casual atmosphere.

More than anything I was inspired by my mentors. They truly wanted to see you become a confident kayaker and they wanted you to succeed. I wanted to teach others how to kayak and share with others how fast you can be a class III or IV kayaker. I wanted to show them how quickly they can progress with the right instruction and beginner kayak lessons . It is common for most people to only kayak class III whitewater and never progress beyond that.

What makes the Salmon River an ideal location for the WWRE kayak course?

The Lower Salmon Ranger Station area offers shorter, bigger rapids that can be thrilling and forgiving, allowing for plenty of recovery time. This creates a platform advantageous to mastering beginner and intermediate skills, similar to white water kayaking courses held in theme park-like setups. The Salmon Whitewater Park is an excellent example of beginner-friendly features.

The Canyons section of the Idaho Salmon River is dynamic and forgiving. With middle fork of the Salmon features just a region away, this spot provides ideal water flow and technical variety for first-timers.

We also highlight Whitewater Raftings as part of our offerings, ensuring even those who want less intense paddling still enjoy the river's beauty.

Pool and drop rapids have advantages for beginners like being able to see a clear line down the rapid, allowing you to follow and mimic the instructors or other attendees before you join the fun.

Do you have to have strong upper body fitness to take this course?

Absolutely not. It is always beneficial to have more physical fitness but I would say stamina is more helpful than anything else.

What would you like for participants to know before showing up for the course?

This program is designed for very first time beginners to intermediate kayakers who may be wanting to work on their technique. There are no prerequisites for the class — just a desire to learn and have fun.

What do you hope participants leave with from this course?

I want them to be confident that they won’t need another kayak lesson for a long time. That is why it is designed to be a five-day course and not just two. It really makes a difference. After this five-day course, most won’t need another beginning kayaking lesson or additional white water kayaking courses for quite some time.

How do you help someone that has flipped their boat or in an emergency situation?

Before you think about what to do when your boat flips , always remember that, the number one thing you get from a guided trip is safety. Our instructors abide by a 10 to 15-second rule — at least one guide will always be within a distance of 10 to 15 seconds from your boat at all times. We are trained in being able to pull you right side up in a variety of different conditions.

Before each rapid, we decide a line up of how we will enter the rapid. It depends on who is feeling the most confident and varying skill levels. I can read their faces, their technique, energy level, and their fear. For example, perhaps someone was doing great at the beginning of the day but are overly tired at the final rapid of the day. I will simply have them placed closer to an instructor in the lineup.

Our goal is to have a ratio of 1:4 instructor to a student, at the largest. As I said, safety is the number one thing you are paying for in a guided program. If you prefer to let a seasoned guide lead the way, explore our guided whitewater rafting trips here.

What is the most challenging part of learning how to kayak? How to do you overcome it?

Focus is really difficult for most people. Being able to focus on a reference point or goal of where you are trying to get to when there is something intense like whitewater stealing your attention. It’s similar to skiing. If you look at the tree, you’ll hit the tree, but it is natural to look at the tree. You want to focus on the path you want to take.

How do you help clients overcome fear?

I always tell people, “fear is in your head but the technique is what is real and that is what will get you safely down the rapid.” Many nervous clients later pursue rafting Middle Fork Salmon River or even apply for middle fork Salmon River permit programs.

You are not going to be forced to do anything if you are afraid. I think it is important to remember that you can almost always walk around a rapid, or you can get in an inflatable kayak or a raft.

What is the most rewarding part of learning how to kayak?

I would have to say learning how to use the energy of the river. Most people have a tendency to use their muscles when they first start paddling and it can feel like the river is pushing you around. Once you learn the technique, communicating with the river with your boat and your body you can gain energy from the river in addition to your physical effort.

If you have ever been interested in learning how to kayak, this is your chance. COWA can provide kayaks to those who need them and beginners are encouraged to join. COWA instructors are hand selected and all have a similar teaching style to provide consistent instruction throughout the course. Book your spot today!

Things to Do Beyond Kayaking

While you're here, explore other activities like the main Salmon River store, soak in Salmon Hot Springs Idaho, or browse the local Salmon River Wine & Spirits shop.

You might also consider floating the Salmon River by raft or canoe, exploring where is the Salmon River, or experiencing what's in a river firsthand. If you're lucky, you’ll catch the right Middle Fork Salmon flows or get access through river permits Middle Fork Salmon for a future trip.

For those craving a broader adventure, the Middle Fork Payette River, North Fork Salmon River Idaho, and even nearby Middle Fork Feather River await exploration. You can also explore a Hells Canyon rafting adventure to experience the Snake River’s legendary rapids.

Whether you're drawn to the Middle Fork of Salmon River map or intrigued by the tales of Marsh Creek Outfitters, Winding Waters can guide you through it all—including fly fishing and curated whitewater rafting trips .

Frequently Asked Questions

Learn everything you need to know about learning to kayak on Idaho’s Salmon River with expert instructor Will Howerton and the team at Central Oregon Whitewater Academy (COWA).

Ready to paddle your own story?

Want a real taste of adventure? Read firsthand stories from our guests on Google Business Profile Reviews and see why Winding Waters is a rafting favorite.

Let Winding Waters River Expeditions introduce you to a world of adventure—from beginner kayak lessons to scenic Whitewater Raftings on the legendary Salmon River. Book now and find out what's so special about this unforgettable journey or, if you’re ready for a multi-day expedition, check out our Salmon River 6-Day Rafting Adventure . For a more customized group experience, consider our private charter trips .

How to Become a River Guide: Interview with Robin Pace

Tue, 12 Mar 2019 15:12:00 GMT

Have you ever thought about becoming a river guide but weren’t sure how to make it happen? Being a river guide is an exciting job that requires a certain mindset and technical training. To learn more about what it takes to be a river guide, we interviewed Robin Pace, one of our trip leaders, to learn more about how she came to be an experienced river guide on the Snake , Salmon and Grande Ronde rivers.

How long have you worked for WWRE as a guide?
It has been 6 years and I am coming into my seventh season. I started out as a swamper on the gear boat, helping to set up camp before guests would arrive that afternoon and moving gear.

How did you get into it? Why?
It was kind of like a post-college, quarter-life crisis. I didn’t want to go to grad school and I didn’t want to get a “real” job. I had come to visit a friend in Imnaha and she was reflecting on regretting never becoming a raft guide. It ignited a fire inside me. She literally dropped me off at the boathouse doorsteps to drop off my application. Every single person I talked to about it advocated for me to do it.

What was the interview process like?
I remember one of the questions on the application was “how do you feel about cell phones?” In my mind, I was like “it would be great to not need to look at one all the time anymore.” I went through a formal interview with Paul that was like any other job interview. He asked me about my background, personal strengths and weaknesses, and why I wanted to be a river guide.

The training was on the main of the Payette in May during spring runoff. It started the day after I graduated from BSU. I walked in the graduation ceremony and then jumped in a van in a wet suit heading to the river. I was the only person in the course that had actually planned on joining a rafting company however, my brother became a guide several years later. They made us jump into whitewater rapids and swim them. They also had us purposefully flip our boats in the river and then practice flipping them back over, as well as pulling people back into the boat.

What potential dangers are there?
It’s so broad, so many potential causes of why things happen the way they do. Truthfully, it is mostly trying to manage what you can and trying to handle it as it comes. Usually, it’s helping guests with sunburns and hangovers. I’ve had people cut their feet open on rocks on rare occasions but watching out for dehydration in kids is a big one.

What kind of physical training do you do?
I found that working as a cook in the offseason worked really well — it really works your forearms. Also, nannying because throwing kids in the air is also a good workout. I know I need to do more push-ups because of the snowpack this year. In reality, the only true way to get in shape is by rowing. There is no way to prepare your hands for the first day back at the oars. I am fully prepared to have blisters on my hands after the first trip of the season because of the amount of snow we have seen this year.

How do you stay calm?
I try to be very active in talking about potential situations beforehand. Guests have always come back and said they were thankful for knowing what to do when they find themselves in the water. They simply just followed the instructions I had given before we got on the boats — it’s like explaining a fire drill. If something does happen, you can’t really be scared until it’s over. You’re in the flow state in the middle of all the action. It is likely the situations I describe won’t happen but you automatically just do what exists in your head. That’s why we have safety talks.

What is in your own personal dry bag?
I literally bring everything. Zinc sunscreen is a must. A big sun hat for myself and multiple hats for others because I might have made them swim and lose theirs — somebody always loses a hat. I always bring a flat sheet to sleep on and a river dress — they are so nice when you get to camp. Extra shoes, and by shoes I usually mean sandals.

What is the best advice you have received?
Double check the hose is attached before cleaning out the groover.

What advice would you give a first-time river guide?
Don’t take things too seriously. Don’t try to get it all right.

Get groovy with the groover.

Also, awareness is key. If you are being aware, you will know how you plug in best with guests, other guides and your environment. It allows you to see animals as well as not burn the brownies. Watching how other guides do things and how other people row helps you to understand how to do it too.

So, what do you think it takes to be a good river guide?
You basically just have to not mind getting dirty and enjoy living outside under the stars. The ability to cook in a Dutch oven is essential and you must be a storyteller — both for the guests’ benefit, as well as your own passing of time.

Why a Multi-day Whitewater River Trip is a Chance to Connect

Mon, 11 Feb 2019 19:09:00 GMT

On a Winding Waters River Expeditions trip, you have the opportunity to spend quality time with your family members because the guides at WWRE can be trusted with all the cooking, cleaning and transport. The memories you leave with from the depths of the Snake River in Hells Canyon , the beautiful white sand beaches of the Salmon River , or the lazy meanders of the Grande Ronde River will be shared for years to come. It is something that will create new bonds and strengthen old ones.

It allows everyone to revisit the wild pieces of themselves that can get lost in our busy day-to-day schedules. Unstructured time, for both children and adults, is important for the mind, body and soul. Allowing your children or your significant other to see you as your most authentic self fosters a deeper connection between both of you. After all, how can you beat building sandcastles during the day or laying underneath the Milky Way at night with the people you love?

Creating Lifelong Memories

You will not easily forget watching your child catch their first fish or run their first rapid. A multi-day rafting trip not only offers you the chance to witness it but to talk about the experience around an open fire together later that night. Getting to relive those moments in the years to come can take you right back to the times on the river you once shared together.

Enjoy watching your children spend quality time together without the distractions of technology and day-to-day life. Commonly, we see bonds between siblings grow deeper with each day spent on the river. There are so many things to do together, helping to find shared interests in the outdoors. A shared outdoor experience has shown to be positive to the health and growth of many different types of relationships, even between siblings of varying ages.

The environment and comforts of being on a river trip generate new stories and provide an opportunity to share old ones. It can bring up past experiences that you had with your own family — memories you otherwise wouldn’t have remembered.

Oral histories are becoming lost as we spend more time on our phones and at our computers. By removing those technologies, the art of storytelling comes alive once again. Afterall, who doesn’t enjoy a good fish tale?

Make sure to bring along a journal on your trip to write down the memories you don’t want to forget. You will re-read them in the future. It gives you a chance to share your experience on the river with your future children or grand kids before taking them on their first river trip.

Get on the River

Giving the gift of quality river time to your family is one of the greatest gifts that you can offer. Sit back on a raft, enjoy the scene and listen to the giddy screams as you survive another splashy rapid. WWRE will take care of the details, so that you don’t have to.

Don’t limit yourself or your family to a single trip. We have many families, couples and groups who return year after year and look forward to spending that quality time on the river together. Book a trip to schedule some committed time with your loved ones today.

The History of Whitewater Rafting in Oregon

Fri, 25 Jan 2019 17:21:00 GMT

Rivers are as much a part of the Pacific Northwest as the rainy weather, dense forests, and legendary Salmon population. Interesting how these are all connected!

With all of these factors playing such a part in the history and culture of our beautiful state and region, it’s no wonder that white water rafting has turned into something of a state sport.

In this post, we’ll explore why is it called white water rafting , how it evolved from simply a way to travel rivers to a sport that adventurers from around the world travel thousands of miles to experience.

The Columbia River drainage

Before we take a look at the history of rafting itself, let’s take time consider why we’re able to raft here in the Joseph area: The Columbia River drainage.

The mighty Columbia River rafting experience draws water from areas stretching deep into British Columbia and Alberta, to as far south as Utah and Nevada. It’s such a big area and large amount of water that the Columbia River has the second largest drainage in the United States after the Mississippi River!

Unlike the Mississippi River however, much of the river and its major tributaries, which include the Snake , Salmon , Grande Ronde , and mainstem Columbia Rivers, lie in mountainous regions. These rivers are changing elevation rapidly, which leads to our area’s famed white, rushing water—ideal for white water rafting Columbia River trips.

A means for travel

While we love the area’s mountains for their beauty, recreational opportunities, and white water rafting, they posed a massive logistical hurdle for travel prior to the advent of highways. Travel in those days was limited, and traversing snowy, treacherous mountains was dangerous and time consuming.

For this reason, the rivers and valleys they created offered the easiest way for extended travel in the area. Unlike mountain passes, rivers avoided dense forests, strenuous elevation gain, and allowed you to haul cargo long distances with little effort.

This doesn’t mean river travel did not have its drawbacks: you still had to find a way back up river, white water posed a challenge for unskilled rivermen, and it was dangerous in the days before high buoyancy whitewater rafting raft and lifejackets.

Still, for native people and early settlers of the region, white water boating and the regions river “highway” system made their lives a lot easier.

Native people and white water rafting

The original people of the Northwest were members of the many tribes of the region. As such, the tribes surrounding the Snake River were the first to leverage the power of the mighty rivers and are credited as the true inventors of white water rafting. These tribes included:

Nez Perce
Yakama
Warm Springs
Colville
Cowlitz
Spokane
Cayuse
Palus
Umatilla
Coeur d’Alene

While these tribes did use rafting for transportation, they primarily traversed white water for fishing. Salmon fishing was (and is) a deeply entrenched part of native culture in the Pacific Northwest, and these tribes developed advanced methods for Salmon fishing.

Salmon populations ebb and flow with the seasons; generally coming up the Columbia from the Pacific Ocean in two separate runs in the spring and fall. Since these Salmon runs were the primary food source for these tribes, catching enough during these windows was crucial for the survival of their people. Owyhee River whitewater rafting and Umpqua River rafting styles evolved from these cultural practices. Whitewater Raftings in these areas today trace their legacy back to these tribes.

White water rafting provided an opportunity to more effectively fish these waters, increasing their efficiency and providing them with enough food to last the periods where there were no fish in the water. White water rafting was born out of this cultural necessity.

Lewis and Clark

As Lewis and Clark barreled west, a key ally in their journey were the native people of the American West. Nowhere was this more true than in the Pacific Northwest.

Lewis and Clark did not know what to expect as they traveled farther and farther away from civilization. Moving through forests and rivers was difficult, and though native guides assisted in their journey, they did not have the cultural knowhow of how to move through such rugged terrain.

Enter the Nez Perce tribe, who gave the overwhelmed explorers rafts and guides to move down the Columbia River towards Astoria. Like that, the Nez Perce both introduced white water rafting in Texas to Western culture and helped Lewis and Clark reach the Pacific Ocean.

Popularization and rubber rafts

After Lewis and Clark traversed the Columbia, rafting as a way to move through the region became more popular. Still, with the technology of the era (or lack-thereof) and the relative unknowns of the rivers, trips throughout the area were still extremely dangerous and difficult. While it was still safer and easier than other means, survival was not guaranteed.

Native people and Lewis and Clark were not using the highly durable and easy-to-navigate white water rafts of today. The most technologically available raft of the day was a craft called a keelboat. This boat combined many advantages of boats from the river and included a streamlined hull shape, a steering device called a keel, and the ability to carry a large number of people and gear.

Eventually, an expedition of the Platte River in Nebraska by Lieutenant John Fremont led to the creation of a rubber raft reinforced with a wooden frame. John W. Powell’s expedition of the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon in 1869 employed the same style boat. This turned him into a legend and the modern white water raft as the best way to traverse high gradient white water rivers.

The rise of white water rafting as a sport

The spirit of adventure reverberates throughout the sport of whitewater rafting Olympics to this day. Once common methods were developed for rafting through white water, adventure seekers beyond those simply attempting to travel were interested in white water rafting.

The first ever commercial white water rafting Columbia River trip took place here on the Salmon River in Idaho in 1940. Particularly in the Pacific Northwest, the sport took off and non-professionals were able to take advantage of exploration opportunities in the many rivers the region has. Today, gear and extensive training allow for whitewater rafting to be a fun and exciting adventure for all ages.

White water raft in the legendary waters of the Snake and Grande Ronde Rivers

Given the history of the region and its importance in the development of our beloved sport, the holy waters of the Columbia River drainage have turned into a mecca of whitewater rafting.

The rivers are still largely preserved to what they were during Lewis and Clark’s days. This means you can experience the adventure of years past on the wild rivers that defined the American West.

Winding Waters River Expeditions offers a number of trips for all ages, experience levels, and trip lengths. We think everyone should be able to enjoy these pristine rivers that are so crucial to the development of our beautiful state, region, and country.

Thrilling, refreshing, unforgettable—see why guests rave about Winding Waters rafting trips by checking out our Google Business Profile Reviews today!

The Brain and Nature

Wed, 28 Nov 2018 19:02:00 GMT

So what is the answer to “recharging” our minds? It exists just outside. Research shows that activity in the prefrontal cortex slows down when people are exposed to a natural environment. And we feel the effects ourselves as guides here at WWRE—once we reach the river and push off from the boat launch, there are no more distractions but the task at hand. We witness the benefits of adrenaline-pumping rapids rafting paired with scenic silence, offering more than just thrills—it's healing. Relaxation takes over, and the trip ends in testimonials like these:

“A Winding Waters River Expeditions “glamping” get-away is the perfect antidote for stifling summer traffic jams and the daily grind.”

“–The scenery: Un-freaking-believable. Just go see it, my description will not do it justice.
–The wildlife: cougar, big horn sheep, deer, turkeys, eagles, just to name a few.”

“Our trip was a four day, three night adventure on the Salmon River . Very quiet, peaceful, and no crowds. There were several options available from a SUP, kayaks, paddle rafts to large rafts where one just embraces all the beauty.”

“This was one of the best vacations I have had in a long time. The crew served as our guides, our chefs, our hosts and our constant inspiration. The whole time I was on the river I was completely in the moment, forgetting any worries of the past or future.”

And with so many of our country’s wild places under fire, it’s more important than ever to get out and enjoy their beauty. The more we know and love them, the more we’ll strive to protect them for future generations.

Mental Health Benefits of Rafting

Th e benefits of boating for mental health are extensive: improved mood, reduced stress, and better sleep.
Whitewater rafting quotes from our guests always touch on how emotionally recharged they feel.
Floating through the Salmon River Canyon, Idaho takes you deep into nature and out of your mind's constant buzz.
According to recent mental health clinical trials, time in nature helps restore attention and increase problem-solving ability.
Even publications like mental health magazines and Mental Health Perspectives are highlighting the role of outdoor experiences like body rafting.

How the Experience Impacts Us

Guests often report increased types of contentment after just a few days unplugged.
It's not uncommon to see changes in mental health scorecard results after nature immersion.
From the mental health box subscription trends to rising mental health keywords, society is slowly catching on to the need for natural resets.

Rafting with a Purpose

At Winding Waters, our whitewater rafting trips offers more than just scenic thrills. We guide trips that immerse you in the power of nature while also giving you space to reflect and reconnect. Whether you’re curious about the white water rafting meaning, wondering about white water rafting or whitewater rafting terminology, or asking how many calories burned white water rafting in a day, we’ve got answers and experiences waiting.

Reset your mind, energise your body, and reconnect with nature on a journey with Whitewater Rafting by Winding Waters. From breathtaking scenery to mental clarity, it’s time to experience the river the way it was meant to be.

Don’t just take our word for it—visit our Google Business Profile Reviews and see why Winding Waters white water rafting trips keep guests coming back!

All You Need to Know About Using a Toilet on a White Water Rafting Trip

Tue, 13 Nov 2018 20:53:00 GMT

If this is your first time white water rafting or embarking on a rafted multi-day fishing trip , you’re probably excited. You should be! Rafting trips are often even more fun than our customers expect. It’s a trip you’ll be talking about for the rest of your life.

Key Takeaways

A rafting groover is a must-have for multi-day white water rafting trips , serving as a clean, portable toilet system required by law on protected rivers like the Snake, Salmon, and Grande Ronde.
Using a groover helps preserve the pristine wilderness by ensuring human waste is properly contained and disposed of—protecting the environment and keeping river campsites sanitary.
Modern rafting toilets are hygienic and convenient , equipped with toilet seats, hand-washing stations, and sanitation supplies, offering comfort even deep in the wilderness.
Guides handle all setup, cleaning, and transportation of the groover , so guests can simply enjoy the river and relax knowing everything is taken care of.
Following proper groover etiquette ensures a smooth and respectful group experience , keeping the river trip comfortable, sustainable, and enjoyable for everyone.
Choosing an outfitter like Winding Waters River Expeditions guarantees a safe, eco-conscious, and well-organized rafting adventure , complete with expert guides, quality gear, and unforgettable scenery.

One thing many of our clients don’t necessarily think of when planning their trip, however, is where they will go to the bathroom. While you may have experience going #1 out in nature without much worry, fewer have experience with going #2.

Enter the rafting groover, a piece of equipment as necessary as the raft itself for a successful multi-day rafting trip .

In this post, we’ll go over just what a groover is, why it’s important we use one, and what you can expect from the experience when out on the beautiful rivers of eastern Oregon.

What exactly is a groover?

A rafting groover is a portable toilet. It’s illegal to raft certain rivers without one, including the rivers we raft here at Winding Waters River Expeditions — the Snake , Salmon , and Grande Ronde rivers.

Groovers are an outstanding piece of equipment, as they are designed to be as clean and secure as possible. There’s even a comfortable toilet seat for buckets on the groover. You’ll have all the conveniences of your home’s camp washroom even out on the river: toilet paper, hand sanitizer, trash can, and full hand washing station, plus a beautiful view of a wild and scenic Pacific Northwest river.

When not set up for use, groovers lock securely, keeping everything where it needs to be. When emptied at the end of the trip, a secure hose is used to empty the groover, meaning the outside of the groover stays clean throughout the process.

Fortunately for you, this will not be a worry for you on your trip. Your guides will handle setup, packing, transportation, and cleaning of the groover.

Fun fact: Why is it called a groover?

Back in the day, instead of stable, lockable vault boxes that prevented leaks, army surplus ammo cans were used to hold waste. Ammo cans or Rocket boxes are rectangular in shape, and when sat on to do “business” would leave grooves on the users’ backsides. These left grooves on users' backsides—hence, "groover definition" and "groover meaning" were born. Today’s groover box and camping groover are far more sophisticated and clean.

While similar cans are used today to hold all sorts of items on the river, groover toilet systems have come a long way in recent years. We can all be thankful we have access to high-tech, vault toilets over the ammo cans of years past. You won’t be balancing on a bucket of poo or dealing with poop on the road. And you’ll never have to worry about get pooped on stories or any fun with feces tales—unless you want to swap some around the fire.

Why is the groover necessary?

As mentioned above, it is actually illegal to not have a portable toilet when on the river. Even if it weren’t, there would be no other place to go. The places we float at Winding Waters River Expeditions are in the wild. The camp sites are un developed and bathrooms are simply not available where we spend our days and evenings.

We’ve had brave souls tell us in the past they’d rather just “go in the woods” to avoid using the groover, one fella even dared us to find his cat hole. (We found it.) Due to many of these rivers’ protection by the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act and their conservation management, it’s bad practice to go anywhere but the toilet. The camps that we use feel wild and untrammeled, but the truth is they are used almost every night of the summer.

We want to make sure the rivers stay clean so rafters from the Pacific Northwest and the rest of the world can enjoy them for generations to come. The groover is an important part of this effort, and a necessary piece of equipment for our ability to sustainably raft these rivers. That means no poop in a bucket, no poopon, and certainly no dookie in toilet without proper containment. Our Whitewater Raftings prioritize environmental responsibility, so whether you’ve got road trip bathroom needs or just i gotta go to the bathroom, we’re ready.

How will the groover be used on our rafting and fishing trips?

When out on the river, we try to make going to the bathroom as easy and comfortable as possible for everyone. This is your trip and we want to make sure you’re able to relax at the end of a full day rafting.

To ensure this, we have a protocol for using the groover that goes as follows:

The first thing your guides do upon arriving at camp is set up the groover. The groover is always set up in a private space (often with a beautiful view) that will give you peace and quiet.
We will also set up other facilities to add comfort to the experience. This includes a hand wash station to wash your hands, toilet paper, hand disinfectant, trash can etc.
An important part of the system includes the bathroom key. This key is not a literal key, but an object you will take with you to the bathroom to signify the facilities are occupied. This is often located around the hand washing station.
Once you arrive at the groover, you will notice there are actually 2 groovers. The Hot Pink one is for going #1 only. No TP or anything other than pee should ever go in the hot pink groover! Solid waste and toilet paper go in the other groover. There will also be a trash can there for any feminine hygiene products and baby wipes if you brought some of those.
In the morning before heading out for the day, there will be a last call before securing the groover for that day’s adventure.
If nature calls during the day, let your guide know and they can set up the “day groover” for you.

Like everything else included in Winding Waters River Expedition trips, the entire experience is designed for your enjoyment. We want you to have all the comforts of home while on the river so you can focus on enjoying the solitude and beauty of eastern Oregon. The groover and our camp system are designed to give you the best possible experience.

Are you ready for the adventure of a lifetime?

At Winding Waters River Expeditions, we offer a number of trips on three of the Pacific Northwest’s premier rivers: the Snake , Salmon , and Grande Ronde rivers. These rivers are all wild and scenic rivers, and give you the feeling as if you and your expedition group are the only ones in the world. Our longer expeditions, like the 6-Day Snake River in Hells Canyon adventure , let you truly experience the region’s wild beauty.

Trips are all inclusive and include:

Frequently Asked Questions

Here’s everything you need to know about using the toilet, or “groover,” during a white water rafting or multi-day fishing trip with Winding Waters River Expeditions.

Want a relaxed pace through Oregon’s forests? Explore our Grande Ronde River Rafting Adventure to see what’s waiting.

Questions about the groover or anything else with our expeditions? Let us know! We’re happy to answer any questions you have or explain what you should expect when on one of our expeditions.

Hear it straight from the river! Read what other rafters had to say about Winding Waters in our Google Business Profile Reviews —your next adventure awaits.

Best Shore Lunches & Meals for Whitewater Rafting

Tue, 02 Oct 2018 19:47:00 GMT

Dreaming of a whitewater rafting adventure ? You’ve probably been imagining flying through Class IV rapids, seeing incredible wildlife, and soaking up the sun on the sandy banks of the Grand Ronde or Snake River . But have you thought about what you’ll eat?

Key Takeaways

Plan your whitewater rafting meals around energy and convenience. Choose high-protein foods, fresh veggies, and easy-to-pack snacks to stay energized throughout your rafting adventure.
Keep food safety a top priority. Use separate coolers for meats and perishables, minimize opening your coolers, and always wash hands before food prep to prevent contamination.
Balance flavor with practicality. Grilled meats, plant-based proteins, and simple side dishes like rice or fruit salads are ideal for river trips since they’re filling and easy to prepare outdoors.
Stay hydrated and refreshed. Bring plenty of water, electrolyte drinks, and fruit-infused beverages to combat heat and dehydration during your float trip.
Simplify your experience with guided rafting trips. Many whitewater rafting companies, like Winding Waters River Expeditions, include gourmet riverside meals tailored to your dietary needs—so you can focus on adventure, not logistics.
Pack smart for river life. Include essentials like dry bags, multi-burner stoves, and fun extras to make your whitewater rafting experience both safe and enjoyable.

In today’s post, we’ll share our favorite shore lunches and meal ideas for whitewater rafting trips. You’ll also learn about the tools and equipment you’ll need to cook a great meal and much more.

Rafting works up adrenaline…and your appetite

A fun day of rafting is a surprisingly good workout. Over the course of a multi-day rafting trip, it’s important to eat to keep your energy up. When you’re hungry you’ll also be less attentive, which could lead to unsafe rafting.

Also, don’t forget the importance of staying hydrated. The air in Eastern Oregon is dry and we get lots of sun. It’s easy to become dehydrated.

Remember, rafting should be fun. And we guarantee you’ll have more fun when you’re eating and enjoying delicious food and drink — whether you’re planning a day trip or a full-blow n river float party.

Planning the Perfect Float Trip Menu

Packing smart and delicious food can make or break your float trip. Think about easy-to-carry meals, float trip food that doesn’t require refrigeration, and snacks that keep you energized all day long. Here's what to consider:

Meats & proteins

If you’re planning a rafting trip yourself , start planning your meals around protein. Your body needs protein for energy and there are lots of great options. A few popular choices include:

For the most part, these are easy to cook on a portable grill or over a fire. Some simpler high-protein options may include:

For adventurous eaters, try delicious kefta recipes — spiced ground meat skewers that grill beautifully over a flame. Don’t forget about fish either. There’s nothing more delicious than a fresh-caught fish cooked right on the banks of the river. Great food in river settings can make for unforgettable memories.

Vegetable Proteins

If you or a member of your rafting party are vegetarian or vegan, here are a few plant-based proteins:

Veggies

Even on a rafting vacation, don’t forget your veggies. They’re delicious, healthy, and a great addition to any meal. A few great ways to include vegetables in your rafting menu include:

And if you’re floating past Louisiana, you might even catch the aroma of some menus available nearby — known for its Southern flavors and waterfront charm.

Side Dishes

Pair your main meals with easy and filling sides. Sides like wild rice, smashed potatoes, or fruit salads are perfect for river trips. For quick bites between rapids, pack plenty of snacks for the river.

When planning sides, focus on versatile options that are either easy to prepare in a single pot or that can be made before you leave. A few of our favorites:

These are some of the best snacks for kayaking groups as well. You can also brainstorm other kayak food ideas to suit dietary preferences.

Best Snacks for Kayaking & Rafting

Need something portable? Try these:
• Trail mix
• Fruit leathers
• Jerky
• Cheese and crackers

These are some of the best snacks for kayaking and perfect snacks for kayaking groups as well. You can also brainstorm other kayak food ideas to suit dietary preferences.

Appetizer Ideas at Camp

Evening riverside meals are a great time to bust out the campground appetizers. Bring a few like roasted nuts, stuffed mushrooms, or dip platters. When you're planning an unforgettable float weekend, don't forget party river floats and the food to go with them.

When planning sides, focus on versatile options that are either easy to prepare in a single pot or that can be made before you leave. A few of our favorites:

Breakfasts

Whatever you do, don’t forget about the most important meal of the day. Plan a high-energy breakfast and you’ll be ready for whatever the day has in store.

Drinks

Like we said, it’s important to stay hydrated. Sometimes you want something a little more flavorful than plain water. Think about bringing:

Desserts

You didn’t think we were going to forget dessert, did you? Who doesn’t love a sweet treat at the end of a long day?

Cooking on the River

Unfortunately, cooking on the river isn’t as easy as turning on the oven or microwave in your home kitchen. You’ll need to be smart and plan ahead. If you’d rather skip meal prep entirely, private charter rafting trips let you enjoy custom itineraries with everything handled for you.

Lunches That Beat the Heat

If you need field trip lunches that don't need refrigeration , try options like nut butter sandwiches, wraps with shelf-stable hummus, and grain salads.

Refrigeration

One of the biggest challenges on the river is keeping ingredients cool and fresh over the course of a multi-day trip. Start with high-quality coolers and plenty of ice. Separate items into coolers based on when they’ll be used. Keep your day’s drinks and snacks in one cooler and the food you’ll be eating tomorrow in another. And create a “meat cooler” to keep meat juices from contaminating other foods. And consider cooking meats prior to your trip. Remember to open your coolers as little as possible. Ice preservation is the name of the game, especially in the hot summer temperatures. The more you open your coolers, the faster ice will melt. Don’t forget your whitewater raft menu plan! It's the key to smooth meals, especially when you’re floating all day.

Heat

Campfires aren’t always allowed due to dry weather conditions and forest fire risks. So you’ll need another heat source like a camp stove. Stoves with more than one burner make it easy to prep large meals. Just don’t forget to bring enough fuel for your whole trip.

Pot and pans

Leave your non-stick teflon pans at home. On the river a cast iron dutch oven, skillet, and griddle are all you’ll need. They hold heat, cook evenly, and are easy to clean.

Sanitation

Staying healthy on the river on a multi-day expedition is a #1 priority. Prevent food contamination by washing hands A LOT. Have a hand wash station on hand and supply hand sanitizer at the front of every food buffet line. And wear latex/nitrile gloves when preparing foods, especially raw meats.

What to Bring to the River

So what should you pack for a float trip? Here’s a quick guide to what to bring to the river or what to bring tubing on the river:

• High-protein snacks
• Coolers and ice
• Multi-burner stove
• Plenty of water and electrolyte drinks
• Fun extras like waterproof speakers and fun things to bring to the river

Don’t forget your river floating essentials — from dry bags to sunscreen and first aid kits.

Let us handle the cooking

Here at Winding Waters River Expeditions our guided whitewater rafting adventures include meals . Our guests LOVE it. They don’t have to do any planning or worrying about what and how to cook. They just enjoy the outdoors and the world-class rafting. Then when it’s time to stop for a meal, they’ll enjoy fresh gourmet food prepared from local ingredients.

We can accommodate virtually any diet, including:

Good food fuels epic adventures. Whether you're snacking mid-float or cooking dinner at sunset, planning the right menu — from float trip snacks to kayak food ideas — ensures everyone stays energized and happy.

Looking for whitewater rafting?

Whitewater Raftings offer more than just thrilling rapids — we help you build memories through outdoor fun and unforgettable riverside meals.

Now that you’ve got the float trip food ideas and snacks for kayaking all set, if you’re ready for the full experience, join our Hells Canyon 5-Day Rafting Adventure for world-class rapids and riverside meals you’ll never forget. It’s time to make those river dreams a reality. Whether you’re looking for a family vacation in Idaho, a fun-filled river float party, or a thrilling day of Whitewater Raftings , we’ve got you covered!

Don’t just take our word for it— check out our Google Reviews and see why guests love rafting with us!

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are the most common questions people ask about planning and enjoying great meals on a whitewater rafting trip.

Top Whitewater Rafting Destinations in The World

Mon, 14 May 2018 19:15:00 GMT

There are rivers great for whitewater rafting around the world! Every continent (with the exception of maybe Antarctica) has world class opportunities for whitewater rafting thrill seekers!

In this post, we’ll outline some of the global whitewater rafting destination on our bucket list.

Key Takeaways

Idaho and Oregon lead the pack for world-class whitewater rafting, with the Salmon and Snake Rivers offering everything from scenic family floats to challenging Class V rapids.
The Noce River in Italy and Zambezi River in Africa stand out as premier international rafting destinations, combining stunning natural beauty with adrenaline-pumping whitewater experiences.
For adventure seekers craving remote thrills , the Magpie River in Canada and the Upano River in Ecuador deliver unforgettable journeys through untouched wilderness and vibrant ecosystems.
The Futaleufú River in Chile and North Johnstone River in Australia offer extreme Class V rapids and unmatched scenery, ideal for expert rafters seeking the world’s toughest runs.
The Sun Kosi River in Nepal provides a rare Himalayan rafting experience, merging cultural immersion with challenging rapids that descend from the world’s highest peaks.

Winding Waters River Expeditions makes exploring these destinations effortless with multi-day guided trips through Idaho and Oregon, complete with gourmet meals, luxury camping, and expert safety support.

The rivers of Idaho and Oregon

Country: United States of America

Another scenic favorite is the Grande Ronde River in Oregon , known for its remote beauty and wildlife.

We may be a little biased, but the Pacific Northwest truly has some of the top rated white water rafting in the US. Below, we’ve listed two standout destinations in our globally recognized whitewater rafting region.

The Salmon River

One of the best rafting destination in the entire world, the Salmon River Idaho combines world class rapids with beautiful scenery for a truly unforgettable rafting trip.

The longest undammed river contained within 1 state in the United States outside of Alaska, the Salmon river is one of the last untouched rivers in North America. The river is packed with deep canyons, sandy beaches, and rapids of varying difficulty, meaning there are trips suitable for experts rafters and families alike.

If you're curious about what is white water river rafting, the Salmon River is the perfect classroom. From class 3 whitewater to class 5 rafting, the range of class rafting experiences makes it ideal for everyone.

Experience epic views along the Salmon River Trail, catch glimpses of wildlife, and even try your hand at Salmon River Idaho fishing. Let Winding Waters’ Whitewater Raftings guide you through an epic journey through fly fishing zones or the thrilling Salmon River Run.

The Snake River through Hells Canyon

Combining the natural beauty of Oregon and Idaho, the deepest river canyon in North America , and rapid classes for the whole family, the Snake River through Hells Canyon is a rafting trip not to be missed. Here you’ll encounter class 4 whitewater rafting alongside natural beauty.

This legendary route runs 51 miles through the crystal-clear water of Hells Canyon all the way to Oregon. Filled with class III and IV rapids along the way, this whitewater is unique given the Canyon’s depth, which reaches almost 8,000 feet deep at some points!

The route takes you through one of the most beautiful regions in the country. With natural beauty combined with historical sites to take in, this river is great for more than just whitewater thrills. The Snake River, often compared to parts of Zambezi White Water Rafting, offers both excitement and serenity.

Experience the world-famous Idaho-Oregon rafting region as it was meant to be experienced

Winding Waters River Exploration will take care of everything so you can enjoy these wild rivers as they were meant to be experienced.

When you raft with Winding Waters River Expeditions, you’ll…

Experience world-class whitewater runs, including class II, III, and IV rapids
Enjoy delicious gourmet meals made from fresh, local ingredients
Sleep under the stars in our deluxe and luxurious camping equipment
See miracles of nature, including Bald Eagles, Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep, geometric columnar basalt, beautiful wildflowers, and much more
Swim in warm, crystal clear waters

Plus, all equipment and transportation you’ll need is included. The perfect way to experience the rivers of the Pacific Northwest.

Explore Our Multi-Day Trips Through World Class Rapids

Noce River

Country: Italy

Given the thousands of years of development on the continent, there are few untouched areas of Europe left for world-class whitewater. Northern Italy’s Noce River however, is still wild and filled with thrills.

The Noce is one of Europe’s most exciting – and beautiful – whitewater rivers. Located in the Val di Sole, or valley of the sun, the Noce is fed by the alpine glaciers of the Dolomites, one of Italy’s most famous mountain ranges.

The river itself boasts class IV-V rapids, including a stretch of class V rapids through the gorges of Mostizzolo that are one it’s most famous features. Though this section is known for its difficulty, there are plenty of sections of this 16 mile stretch that all experience levels can enjoy! This river is a mecca for those wondering, "is white water rafting dangerous?"—it absolutely can be, especially here.

Zambezi River

Country: Zimbabwe and Zambia

The Zambezi river is known worldwide as the river containing Victoria Falls, the largest waterfall in the world. Just below Victoria Falls however, is one of Africa’s most excitings stretches of whitewater and is home to extreme white water rafting in the Zambezi River Valley.

Known as the Batoka Gorge, this 15-mile stretch below the falls is an exciting stretch of river that’s set against the backdrop of one of the most distinctly beautiful areas of the world. Known as “Slam-bezi” given it’s difficulty and punishing waves, the Zambezi should only be rafted by extremely experienced rafters. Also, make sure to watch out for the crocodiles and hippos that blanket the area. Just look at the Zambezi River Map, and you’ll understand the scale of this category 5 white water rafting experience.

Upano River

Country: Ecuador

Set amongst the rainforest of the Ecuadorian jungle, the Upano river is one of the most remote and exciting whitewater rafting rivers in the world.

Generally starting out of the village of Macas, the river winds past small villages and breathtaking waterfalls, including the Namangosa Gorge area. While it may take awhile to get to Macas (it is one of the most remote towns in Ecuador), rafting amongst the wildlife and nature of the Amazonian rainforest is an experience you’ll never forget.

Magpie River, Canada

Country: Canada

Located in northern Quebec in remote pine forests not accessible by road, the whitewater of the Magpie river is like nothing you’ve ever seen before. On clear nights you can even see the aurora borealis, otherwise known as the northern lights!

Starting on Magpie Lake, which can only be accessed through a float plane, you’ll cascade down the river through rapids of varying difficulty, camping on river islands throughout. You’ll eventually reach Magpie Falls, an exhilarating end to your Northern Canadian trip.

Futaleufú River, Chile

Country: Chile

Welcome to White Water Rafting Patagonia . The Futaleufú River, starting amongst the glacial lakes of Patagonia in Chile, offers one of the most unique rafting experiences in the world-- class 5 rapids. The water is blue due to the minerals from the glacial lakes, and the river winds through the high alpine scenery, offering an incredible experience completely different from the other South American river on this list.

Known locally as Futa River, the Rio Futaleufu Rafting experience is world-class. The Futaleufú is also known for its diverse range of rapids, with sections for all skill levels. That said, it is also known for its multiple regions of class V rapids that are challenging for even seasoned rafters, this is also one of the most dangerous white water rafting regions in the world—but totally worth it for seasoned paddlers.

North Johnstone River, Australia

Country: Australia

The tropical landscape of Northern Queensland, Australia offers an incredible backdrop for North Johnstone River. Located in the volcanic gorges and and rainforests in Palmerston National park, the North Johnstone is easily Australia’s top whitewater destination.

Talk about hardest white water rafting in the US? Australia’s North Johnstone gives it a run for its money. As you float through the class V and IV rapids, you’ll see dense rainforests, waterfalls, and basalt cliffs that make this journey breathtaking. In order to get to the start point of this trip you’ll have to be helicoptered in, meaning you’ll see plenty of wildlife, including the extremely dangerous saltwater crocodiles and pythons. While the remoteness and lethal creatures make this a dangerous destination, for expert rafters this trip is worth it!

Sun Kosi River, Nepal

Country: Nepal

Located amongst the world’s highest peaks in the Himalayan mountain range, the Sun Kosi River in Nepal on the border with Tibet is a truly unique rafting experience. The river flows from high in the Himalayas down to Ganges river, one of the most important rivers in the world.

The river features class V whitewater through remote, narrow gorges and dense forest and jungle. This is one of the more difficult rivers on this list, and should only be attempted by experienced rafters.

Frequently Asked Questions

Explore the world’s most thrilling whitewater rafting destinations — from Idaho’s Salmon River to the Zambezi’s raging rapids — and learn what makes each one unforgettable.

Are you as excited as we are for world class rapids?

If you're looking for white water rafting we’ve got you covered with expert-guided Whitewater Raftings across Idaho and Oregon’s best rivers like the Salmon River, Snake River, and beyond .

Winding Waters River Expeditions specializes in multi-day rafting experiences where you’ll enjoy gourmet meals, luxury camping, and expert safety—all while immersed in nature.

Wondering if our rafting trips are worth it? Dive into our Google Business Profile Reviews and see why guests love every wild, scenic moment with Winding Waters.

Ready to ride the rapids? Book your Whitewater Raftings trip with Winding Waters today and explore the wild rivers of the Pacific Northwest !

Rafting: An Unforgettable Family Friendly Vacation

Mon, 19 Mar 2018 23:19:00 GMT

Already planning your family’s next summer vacation? Are you looking for a one-of-a-kind outdoor experience that’s great for both kids and adults? Want to get off the beaten path and experience the wilderness without the crowds you’ll find at national parks? Don’t want to miss out on luxurious amenities and delicious food? Want someone else to handle all the planning and details, allowing you and your family to bond and relax?

A fully guided whitewater rafting trip from Winding Waters River Expeditions might be the perfect vacation for you and your family!

At Winding Waters River Expeditions we offer a wide variety of multi-day whitewater rafting trips throughout the summer. You’ll find us guiding families on trips down the:

Snake River through Hells Canyon
Salmon River
Grand Ronde River

In today’s post, we’ll talk about why adventurous family groups love our guided rafting trips and how you can start planning your trip!

WHAT Kids Love

Our whitewater rafting in Eastern Oregon and family vacations Idaho are perfect for kids as young as 5 years old. Our guides love helping kids discover the fun of rafting and showing them everything nature has to offer!

Kids are curious, adventurous, and just want to have fun! White water rafting with kids is the perfect way to help them engage with the natural world around them.

Wildlife

Our whitewater rafting trips offer kids (and adults) the opportunity to see incredible animals in their natural habitats. On our trips, your kids can see Bald Eagles, River Otters, Bighorn Sheep, Rainbow Trout, Smallmouth Bass, Sturgeon, and other incredible animals!

Our guides will teach them about the animals they see and they’ll be amazed by the incredible animals Mother Nature has to offer.

History & Geology

Most kids (and many adults) don’t realize just how rich the history of the natural world really is.

On whitewater rafting trips, our guides will arrange for brief stops to explore pictograph and homesteader sites along the river. There’ll be plenty of opportunities to learn about the people that inhabited the area hundreds or even thousands of years ago.

In addition to human history, we’ll teach you and your family about how the rivers and canyons were formed by flowing water over millions of years! We’ll show you how rock formations changed and evolved over time and how the river you’re floating on came to be!

Adventure

Looking for some serious adventure fun? Kids (and parents) will love the fun of rafting under the care of our professional guides through world-class whitewater rapids. It’s like a natural rollercoaster—pure vacation adventures at their best!

Learning New Skills

It’s amazing how fast kids can absorb new information. Our guides are great teachers and love helping kids learn new skills. During your family white water rafting vacation, your kids might learn how to:

Paddle a kayak
Fish for Rainbow Trout and Smallmouth Bass
Accurately identify different animals and plants
Much more…

WHAT Parents LovE

We know that moms and dads need to have a fun time, too!

As parents ourselves here at Winding Waters River Expeditions, we understand the need for a vacation where you can sit back, relax, and not worry about the details. Our rafting trips are perfect family vacations- we take care of it all.

When you organize a road trip or camping trip, it’s up to you to do all the planning and all the work. But when you book a whitewater rafting trip, we do it all. Our guides:

– Cook delicious healthy meals from local ingredients (ask us if you have special dietary needs or preferences)
– Set up and break down camp every day, including luxurious tents
– Create a fun-filled plan for each day, including activities and itinerary

Your guides will take care of every detail. You just have to be ready to enjoy an unforgettable family vacation that everyone will love!

Questions From Moms and Dads

“What Else Is There to Do in the Area?”

You might be interested in exploring the Joseph, Oregon area either before or after your whitewater rafting trip. There’s plenty to do for kids and adults:

Visit the farmers market
Ride mountain bikes
Eat at awesome restaurants like Terminal Gravity Brew Pub
Take a hike around Maxwell Lake

Want to know what else there is to do near Joseph? Read more in our guide to the area.

“Is Rafting Safe?”

We take great pride in watching out for every possible risk for our guests.

You’ll receive expert instruction from our guides before (and during) your trip. We provide helmets, life jackets, and the other safety equipment needed for a fun and relaxing adventure.

“My Kids Spend More Time On Their iPads Than They Do Outside. Will They Like Rafting?”

You’d be surprised how fast kids will forget about video games and iPads when they’re enjoying the great outdoors. Our guides will show them natural wonders and keep them engaged and having a fun time. One tip: We recommend that parents set a good example by minimizing their own screen time, too!

“What Do We Need to Bring On Our Trip?”

Start by checking out our trip planning guide here .

A few tips for families:

Don’t bring irreplaceable toys and stuffed animals
Leave electronics at home
Bring a few books to read at night
Don’t forget sunscreen
Bring a few snack treats to reward good behavior (s’mores are great!)
Camera: GoPros are a great way to capture memories

Book Your Family Rafting Vacation Today!

Our fully guided whitewater rafting trips fill up fast!

Whether you're planning one of the most popular family vacations in US, or looking for all inclusive Grand Canyon family vacations, Winding Waters offers unforgettable experiences. We even offer Grand Canyon rafting trips for families and western vacations for families that are fun, safe, and truly unique.

Call us today at (541) 432-0747 and let’s plan your best family getaway yet.

Curious what makes Winding Waters rafting trips so memorable? Our guests share their thrilling experiences—check out our Google Business Profile Reviews!

Happy 50th Anniversary Wild & Scenic Rivers Act!

Thu, 01 Mar 2018 21:02:00 GMT

National Wild & Scenic Rivers Act

2018 marks the 50th year of the National Wild & Scenic Rivers Act. We have this act (and Congress) to thank for looking ahead and preserving public access and the environment for today and tomorrow. The National Wild and Scenic Rivers System was created by Congress (Public Law 90-542; 16 U.S.C. 1271 et seq.) to preserve certain rivers with outstanding natural, cultural, and recreational values in a free-flowing condition for the enjoyment of present and future generations. Rivers are broken into 3 classifications: wild , scenic , or recreational .

Wild River Areas – Those rivers or sections of rivers that are free of impoundments and generally inaccessible except by trail, with watersheds or shorelines essentially primitive and waters unpolluted. These represent vestiges of primitive America.

Scenic River Areas – Those rivers or sections of rivers that are free of impoundments, with shorelines or watersheds still largely primitive and shorelines largely undeveloped, but accessible in places by roads.

Recreational River Areas – Those rivers or sections of rivers that are readily accessible by road or railroad, that may have some development along their shorelines, and that may have undergone some impoundment or diversion in the past.

NE Oregon Rivers

In our neck of the woods, we have 3 rivers with sections that been designated one of these classifications:

Snake River in Hells Canyon : December 1, 1975: ‘Wild’ (32.5 miles from Hells Canyon Dam to Pittsburg Landing) ‘Scenic’ (34.4 miles to below Dug Bar) Total — 66.9 miles.
“The outstandingly remarkable values of the Wild and Scenic Snake River are scenery, recreation, geology, wildlife, fisheries, cultural resources, vegetation/botany and ecology.”

Grande Ronde River : October 28, 1988: ‘Wild’ (26.4 miles from the confluence with the Wallowa River) ‘Recreational’ (17.4 miles to Oregon-Washington border) Total — 43.8 miles.
“The Grande Ronde River is located in northeast Oregon and flows through lands that are privately owned and others administered by the Bureau of Land Management and U.S. Forest Service. At 43.8 miles (70.5 km) in length, the federally protected section begins at the confluence with the Wallowa River near Rondowa, and ends near the Oregon-Washington border. The Grande Ronde River is a nationally renowned sport fishery, one of the top three in the region. The mainstem and its major tributaries provide spawning and rearing habitat for wild and hatchery stock of spring Chinook, fall Chinook, summer steelhead and rainbow trout. Fishing is excellent even late in the season after the water levels have receded.”

Wallowa River : July 23, 1996: ‘Recreational’ (10 miles from Minam to the confluence of the Grande Ronde & Wallowa (Rondowa)) “Approximately 10 miles in length, the river is classified as recreational. It offers incredible fishing, hunting, wildlife viewing and floatboating, as well as a state park for camping.”

Join us on a rafting trip on any one of these rivers to experience why the National Wild & Scenic River Act took a shine to this part of Oregon.

The post Happy 50th Anniversary Wild & Scenic Rivers Act! appeared first on Winding Waters River Expeditions .

Sleeping Like a Log, Explained

Wed, 28 Feb 2018 00:26:00 GMT

Pretty common to sip your morning coffee in camp and hear somebody declare they just slept better out here in the boonies than they have for a long time back home. Is it all the fresh air? Being tuckered out from rowing/kayaking/fishing/hiking/all this having of fun? What’s the deal? Why is the great outdoors so great for snoozing?

Lo and behold, science has looked into this and a recent study sheds light on why we sleep better camping. It’s light. More natural light during the day and not standing around under fake light after sundown resets our internal clocks back where they should be.

Turns out camping is good medicine for the sleep cycle because our circadian rhythms prefer the tempo of the real sun going up and down, rather than light fixtures going off and on. Makes sense. Circadian, by the way, means a 24-hour period. I, uh, had to look that up.

So our internal clock tries to calibrate itself to what’s day and what’s night so it can coordinate how we do things. Like, sleep. If we sit around until midnight under 100 watt bulbs, stare at our phone for a while, then finally decide it’s time to sleep and can’t – well, I’d say we owe our circadian rhythm an apology, wouldn’t you?

This sleep study, done by the University of Colorado Boulder and published in Current Biology , suggests a weekend outing is enough to shift the clock back to normal. Might as well go for, like, five days though to really get that rhythm in rhythm.

We’ve had numerous doctors over the years along on Winding Waters river trips mention that rafting trips should be prescribe-able, as treatment for stress, getting a better night’s sleep and just overall well-being. Made sense, and now here’s a study backing it up.

Trouble sleeping? We know a lot of dandy campsites.

Jon Rombach is a writer and rows boats for Winding Waters once in a while.

7 Truly Epic Team Building Activities for Pacific Northwest Businesses

Mon, 08 Jan 2018 23:20:00 GMT

Thinking about treating your team to an unforgettable outing to build camaraderie, trust, teamwork, and communication skills? Forget about boring “team building” sessions in a hotel conference room. There’s no shortage of truly epic adventures awaiting you in the Pacific Northwest, especially in the great outdoors!

In today’s post we’ll take a look at 7 of the most popular (and thrilling) team building activities for Pacific Northwest businesses. Share this post with your team and see what they’re most excited about!

Whitewater River Rafting in Eastern Oregon

When it comes to whitewater river rafting in the Pacific Northwest, you won’t find anyplace better than the Snake River in Hells Canyon , Salmon River or Grand Ronde River. The area is known for powerful, world-class whitewater runs, including class II, III, and IV rapids and spacious camps perfect for brainstorming sessions.

On your trip, you’ll float through deep, natural river canyons, see Bald Eagles and Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep, and swim in beautiful clear, cool river water. Plus on overnight trips you’ll be able to relax, sit around a fire, enjoy a few drinks and s’mores, and bond with your team.

Want to know how deep is the Snake River or the depth of Snake River? You’ll be floating through a canyon carved by waters that run incredibly deep—some spots reach over 100 feet. It’s a place that’s as thrilling as it is rich with natural history.

Looking at the map of the Snake River in Idaho, you’ll see the many twists and turns perfect for Whitewater Rafting. These routes provide not just adventure, but breathtaking scenery ideal for group bonding.

Wallowa River trips and multi-day journeys through the Wallowa River Oregon section offer more remote routes, while the Hell's Canyon White Water Rafting trips bring intense rapids. You can also explore the Hell's Canyon River as you learn facts about the Snake River and discover where does the Snake River begin and end—key trivia for nature lovers.

If your team enjoys angling, consider combining rafting with fishing along the Grande Ronde fishing report areas or using a Grande Ronde steelhead fishing report to plan your timing. Don’t forget the Grande Ronde River steelhead report—the steelhead runs here are legendary.

Trip Length : 1-5 Days or More
Group Size : Up to 18 (Hells Canyon & Grande Ronde) & 24 (Salmon River)
Season : Spring, Summer, Fall
What’s Included : Meals, All Gear, Camping Equipment, Experienced Guides
Experience Needed : None. Expert guides show you the ropes!
Why It’s a Great Team Building Activity : Whitewater rafting requires teamwork and communication. Plus it’s a one-of-a-kind adventure for you to share with your team!

Skydiving in Central Oregon

Photo Credit: Morgan Sherwood on Flickr ( CC BY 2.0 )

What brings a group closer together than jumping out of an airplane? Central Oregon is known for clear skies, beautiful scenery, and awesome views– at least when it’s not raining! Skydiving is a truly epic adventure and one that’s great for a team building trip. Your whole office will be talking about it for years!

Skydiving is more than an adrenaline rush—it's a shared experience like no other. Your team can challenge fears and create unforgettable memories. Before your first skydive tips session, review safety measures and prepare with skydiving tips for beginners.

For many, it’s their first time skydiving that makes or breaks the experience. You can even pick up skydiving gift certificates or create team awards with a skydiving photo included. Questions like can you wear glasses while skydiving are common—yes, you can! And if you're wondering about the cost of skydiving, many companies offer group discounts.

Need to know how much do you tip a tandem skydiver or interested in a fun twist? A skydiving wedding proposal might just be the wildest team bonding moment of all.

Trip Length : 1 day depending on driving time
Group Size : Ideal for groups of 11-20
Season : Best in Summer Weather
What’s Included : Hopefully a parachute! First-timers will need to take part in a tandem jump with an experienced instructor
Experience Needed : None
Why It’s a Great Team Building Activity : Few people get the chance to do something so exciting and it’s a great bonding experience.

Learn More

Bungee Jumping in Shelton, Washington

Maybe not quite as epic as skydiving, but bungee jumping is still an awesome team building trip! Shelton Washington is home to the High Steel Bridge, one of the highest bungee jump sites in the country. Leap from 385 feet above the Skokomish river. Breathtaking!

Trip Length : 1 day depending on driving time
Group Size : Minimum of 12 jumpers
Season : Best in Summer Weather
What’s Included : Equipment and Training
Experience Needed : None
Why It’s a Great Team Building Activity : Just like skydiving, bungee jumping is a great shared experience your team will talk about for years.

Learn More

Camping and Hiking at Crater Lake National Park in Oregon

Photo Credit: Dagmara Mach on Wikipedia ( CC BY-SA 4.0 )

Crater Lake is one of the most unbelievable sites not only in the Pacific Northwest but the entire world. Your first view of the seemingly impossibly blue water is something no one ever forgets. Hike around the rim or visit one of the many day hikes. Or book a boat ride around the lake and explore Wizard Island ! Camp at one of the nearby campgrounds or book a night or more at the historic Crater Lake Lodge.

You may also want to check the Crater Lake admission fee and plan your hike to Mount Scott trailhead or take a stroll past Plaikni Falls trailhead.

Trip Length : 2+ days. About a 6-hour drive from Portland, Crater Lake is too far away for most day trips.
Group Size : Best for groups of 20 or fewer
Season : Summer only! Crater Lake sees nearly 45 feet of snowfall each year.
What’s Included : You must plan everything for this trip.
Experience Needed : Steep trails are common and some hikes are moderately strenuous.
Why It’s a Great Team Building Activity : Best for larger groups who might not be up for an extremely active adventure, a relaxing trip to Crater Lake would be a great way to reward a hardworking team. Let your employees bond over some much needed R&R.

Learn More

Windsurfing at Hood River, Oregon

Photo Credit: Sarah McDevitt on Flickr ( CC BY 2.0 )

Located on the Columbia River, Hood River is the Windsurfing Capital of the world! Strong winds blow through the Gorge and on some days hundreds of windsurfers take to the water. There are many guides and instructors who specialize in corporate outings and team building adventures. Plus nearby Hood River has great places to eat, drink, and shop. A trip to Hood River can combine the best of an active outdoor adventure with the fun of a neighborhood pub crawl. Pair it with rafting ideas nearby or plan a multi-day retreat. The Oregon river floats also offer a calmer option if windsurfing feels intense.

Trip Length : 1 day. Hood River isn’t much more than an hour from Downtown Portland.
Group Size : Best for groups of 10 or fewer
Season : Summer
What’s Included : Equipment including board and wetsuit, as well as expert instruction
Experience Needed : You’ll use muscles you didn’t know you had! Windsurfing can be strenuous but relax with a cold beer at Full Sail Brewery.
Why It’s a Great Team Building Activity : Your team will laugh together over their epic wipeouts and make unforgettable memories during this unique team building trip.

Learn More

Snowboarding or Skiing on Mt. Hood

Mt. Hood offers some of the best skiing and snowboarding in the Pacific Northwest. For thrill seekers there’s plenty of downhill skiing and snowboarding opportunities and cross country skiing is great for groups who prefer a quieter day in the great outdoors. It’s hard to believe such a great adventure is just a short drive away from the skyscrapers of downtown Portland!

Be sure to grab your Mt. Hood Meadows lift tickets early, and study the Mt. Hood Meadows trail map if you're a first-timer. Planning to ski overnight? Consider the Meadows season pass or Meadows value pass for better deals. Those looking to Nordic ski can explore the Mt Hood Meadows Nordic Center, while beginners should check for ski lessons at Mt Hood Meadows. Curious about real-time snow? See the Mt Hood Meadows webcams for updates.

Trip Length : 1+ day. Mt. Hood is about 90 minutes from downtown Portland. Many condo rentals are available in Rhododendron or Government Camp for overnight trips.
Group Size : Any size
Season : Although year-round snowboarding is possible on Mt. Hood, winter is the best time to plan a trip. Nobody wants to ski in the rain!
What’s Included : There are plenty of places to rent all the equipment you need. Lift tickets vary in price during the season but some group discounts may be available.
Experience Needed : Different trails and ski runs offer fun opportunities for beginners and experts. When planning a team building trip make sure to take into account the fitness and enthusiasm of your team.
Why It’s a Great Team Building Activity : Skiing and snowboarding can make for a great team building trip. However make sure that your entire team is excited about the prospect. Spending a day in the cold isn’t everyone’s idea of a good time!

Learn More

Orca Whale Watching in the San Juan Islands

Photo Credit: Ingrid Taylar on Flickr ( CC BY 2.0 )

The waters surrounding San Juan Island are the best place in North America to see wild orca whales! You and your team can embark on an epic team bu ilding trip and spend a day seeing some of the most amazing animals in their native habitat! As a bonus the waters of the area are protected from the open ocean and are calm, so no need to worry about seasickness! Head to Friday Harbor Washington map to start your journey, and note the San Juan Islands whale watching season.

You’ll find the San Juan killer whales are just as captivating. Expect questions like what to wear whale watching or facts like the life expectancy of humpback whales. You might even catch a breaching humpback whale or hear the tale of Big Mama humpback whale calf.

Looking to combine learning and leisure? Tours often include naturalist quotes from guides and experts.

Trip Length : 1 day. The San Juans are a 2-3 hour drive and ferry ride from Downtown Seattle.
Group Size : Up to 40 or more depending on the boat
Season : Orcas live in the San Juan Islands year-round. Clearer and dryer summer weather may make for a more enjoyable trip, however.
What’s Included : Guided trips are all-inclusive and are often led by expert naturalists. Be aware however that whale sightings are not guaranteed (although many tour groups see whales on 95% of trips).
Experience Needed : None.
Why It’s a Great Team Building Activity : Not all team building activities need to be active and athletic. Sometimes it’s just fun to spend a day together on the water, relaxing and taking in the sights. Plus, how many people have ever seen a killer whale in the wild?

Learn More

Start Planning Your Adventure

At Winding Waters River Expeditions we’ve helped businesses of all sizes plan all-inclusive whitewater river rafting and team building adventures. Whether you’re a small startup or a big corporation, we can help create a trip that meets your needs and your budget.

Don’t just take our word for it—visit our Google Business Profile Reviews and see why Winding Waters white water rafting trips keep guests coming back!

Give us a call at (541) 432-0747 to learn more!

Icon made by Freepik from www.flaticon.com

8 Tips to Improve Your Fly Casting

Tue, 05 Dec 2017 19:13:00 GMT

Key Takeaways

Master fly casting fundamentals: Understanding how your rod and fly line work together is crucial for better distance, accuracy, and control during every cast.
Slow down and stay consistent: Rushing through motions leads to poor technique. Maintain a calm rhythm to improve precision and loop formation.
Don’t ignore your back cast: A strong, fully extended back cast sets up your forward cast for greater power and accuracy — always look back to check your loop.
Practice with purpose: Regularly practice in open areas or backyards to build muscle memory, refine your stroke, and strengthen overall casting technique.
Record and review your casts: Filming your fly casting sessions allows you to spot errors, analyze loop shapes, and make adjustments like a pro angler.
Seek expert feedback: Joining guided fly fishing trips offers real-world experience and personalized coaching to help you perfect your cast and catch more fish.

After learning how to first cast a fly rod, many anglers don’t think much about the fundamentals of their cast. But just because you know how to cast, you shouldn’t stop thinking about your form.

Even seasoned fisherman should be looking at ways to improve their cast!

In this month’s post, we’ll give some tips on how to improve your fly cast. We’ll also go over some fly casting basics to refresh your memory.

Fly Casting Basics

Fly casting can be an intricate process with a lot of moving pieces.

Below, we’ve outlined some key concepts and terms to know before heading into our tips for better fly fishing casting.

When casting fly rods, you’re casting the line as opposed to the lure with traditional fishing rods.
Casting is comprised of “forward casts” and “backwards casts.”
While casting, you will bend or “load” the rod during the backward cast. This will push the line out further during your forward cast, repeating the process to move your line out further and further.
The rod-tip path your rod travels over the course of the cast will determine the “loop,” or motion, your fly line makes.
The “casting stroke” refers to the motion your rod makes in order to create the loop.
A 10-2 “casting arc,” or angle change of the fly rod, is generally considered best practice.

8 Ways to Improve Your Fly Casting

There are no shortcuts to improving your fly casting technique. At it’s core, improving your cast is centered around getting back to the fundamentals and ensuring you’re not sloppy with your cast (something we are all guilty of at one point or another).

Below, we’ve outlined some ways to ensure your cast stays strong and you don’t lose site of your casting fundamentals.

Understand The Function of the Rod

Remember, your rod is there to do the work.

As noted above, fly rods work differently than traditional fishing poles, which leverage the weight of the lure or bait to cast. Conversely, fly rods leverage the weight of the fly line to cast . Since flies generally weigh almost nothing, the weighted lines used in fly fishing gear is needed to place your fly.

Since the line is so central in the function of the rod, you need to make sure you’re casting correctly for you to both cast the distance necessary and be accurate with your fly placement.

For example, poor fly casting for beginners often comes from rushing the back cast. If you start your forward cast too early, you ruin the transfer of energy.

Take time to understand fly casting techniques and the mechanics of a strong casting set up.

Slow Down

When you are frustrated or stressed, it’s common to speed up whatever you are doing. For instance, it’s common to speak quickly when nervous. Fly casting is no different . Beginner fly casting mistakes usually stem from speeding through motions.

We see this issue with anglers of all skill levels. Generally, it is when an angler is frustrated or in a challenging situation that the issue presents itself.

Not surprisingly, when you move quickly you become less focused on technique. This will decrease the efficiency and effectiveness of your cast, leading to inaccurate and short casts.

If you notice yourself speeding up, breath and try focusing on what you know about fly casting. Try this: strip out 15 feet of line and work solely on practice fly casting over and over again, not letting any new line out. This will get you focused on the fundamentals of your cast, and help you get back on track to good form.

It’s a foundational fly casting practice method even professionals use when they feel off.

Look Back

One common area fishermen struggle with is their back cast.

Since it is not the part of the cast you can see or the one that delivers the fly, it generally takes a back seat to the forward cast in the mind of anglers. This is the wrong way to look at it. Your back cast is just as (if not more) important as it sets up and powers the forward cast. Look over your shoulder while practice casting—but only move your head, not your whole body. Watch your loop unravel before beginning your forward cast.

Unless your back cast is fundamentally strong, you will not place your fly where it needs to go.

Next time you are on the river or practicing your cast, take a look back to make sure the line is unraveling completely before starting your forward cast. It’s important when looking back to make sure to only move your head and not the rest of your body. Moving your body will distort your cast by changing your stroke. Not only will this destroy your cast, but it will not allow you to properly evaluate your back cast.

Practice, Practice, Practice

Fly fishing is just like any other skilled sport – it takes time, dedication, and commitment in order to become great. Practicing frequently will help you reach any goals you set for yourself.

Once a day (or as often as you can) spend 15 minutes out in the yard practicing your casting. Not only will this give you repetitions, helping you perfect your stroke, but it will help your body develop muscle memory for your cast.

Film Yourself Casting

Want to refine your fly casting technique? Film yourself casting. It's one of the best fly casting tips for self-assessment. Seeing yourself in action will help you understand any flaws in your cast.

To start, set up a video camera (or your smartphone) on a tripod in your backyard or other open area. Then, switch between different line lengths and weights. Evaluate your casting fly form and loop shape. This is a great way to spot flaws in your fishing casting techniques.

Once you have taken some video, attach the feed to a larger screen and watch. Take note of what you are doing right and wrong. You can then make adjustments to your cast based on what you see.

Over time this will help you perfect your cast and track your progress.

Want to challenge yourself? Try capturing your double haul fly fishing cast on video and compare it against pro anglers.

Fish More

The only way to catch more fish is by getting out on the river and fishing more. While practicing in an open area will help train your muscle memory and perfect your cast, nothing will compare to getting out onto the river and casting for real.

Unlike in your backyard, fishing out on the river will present you with the reality of casting to catch fish . Practicing in ideal conditions will help prepare you for the trickier situations, but real life experience will help you become the expert you want to be.

Bonus: It’s the best way to practice your elevate cast, roll it back cast, or fly casting roll cast in real-world scenarios. Techniques like these are especially rewarding when fishing along the Snake River in Hells Canyon .

Cast into Slow Moving Water, Particularly When Steelhead Fishing

When out fishing for steelhead (or really any fish in cold rivers), be on the lookout for slow moving, or couch, water . When water is cold fish like to conserve their energy. Slow moving water provides them with a gentler place to sit and wait for food.

A good place in the slow moving water to look is where fast moving water is coming into the couch water.

Go On a Guided Fishing Trip

The best way to improve your cast is by getting feedback from professionals. The best way to do this? Go on a guided trip with experienced fishing guides.

Not only will this give you an opportunity to fish with seasoned pros who will help you catch fish, it will also allow you to fish with anglers who can provide real life feedback on your cast. You'll learn how to cast a fly rod, improve your casting practice, and master techniques like how to cast a tight loop and the double haul fly fishing cast. It’s also a chance to experience how to cast fly fishing rod setups with real-time correction. And if you're wondering how to cast a fly rod far, our guides have the answers.

While your friends may be able to provide feedback while you are a beginner, experienced fishing guides will give you tips to bring even experienced anglers to the next level. You’ll also be around other fisherman who take fishing seriously with whom you can trade tips and gain knowledge.

Guided fishing trip with experienced fishing guides turn anglers into the fishermen's catch they wish to be.

Ready to Bring Your Fishing to the Next Level?

Whether it’s a quiet stretch of the Grande Ronde River or the powerful Hells Canyon rapids, Winding Waters River Expeditions will take you on the adventure of a lifetime. Our guides have been fishing the waters of Eastern Oregon for years and know the rivers inside and out. Join them on a Salmon River rafting adventure for unmatched fishing and casting opportunities. They also just plain know fly fishing, and will be there to help you become an even better fisherman.

All fly fishing trips include:

Transportation from Joseph, OR
Full equipment and casting flies
Professional guides who’ll teach you fly fishing casting techniques
Meals and camping with gourmet local ingredients

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some of the most common questions anglers ask about improving their fly casting technique, along with simple, practical answers.

Improve your fly fish casting tips and explore the rivers with seasoned pros. Discover why adventurers love Winding Waters! Check out our Google Business Profile Reviews to hear what guests say about their unforgettable whitewater rafting trips. Looking for a more personalized fishing experience? Our private rafting charters offer tailor-made trips for anglers of all levels.

Private Charter Rafting Trips

Wed, 01 Nov 2017 17:33:00 GMT

Imagine: you and your group have a private playground and professional guide crew all to yourselves. Have a special crew you want to travel with? Is your company ready for a team-building trip or developing new strategies that need complete focus from your crew? Escape all distractions – electronics, schedules, and meal planning. Let us take care of everything and focus on what is important. Now is the time to round up the troops and reserve your special private trip with us.

For more information, visit our Custom Charter Trip page. For details on how our Charter Trips work, please Contact Us . Since these trips are special, we work closely with you to tailor the adventure to your wishes. There is no better way to create life-long memories.

The post Private Charter Rafting Trips appeared first on Winding Waters River Expeditions .

Wilderness & Sublimity: the Conservation of Hells Canyon

Wed, 01 Nov 2017 16:19:00 GMT

In May of this year, we had the opportunity to take an important figure in Hells Canyon’s history down the Snake River through Hells Canyon. It wasn’t Boyd Norton’s first time on this stretch of river. In fact, it was nearly 50 years ago his photos of this wild and remote stretch of wilderness kept this section of the deepest river canyon in North America from going underwater.

In the late 1960s, the last wild, un-dammed section of Hells Canyon was under threat of flood by damming. Engineering field surveys and core sampling was underway and companies were in the courts trying to decide if the dam was to be run as a private or public corporation. During this time, photographer Boyd Norton ran the river by raft and took his photographs to the desk of Senator Bob Packwood. Senator Packwood, astounded by the beauty and scale of Hells Canyon, led the charge in Congress to conserve this segment of the Snake River in Hells Canyon from damming. This conservation story is a testament to the power of photography and the importance of wilderness to our culture.

In May, Norton was joined by 5 fellow photographers, including Kendrick Moholt , to capture Hells Canyon’s beauty today. The adventure-seeking group braved springtime flows of 55,000 cfs which provided a dramatic backdrop for their images. The photos were part of an exhibit at the Josephy Center for Arts & Culture in Joseph called “Wilderness and Sublimity: Photography and the Conservation of Hells Canyon”. The exhibit will be on display at the Pendleton Center for the Arts in February, 2018. We are proud to be part of this historic adventure in Hells Canyon.

The post Wilderness & Sublimity: the Conservation of Hells Canyon appeared first on Winding Waters River Expeditions .

Planning a Fall/Winter Steelhead Fly Fishing Trip in Oregon

Tue, 03 Oct 2017 18:06:00 GMT

Key Takeaways

Fall and Winter Steelhead season in Eastern Oregon peaks in late October through early November, offering anglers the best shot at landing these powerful fish on the Grande Ronde and Wallowa Rivers.
Multi-day Steelhead fly fishing trips provide a more rewarding experience—allowing access to remote waters, less fishing pressure, and a true wilderness adventure guided by local experts.
Proper gear and clothing are essential for comfort and success; pack warm layers, waterproof outerwear, and polarized sunglasses to handle the crisp Oregon weather.
Winding Waters River Expeditions supplies everything from rods and flies to gourmet campfire meals, so you can focus on fishing and relaxation.
Plan ahead and check local conditions before your trip—knowing the weather, securing your Oregon fishing license, and bringing a few of your favorite fly patterns can make your Steelhead adventure unforgettable.

If you’re a fly fisherman, you’ve probably got a few dream trips on your bucket list. Tarpon and Bonefish in the Florida Keys, Trout in Montana or Colorado, or maybe a trip deep into the Amazon? But if you’re really looking for a one of a kind adventure, make sure you don’t overlook a Fall or Winter Steelhead fly fishing trip in Eastern Oregon.

At Winding Waters River Expeditions, we might be a bit biased, but we think our home waters of the Wallowa and Grand Ronde Rivers can hold their own when it comes to the best fly fishing spots in the entire world.
In today’s post, we’ll talk more about how to plan a successful Steelhead trip to our neck of the woods.

When is Steelhead Season in Eastern Oregon?

Our steelhead trips on the Grand Ronde launch in late October and early November. This is the height of Steelhead season and offers our anglers the best chance to catch these incredible fish!

Should You Take a 1-Day or Multi-Day Steelhead Trip?

If you can find the time, we guarantee you won’t regret taking a multi-day guided Steelhead trip in the wilderness of Eastern Oregon. Compared to a single-day (or half-day) trip you’ll get to fish more remote water, get away from heavily pressured water, and have more time and better opportunities to catch the fish of a lifetime.

In addition, a multi-day Steelhead trip is more than just a guided fishing trip, it’s a true once-in-a-lifetime adventure. At Winding Waters River Expeditions, we guide anglers from all over the world who travel here just for the Steelhead fishing!

The best part about our fully guided trips? If you’re looking to extend your time on the river beyond fishing, consider our Hells Canyon 5-Day Rafting Adventure for another unforgettable way to experience Oregon’s wild landscapes. We take care of everything, from setting up camp to cooking meals and putting you on the most productive stretches of the Grande Ronde and Wallowa Rivers. Throughout this post, we’ll explore our Grande Ronde River rafting trips .

Check the Weather

Before you leave for Eastern Oregon, check the local weather! Generally speaking, here’s what to expect in the Joseph, Oregon area during October and November :

Fly Fishing Gear

When you book a trip with our experienced fly-fishing guide, we’ll provide all the gear you need. The only thing you’ll need to bring is a valid Oregon fishing license. You can purchase your license online or from a variety of local shops.

Many fly fishermen love to tie their own flies and we don’t blame them! It’s incredibly rewarding to catch fish on flies you’ve tied yourself. If you’re planning on tieing a few flies for fall and winter steelhead, our favorite patterns include:

Most Steelhead patterns will be in sizes 6-10 (bigger flies for bigger fish) with egg and stonefly nymph imitators running a bit smaller. Consider tying some patterns with a tungsten beadhead to help the flies get down the water column. Tungsten or copper wire can also be used to give extra weight to a fly.

Read more about our favorite Fall and Winter Steelhead patterns.

What to Wear & Pack

Clothing:

Accessories

What You Don’t Need to Bring

When fishing with the guides at Winding Waters River Expedition, we take care of nearly everything! You just need to show up and be ready to have a great time (and as we mentioned earlier, don’t forget your Oregon fishing license!).

Our multi-day Steelhead fishing trips include:

We also offer private charters for anglers who want a fully customized experience with friends or family.

And don’t forget about the food!

We prepare all meals, including delicious shore lunches and dinner by the campfire.

Menus might include:

Not to brag, but we take great pride in preparing restaurant quality, gourmet meals right on the water! There are no cans of Vienna sausage and Saltine crackers on our menu!

Ready For the Adventure of a Lifetime?

If you’ve been thinking about a Fall or Winter Steelhead trip, read more about the trips we offer . Our guides have been fishing these waters their whole lives and we take great pride in putting our anglers on the biggest, hardest-fighting Steelhead! Beyond steelhead season, you can also explore our Salmon River rafting trips, perfect for warmer months and families.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here’s everything you need to know to plan an unforgettable Fall or Winter Steelhead fly fishing trip in Eastern Oregon.

You’ll love your trip with Winding Waters River Expeditions!

Steelhead 101: Understanding Steelhead

Thu, 31 Aug 2017 03:15:00 GMT

Key Takeaways

Steelhead are incredible migratory fish that travel over 1,100 miles from inland rivers like the Grande Ronde to the Pacific Ocean and back, making them one of the most resilient species in North America.
Grande Ronde River Steelhead face extreme challenges during their journey, including dams, predators, and environmental threats—highlighting their strength and adaptability.
The life cycle of a steelhead includes freshwater birth, ocean migration for one to two years, and an extraordinary return to their home streams to spawn.
Understanding steelhead behavior and migration patterns helps anglers know where and when to fish effectively on rivers like the Grande Ronde and Wallowa.
Upcoming lessons in Steelhead 101 will dive deeper into identifying the best river structures—like runs, riffles, and pools—to increase your success in catching steelhead.

Grande Ronde River Steelhead

Steelhead are awesome , especially those that return to the Grande Ronde watershed. Along with a few streams in Idaho, our home waters in northeast Oregon’s Wallowa County are about as far inland as Steelhead live in the United States.

After they’re born (or stocked) in our local streams, they spend time in the river until they are large enough to attempt to migrate to the Pacific Ocean.

If they are fortunate enough to taste salt water, they will have passed through 8 dams and survived anglers, gillnets, and numerous other predators and environmental conditions that can kill them. That, of course, is just the way there.

After reaching saltwater, Wallowa County Steelhead will travel all over the ocean, spending time eating and growing. After a year (1 salt fish) or 2 (2 salt fish), they begin their migration home.

Again after surviving the gauntlet, they arrive back home to where they were born. For anglers on the Grande Ronde River and the Wallowa River , that means fish that have traveled ROUND TRIP roughly 1100-1200 river miles, depending where you locate them. If you’d like to experience these waters for yourself, explore our Grande Ronde River rafting trips . That, of course, doesn’t account for the vast distances traveled in the ocean. And if that wasn’t enough, after spawning, these fish will try (with limited success at these distances) to return to the ocean and do it all over again. So again, Steelhead are awesome . These same waters also host our Grande Ronde 5-Day Rafting Adventure , where guests can explore the river’s wild beauty while keeping an eye out for migrating steelhead.

This brings us to the point where you’re on the river and the fish are back home. So what is it you need to know? Before we get into fly rods, lines, or flies, where do we start?

Our next installment of Steelhead 101 – What To Look For and What To Avoid – will help you accurately target areas where steelhead hold, with breakdowns on runs, riffles, and pools.

More to follow.

For the introduction to Steelhead 101 and more information about guide Paul Pagano, click here .

Paul Pagano, fly fishing guide for Winding Waters River Expeditions and owner of Fly Side Angling is available for guided trips. Winding Waters also offers guided white water rafting adventures throughout Oregon and Idaho.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some of the most common questions people ask about steelhead and their remarkable life cycle, especially those found in the Grande Ronde and Wallowa Rivers.

Steelhead 101: Intro to Fly Fishing with Paul Pagano

Thu, 31 Aug 2017 03:14:00 GMT

Paul Pagano, fly fishing guide for Winding Waters River Expeditions and owner of Fly Side Angling, offers his take on fly fishing for Steelhead on the Grande Ronde River and the Wallowa River.

In this series, Paul will explain the Steelhead journey and where you can find them in the river. Pagano will break down both single hand and spey casting setups, discuss fly patterns and offer advice on fly presentation so you can approach fly fishing for steelhead with confidence.

What Paul is presenting is a basic understanding of how to approach fly fishing for Steelhead. We can’t, of course, explore more complex and technical information without understanding where to start.

Whether you’re a newcomer or could use a refresher, come along as Paul explains what you need to know to be a successful Steelhead fly angler.

Paul Pagano lives to be on the river, in any capacity. Whether guiding clients, fishing with friends, or letting his wife enjoy the oars for a while as he fishes, Paul enjoys every second of river time. Aside from guiding steelhead and trout trips for Winding Waters, Pagano owns and operates Fly Side Angling , also located in beautiful Wallowa County.

Paul enjoys using both single hand and spey casting techniques. Paul is also a Pro Staff member with The Spey Company and spends most of his time in the fall on the famous Grande Ronde River guiding clients, or just enjoying the river.

Let’s get started.

Lesson Number One is: Understanding Steelhead and Where They Hold . Click here for a quick life history of these amazing fish and watch for updates in this series as Pagano walks you through the steps of understanding Wallowa County Steelhead so you can translate knowing into feeling these fish as they rip line off your reel.

Activities for Non-Fisherman near Joseph, OR

Mon, 14 Aug 2017 20:45:00 GMT

Photo Credit: Wikipedia

Activities for Non-Fishermen near Joseph, OR

At Winding Waters River Expeditions we love fishing . Nothing makes us happier than going out on the Grande Ronde river in search of Steelhead, Rainbow Trout or Smallmouth Bass. But while Joseph, OR is a fisherman’s dream, not everybody loves fishing as much as us. Luckily, there are many ways things to do in Joseph Oregon that don’t involve a fishing rod. Whether it is rafting, hiking, or even bird watching, Joseph Oregon has something for every member of your family!

Below we’ve outlined 5 of our favorite activities for non-fisherman in the Wallowa region.

White Water Rafting

Fishing too slow for you? No fear! You can still experience the beautiful rivers in the Wallowa region! The Salmon , Snake, and Grande Ronde rivers all offer their own unique and exciting adventures. At Winding Waters River Expeditions , we offer a number of different trips through these beautiful rivers.

All trips offer and include

Transportation to and from the river.
Delicious gourmet meals made from fresh, local ingredients.
Sound and comfortable sleep thanks to our luxurious camping equipment.
Wildlife and nature spotting opportunities, including Bald Eagles, Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep, geometric columnar basalt, beautiful wildflowers, and much more.
The experience of rafting powerful, world renowned class II, III, IV rapids.
Knowledgeable and experienced guides with decades of rafting experience.

We also offer a number of annual events throughout the year. These include a geology focused 3-day Hell’s Canyon trip and a 4-day trip where you experience intimate nightly musical performances on the river!

Hike in the Wallowa Mountains

The Wallowa Mountains of Oregon are considered one of the 7 wonders of Oregon and for good reason. Know as the “Alps of Oregon,” the Wallowa range is a beautiful, snow capped range that is generally less crowded than other mountainous destinations in the state.

The region offers some of the best hiking in the country, offering everything from shorter day-hikes to multiple night backpacking journeys.

Below, we’ve put some of our favorite hikes to check out:

Chief Joseph Mountain – Towering at 9,617 feet above the town of Joseph, Chief Joseph Mountain is a picturesque, if not grueling hike. Coming in at 14.1 miles, this hike should only be attempted by experienced hikers. The summit can be reached using the Chief Joseph Mountain trail.
Hurricane Creek Trail – A moderate 19.3-mile hike amongst a beautiful forest, giving you views of the surrounding mountains throughout. Though probably a bit too long for just a day hike, this is a perfect hike for an overnight trip! Another option is to hike a portion of the trail and turn around. The views start at about a mile in, so it is still well worth it even if you don’t hike the whole trail!
Bonny Lakes – The Bonny Lakes trail offers a scenic gradual 7.8-mile round-trip hike up to an attractive alpine lake. Make sure to check out this trail in early August to see the wildflowers! Mariposa lily, monkshead, paintbrush, and wild onion will all be in bloom.
China Cap – Although standing at 8,655 feet, China Cap is still likely the easiest peak to reach in the range. Once you wind up the 9.4-mile trail to the top you will be greeted by unmatched views of the Wallowa range.

Photo Credit: Wikipedia

Wallowa Lake Tram

Don’t feel like hiking miles to a summit? No fear! The Wallowa Lake Tram will take you to the top of one of the most beautiful mountains in the region, Mt. Howard.

Taking you up 3,700 feet to the 8,256-foot summit, the Wallowa Lake Tram is the steepest 4-person tram in North America. Once at the top, you can view wildlife and an alpine meadow via short hiking trails.

Once you are done taking in the sites, including views of Oregon, Washington, and Idaho, you can grab a bite at Oregon’s highest restaurant, the Alpine Grill. Enjoy the Wallowa Lake tramway restaurant, then explore the map of Wallowa Mountains or enjoy short trails overlooking the Wallowa Valley Oregon.

Photo Credit: Wikipedia

Boat on Wallowa Lake

Just outside Joseph and at the base of the tram sits Wallowa Lake, a beautiful ribbon lake surrounded by the Wallowa mountains. The lake features two different boat ramps for boaters who are able to tow their own boat in. It’s one of the most serene wallowa lake activities, just minutes from joeseph Oregon. You can also rent boats at the lake, including kayaks, row boats, canoes, and motored row and pontoon boats.

The lake is great for swimming, and is generally not too crowded even on summer weekends! Take in Wallowa Lake attractions, and discover the hidden beauty of Wallowa Lake trailsStill, make sure to call ahead if looking to rent a boat to ensure you will be able to get out on the water!

Bird Watching

The Wallowa region is a top birding destination in the Pacific Northwest. Bring your binoculars and enjoy birding around St. Joseph, Oregon, and Wallowa, Oregon. It’s one of the calmest things to do in Joseph, OR, and the perfect break between hikes and rafting. All you need is a decent set of binoculars, a field guide, and an interest in wildlife to enjoy!

There are lots of interesting birds in their natural habitat right near town. Some birds in the region are:

Bald Eagles
Great Blue Heron
Killdeer
Western Bluebird
Osprey
Red-breasted Nuthatch
Red-tailed Hawk
Western Tanager
Pileated Woodpecker

Explore Joseph, Oregon

till wondering what to do in Joseph Oregon? Want to experience an authentic eastern Oregon town? Look no further than Joseph, OR. Originally platted in 1883, Joseph feels like a true old-western town.

Get a sense of the local culture in Joseph:

Eat a great meal: Joseph has a number of local restaurants serving up delicious meals.
Drink a local Beer: In typical Oregon fashion, a number of local breweries have popped up in Joseph. Perfect for after a day exploring the Wallowas!
Wallowa County Farmers Market: Find this local’s favorite farmers market every Saturday in downtown Joseph.
Local Artwork: A number of galleries and artisan shops have opened up, establishing Joseph as a top destination in Eastern Oregon for beautiful artwork.

Take a Flight on a Hot Air Balloon

Have you ever wanted to try hot air balloons but never had a good opportunity? Well now is your chance!

Add this to your bucket list: Big Sky Ballooning. Take off from Joseph OR Joe at sunrise, float above Wallowa Lake Oregon map, and soak in the sights.

A hot air balloon flight is a perfect way to take in the many mountains and lakes the region offers. The best time to take in the scenery is at sunrise due to the wind, so make sure to book your flight for early in the day. You will not regret it when staring out over the Wallowa range as the sun is rising over the mountains.

Curious about pricing? Look up how much is a hot air balloon ride or visit during the Bend hot air balloon festival. If you're nearby, also explore hot air balloon rides Bend Oregon.

Looking for an Adventure of a Lifetime?

Winding Waters River Expeditions can help you have the time of your life! Whether you are looking for a day trip or a 6-day long excursion, we’ve got you covered. Our rafting tours require no experience and are fun for everyone. If you have any more questions, contact us and we’ll be happy to help.

Discover why adventurers love Winding Waters! Check out our Google Business Profile Reviews to hear what guests say about their unforgettable white water rafting trips.

What To Expect On A Whitewater Rafting Adventure

Tue, 20 Jun 2017 16:23:00 GMT

Key Takeaways

Whitewater rafting is safe and beginner-friendly when you join a reputable outfitter with certified guides trained in CPR, first aid, and swift water rescue techniques.
Safety orientations and proper gear —including helmets, life jackets, and dry bags—ensure every participant feels confident and prepared for their rafting adventure.
Choose the right river and rapid class for your comfort level; Class I–III are perfect for first-timers, while Class IV–V offer more challenge and excitement.
Rafting isn’t just about adrenaline —you’ll enjoy calm stretches, breathtaking scenery, wildlife sightings, and shared moments with new friends.
Good food and camaraderie complete the experience , with most whitewater rafting trips offering delicious riverside meals and opportunities to connect with fellow adventurers.
Winding Waters River Expeditions provides guided whitewater rafting trips for all skill levels, making it easy to safely enjoy Oregon’s most scenic rivers.

Whitewater rafting in beautiful Joseph, Oregon is a thrilling experience for young and old alike —especially when exploring the Snake River in Hells Canyon , one of the Pacific Northwest’s most iconic whitewater destinations. From spending time in the outdoors and witnessing amazing views, to flying through rapids and making new friendships—whitewater rafting is an adventure you won’t soon forget.

You may have questions about what to expect during your whitewater rafting experience, what is river rafting, or perhaps you’re interested in this activity but question whether it’s right for you and is white water rafting safe?

Below we’ll outline the most important things to know about a whitewater rafting guide and trip. By the end of this post, you’ll have the knowledge to feel confident, the rafting tips and tricks, rafting terminology, and rafting essentials to feel confident and excited about this outdoor adventure.

Experienced Guides

Choosing an experienced whitewater rafting guide with the necessary skills, knowledge, and licenses is key to a safe and enjoyable whitewater rafting tour. Whether you're learning rafting for beginners or seeking advanced-level white-water rafting, trained guides ensure safety and fun.

As you evaluate a tour company, look for signs that guides have multiple years of experience and training in these areas:

First Aid
CPR
Swift water rescue techniques
Some EMT training

Skilled rafting guides are the base for a great whitewater rafting company. These guides will make your trip safe and enjoyable.

A Thorough Safety Orientation

First-time whitewater rafters won’t get thrown into the thick of it cold turkey! Before going rafting, a full safety briefing is provided. This includes the use of white water rafting safety equipment like helmets and life jackets. Our team ensures you're ready—whether you're trying beginner white water rafting, tackling class 3 rapids, or braving class 6 river rafting. We also explain whitewater rafting terms like class IV rapids.

Reputable whitewater rafting guides know the rivers like the back of their hands. They’ll know the safest routes and spots to avoid. Your guides will also know how to respond in an emergency situation.

Your Gear Will Be Provided

All necessary water rafting safety equipment and camping gear (if applicable) should be provided by your tour company. Typically, this includes a dry bag for your supplies, a life jacket, and a helmet. Pack a few personal items and everything else will be taken care of.

Ask if you're unsure what to bring to the river or curious about snacks for the river and float trip snacks. We even have ideas for float trip food, kayak food ideas, and great camping appetizers to make your trip even more enjoyable. If you have questions about what supplies or gear you need to bring along, just ask. In general, avoid over packing or bringing anything you don’t want to lose or get wet.

Understanding Rapids & Rafting Levels

Whitewater rafting may not have the same fear factor as jumping out of a plane or bungee jumping, but those bubbly rapids will definitely get your heart pounding! Choose a tour that fits your thrill level by looking at the classification of each run. For a balance of scenic beauty and approachable Class II–III rapids, our Grande Ronde River rafting trip is a favorite among first-time paddlers. Whether you're curious about what is whitewater rafting, or wondering are class 3 rapids dangerous , just like a ski slope, rapids vary in their intensity. American Whitewater classifies rapids as follows:

Class I rapids: easy and gentle
Class II (novice): Straightforward rapids with wide and clear channels. Some maneuvering may be required.
Class III (intermediate): Rapids with moderate, irregular waves that may be difficult to avoid. Some complex maneuvers in tight passages may be required. Strong eddies and powerful currents are often present.
Class IV (advanced): Intense and powerful yet predictable rapids that require accurate boat handling. You may encounter large, unavoidable waves.
Class V rapids: Only for the brave
Class VI rapids: Considered nearly unrunnable

Worried about intensity? Don’t be. With an experienced guide, you can enjoy the exhilaration of crashing whitewater knowing you’re in good hands. Ask us about class 3 rapids kayak or terrain for class 5 rafting if you're going big!

The Full Whitewater Experience: From Rapids to Relaxation

You’re Going To Get Wet

This should be obvious, but don’t expect to stay dry. Getting splashed or even drenched by rapids is part of the experience. And remember, it’s okay to fall out! On a sunny day, even if you’re soaking wet, chances of a sunburn are high. Bring along some sunscreen and apply as needed throughout the day. Your face and the back of your neck are two particularly important areas to keep lathered up.

Time To Relax

You won’t be battling through rapids for the entire rafting adventure. You’ll find plenty of peaceful moments to enjoy the views around you. Expect to take a swim in crystal clear waters, enjoy the view, and chat with your fellow rafting companions in your down time.

Breathtaking Views

One of the best parts of a rafting trip in Joseph, Oregon is experiencing the beauty of the outdoors from a fresh perspective. This is the perfect opportunity to see geometric columnar basalt, wildflowers, bald eagles, and Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep, to name a few. Similar spectacular scenery awaits on our Salmon River rafting adventures , where remote canyons and crystal waters make every bend memorable. Pack a set of binoculars to get a better view during calm moments. If you have a waterproof camera or video camera, bring it along to show off your experience to friends back at home.

Good Food In The Great Outdoors

Food is part of the fun! From float trip food ideas to gourmet riverside dining, we offer fresh, delicious meals. Most whitewater rafting trips—especially multiple-day excursions—provide you with food and drink along the way.

Wondering about float trip food or the raft menu? We’ve got it. For example, here at Winding Waters Rafting, we offer gourmet meals on all of our rafting adventures. We even provide gluten-free or vegetarian options and will happily accommodate other dietary restrictions as well. If you’re passionate about gourmet riverside cuisine or themed excursions, explore our special interest rafting trips for foodies, families, and fishing enthusiasts.

While you may want to pack a few snacks, don’t expect to load up and bring all your food.

New Friendships

People come from all over to experience the whitewater rapids of Joseph, Oregon. Depending on the size of your tour, you’ll be in a raft with anywhere from 2 to 6 other people. Take time to get to know your fellow adventurers and you’ll walk away from a rafting experience with great new friendships.

Ready For Your Whitewater Rafting Adventure?

Now that you know what to expect, you’re probably more excited than ever to get on a raft!

At Winding Waters River Expeditions, we offer guided whitewater rafting experiences on 3 of the most thrilling rivers in the world. Our adventures range from 1 to 6 days in length, are fully guided, and will no doubt be a wonderful memory that lasts with you forever.

Don’t have any whitewater rafting experience? No problem. Our tours are open to all experience levels. We also offer private rafting charters if you’d prefer a fully customized adventure with your own group. We’d love to have you join us, even if you have no previous whitewater rafting experience.

If you have any more questions about what to expect on a Winding Waters River expedition, contact us by phone or email, and we’ll be happy to help you. Also, you might want to check out our Google Business Profile Reviews to know what others think about us!

Frequently Asked Questions

Here’s everything you need to know before setting out on your whitewater rafting adventure — from safety and gear to what makes the experience unforgettable.

7 Things You Must See, Do, Eat & Drink in Joseph, Oregon

Wed, 03 May 2017 17:27:00 GMT

Are you planning a once-in-a-lifetime whitewater rafting or guided fly fishing adventure to Eastern Oregon? If you’ve never been to the area before, you’re in for a real treat! There’s so much to do, see, eat, and drink in Joseph– beyond enjoying the great outdoors that is!

In this month’s post, we’ll show you some of our favorite Joseph, Oregon hotspots that your whole family will love. There’ll be great ideas for day hikes, fun side trips for the whole family, and places to relax and have fun in town for the non-fishermen!

Key Takeaways

Explore top Joseph, Oregon attractions like the Wallowa County Farmers Market, Wallowa Lake Tram, and local art studios for a perfect mix of adventure and small-town charm.
Enjoy outdoor activities beyond whitewater rafting—try mountain biking, scenic hikes, or a tram ride to Mount Howard for panoramic Wallowa Mountain views.
Taste local flavor at Joseph’s must-visit spots such as Red Horse Coffee Traders, Embers Brew House, and Terminal Gravity Brewery for authentic coffee, pizza, and craft beer experiences.
Discover local craftsmanship with visits to Valley Bronze, Olaf Pottery, and Moonshine Glass to appreciate Joseph’s artistic side inspired by its natural surroundings.
Recharge with great local food after a day outdoors—favorites like Imnaha Tavern and Rim Rock Restaurant deliver hearty, locally sourced meals that capture the spirit of Eastern Oregon.
Plan your adventure with Winding Waters to experience the best of whitewater rafting in Joseph, Oregon—combining thrilling rapids with breathtaking scenery and expert guides.

1. Don’t Miss the Wallowa County Farmers Market!

Every Saturday morning (well, from May through October), "Joseph Oregon Things to Do" comes alive as locals and tourists shop at the Wallowa County Farmers Market -- one of the top Joseph Oregon attractions. You’ll find tons of amazing, delicious, fresh local produce, as well as free-range meat, Oregon artwork and crafts, and much more.

There’s even live music and other fun events!

2. You’ll Love the Mountain Bike Trails

In addition to world-class whitewater rafting , Eastern Oregon is home to some of the best mountain biking in the entire world (in our humble opinion). Our local multi-use trails offer anywhere from 7-20 miles of incredible single track. There are options for beginners and expert riders alike. There’s plenty of hills, too– if you’re looking for a challenge!

These trails offer breathtaking views of the Wallowa Mountains Oregon and even glimpses of Hells Canyon Overlook :

Redmont Trail Network – This trail system offers with amazing views of the Wallowa and Seven Devils mountain ranges and beautiful forests.
Wagon Road Trail – This trail is a 5-mile out and back that’s best for more experienced riders. You’ll love the challenging switchbacks on this trail!

Don’t Forget : You can get a free map of local trails from the Wallowa County Chamber of Commerce !

3. Take a Trip on The Tram

Looking for an amazing view without having to ride your bike up a mountain? The whole family will love the Wallowa Lake Tram ! The tram gains nearly 4,000 feet in elevation, ending at the top of Mount Howard– a bit over 8,000 feet above sea level.

From there, you can enjoy lunch at Summit Grill . Then take a fun (but challenging) hike on the East Peak Trail, all the way to Aneroid Peak (9,700+ feet above sea level).

4. Choose Your Brew: Coffee or Beer?

Instagram: debinpdx

Whether you’re looking for a coffee to get you going in the morning or a local craft beer to wind down at the end of the day, Joseph, Oregon attractions has you covered!

Our favorite local spots:

Red Horse Coffee Traders – Right in downtown Joseph, a great spot to hit up before seeing the sights or visiting the Farmers Market.
Arrowhead Chocolates & Coffee – Another downtown Joseph staple (find it on Main Street!), their chocolates have won national awards!
Terminal Gravity Brewery – Located in nearby Enterprise, Oregon, we love Terminal Gravity Brewery! Great beer and great food! Their TG IPA is rightfully world-famous!
Embers Brew House – The biggest selection of local microbrews plus some of the best pizza around! A great spot to catch a live band, too– after a day of catching Rainbow Trout !

5. See Local Artwork You’ll Love!

Instagram: siljerebeccachr

From endless blue skies to raging rivers to towering mountains, the natural beauty of Eastern Joseph Oregon has inspired local artists for generations. When you’re visiting Joseph, Oregon, make sure to check out:

Valley Bronze – For more than 35 years, they’ve been casting bronze statues that are seen around the world!
Moonshine Glass – Amazing, hand-blown glasswork. Russell Ford’s creations are not only beautiful, they’re functional! He makes bowls, vases, and even beer steins!

6. Can’t-Miss Day Hikes

Instagram: madam_merlot

While many people visit Joseph, Oregon for an unforgettable white water rafting adventure , we can’t not mention the area’s incredible day hikes!

A few of our favorites include:

Maxwell Lake
Brownie Basin
Mirror Lake
Bonnie Lakes and Dollar Pass
LaGore Lake
Ruby Peak
Copper Creek Basin
Blue Hole from Indian Crossing Trailhead (The area’s best swimming hole, in our humble opinion!)

7. Kick Back & Enjoy A Great Meal!

Instagram: rimrockinnor

Yes, Joseph is a great place to enjoy the great outdoors. But is there anything more satisfying than a delicious meal after a day outdoors? We don’t think so!

Luckily, Joseph is home to some really incredible restaurants that specialize in serving great meals made from local ingredients.

Imnaha Tavern – Perfect for adventurous eaters. Try the deep-fried frog legs, chicken gizzards, and rattlesnake. Or just enjoy an ice-cold PBR at this local hangout.
Rim-Rock Restaurant – Located on Highway 3, overlooking Joseph Creek Canyon the Rim Rock is a perfect place to stop for a meal! The Rim Rock Burger is always a crowd pleaser! And don’t forget to save room for a piece of Chocolate Cream Pie!

Photo Credits:
Photo credit: nan palmero via VisualHunt / CC BY
Photo credit: theslowlane via Visualhunt.com / CC BY
Photo credit: ex_magician via VisualHunt / CC BY
Photo credit: Eric Gropp via Visual hunt / CC BY
Photo credit: Sam Beebe, Ecotrust via VisualHunt.com / CC BY

Bonus: More Adventures and Attractions in Joseph Oregon

If you’re still wondering what to do in Joseph Oregon, consider these additional ideas:

Camping at Anthony Lakes Campground, Blackhorse Campground, or Moccasin Creek Campground Georgia
Exploring Hells Canyon Visitor Center and Hat Point Overlook
Enjoying Wallowa Lake activities like boating and fishing
Visiting during fun Joseph Oregon events or checking the Joseph Oregon weather for the perfect hike
Planning stops on your way from Boise to Joseph Oregon or when asking where is Joseph Oregon

or take a multi-day trip like the Salmon River 6-Day Rafting Adventure .

Ready for Adventure?

Looking for your next outdoor thrill? Book Whitewater Raftings with Winding Waters today and make memories that will last a lifetime in Joseph, Oregon!

Discover why adventurers love Winding Waters! Check out our Google Business Profile Reviews to hear what guests say about their unforgettable white water rafting trips.

Frequently Asked Questions

Planning a visit to Joseph, Oregon? Here are some of the most common questions travelers ask about things to do, see, eat, and experience in this beautiful Eastern Oregon town.

Hells and High Water

Sun, 19 Mar 2017 20:34:00 GMT

With the snowpack in the west generally above average this winter, we’re bringing back our popular Hells and High Water Adventure . For 3 days May 19-21, we’ll float the big whitewater through the heart of Hells Canyon. Some rapids will be larger and some will be washed out. We’ll also soak up the beautiful wildflowers during the “greening” of Hells Canyon, a time during which we liken this magnificent canyon to Ireland.

According to the Idaho SNOTEL Report on March 19, 2017 (on the Natural Resource Conservation Service website), the Snake and Salmon River Basins are well above average snowpack numbers so far:

What do these numbers mean for the flows in Hells Canyon for our trip? Currently Idaho Power, who controls the dams and reservoirs above Hells Canyon, is releasing water in anticipation of the snowmelt. Below are the current flows in Hells Canyon. 70,000 cubic feet per second is pretty spicy! We anticipate these flows will remain high as the snowpack melts off and continues to fill the reservoirs. Join us on this trip and experience the thrill of this high water for yourself!

How to Plan & Pack For a Multi-Day Fly Fishing Trip

Wed, 15 Mar 2017 21:33:00 GMT

Fly fishermen are real gear heads. Doesn’t it always seem like there’s some new piece of equipment we need to have? Here at Winding Waters River Expeditions, our fly fishing guides have decades of experience leading anglers on multi-day fly fishing trips for Steelhead, Rainbow Trout, and Smallmouth Bass.

Key Takeaways

Pack smart for multi-day fly fishing trips — Focus on essentials and balance between packing too much or too little to ensure comfort and efficiency on the water.
Follow a detailed fishing gear checklist — Include backup rods, leaders, tippets, and repair kits to handle any gear issues without cutting into fishing time.
Match the silhouette, not the hatch — Simplify your fly selection by focusing on size and shape rather than pattern specifics, helping you pack fewer flies while staying effective.
Cover all water depths and insect stages — Bring flies for every life stage (nymphs to adults) and vary bead sizes or weights to target fish at different depths.
Prioritize quality gear and sun protection — Polarized sunglasses, gloves, and layers are just as crucial as rods and reels for safety, comfort, and performance.

Consider a guided fly fishing trip with Winding Waters River Expeditions — Expert guides, top-quality equipment, and gourmet meals make for a hassle-free, unforgettable adventure.

Today, we’re going to talk about the fishing trip essentials, including gear, fly-fishing techniques , and a full fishing checklist to help you get ready for the trip of a lifetime. Whether you're looking to go solo or book one of our Whitewater Raftings packages, this guide has you covered.

Deciding What (And How Much) To Bring

Remember, when you’re out on the Grande Ronde or Wallowa River for a multi-day fly fishing trip , there aren’t any fly shops out there! If you need it, you have to bring it with you. Our guided fly fishing trips include all needed tackle and gear, b ut if you’re planning a trip on your own, it’s up to you to figure out what to take on a fishing trip and ensure your fishing checklist trip is complete. Many guests also combine their trip with our guided white-water rafting and fishing adventures .

When anglers pack for a multi-day fly fishing trip, we see 2 common mistakes: packing too little or packing too much. Both can lead to situations that are frustrating in their own way.

Common Packing Mistakes on Fishing Trips

Don’t Pack Enough?

When you don’t pack enough for a multi-day fly fishing trip, you run the risk of being left high and dry, so to speak. The worst-case scenarios are breaking your only rod, damaging your only fly line, breaking off all your flies, forgetting extra tippet, dropping your pliers in the river or not packing a spare spool.

hat’s why having a solid fishing trip checklist and a reliable fishing gear checklist will help you stay prepared. You don’t want to forget essentials like extra leaders, backup rods, or a gear float. For anglers chasing bigger waters, our Snake River Hells Canyon rafting experience offers both world-class fishing and breathtaking canyon scenery.

When you don’t pack enough and don’t plan for emergencies, you’re setting yourself up for a bad fly fishing trip.

Pack Too Much?

It can be equally frustrating to pack way more than you actually need. You probably won’t need 4 or 5 rods on your trip and a few boxes of flies is probably enough (assuming they’re the right ones). You’ll get frustrated rummaging through all your gear trying to find what you need at any given moment. And you risk breaking or losing a favorite piece of gear in a drift boat that’s overcrowded with tackle and gear. Stick with the basics on your fishing trip packing list, and focus on essentials for a fishing trip that align with your fishing goals. Our Whitewater Raftings packages already include a lot of fishing gear you’ll need—so ask before you overpack!

What’s the Right Amount of Tackle & Gear?

There’s no “perfect” amount of gear to pack for a multi-day fly fishing trip.

But our guides do have some advice on how to avoid packing too much more too little. If you’re planning a trip during the summer to target Rainbow Trout or Smallmouth Bass, keep reading to learn our recommendations. If you’d like to see what a fully-guided trip looks like, explore our Grande Ronde 5-Day Rafting Adventure .

Essential Fly Fishing Gear Checklist

Fly Rods & Reels

We recommend bringing 2 rods. That way you can have rigs set up for nymphing and dry fly fishing, depending on what the fish are eating. In general, you can get by with a 5-weight, but a 6-weight can be useful if the wind picks up.

Speaking of windy days, if you do bring a third, emergency backup rod think about an inexpensive fly and spinning backpacking combo kit. That way if things are really windy, you can break out the spinner and still have a really fun day catching Smallmouth Bass and Rainbow Trout.

As for reels, we don’t get many fish that’ll take you into the backing, so a simple click and pawl reel is good enough. Just bring a spare spool or two with an extra weight-forward floating line or sink tip or intermediate line. Speaking of floating lines, a double taper (DT) can be very versatile because if the tip gets damaged, you can just flip it around and fish the other end!

Each night, you’ll want to clean your floating fly lines to get them ready for the next day on the water. Try using Armor All Wipes. Just run your line through one and you’ll be ready to go!

Repair Supplies

Pack the tools you need to disassemble your reel and a little tupperware container to drop parts into so they’re not rolling around the boat. We also really like emergency rod tip repair kits that include a tip guide and quick drying super glue. They can really save the day if you snap the tip off of your favorite fly rod!

Leaders & Tippet

Tapered leaders offer a more delicate presentation, but they can get expensive. If you tie your own tapered leaders, make them at home before you leave on your multi-day fly fishing trip. I mean, does anyone LOVE tying blood knots when they could be fishing instead?

For Smallmouth Bass and Rainbow Trout during the summer, you can err on the side of heavier tippet. A 9 foot-4x leader is the most commonly used leader for our local rivers. You usually won’t need anything smaller than 4x and will usually benefit from the extra strength and power of heavier tippets . Smallmouth Bass are not line shy and chew through light line, so go with 3x and stronger. Don’t be afraid to use as much as 1x leader for bass, as the stiffer line will help turn the bulkier popper over and keeps it strength after several fish.

You can also get more mileage out off your leaders by using a loop-to-loop connection to add on more tippet as needed. This also lets you experiment with different lengths of tippet if the fish seem skittish.

If you’re prone to getting wind knots in your leaders, make sure to bring plenty of extra leaders! Even after they’re untangled, wind knots create weak spots that could break and cost you the fish of a lifetime. In our experience, most wind knots can be avoided by slowing down your casting motion and throwing more open loops .

Remember to practice tying your knots before your trip, in order to maximize your actual fishing time. An angler can get through most days with a simple improved clinch knot and a triple surgeon’s knot (for attaching tippet to leader).

Flies

Here’s the thing about choosing flies for Rainbow Trout and Smallmouth Bass during the summer: it’s the fishermen who care more about the pattern than the fish!

Choosing the Right Flies for Every Situation

Match the Silhouette, Not the Hatch

Our guides don’t rely too heavily on specific patterns. Instead they match the silhouette of the

what the fish are eating. Think bulky floating patterns that mimic terrestrials and stoneflies, and generic “nymph” shapes like a pheasant tail nymph or rubber legs on a stonefly nymph.

Streamers don’t need to be complicated either, just get a fishy shape and get it moving. Smallmouth Bass will love it!

By focusing on the rough shape and size of your flies, you can pack fewer patterns and save money, too!

Cover the Entire Insect Life Cycle

Again, you don’t need to get super specific, but instead just focus on carrying flies that cover the entire insect life cycle. This includes:

Nymphs
Pupae
Emergers
Adults (including spent flies)

It can be really frustrating to find fish keying in on emerging adults when all you have is a bunch of high-floating dries!

Be Ready to Fish the Whole Water Column

Fish can be picky!

Sometimes warm summer weather will keep them hugging the bottom and other times you’ll find them smack dab in the middle of the water column. When you’re choosing flies to pack for a multi-day fly fishing trip, make sure you’re ready to fish at a variety of depths.

If you tie your own flies, use a few different sizes of bead heads to help flies get down deep. You can also adjust your depth on the water by adding tungsten shot on your leader (it’s not toxic like lead shot).

Vary Size Not Pattern

It’s better to have 1 pattern in 6 different sizes than it is to have 6 patterns in the same size.

Here in Eastern Oregon, we don’t use many tiny flies (leave those size 22’s at home!). During the summertime Stonefly and Salmonfly Hatch , we’ll go up to as big as a size 6 (or even bigger!)– part of why we recommend heavier tippets.

Keep It Simple!

If you focus on choosing simple patterns that cover the answers to those questions, you can spend more time fishing and less time swapping out flies.

Our Favorite Patterns For Summer Fly Fishing Trips

These same patterns produce incredible results on our Salmon River Rafting Trips , where trout and steelhead thrive in clear mountain water.

Here are a few of the flies preferred by our experienced fly fishing guide Paul Pagano :

For Rainbow Trout:

Bead-head Prince Nymph
Gold-ribbed Hare’s Ear
Pheasant Tail
Black Wooly Bugger
Orange or Yellow Stimulator
Orange Sofa Pillow

For Smallmouth Bass:

Poppers with some green in the body
Dark colored, weighted streamers

Other Equipment For a Summer Rainbow Trout & Smallmouth Bass Trip

As for the other equipment you need, here’s a checklist to help you remember what you might want to pack for a multi-day fly fishing trip:

Tools

Pliers – These have about a million uses, including pinching down the barbs on your hooks.
Nippers – Don’t forget to use an elastic cord to connect them to your vest.
Hemostat – Bright shiny hemostats can reflect bright sun and scare fish. Spray them a matte black before your trip.

Eyewear

Sunglasses – Protect your eyes and see fish more clearly with a pair of high-quality polarized glasses.
Reading glasses – Good for threading tippet on small flies and for actually reading around the fire at night!
Spare prescription glasses – Nothing’s worse than not being able to see the beautiful fish you catch!

Clothes & Accessories

Fingerless gloves – Protect your hands from sunburn and leave your fingers free
Buff – Keep sun, wind, and rain off of your face
Layers – Warm base layers and a rain shell are a must!
Sunscreen – Protect your skin!

Other Gear

Quick release net and soft measuring tape – Quickly land and release fish without stressing them!
Fishing License – Guided trips (including those at Winding Waters River Expeditions don’t include a fly fishing license. Get yours online !

Want An Unforgettable Multi-Day Fly Fishing Trip?

Preparing, planning, and packing for a multi-day fly fishing trip can be quite a production. So why not make things easy on yourself and fish with our experienced guides. We work with anglers of all experience levels and will help you have an unforgettable time.

Our multi-day guided fly fishing trips include:

High-quality camping equipment and comfy sleeping pads
Experienced guides
Gourmet meals from fresh local ingredients
All your tackle and gear

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some helpful answers to common questions about planning and packing for a multi-day fly fishing trip.

Discover why adventurers love Winding Waters! Check out our Google Business Profile Reviews to hear what guests say about their unforgettable white water rafting trips. For a more exclusive experience, check out our Private Charter Rafting Trips designed for small groups of anglers.

Photo Credits: Eric Lanning , Lorana Price , Bureau of Land Management , USFWS Mountain-Prairie , Marcin Chady

The Power of Community

Wed, 15 Mar 2017 17:36:00 GMT

Community is everything in our rural corner of Oregon. The county we live in, Wallowa, is larger than the state of Rhode Island, with just a handful of people (a smidgen over 7,000). The saying “ it takes a village ” is used A LOT here. And we don’t think this community is unusual.

But what we do think is unique is how people pull together to get things done. “ Where there’s a will, there’s a way “ is another local mantra. And a group that helps facilitate “ getting things done ” is the Enterprise-Joseph Lions Club (part of the larger Lions Club International ).

Liability insurance is a large hurdle for volunteer groups wishing to accomplish big things. This Club has stepped up to provide both liability insurance and human-power to a few large community enterprises, including Ferguson Ridge Ski Area , the Wallowa Valley Ice Rink, and the Joseph City Park Playground Community Build . And to go one step further, this club also OWNS Ferguson Ridge Ski Area!

If you want to support this Lions Club’s work, buy a Nature Conservancy BUCK TAG ! Only a few left!

Paul and Penny, both members of this Enterprise-Joseph Lions Club, are proud to be part of both of the ski area and the playground project. You may have read our winter blog post about the ‘Off Season’ discussing these activities.

Here’s a quick recap:

Penny is eye-ball deep in is the Joseph City Park Playground Renovation . This project involves the community 100% – from the Joseph Kindergarten through 6th graders helping design and fundraise to community volunteers building the playground April 25-30, 2017 . And the Enterprise-Joseph Lions Club will be there helping to build the playground (along with providing event insurance for the build). Over $200,000 has been raised for the new playground. Come help us build the new playground SOON: April 25-30, 2017!

The post The Power of Community appeared first on Winding Waters River Expeditions .

Wallowa River Steelhead Creel Report March 8th

Wed, 08 Mar 2017 22:51:00 GMT

Wallowa River Steelhead Creel Report

The Numbers are starting to look pretty good down on the Wallowa. The fishing conditions are perfect. Get down there before the big warm up happens this weekend and the river blows out.

Wallowa River Steelhead Fishing Report March 2, 2017

Thu, 02 Mar 2017 16:09:00 GMT

Wallowa River Steelhead by Flysideangling.com

Wallowa River Steelhead Fishing Report

Walk Wade Wallowa River Steelhead Fishing Trip

Today’s Fishing Experience:

Great day on the Wallowa River. The Steelhead are definitely in and it is go time. Dead drifting flourescent nymph patterns was successful today. Landed 3 nice 2 salt Steelhead which is what we have come to expect from this year’s run with the majority of the Steelhead caught being 2 salts this year.

Steelhead fishing pressure was pretty high below the hatchery at Big Canyon but not too bad above which is where all 3 Steelhead were landed.

Contact Paul Pagano today at Fly Side Angling today to book your half or full day guide for the Wallowa River. 541-398-0180

Contact Winding Waters River Expeditions to learn more about Trout and Steelhead Fishing Expeditions between Minam and Troy, Oregon, or the Smallmouth Bass Trip on the Snake River in Hells Canyon you have been dreaming of.

Icons made by Freepik , Vectors Market , and Daniel Bruce from www.flaticon.com is licensed by CC 3.0 BY

Wallowa River Steelhead Update February 27th 2017

Mon, 27 Feb 2017 19:14:00 GMT

The Wallowa River Steelhead Fishing Conditions have improved greatly over the past few days. The Wallowas are experiencing some nice cold nights and cold days basically shutting down the run off and bringing the Wallowa River into prime fishing conditions again. I have posted the Creel report from over the weekend below. The numbers are starting to look better and reflect this improvement in conditions.

Take a look at the Wallowa River Gauge near Water Canyon to see what the flows have done this week.

Hope to see you out there on the river.

If you would like a Steelhead Fishing guide for the day on the Wallowa or Grande Ronde, do yourself a favor and call Paul Pagano at Fly Side Angling 541.398.0180.

If you want to see what is below Minam on a 5 Day Fall Steelhead Fishing Trip or 4 day Summer Trout Fishing Trip contact us at 541-263-1326 or paul@windingwatersrafting.com

Happy Angling!

Wallowa River Fishing Conditions Report

Wed, 22 Feb 2017 23:07:00 GMT

February 22nd 2017

We should be down catching Steelhead on the Wallowa River right now but the Wallowa River fishing conditions are not cooperating. In a typical year this would be prime time for Wallowa River Steelhead Fishing but this year the weather and flows are all over the place. We went from deep winter, guide freezing temps to major thaw overnight and now the Wallowa is blown out with no real end in site.

There have been some brave anglers fishing for steelhead on the Wallowa river fishing conditions are not perfect right now. Here is a link to the Stream flow gauge on the Wallowa River below Water Canyon. This gauge will give you a good idea of what is happening on the Wallowa. Ideal flows are between 400 cfs and 800 cfs. We don’t always get this in the spring time so the next best thing is consistency.

Wallowa River Stream Flow Gauge:

For more information please contact us at paul@windingwatersrafting.com or check in with our Steelhead fishing guide partner.

Paul Pagano at Fly Side Angling 541.398.0180

Maybe it is time to begin dreaming about a summer Trout Fishing Trip. 4 day Grande Ronde River Stonefly Expedition.

River Time Yoga

Mon, 06 Feb 2017 19:51:00 GMT

B eth Estock is our guest yoga instructor on our wonderful, relaxing Salmon River Yoga Retreat. This unique trip offers a blend of nature, mindfulness, and movement, merging the serenity of yoga by the river with the thrill of Whitewater Raftings. Thanks, Beth, for this lovely reflection on yoga, th e self, and the river.

Beth’s Yoga Journey

I came to the practice of yoga 23 years ago when I was expecting my first child. The class was for pregnant women who wanted to do natural childbirth. What surprised me even then was how calm and centered I felt after the classes. Two healthy births, a stressful job and a move across the country brought me back to yoga on the river 17 years ago — at first once a week and then twice a week. Now the practice of yoga has become a rich metaphor for my life.

From greater flexibility and stronger muscles to better posture, balance, and increased self-awareness, the benefits of yoga flow continue to unfold. But more importantly, I have grown in my capacities to take life as it comes to me, exactly as it unfolds, warts and all. It has helped me to grow in compassion for myself and others. Simply put, yoga has helped me to open my heart.

The River as a Yoga Studio

Which leads me to the river and another metaphor…

River Time , as the guides remind us, is when we become so focused on the experience of the river and its natural beauty that we begin to let go of the frenzied narrative that overwhelms our 21 ^st century lives. We are able to let go of our to do lists and electronic addictions, and instead are invited to rest in the present moment. The river gives us space in which to simply delight in our beingness . It is on a grand scale what happens in a yoga studio one hour at time.

Facing the Rapids—and the Self

Granted there is a little trepidation when preparing to run a rapid. We ask ourselves questions like, “Can I do this? Will I fall out of the boat? Will I get hurt?” Likewise when we think about taking up a yoga practice we wonder, “Can I do this? Will I look stupid? Will I get hurt?” These mirror the internal dialogue many have before attending their first yoga by the river class.

Running a rapid is like being in a yoga posture that takes your total concentration and brings you unwittingly to the present moment. As my daughter says, it is about being “woke”. This is a rarity in our lives as our brains prefer rehashing the past or planning for the future. The river experience, like a yoga practice, reminds us of the gift of being alive right now in this moment. When we open to that, life becomes exhilarating and joyful.

The Gift of River Yoga

This is why I am excited to be offering this yoga retreat on the Salmon River , as it will be powerful medicine for being “woke”. This is an invitation for anyone who wants to learn more about yoga as well as for those who currently enjoy its benefits. We will begin our days with an opportunity to focus our minds and bodies in the present moment using yoga and then bringing that heightened awareness to the playful flow of the river. In the evenings we will have an opportunity to relax into our bodies and integrate the gifts of the day. It is my hope that we will be able to then take those gifts with us into our everyday lives.

Whether you’re checking your local river yoga schedule, pricing out private yoga lessons price, or browsing Sun Valley Idaho events, consider joining us for something unforgettable.

From guided meditation on the sand to camp yoga moments under the sun, it’s a retreat that fuses mindfulness and movement with Whitewater Raftings.

Beth Estock

We Invite You to Flow With Us

Each Winding Waters retreat is crafted for deeper connection—between body, mind, and river. From Whistler to yoga by the river , this is the invitation you’ve been waiting for.

Let’s practice. Let’s paddle . Let’s be fully alive.

Want a real taste of adventure? Read firsthand stories from our guests on Google Business Profile Reviews and see why whitewater rafting is also their favorite.

What To Pack On A White Water Rafting Trip

Mon, 02 Jan 2017 21:49:00 GMT

Key Takeaways

Pack smart for every season: Choose quick-dry, synthetic, or wool fabrics instead of cotton to stay warm and comfortable on your white water rafting trip, whether it’s summer or winter.
Focus on rafting gear essentials: Prioritize safety and functionality with core rafting gear like life jackets, dry bags, and river shoes designed for traction and protection.
Stay hydrated and sun-safe: Bring a reusable water bottle, waterproof sunscreen, and SPF lip balm—these small items make a big difference in keeping you healthy outdoors.
Plan based on trip length: Rafting gear for day trips differs from multi-day or backcountry rafting—pack light but don’t skip layers, camp footwear, and waterproof storage.
Leave valuables behind: Avoid bringing electronics, expensive jewelry, or fragile gear that can get lost or damaged on the river.
Enjoy the experience: The right rafting gear ensures comfort and safety—but your best asset on any white water rafting adventure is an open mind and a spirit of adventure.

Ready for an adventure of a lifetime? White water rafting is an amazing experience full of moments of excitement and awe in the great outdoors. It’s best to come prepared for your trip so you can enjoy yourself no matter what may be in store.

Many outfitters, like Winding Waters River Expeditions, provide premium rafting and camping equipment, including life jackets, dry bags, tents, sleeping pads, and more. However, you are responsible for your own personal items.

What should you pack for a white water rafting trip? That depends on the type of trip, time of year, and length of the trip. For example, if you’re joining a Snake River Hells Canyon rafting trip , you’ll need gear that handles both calm waters and thrilling rapids. However, there are a few essentials for white water rafting you can’t do without no matter what kind of trip you take.

We’ve put together a detailed packing list that you can download here , or continue reading for a great overview of what you need to bring on your river rafting adventure.

Clothing To Pack For A White Water Rafting Trip

One of the first things you’ll need to pack is the clothing you will wear on your rafting trip. As a general rule, try to avoid cotton clothing. Cotton tends to get cold when wet — and you’ll definitely be getting wet — so avoid cotton in every season. The rafting gear for beginners typically includes simple, functional items like dry-fit tops, secure river shoes, and layers for warmth.

The clothing you pack will generally depend on the weather, but here are a few clothing-related items you will need to bring no matter what time of year you go rafting:

River Shoes— Wear sturdy sandals with straps that are designed for watersports. Flip flops won’t cut it!
Camp “Slippers”— You’ll need dry shoes to wear around camp to keep your feet safe and warm. Remember, mornings can be cold even in the summer!
Extra Plastic Bag for Wet Clothes— You can use a trash bag or a large ziplock. Keep your wet clothes separate from your dry clothes so everything doesn’t end up soggy.
Set of dry clothes— After a day getting splashed on the river, you’re going to want something nice and dry to change into.

For warm and sunny weather:

Quick-dry shorts or bathing suit
Synthetic shirt (quick-drying, non-cotton material)
Long-sleeved sun shirt
Sun-blocking hat—Bring a brimmed hat to protect your face from the sun
Sunglasses—Don’t forget a retainer strap
Rafting gear for summer trips such as breathable rash guards and UV-blocking wear

For cool, cold, or rainy weather:

Top outer layer, such as a windproof and waterproof jacket
Bottom outer layer, such as windproof and waterproof pants
Sweater, jacket, or sweatshirt (fleece or wool recommended)
Warm hat—thin, snug
Synthetic or wool socks
Synthetic long-sleeve shirt(s) and top layers
Synthetic long underwear or leggings
Rafting gear that’s insulated for warmth and safety
Rafting gear for winter trips, like neoprene gloves and fleece base layers

Personal Items To Pack For A White Water Rafting Trip

Water Bottle

Water is your best friend on your river vacation. It’s not just carrying you down the river, it’s also hydrating your body and keeping you healthy. We recommend Hydro Flask water bottles, which are specially designed to keep your water cold. Whatever water bottle you bring, it’s a good idea for it to have a carabiner so you can easily clip it to the raft and other gear for easy access.

Sunblock

Nothing ruins a good outdoor vacation like a sunburn. If there’s one personal item you can’t do without on a white water rafting trip, it’s sunblock. Bring along a container of long-lasting, waterproof, and sweatproof sunblock, along with a sun-blocking hat and chapstick with SPF. We apply early and often on the river!

Snacks

With Winding Waters River Expeditions you will enjoy sustainable, locally grown foods during meal times, but in between you may want to have something to snack on. Only bring snacks that are light to carry and don’t require cold or hot storage.

Soap, Lotion, and Toiletries

At the end of the day, you’ll probably want to wash off that “river feeling.” Bring along some soap (we recommend Dr. Bronner’s ) and other basic toiletries to clean up after a long, adventure-filled day. Lotion is also a great idea to bring some moisture back to your sun-soaked skin. Don’t forget to throw any medications you need into your toiletry bag too!

Fun Items To Pack For A White Water Rafting Trip

In addition to the essentials like clothing and gear, you may want to pack a few fun items to enjoy during your free time camping along the river.

Here are a few extra items you may want to consider bringing:

Camping hammock
Swimming goggles or snorkel gear
Binoculars
Star gazing guides
Playing cards
Flashlight or headlamp (essential rafting gear for overnight trips)
Rafting gear that’s quick dry to keep you comfortable throughout your stay

On longer expeditions like our Hells Canyon 6-Day Rafting Adventure , having compact, lightweight extras makes your evenings by the river even better. Just be sure your extra items are small, light, and easy to pack!

Packing by Trip Type & Duration

Each type of rafting adventure comes with different gear needs. Packing right ensures you're well-equipped for the journey ahead.

Rafting gear for day trips can be minimal—sun protection, hydration, and a change of clothes are often all you need.
Rafting gear for multi-day trips should include layered clothing, waterproof storage, camp sandals, and enough toiletries to stay clean and comfortable. (For longer journeys like our Salmon River rafting adventures , having durable, quick-dry layers makes all the difference.)
Those planning rafting gear for extended expeditions should bring durable outer layers, extra dry bags, and lightweight gear designed for long-term use.
If you're headed into nature’s remote areas, your rafting gear for backcountry rafting must be lightweight, rugged, and suitable for unpredictable conditions.

Choosing the Right Rafting Gear for Your Trip

Whether you're going on a single-day journey or an extended expedition, selecting the right rafting gear for your trip is crucial. Not only does it ensure safety, but it also enhances comfort and enjoyment.

Rafting gear for kids includes snug-fitting life jackets, UV hats, and fun waterproof bags that encourage responsibility.
Rafting gear for family trips may involve preparing with games, extra layers, and camp comforts for all age groups. (Families love our Grande Ronde River rafting trips for their calm stretches and easy camping setups)
If you’re bringing a camera, rafting gear for photography should include dry bags, floating straps, and weatherproof cameras.

The Not-To-Pack List For White Water Rafting Trips

Almost as important as knowing what to bring on a white water rafting trip is knowing what not to bring. Some items and white water rafting just don’t mix. The last thing you want is to lose or damage your personal belongings, especially valuable personal belongings. Keep in mind, your stuff (and yourself) will be exposed to the great outdoors, so don’t bring anything you don’t want to put at risk.

Here are a few items you should definitely leave at home :

Electronics (laptop, iPad, iPod, etc.)
Expensive jewelry
Expensive eyewear

If you do choose to bring electronics like your smartphone or camera, make sure you have a dependable waterproof case to reduce the risk of damage.

Get Packing and Get Going!

More often than not, our white water rafting guests find that they overpack for the trip rather than underpack. As long as you have the essential items appropriate for your trip length and weather conditions, you should be just fine.

Remember, with Winding Waters River Expeditions, you are lead by experienced, full-service guides . If you prefer a fully customized group experience, explore our private rafting charters for exclusive adventures on Oregon’s best rivers. They will make sure you are well-equipped and prepared to enjoy a trip of a lifetime. The most important things you can bring are your spirit of adventure and sense of wonder.

Frequently Asked Questions

This article humorously explores river etiquette, wildlife encounters, and the joys of summertime rafting on the Grande Ronde River.

If you have any questions about what to bring on your rafting trip, feel free to contact Winding Waters River Expeditions by phone or email and we’ll help you with everything you need. You can also grab our detailed packing list here to print out and mark up as you prepare for your trip.

You may also want to check out our Google Business Profile Reviews to see what others say about us.

Fall Steelhead Fishing Wrap Up

Thu, 08 Dec 2016 18:41:00 GMT

Fall Steelhead Fishing Season is a wrap:

Fall steelhead fishing for summer run steelhead on the Grande Ronde has pretty much wrapped up. Are the fish still there? Absolutely. Traditionally, there are more fish here this time of year than in the warmer fall months. But, it is down right cold with water air temps in the teens and water temps dipping into the mid 30’s. Soon, we’ll see the ice. And looking back, it was a surprising fall. The counts were down, no doubt. We expected that from what we heard from our local biologists. The results were as expected. However, there were still a lot of fish landed and lots of those fish came by way of fly.

Larger two salt Steelhead were expected to return at a greater rate than the one salt fish. This, again, was exactly right. Most of the fish we put our hands on were large and in charge. A great reward for the dedicated angler, regardless of return projections.

As we transition into the winter months, we’ll look forward to more and more steelhead arriving on both the Grande Ronde River and the Wallowa River. Steelhead have already been caught on the Wallowa, which typically does not see too many fish until after the new year. And then of course, we see the abundant return from February to April on the Wallowa.

Right now, temperatures are colder and anglers are sparse. For the dedicated angler, this can mean low pressure fish that may not have seen a presentation in quite some time. Good news for you.

Check back with us for further updates as the winter moves along.

Submitted by Paul Pagano of Fly Side Angling

Solar Eclipse Rafting Trip 2017

Wed, 16 Nov 2016 19:37:00 GMT

If you haven’t heard, there is going to be a solar eclipse on August 21st, 2017. A total eclipse for those lucky enough to be in the “Path of Totality.” Check it out- Hells Canyon and the Salmon River are near the path and would be great places to view the Eclipse!

And yes, you remember those Eclipse viewing gadgets we all made in grade school? Well start saving your toilet paper rolls and old cereal boxes and let’s get ready. Here is a link to a video describing how to make one of these safe eclipse viewing gadgets . You can also purchase official eclipse viewing glasses that will make it safe for you to look up at the sun while the Moon is passing between us and the sun blocking out the sun.

What is a Solar Eclipse?

Maybe this would be a good time to remind all of us what a solar eclipse is and what the difference is between a total and a partial solar eclipse.

A Solar eclipse is where the Moon goes in between the Earth and the Sun, and passes right “in front of” the Sun as seen from the Earth. This will cast a shadow over the earth. There are 2 types of Solar eclipses.

Partial Solar Eclipse: The whole daytime side of the Earth is NOT EVER going to see the Sun covered up! In fact, the part of the Earth that sees the Moon totally covering the Sun is EXTREMELY small – maybe a strip of land about 50 miles wide or so! This strip is called the “path of totality”, and if you want to see the Sun totally covered by the Moon, you have to be in that path! If you’re not in that path, then you will see a partial eclipse.

Total Solar Eclipse: If you are in that path of totality, then you will see the Moon cover up the Sun little by little (using your eclipse glasses, of course!), until for just maybe a minute or two, the Moon completely covers the Sun! During that brief period of time, we say that the Sun is being totally eclipsed. There is no bright part of the Sun that is visible any more, because the Moon is completely covering it!

We can’t think of a better place to observe this Astronomically Astrological event than on “The River”. By looking at the map below you can see that the Path of Totality is just south of the Snake River in Hells Canyon and the Salmon River of Idaho. We may not get to see the Total solar eclipse but it will be very close.

So pack your eclipse viewing gadgets, glasses and swimming suit and join us for a unique adventure that will not soon be eclipsed by another.

Rafting and Eclipse viewing opportunities:

Snake River in Hells Canyon Rafting Adventure: August 19th – 22nd

Salmon River Canyons Rafting Adventure : August 20th – 23rd

The post Solar Eclipse Rafting Trip 2017 appeared first on Winding Waters River Expeditions .

RIVER Explorers

Mon, 14 Nov 2016 19:18:00 GMT

Exploring the watersheds of the Salmon, Snake, and Grande Ronde Rivers is what we do…all summer long. And in 2017 we’ve added another fun and exciting layer to our explorations of the Salmon with Dr. Ruthi Davenport. The lucky 6-12 year olds who will join this trip will be guided in their explorations of the plants, animals, water, rocks, and people of the Salmon’s Watershed. Ruthi is a river rat herself and appreciates the free-form nature of river trips. She’s excited to bring a soft layer of learning to beach time, to build on the already curious nature of kiddos and offer knowledge and guidance to explorations. Ruthi will include music as well to make times like evening campfires a truly memorable experience.

And Penny and Paul are of course SUPER excited about this trip as they’ve been wanting to add naturalist experiences for kids for years. “We take advantage of ‘teachable moments’ on the river to incorporate learning. However, having Ruthi along with a sole focus on mentoring the kids will provide the kids a truly wonderful and life-forming experience.”

This trip is open to all members of a family. In camp, parents will relax while their kids explore and learn with Ruthi. Give Penny and Paul a call to reserve your seats on this fantastic family adventure.

The post RIVER Explorers appeared first on Winding Waters River Expeditions .

The “Off Season”?

Wed, 02 Nov 2016 16:05:00 GMT

“So, what do you guys do in the off season?” This question is one of our favorite discussion topics with our guests. The ‘off season’: that mysterious time of year between early November and middle of April when the river rests. This time-frame has transitioned through the years for Penny and Paul as they have become parents and more involved in the community. Beyond preparing for the next river season, Paul and Penny have spread their passion for recreation into some fun community projects.

Fun ‘Off Season’ WWRE videos

Paul is in charge of safety management on the river and in the winter, enjoys his roles with snow-safety management in our community: as Director of Ferguson Ridge Ski Patrol and Board Member for the Wallowa Avalanche Center . ‘Fergi’, as our local ski hill is affectionately called, is a local institution. It’s one of the last remaining community-owned and operated ski hills in the US and every person working at the hill is a volunteer. It boasts 630 vertical feet and a T-Bar up the center. Our community comes out of the wood-work in the winter to play together in the snow. Both Paul and Penny have patrolled there for nearly 10 years now and love it. The best part is seeing the kids learning to ski. And once the backcountry is ready to ski, the Wallowa Avalanche Center crew provides reports on snow conditions important for skier safety.

Penny is helping to create and upgrade community assets for recreation. The first project is the creation of the 63 mile Joseph Branch Rail with Trail from Joseph to Elgin, Oregon. Penny is part of a non-profit, the Joseph Branch Trail Consortium, working with the owners of the railroad, the Wallowa Union Railroad Authority, to develop the first 6 miles of the trail from Joseph to Enterprise. If funding comes through, construction will begin in 2018-19. The trail will be a multi-use non-motorized trail for hikers, bikers, and equestrians.

The second project she is eye-ball deep in is the Joseph City Park Playground Renovation . The Joseph City Park Playground Renovation Committee is working with a playground architecture firm, Play By Design , to design a beautiful, ADA compliant playground for the community. The best part of this project is how much it says about the community Penny and Paul live in. The project involves the community 100% – from the Joseph Kindergarten through 6th graders helping design and fundraise to community volunteers building the playground April 25-30, 2017. Over $50,000 has been raised in our small, rural community and over $140,000 has been raised at the state-wide level. Come help us build the new playground next April 25-30, 2017!

The post The “Off Season”? appeared first on Winding Waters River Expeditions .

Grande Ronde River Steelhead Fishing Report 10/20/16

Fri, 21 Oct 2016 03:15:00 GMT

Grande Ronde River Steelhead

Grande Ronde River Steelhead Fishing Report

Float Trip from Mud Creek to Troy, Oregon

Today’s Fishing Experience:

We had a beautiful day on the Grande Ronde River today. After about a week of increasing CFS and turbid water conditions the river has begin to settle back down again and is looking pretty nice today. Spent the day swinging flies and finally hooked into this nice Wild Grande Ronde River Steelhead on the Grande Ronde River Rat size 2.

We are encouraged that this trend will last as we are launching a 5 day trip through the Wild and Scenic section on Monday.

See you on the River.

Icons made by Freepik , Vectors Market , and Daniel Bruce from www.flaticon.com is licensed by CC 3.0 BY

7 Fall & Winter Steelhead Flies for the Grande Ronde & Wallowa Rivers

Fri, 14 Oct 2016 19:34:00 GMT

Are you planning a fall or winter trip to the Grande Ronde or Wallowa River to fly fish for steelhead? Not sure what patterns they might be hitting? In today’s posts, the steelhead guides at Winding Waters River Expeditions will share a few of their favorite patterns– telling you what they’ve learned in the 25+ years they’ve been guiding for steelhead.

Key Takeaways

Match the hatch with confidence: For fall and winter steelhead on the Grande Ronde and Wallowa Rivers, rely on proven fly patterns like the Magneto Stonefly, Hoh Bo Spey, and Beadhead Copper Johns to imitate natural prey and trigger strikes.
Vary presentation and depth: Success often depends more on how you present the fly than the specific pattern. Adjust weight, bead size, and drift to reach steelhead holding near the river bottom.
Experiment with color and motion: Steelhead respond to a wide range of colors—black, olive, purple, and even pink—especially when paired with movement-rich materials like marabou or rubber legs.
Don’t overlook simple patterns: Egg flies and wooly buggers remain reliable, high-performing options that work in cold conditions when other flies fail.

Leverage local expertise: Booking a guided steelhead fly fishing trip with Winding Waters River Expeditions ensures access to expert knowledge, proper gear, and the best runs on the Grande Ronde and Wallowa Rivers

Let’s get started!

1. Magneto Stonefly

The Magneto Stonefly is a pattern made by our friend Devin Olsen, one of the most experienced fly fishermen around. It’s a great fly for Euro-nymphing and it’s the best of both worlds– both an attractor and an imitator.

That means it both imitates the silhouette, shape, and size of a stonefly nymph but it also attracts steelhead with its shiny bead head and reflective mylar tinsel body. Devin and our guides fish the Magento Stonefly in a size 8 or so and use a tungsten beadhead to help it get down (and stay down) in the cold, fast waters of the Grand Ronde and Wallowa rivers. Learn how to tie the Magneto Stonefly here . If you’d like to experience this river beyond fishing, our Grande Ronde River rafting trips offer incredible scenic adventures too.

2. Hoh Bo Spey Fly

If you enjoy spey fishing for fall and winter steelhead in the Grande Ronde or Wallowa River, you’ll love the Hoh Bo spey fly. It’s been a longtime favorite of steelhead fishermen in the Pacific Northwest and it’s a go-to fly for our guides at Winding Waters River Expeditions.

The Hoh Bo has great motion in the water thanks to the marabou and guinea fowl collar and the trailing hook turns short strikers into hookups! Definitely keep a few of these in your fly box if you’re headed out for steelhead this season.

3. Other Stonefly Nymph Patterns

In addition to the Magneto Stonefly we love just about any weighted stonefly nymph pattern for steelhead. There’s no magic recipe, but a combination of a heavy beadhead, rubber legs, biot tail and antenna, a pheasant tail and mylar shellcase, copper wire abdomen and fuzzy dubbed thorax make for a can’t miss steelhead fly.

You’ll sometimes hear steelhead fisherman say that a fly can be any color as long as it’s black, but in our experience steelhead will hit a wide variety of colors, including black, olive, brown, tan, and even dark purple. You just have to give it the right presentation in the right place at the right time.

If you tie your own steelhead flies, try stonefly nymphs:

4. Beadhead Copper Johns

Beadhead Copper Johns are simple, effective steelhead flies. Just like other nymphs you can experiment with different weights and hook sizes but the formula remains the same:

5. Egg Patterns

We can’t talk about simple but effective steelhead flies without mentioning egg patterns. They’re so simple to tie, but they catch steelhead when other flies miss. Lime green, neon yellow, red, and hot pink are all great color choices. But when the steelhead are keyed in on eggs, they’ll hit any bright color that comes in front of their face. Just make sure to use split shot on your leader to keep the buoyant eggs down in the water column. You will definitely want to try these on the Wallowa River late February thru mid April!

6. Black Marabou Leeches & Wooly Buggers

A black wooly bugger will catch just about any fish that swims and that includes steelhead! No steelhead fly box is complete without a few black buggers or other leech imitating patterns. The classic pattern features a marabou tail, chenille body, and soft black saddle or hen hackle. However, in our experience, a bit of flash from mylar chenille, and bright chenille or a beadhead are great variations on a classic pattern.

If you’re new to flytying, the black wooly bugger is a great pattern for beginners. Watch t his vid eo to learn how to tie a beadhead bugger.

7. Skaters

You haven’t lived until you’ve caught a steelhead on a skating dry fy! There’s really nothing like it. Just like other flies on this list, you don’t need a specific pattern, just one that has the right look and style.

Skating steelhead flies often feature:

Watch this steelhead hammer a skating dry. That’ll get your blood pumping!

Choosing & Presenting Your Fly

Oftentimes, the pattern itself isn’t as important as the presentation. When you’re able to put a fly right in front of a steelhead, you’ll probably get a strike– unless they’re being extra picky. Then you’ll have to experiment with different sizes and patterns.

But unless you’re working water that’s holding steelhead you’re going to go home skunked. And that includes the right depth. If the steelhead are sitting at the bottom and your flies are swinging near the surface even the best fly won’t help. This is especially true on powerful systems like the Snake River in Hells Canyon , where depth and current can change dramatically.

That’s where a great guide can help.

Book a Steelhead Fly Fishing Trip With Winding Waters River Expeditions

Our steelhead guides have been fishing for steelhead and guiding anglers for over 25 years. They know what flies work and where to find steelhead no matter what time of the season or what the weather conditions are like. There’s just no better way to maximize your chances of catching a wild steelhead than hiring one of our experienced guides. We also offer guided white water rafting adventures for anyone looking to explore the rivers in a whole new way.

Best of all, we provide all the gear you need (flies included), as well as transportation to and from the river, and much more. Read all about our guided steelhead flyfishing trips and book your adventure today!

Prefer a different kind of river experience? Our Salmon River rafting adventures are another incredible way to explore Idaho’s wild waters.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some of the most common questions about fall and winter steelhead fly fishing on the Grande Ronde and Wallowa Rivers.

2016 Season Slideshow: Smiles, Sun, and Silly

Wed, 14 Sep 2016 17:24:00 GMT

The 2016 Summer Rafting Season is a Wrap! Typically not a term we like to use in the rafting business, but it fits here! We’ve compiled a few of our favorite pix from the season. Forgive us for not including every smiling face we had on the river with us. I think you’ll enjoy this slideshow nonetheless. We also included some videos below from our trips.

Della Mae Band performing on the Salmon River

Paddlers Unite!

Brian & the Dutch Oven Love - Photo Kendrick Moholt

Canyon Peace - Photo Kendrick Moholt

Sunset in Hells Canyon - Photo Ellen Bishop

Yes, a Stand-Up Base came along on the river!

Ders!

Jay-Rad!

Blue Canyon

Hells Canyon Wildflowers & Sunset - Photo Ellen Bishop

Brandon rocking the mandolin

Beautiful Canyons - Photo Kendrick Moholt

Ducky Fun! - Photo Kendrick Moholt

Photo Kendrick Moholt

Robin- Hoola Hoop Master!! - Photo Kendrick Moholt

Camp Tranquility - Photo Kendrick Moholt

An early season photo with Todd Kruger

Sil-Jay!

Whitewater!! - Photo Kendrick Moholt

Della Mae playing on the rafts

Beach Volleyball

Happy times

Paddle Raft Fun - Photo by Kendrick Moholt

Della Mae Band loading onto the shuttle to the Salmon River

Bocce Fun - Photo Kendrick Moholt

Mark in the Saddle - Photo by Kendrick Moholt

Huge Cricket!

Lars!

Della Mae playing on the rafts!!

Ok, Mike, we won't take this photo. ��

Group Photo in Hells Canyon - Photo Ellen Bishop

Below is a wonderful video created by Madi Bares, a talented 16 year old guest on our July Music For Wild Places Trip!

The post 2016 Season Slideshow: Smiles, Sun, and Silly appeared first on Winding Waters River Expeditions .

Tartan Plaid VDubya Screamin’ Golf

Tue, 19 Jul 2016 04:31:00 GMT

My dad had the coolest golf bag when I was a kid. It was plaid. Real classy. I now own a Volkswagen Golf. It was blue. And not so classy. But I had some leftover paint. Behold. The Tartan Plaid VW Golf, sporting wings of glory on the hood.

Here’s a before picture. Sort of a pewter blue, oxidized UV look with rust streaks thing going on. The magnetic racks for flyrods turn this little chariot into a fishing golf cart of sorts. Now I just need one of those clipboards on the steering wheel with a scorecard and a tiny pencil to keep track of how many steelhead I don’t catch.

This fine automobile is a 1985 Volkswagen Golf diesel. Gets 44 miles to the gallon. Forty-four. Miles. Each gallon. That’s a lot of miles from a gallon. Sure, it sounds like a tractor when the little four-banger diesel rattles to life. But maybe I can fix that by installing one of those pants-on-fire chips from recent model VWs that claim rainbows shoot out the tailpipe. In the meantime it’s a heck of an economy car with a spanky-new economy paint job, courtesy of hardware store enamel and a three-day weekend.

For the paint application I used a roller on the big parts and a brush for the tight stuff. It sort of looks almost OK if you’re eighteen feet away or more. Closer than that and you start seeing the bugs trapped in paint, runs, drips, splatters and all that. Ah, well. I think of it as early-Earl Scheib.

The hood is supposed to invoke the Pontiac Firebird school of art, circa Smokey and the Bandit. Here’s a close-up.

Thing is, though, I live in Oregon and in Oregon there’s a university with yellow and green as their color scheme. Just because I didn’t have gold paint for the wings but did have some yellow, now I get questions from UO Duck fans thinking I’m a booster. It’s not that I’m anti-Ducks. I just should have bought some gold paint.

The wing thing came from an inspirational story on the website Jalopnik, titled Here Are Ten Cars That Deserved ‘Screaming Chicken’ Firebird-Style Hood Decals . There’s a stylized handshake for the Honda Accord. A traffic ticket with wings for the Chevy Citation. There was also a link to photos of a BMW some guy had painted plaid with a roller. Then a link discussing how a new retro vehicle had nailed it on a throwback to the old Woodie side panel look. Dad’s sweet golf bag came to mind. I processed all this and knew what I had to do. Including adding “putt-putt” to the logo, because that’s what the car sounds like. You can really appreciate the shoddy craftsmanship with this zoomed-in shot. Man. Just look at that slapdash application of hunter green enamel. Breathtaking.

Warning to the Winding Waters Family: The snazzy Winding Waters sticker designed by Silje Christoffersen is what really pushed me over the edge on painting this car. I stuck that sticker on and just knew the old coat of paint wasn’t doing this sticker justice. So I’m just saying. It’s a great sticker. You should get one and put it on your rig. But be prepared to get a new paintjob to go along with it. Or a new car. It’s a slippery slope.

Swing by the Winding Waters Boathouse Shop and pick up one of these decals for your horseless carriage. We’ll even stick it on the window for you while you’re off floating the river. Enjoy the summer, all you good people.

Grande Ronde River Trout Fishing Report June 15, 2016

Thu, 16 Jun 2016 16:46:00 GMT

Grande Ronde River Trout Fishing Report

Float Trip from Minam to to Wildcat Bridge

Today’s Fishing Experience:

All Grande Ronde River Trout caught were native wild rainbows of a larger size than we have been seeing. This so the time to be out there.

Icons made by Freepik , Vectors Market , and Daniel Bruce from www.flaticon.com is licensed by CC 3.0 BY

The post Grande Ronde River Trout Fishing Report June 15, 2016 appeared first on Winding Waters River Expeditions .

Bestest Ever Soap For Rafting – Dr. Bronner’s

Tue, 10 May 2016 20:03:00 GMT

Get yourself a little travel size soap—specifically the magical kind from Dr. Bronner’s—and tuck it away with your personal items for the next river trip. Whether you’re packing for one of our Whitewater Raftings adventures or heading out on a solo soap trip, a reliable, eco-friendly cleanser is essential.

Key Takeaways

Dr. Bronner’s Magic Soap is the top eco-friendly soap for rafting trips, offering a biodegradable formula that’s safe for lakes, rivers, and campsites.
A little goes a long way —its concentrated blend means you can dilute it 1:1 with water for maximum freshness without waste.
Peppermint Castile Soap provides an energizing, cooling clean , perfect for outdoor adventures where you want to feel refreshed after a day on the river.
Sustainable travel starts with small swaps , like choosing biodegradable soap and using refillable or travel-size bottles to reduce plastic waste.

Winding Waters River Expeditions promotes eco-conscious rafting gear , encouraging travelers to respect the environment while enjoying unforgettable river adventures .

The Magic of Dr. Bronner’s

A wee dab of Dr. Bronner’s Magic Soap --Liquid Magic Pepper mint Soap gives you the sensation of having been vigorously sandblasted by standing in the exhaust of a jet engine that runs on peppermint leaves and pumice stones. Is Dr. Bronner's soap biodegradable? Absolutely. In fact, it's one of the most environmentally safe dish soap options on the market, perfect for those seeking lake safe soap or plant safe soap alternatives.

Invigorating is not the word. What’s the word for equal parts invigoration, tingling and adrenaline? Invigoradrenalinging? Yeah. That. It’s really good soap. Really good.

Take note: this stuff is super-concentrated so I recommend diluting it with water. Half and half is about right. Though I think the label says this is three times as strong as normal puny ho-hum soap.

What’s in the Label?

About the label. It appears to have been written and designed by a revival tent preacher who commissioned the smallest possible type font just for the purpose of cramming in more proverbs and Rudyard Kipling snippets and fair trade logos and – I don’t know what all. My brain takes one sideways glance at that label, clocks out and refuses to have any more to do with it.

Bronner’s makes different versions, like lavender and rose and almond (what the what?) . . . but the few times I’ve tried those others I just didn’t get the same overall experience of feeling I’d been stung by a million harmless peppermint soap bees.

Curious ab out Dr. Bronner's magic balm or Dr. Bronner's hand soap recipe? You’ll find more wisdom on that label than a philosophy textbook. You might also be wondering, can you brush your teeth with Dr. Bronner’s soap? Yes, technically—but be ready for a wild ride.

Available in the Winding Waters Boathouse Shop.

Traveling Smart: Soap Edition

Here are some p acking essentials to consider for a river trip:

Travel size antibacterial soap and portable hand soap keep you fresh between splash zones.
Traveling with bar soap? Use a bar soap case, bar soap pouch, or bar soap mesh bag.
Don’t forget accessories like a square soap holder or drainage soap holder for camp hygiene.
Want to go even greener? Learn how to make eco friendly soap at home.

If you love combining sustainability with adventure, explore our special interest rafting trips designed for themed experiences like yoga, fly-fishing, and photography.

Biodegradable and Environmentally Conscious

Not all soaps are created equal. You might ask, is soap biodegradable? While some are questionable, Dr. Bronner’s answers with a strong YES—especially for castile soap vs glycerin comparisons. Looking for natural suds or eco friendly body wash? Dr. Bronner’s is a top choice.

With growing concerns over soap environment impact, it's good to know what is biodegradable soap, why it matters, and why safe soap for lakes (yes, safe soap for lakes—and we mean that) should be your go-to for multi-day rafting.

Carry-On and Convenience

If you're flying to your river destination, carry on bar soap options are ideal as it can make packing easy. Refill with your Dr. Bronner refill and skip those hotel plastic bott les.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions people ask about using Dr. Bronner’s soap for rafting, camping, and eco-friendly travel.

Ready to Soap Up & Raft Downstream?

For an unforgettable experience that respects the planet and leaves you feeling refreshed, clean, and alive—pair your Dr. Bronner's Magic Soap with our thrilling Whitewater Rafting trips . From the Snake River to the Salmon River to the Grande Ronde River trips , Winding Waters River Expeditions is your go-to for incredible river journeys in the Pacific Northwest.

We care about the river—and what we put into it. That’s why we recommend eco-conscious gear like Dr. Bronner’s, designed for wild places and wild souls like yours. Learn more about the rugged beauty of Hells Canyon Snake River and why it’s a favorite among eco-conscious rafters.

Discover why adventurers love Winding Waters! Check out our Google Business Profile Reviews to hear what guests say about their unforgettable white water rafting trips.

Top 5 Packing List Items

Mon, 18 Apr 2016 17:01:00 GMT

We provide 99% of the essentials for a great vacation. Here are the top items in the other 1% we recommend:

And for all of the items we recommend, here is our complete Packing List .

Water Bottles:

Hydration is your key to a great vacation on the river. We see A LOT of variety of water bottles. The environment is hot on our trips and water bottles are put through the test. Leave your water bottle sitting in the hot sun for a couple hours and then return to it. Do you want to drink the water? Our preferred choice is Hydroflasks (or the like)- a vacuum-sealed bottle that will keep your water cold or hot, depending on it’s temperature when it entered your bottle. And a top that a carabiner can clip onto, so you can clip your bottle the boat during the big whitewater in Hells Canyon or on the Salmon River.

Good Sun Protection:

The sun is our friend on the river, but managing your exposure will make for a great trip. We start with a good sun hat: one that protects not only your face, but also your ears and neck. And quick dry material is handy if you want to get it wet and wear it on your head. It holds its shape when wet and still protects you. In our Boathouse Shop, we carry a variety of sun protective hats, from Patagonia to Tula Hats .

Quality sunblock and chapstick are also key. Watch for harmful chemicals (like parabens and retinyl palmitate) while looking for long-lasting spf waterproof protection. We apply early and often on the river. We carry a great sunblock and chapstick in the Boathouse Shop you can pick up before your trip.

River Shoes:

Flip flops don’t cut it. You need shoes that will stay on in moving water. Sandals with straps are key. Our guide shoe of choice is Chaco Sandals . Chaco’s Z/Volv is a nice line and gives you great “Chaco Tans”.

Long-Sleeved Shirt:

We’re in the sun the better part of the day. We love our tans, but more importantly, love ways to cover up from the sun for skin protection. A quick-drying, long-sleeved shirt with SPF is an essential piece of clothing on your trip. One with a hood is even better. In our Boathouse Shop, we carry select sun protective shirts from Free-Fly Apparel and Patagonia .

Waterproof Camera/Case:

You will be visiting some of the most beautiful scenery in North America. And creating memories to last a lifetime. Photos and videos are key when time helps the memories fade. Many guests choose to bring their smart phones along. There are a variety of waterproof cases available today for these phones. E-Cases (pictured right) have performed well on the river. Since there’s no cell service or wifi on the river, airport mode helps the battery life last longer, too. As far as cameras go, our favorite river camera is the Pentax Optio WG-2

The post Top 5 Packing List Items appeared first on Winding Waters River Expeditions .

Wallowa River Fishing Conditions

Thu, 14 Apr 2016 18:02:00 GMT

Wallowa River Fishing Season Wrap Up

We had a great spring Wallowa River fishing season, but all good things must come to an end. The Steelhead fishing season on the Wallowa is coming to an end. The river has turned into a churning mass of rushing brown. We have had some cold nights which have tempered this a little bit but the warm weather over the weekend caused the river to double in size. There are still 2 weeks left in the legal Steelhead fishing season but the run is tapering off and the river conditions make it even more of a challenge to hook up.

The Steelhead had a good run this year with the bulk of the fish being caught in early to Mid March. We had a couple of stellar weeks in there. We are already thinking about swinging flies with the spey rod for Steelhead on the Grande Ronde next Fall. In the mean time we should focus on the coming Rainbow Trout Season and the Stone Fly Hatch on the Wallowa and Grande Ronde Rivers. There is still space available on or 4 day Stone Fly Hatch trip.

Wallowa River Flow Gauge Link

Here are a few useful links for you to consider checking out before you come over to the Wallowa River to fish. Wallowa River Water Levels at Water Canyon will give you the flows for the Wallowa River above Minam. Minam River at Minam will give you the flows of the Minam river just above the confluence of the Wallowa and Minam Rivers. Add these 2 numbers together and you get the flow below Minam. This is a good indication of what the river is doing. A good flow for the Wallowa river is somewhere in the 500cfs and below range.

Steelhead Creel Report:

Here is the link to the final Steelhead Creel report of the season for the Wallowa and Grande Ronde Rivers. Come back and visit the report to see these creel reports weekly starting next fall.

Steelhead Creel Report April 14, 2016

Icons made by Freepik , Vectors Market , and Daniel Bruce from www.flaticon.com is licensed by CC 3.0 BY

The post Wallowa River Fishing Conditions appeared first on Winding Waters River Expeditions .

Best Outdated Outdoor Tips From 1970

Mon, 28 Mar 2016 22:42:00 GMT

Found a blast from the past today at the local thrift shop with the book, ‘The Art and Science of Taking to the Woods,’ published in 1970. I figured I’d compare Winding Waters rafting trips with old-style 1970s outdoorsiness. I expected to smile condescendingly at their crappy old gear, but instead I saw this futuristic Buck Rogers plastic tubing tent, which doesn’t make much sense to me, but now I kind of want to sleep in a big plastic tube for no good reason.

It’s good to check in with our elders now and then to make sure we’re not repeating mistakes they’ve already licked, so here’s highlights from how to get along out of doors, 1970s-style.

Chapter 8. Clothes to Take to the Woods in

“Good shirts have long tails to keep them inside the trousers when you’re exerting yourself.”

Amen. Nothing worse than a flim-flam short-tailed shirt creeping out of the trousers when I’m exerting myself.

“Take along at least one complete underwear change even in cold weather, and keep one set washed . . .”

Whoah, whoah, whoah, 1970. Hold the rotary phone. Extra underoos and they have to be washed? I thought we were roughing it here.

“Be sure to to buy canvas shoes wide enough and long enough, or you’ll soon find your big toe wearing holes.”

Now you tell me.

Chapter 11. Packing Makes Perfect

“If you are using a sedan rather than a station wagon, be sure to secure the trunk lid firmly.”

I think we can agree this is a dumb tip. Who would use a sedan instead of a station wagon? Duh. But this next one is a bonafide wisdom nugget:

“The crease between the back and bottom cushions of your car’s front seat – which is often full of old wrappers, match packs, and an occasional lost coin – may be just the place to stow an emergency flare.”

Why I never thought of that, I’ll never know. Thank you, 1970. No more stowing road flares in the wrong crease.

Chapter 21. Snowbird Camping

“Foods cook more slowly in cold weather, but many kinds can be hurried by covering them with aluminum foil to keep the top hot while the underside is cooking.”

You cover it? On top? Slow down. This sounds like black magic, but is just crazy enough it might work.

Here we have more of this ‘covering’ wizardry they speak of:

So . . . cover it? On top? Why has this wisdom been lost to the ages? Why?

Chapter 22. Camping on Rock and Sand

Does this next excerpt not sound like a romance novel? I feel like this sounds like a romance novel:

“When you take to the wilderness, perhaps you’ll ride or hike up from the burning plains to where a canyon’s rising tangents lift into broken masses of ravine and butte and the deep green sweeps of pine, to camp far up where peaks rear their stony shoulders.”

Uh, OK. I checked and neither of these authors, C.B. Colby and Bradford Angier, wrote any romance novels, despite the rising tangents and rearing peaks in that paragraph up there. Whew. These dudes were nature lovers though, no doubt.

Bonus Tip: Dog Squirter

So far I’ve never required a method to keep dogs away while camping, but now I kind of want to be hassled by dingoes so I can break out the ammonia water pistol. Solid tip, fellas.

Chapter 23. That First Night in Camp

“If you don’t change clothes, at least remove your trousers.”

Okey-doke. But two paragraphs later, we get this bombshell:

“There may be some very cold nights when you’ll elect to sleep in your trousers. Then loosen your belt, empty the pockets and keep the legs down where they belong by tucking them inside your socks, perhaps adding rubber bands around your ankles just above where the trousers end.”

Chapter 24. Those One-Night Stands

Uh . . . guys? I might skip this chapter. Who am I kidding, of course I’m going to read this. Oh, forget it, it’s about short two-day trips.

Chapter 32: Camp Sanitation

This isn’t quite as bad as it looks. They’re advocating burning off the food residue so as not to attract animals and burning off the “tinning” so cans rust faster. OK, still pretty bad. We’ll stick with Pack It In, Pack It Out and Leave No Trace.

Chapter 46: Foiling Petty Thieves in Camp

“Stealing from a camper is a low form of pilfery.” No argument here. Hate pilfery.

“Usually a petty thief will move out of a campground after stealing something, but he may claim that he found the item. In this case, just identify it and thank him for ‘finding’ it and let it go at that.”

CSI: Polite Squad. Simpler times, those 1970s. But, for the record, theft is not a problem on our trips. In the event a petty thief did try to enter our camp to pilfer, Todd would just spray them with the ammonia squirt gun. Like a dog.

Or Go With an Outfitter

‘The Art and Science of Taking to the Woods’ includes this observation:

“You can plan a real cruise into unfamiliar territory under the direction of some professional outfitter and have little to worry about or to provide for yourself. These outfitters furnish everything from canoe and paddles to the cooking equipment, sleeping gear, tents, axes, and the like, all for about $5 a day or less per person.”

Well, close. A few things have changed. We don’t really provide everyone with axes. We bring one, and you can use it, I guess, if you really want. But we take care of chopping the wood and all that. It’s included in the $5 a day or less. Actually, that rate might have gone up some too. We don’t have plastic tubes for tents, sad to say, but our modern tents work real well. So hop in your sedan or station wagon, make sure there’s a flare tucked in the seat crease, and bring the family on out for a modern rafting adventure this summer in Hells Canyon, down the Lower Salmon or Grande Ronde rivers with Winding Waters River Expeditions. I’ll even loan you my copy of this book if you like.

Click here for trips and details and we’ll see you on the river.

The post Best Outdated Outdoor Tips From 1970 appeared first on Winding Waters River Expeditions .

Wallowa County Day Trips: Buckhorn Overlook

Thu, 24 Mar 2016 19:46:00 GMT

Most Bang For Your Buckhorn

You’ve got 24 hours in Wallowa County and are not allergic to awesome things. What to do? The most bang for your Buckhorn could be the scenic drive out through Zumwalt Prairie to the eyeball-widening canyon views of Buckhorn Overlook.

Key Takeaways

Buckhorn Overlook offers unbeatable Wallowa County views, making it a must-see day trip for travelers who want sweeping canyon scenery and rich wildlife encounters.
The drive through Zumwalt Prairie adds to the adventure , blending scenic gravel roads with chances to spot hawks, eagles, elk, and even wolves—so keep binoculars handy.
Plan ahead with sturdy tires and a picnic , since the route includes long gravel stretches and limited amenities, ideal for a peaceful, off-the-grid experience.
Pair your visit with a Hells Canyon rafting trip , as Buckhorn gives a bird’s-eye perspective of the landscapes you’ll later explore from the water.
For travelers seeking authentic Eastern Oregon experiences , Buckhorn Overlook and nearby adventures showcase the region’s wild beauty and connection between land and river.

Bring the Binoculars and Camera

The trip to Buckhorn makes for a dyno-mite half-day trip with great odds of seeing wildlife, a view impossible to take bad pictures of and you’re still back in town with time to skip a rock across Wallowa Lake and get ready for dinner. The nearby Wallowa River offers another look at this area’s incredible natural beauty and forms part of the routes we explore on guided rafting trips .

Recommended music for this trip is the Lucinda Williams classic album ‘Car Wheels On a Gravel Road.’ Love that record. Also, there is a fair amount of gravel road you’ll be traveling. Good tires are a good idea for this trip. Bring a picnic, throw in a map and a pair of binoculars for all the hawks, maybe eagles, elk, coyote and other four-leggeds. Wolf sightings are not unheard of out there. If you’re exploring even more of this region, Grande Ronde River rafting adventures offer a peaceful, wildlife-rich way to experience similar landscapes from the water.

Directions

To get to Buckhorn, head south from Enterprise on Highway 82 – toward Joseph – 3.5 miles, then east onto Crow Creek Road. About 5 miles out stay to the right on OK Gulch/Zumwalt-Imnaha Road. 9.5 miles more, this turns into the Zumwalt-Buckhorn Road. We’re getting there. 23 more miles of soothing gravel gets you to the Forest Road 780 turn. Then it’s a short 1.3 miles out to the campground and viewpoint. You won’t even notice the .3.

Bird’s Eye Perspective of Country We See From the River

Take a stroll while you’re out there and enjoy this sweet spot for laying eyes on unique Wallowa County geology. You’ll also gain a bird’s-eye view of the Snake River in Hells Canyon , one of the most dramatic canyons in North America. Buckhorn is a groovy day trip to bookend your Winding Waters rafting trip in Hells Canyon by allowing for a day to take in this view of the area you’ll be getting to know from the water.

More Information

Here’s a link to good intel from the Forest Service on getting to Buckhorn .

Book your rafting extravaganza through Hells Canyon country with our guided white water rafting trips to experience the scenery up close.

Frequently Asked Questions

Discover everything you need to know about visiting Buckhorn Overlook — one of Wallowa County’s most scenic day trips through the wild Zumwalt Prairie.

The post Wallowa County Day Trips: Buckhorn Overlook appeared first on Winding Waters River Expeditions .

River Reads Book Club: Astoria by Peter Stark

Sat, 05 Mar 2016 01:53:00 GMT

Ever wondered who the town of John Day or the John Day River was named after? Turns out it’s the same guy. Should have given you a spoiler alert there. Sorry.

Image search for John Day turned this up, so we’re going with it. Widescreen!

Or maybe you’ve wondered while rafting through Hells Canyon on a Winding Waters trip, looking up at all those jaggedy rocks: what would it be like to hike through this country back in November of 1811, not knowing what you were up against? Here’s a spoiler alert: Not good. Not good at all. In fact, it went real, real bad for some trappers and traders that did just that and you can read all about it in ‘Astoria,’ by Peter Stark, our latest volume included here in the Gearboat Chronicles Book Club for rip-roaring river-related reading.

Here are a few excerpts describing the trek through Hells Canyon country:

“… We could advance only with the greatest difficulty because of the sharp rocks, and the precipices plunge to the very banks of the river …

… as we had nothing more to eat I killed another horse …”

The large party of about 50 people divided themselves up, trying respective lucks on either side of the river. Wasn’t easy going no matter which side you were on. Here’s a snippet from the report of when the two groups regained contact:

“… for three days after that they ate a beaver they’d killed, wild cherries, and old moccasin soles…”

Horse. Moccasin soles. Yikes.

This is a pretty good read, this Astoria book. Especially if Hells Canyon is on your radar or you have an interest in Pacific Northwest goings on. Or goings went, I guess. The author mentions in the Acknowledgments section that the book started by wondering who John Day was, and after looking into it some he turned up an Ahab-esque ship captain, Hawaiians that pull off some amazing rescues, oddball fontierspeople and all manner of olden times history stuff with a healthy dose of voyageurs paddling birch bark canoes and fighting and even some getting along and more than a little dirty dealing and, you know what, at some point – probably the canoes – you just have to write the book. Nice work, Mr. Stark.

FISHING UPDATE

Wallowa is running a nice fishy green at the time of this posting. Paul and I got out this morning for a few hours and ol’ Pablo landed a real nice wild hen, pushing the 30-inch mark. I don’t know how hard she was pushing 30, as I witnessed this from across the river. But upper 20s, for sure. Here’s exactly what it looks like when you’re 5 seconds too late getting your phone to camera mode with wet fingers from across the river. Lesson: we’re all about quick release of wild fish here, photos be darned.

6 Ranch has all that nice, newly restored riverway to run a fly through and James Nash is available to show you his home waters. Also check out the full-day guided trip options and overnight expeditions to get out amongst those steelhead.

Here’s one more try at a recent fish picture. If you look close, looks like the fish is peeing from a fin. Huh.

Good day. And have a pleasant tomorrow.

The post River Reads Book Club: Astoria by Peter Stark appeared first on Winding Waters River Expeditions .

Basalt and Pepper

Tue, 23 Feb 2016 15:15:00 GMT

Sonic booms reported last weekend by residents of the Lower Wallowa Valley were just echos of me yelling Oh Yeah like the Kool-Aid man after hooking and landing steelhead. I had a few previous outings that did not go as well, so it’s good to be landing something other than sticks. So good.

As a bonus, the fish above was caught on a particularly hideous arts and craft project pulled from the far nether corner of my flybox. I get “inspired” at the fly bench and start experimenting. It goes badly. I know I should unravel or throw away these monstrosities that come off the vise, but instead I pack these uglies around for years until I’m running low on inventory. Then, every so often, I throw one of these Christmas ornaments out there in front of a fish that is so offended by my lack of craftsmanship it strikes out of pure disgust. Hey, whatever works man. I’ll take it. Victory through art criticism.

The steelhead tree also bloomed for fishing pal Mike Baird. Here’s Papa B casting the waters just downstream from the Omega 3 orchard he planted. For more on current Wallowa County steelhead conditions and a link to recent creel data, get the click out of here and go peruse Paul’s Winding Waters Fishing Report . Better yet, give the guided steelhead hotline a jingle-jangle and get into some fish.

Basalt and Pepper

This is cool. I went on a columnar basalt rock gathering mission. Winding Waters rafting alum know these basalt columns from jumping off them along the Salmon River and admiring the formations through Hells Canyon and along the banks of the Grande Ronde River.

These particular lava crystals will be used in the longhouse currently under construction at the Homeland Project grounds in Wallowa, where the annual Nez Perce celebration and Friendship Feast happens.

Joe McCormack was the mastermind of the rock collection. I was the choker setter and guy getting cactus needles through my glove while trying to hook up the cable. Ed and Dave from Fence Creek Ranch swooped in with their skidsteer and saved the day by loading these super heavy chunks of geology.

The longhouse is coming along real nice and there’s going to be an open house Saturday, March 5 from 10am to noon. Come by and be sure to appreciate the columnar basalt. I’ll even show you the cacti spines still embedded in my hand. Those things are tenacious.

The post Basalt and Pepper appeared first on Winding Waters River Expeditions .

Wallowa River Flows

Mon, 22 Feb 2016 18:38:00 GMT

Good news from the Wallowa River over the weekend. After the big blow out last week the Wallowa River flows are stabilizing and the river is fishing well. The water level is still pretty high and off color but this has not really slowed down the Wallowa River Steelhead catching too much. Our guides were fishing in the Canyon this past weekend and caught multiple Steelhead on each outing. This is encouraging considering the water conditions.

Fishing should remain good until something changes in the river conditions. It looks like we are in for more warm weather in the coming weeks so we will have to keep an eye on the flows. Hopefully the majority of the low elevation snow melted off during the last warm rain events. The main concern is Rock Creek at the head of the canyon which drains Smith Mountain area and can send a lot of mud into the river causing for terrible visibility. We will try to keep you updated on the Wallowa River Flows and fishing conditions in the coming weeks.

The good news is that the Wallowa River Steelhead Fishing has remained excellent on the 6 Ranch through out this blow out. James is ready to share this special piece of water with you. Give us a call or email to inquire about availability or ask about fishing conditions. paul@windingwatersrafting.com 877-426-7238 You can also click on this link to check out Wallowa River Steelhead Fishing trip availability.

You can also check out the Creel report from last week below to see what anglers were experiencing out there.

Steelhead Creel Report February 16th

Jon’s hatchery Steelhead from the weekend.

2 Hatchery Steelhead from the Wallowa River

The post Wallowa River Flows appeared first on Winding Waters River Expeditions .

Hells Canyon On the Rocks: A Bourbon Tour

Wed, 10 Feb 2016 17:05:00 GMT

Is an unexamined bourbon worth drinking? Probably, but why risk it when you can satsify your thirst for knowledge and adventure on a bourbon appreciation, adult education and wilderness vacation combo trip. “Hells Canyon On the Rocks: A Bourbon Tour” is devoted to exploring the wonders of Kentucky elixir while also exploring the deepest river gorge in North America on a whitewater rafting expedition. With food to write home about among rare scenery on a voyage of bourbon discovery, this the kind of continuing education Hemingway would approve of.

The study of bourbon is a serious matter and requires a proper learning atmosphere. This 3-day floating seminar takes place on the Snake River in Hells Canyon, home to some of the biggest whitewater rapids in the country. As classroom settings go, this remote canyon provides bourbon lovers the solitude needed to really concentrate on their sipping and studying each night, with expert instruction and flights of bourbon as learning aids.

Instructor Jordan Felix, of Multnomah Whiskey Library in Portland, Oregon, shares his knowledge of bourbon and other fine spirits acquired during his career that began in Australia at the ripe age of 16. After fine-tuning his bar tending skills in New York, Felix now oversees the Whiskey Library and was named one of 2015’s Best New Mixologists by Food & Wine Magazine. Felix provides well-rounded bourbon background and education for trip participants while honing in on their individual preferences so they might discover new favorites.

2016 will be the third season of specialty bourbon trips offered by river outfitter Winding Waters River Expeditions of Joseph, Oregon. Owner and operator Paul Arentsen hails from the bourbon homeland of Kentucky and began the bourbon-focused trips with friend Jason Brauner, owner of Bourbons Bistro in Louisville, KY.

Brauner’s first outing as an adventure bourbon specialist inspired a group of rafters/bourbon connoisseurs to book a bourbon pilgrimage to Kentucky in order to purchase an entire barrel for their private collection. Brauner arranged an action-packed 3-day schedule including distillery and barrelhouse tours, visits to historic locations linked with bourbon heritage, dining and sampling bourbon along the way.

Visits to the historic Buffalo Trace, Willet and Four Roses distilleries ended with the thoroughly enjoyable process of narrowing down the possibilities for their personal barrel from Four Roses. The selection process began by drawing samples from ten aged barrels with the whiskey thief, tasting and debating to narrow the contenders down to two final barrels. The impressive start and smooth tongue of a 106.5 proof bourbon was up against a 126.5 proof bourbon with a relatively hot start but incredibly smooth, satisfying finish in the chest. The bourbon pilgrims are not revealing their ultimate decision, but Jason at Bourbons Bistro will have bottles of the final selection and can pour you a sample to see if you agree with the choice.

Pursuing your own bourbon education aboard the Hells Canyon whitewater tour takes you in rafts along the imposing cliffs and open canyons of the Oregon-Idaho border. Full-bodied rapids add splashes of whitewater during the day, followed by a smooth finish each evening in deluxe campsites where bourbon-inspired meals are served riverside.

Winding Waters River Expeditions has grown a strong fan base for their attention to great food on their wilderness outings. Farm-fresh eggs, produce from the garden, homegrown pork and local grass-fed beef anchor their menu ingredients – a departure from old-time river fare that leaned heavily on hunger as a sauce.

Insider knowledge on the craft of bourbon production is complimented by outdoor knowledge from the river guide staff who share geologic, wildlife and historical insights on the Wild and Scenic Hells Canyon National Recreation Area. Bighorn sheep, black bears and bald eagles are among animal celebrities commonly seen in the canyon.

Participants in “Hells Canyon On the Rocks” will be able to say they went to the wilderness because they wished to taste bourbon deliberately, to see if they could not learn what it had to teach and not, when enjoying bourbon, discover that they had not enjoyed the best stuff.

Cost of the three-day river trip and bourbon seminar is $1295, including all meals from departure to return from the river, transportation to and from the river and all that marvelous bourbon.

Learn more about “Hells Canyon On the Rocks,” bourbon instructor Jordan Felix from Multnomah Whiskey Library and Jason Brauner from Bourbons Bistro .

The post Hells Canyon On the Rocks: A Bourbon Tour appeared first on Winding Waters River Expeditions .

Wallowa River Steelhead Fishing is Heating up!

Tue, 09 Feb 2016 19:54:00 GMT

Wallowa River Steelhead are on the move. The water conditions have been holding steady and have not blown out yet even with the warm temperatures during the day time hours. Steelhead are being caught in the canyon section along the highway in small numbers. We expect this to continue to pick up as the water temperatures rise and the steelhead start thinking more and more about getting into spawning mode.

Paul and Devin fished for Steelhead on the Wallowa River yesterday for a couple of hours and reported catching 3 Steelhead a few large rainbows and a few Bull Trout. This sounded like a productive few hours to me. Paul is back on the river today with some clients. He was feeling positive about their chances of hooking. Hope to have some photos to share with you tomorrow.

The exciting news for today is the Creel report from Rondowa, which is the confluence of the Wallowa and Grande Ronde Rivers. The report showed 2 hours per fish caught, which is a good number for this time of year and encouraging for what we should expect up in the canyon in the coming weeks. You can take a look at the report by clicking on the link below.

Steelhead Creel Report Feb 9 2016

The post Wallowa River Steelhead Fishing is Heating up! appeared first on Winding Waters River Expeditions .

Split-Lip How-To Guide

Mon, 08 Feb 2016 23:13:00 GMT

Today on Handyman Corner I’ll guide you through how to call the doctor to get your face stitched up after trying to load a truck camper.

It’s steelhead season and the days are getting longer, so that means camping trips to our favorite Northeast Oregon rivers. I recently came into possession of a pretty sweet old Alaska camper. I don’t know when this was built, but it’s got some Brady Bunch-era looking interior accents.

The Alaska models are the kind that raise up for headroom once you get where you’re going for the night. For those of you who have never loaded a camper before or are curious what it’s like to have a metal bar suddenly smash you in the face, let’s get started.

For this project it helps if you have medical insurance and some degree of tolerance for pain. You will need one heavy camper and some old jacks equipped with cables that are about ready to give out. Here’s an example of jacks lying in wait, ready to inflict injury, pictured below. Note the NRS boat strap. That was being used because I had the wisdom to undertake this job on ground covered with snow and ice. That added a nice element of fear that something would slide out and result in catastrophe. If that had happened I’d probably be going to the doctor for a different part of my body, but let’s get back to how to split open your lip with a suddenly fast-moving piece of metal.

OK. Position the jacks under the heavy load and start cranking. When you feel resistance and hear ominous creaking noises, you can either slow down to assess the situation or just keep cranking away. I went with option B and when the cable snapped in two, things began to happen fairly rapidly. There’s not much warning, just a sudden and sharp impact of the jack handle cracking into your upper mandible. Here’s a picture of the busted cable in question, below, so you know what to look for while holding your hand over your face and walking around in circles, which for some reason seems like a thing to do.

I’ll spare you a photo of the busted lip. I think it’s right on the verge of calling for a few stitches, but I’m going to be a baby about it and go see what the doc says.

In conclusion, old frayed cables under load may not always work out. Ah, but what’s a few stitches in the face compared with the luxury of an Alaska camper set up alongside a promising steelhead run.

That’ll do it for this episode of Handyman Corner. See you on the river. Or at the doctor’s office. Be safe out there.

The post Split-Lip How-To Guide appeared first on Winding Waters River Expeditions .

2016 Winter Snowpack Stacking Up

Mon, 08 Feb 2016 20:24:00 GMT

This winter’s snowpack is making us giddy for the upcoming rafting and fishing season. The Natural Resources Conservation Service’s (NRCS) website reports snowpack averages in our region as 100% or more:

So what does this map mean for our river season? All of our rivers are in great shape for the rafting season: the Snake River in Hells Canyon , the Salmon River , the Grande Ronde and the Wallowa River . And the fish will be very happy about these flows, too. The water was a little shallow on the Wallowa and Grande Ronde Rivers last summer, making for warm temperatures for the fish.

Jordan Manley, one of our guides, enjoying this winter snowpack.

We’ll keep our oars and paddles crossed that the spring continues to bring its typical snows to the Pacific Northwest.

Glacier National Park and Rafting

Mon, 08 Feb 2016 19:34:00 GMT

Is it time for you and your family to experience the natural wonders of the Western United States? Combine a whitewater rafting expedition with a visit to one of the west’s National Park treasures. We have helped many families plan their trips out west and have found this itinerary to work really well. Spend 4 or 5 days pend 4 or 5 days floating the Flathead River or through Hells Canyon on the Snake River or the Canyons of the Salmon River , two of the west’s premier wilderness rivers, with 3 or 4 days exploring one or more of our spectacular national parks.

Itinerary: Western Rafting and National Park Adventure

Glacier National Park, Hells Canyon National Recreation Area, and the Eagle Cap Wilderness in the Wallowa Mountains

Airport Portal to Adventure

The Lewiston, Idaho airport has daily flights on Delta and Alaskan airlines. The Delta flights are most conven ient for travelers coming from the east as your connection is through Salt Lake City for these flights. Lewiston is the perfect jumping off point for this adventure. You might also consider Spokane to Glacier National Park as an option.

After spending your arrival night in Lewiston, ID we suggest you begin your trip north to Whitefish, Montana. This is a very scenic 6 hour drive through Coeur d’Alene, Idaho and past Flathead River MT .

Driving directions: Whitefish is a beautiful little mountain town located on the banks of Whitefish Lake. Begin to plan your stay in Whitefish by visiting Explore Whitefish . Whitefish is the perfect jumping off point for your visit to Glacier National park. You might also consider staying in the park at 1 of their lodges.

Explore Glacier National Park

Glacier is full of wonderful day hikes and spectacular drives fun for the entire family. You’ll want to experience the Glacier National Park Scenic Float, take a kayak, or even try canoeing. Adventure lovers will enjoy rafting Flathead River.

Consider visiting Glacier National Park in July or August for the best weather. Be sure to stop at 106 Going to the Sun Road, and grab your Going to the Sun Road Tickets early. The Ptarmigan Tunnel, Siyeh Pass Trail, and Huckleberry Lookout are excellent choices for easy hikes in Glacier National Park.

Scenic Float & Fishing

Families love the Flathead River Floating experience, and anglers rave about Fly Fishing Glacier National Park Montana a. If you’re a passionate angler, don’t miss Flathead River Fly Fishing Guides opportunities.

Those looking for more excitement can plan a Full Moon Whitewater Rafting Trip or search for Rafting Deals across the Flathead River Rafting Montana region.

Getting Ready for the River

After a few days exploring Glacier National Park River, it will be time to head toward “The River.”

JOSEPH, OREGON

Next Stop on your travel plan will be beautiful Joseph, OR . You will retrace your path back to Lewiston, ID and then continue south for another 2 hours to Joseph. Click here to begin planning your time in Joseph, OR. Take a look at our Joseph Insiders guide to learn more about all of the wonderful activities there are to do in town, on Wallowa Lake and up in the Wallowa Mountains and Eagle Cap Wilderness.

After a few days exploring Joseph and surrounding areas it will be time to get ready for your float down the Snake River in Hells Canyon. There will be a pre trip meeting at the Winding Waters Boathouse in Joseph, OR the night before your scheduled launch date. When the much anticipated launch day arrives you will park your car at the boathouse, lock your phone and valuables in our safe and load up in the van for the trip over the mountains to the Hells Canyon launch site. Once on the river you will be free from all outside distractions and be able to fully immerse yourself in the wilderness and in your family and friends who are joining you on this adventure.   After spending 4 or 5 days rafting, camping, eating amazing food, hiking, exploring and simply slowing down, it will be time to leave the river behind and head back to Joseph, OR. We always recommend spending 1 more day in Joseph after the trip allowing you to ease back into life.

After your final night in Joseph you will load up and head back to Lewiston, ID to catch your flight back home. This trip will be the western adventure that you have dreamed of taking your family on. Be prepared for these memories to dominate your family conversation at Thanksgiving and Christmas for many years to come.

Lewiston to Whitefish Maps: https://www.google.com/maps/dir/Lewiston,+ID/Whitefish,+Mt/@47.5625913,-116.9688482,7.97z/data=!4m13!4m12!1m5!1m1!1s0x54a1ac07f2a390b7:0x5abfd839e364a42e!2m2!1d-117.0011889!2d46.4004089!1m5!1m1!1s0x536669ab14afecb5:0xccca7a6b8837463e!2m2!1d-114.3352652!2d48.4106373

ready for an adventure?

If you're drawn by the beauty of Glacier National Park, Winding Waters River Expeditions has a whitewater rafting experience for every family and every level of adventure. Let us handle the logistics so you can focus on building memories with loved ones. Your raft is waiting. Book your journey with Winding Waters today!

Discover why adventurers love Winding Waters! Check out our Google Business Profile Reviews to hear what guests say about their unforgettable white water rafting trips.

Quality Control

Tue, 02 Feb 2016 21:27:00 GMT

Off-season water sampling was conducted last weekend by myself, Gearboat Zen master Todd Kruger and his lovely wife Tammy. We skied into a remote wilderness shelter as base of operations to do inventory on snowpack that will eventually melt and trickle down to form super-fun boating times on the Snake River.

This particular survey was focused on water that will be floating our boats in a Class III rapid on the Snake River, just below Dug Bar, on or about May 16 at 2:35 in the afternoon. That’s Pacific Time. The science isn’t exact, but that’s my best guess. Here’s the snowy lair we spent the night in. Quaint and awesome, eh?

Rafters will be pleased to know that currently these snow molecules are very fun to ski on, and therefore meet our rigorous standards and have been approved for eventual rafting. Here’s a photo of the research team, minus Tammy who’s running the camera. Todd’s in the helmet. I’m sporting the blue ski pants that I’ve had forever and discovered have given up on being water resistant and now appear to attract moisture, or even create it. It’s hard to account for the liters and liters of sopping wetness those pants managed to collect.

Hey, you wanna see a pretty vista, looking out towards Hells Canyon. Sure you do. This was a sparkly, groovy morning.

If you’d like to inspect a sample of the whitewater you’ll be rafting this coming season, send me a message with details on your Winding Waters trip date and I’ll get Todd on the horn so we can go collect a snowball likely to be from the batch of snowmelt that will be warming up and carrying you on your summer adventure. Then we’ll box ‘er up and get it in the mail to you. Overnight shipping works best for these snowball packages. Especially cold nights.

See you on the slopes for now. Be seeing you on the river soon enough.

The post Quality Control appeared first on Winding Waters River Expeditions .

Winter Steelhead Fishing on the Wallowa River

Tue, 26 Jan 2016 21:57:00 GMT

Winter Steelhead fishing has been productive, for those using the right tactics on the Wallowa River and Grande Ronde River this year. The best success has been seen nymphing of course, but more specifically Euro Nymphing. Winding Waters Guide Paul Paggano and Devin Olsen were Euro nymphing on the Grande Ronde River a week ago and each landed a couple of beautiful Steelhead, while the rest of the anglers they spoke to were not having any luck at all.

Key Takeaways

Winter Steelhead fishing on the Wallowa River is thriving — anglers using Euro nymphing techniques are seeing the best success, especially compared to traditional nymphing methods.
The Grande Ronde River offers solid opportunities when water levels stabilize around 1,400 cfs, making it ideal for anglers ready to adapt to changing winter flow conditions.
Local experts like Devin Olsen bring valuable insight into Euro nymphing tactics and fly patterns, such as the Magneto Stonefly , which have proven highly effective for Steelhead.
February and March are expected to be prime months for Steelhead on both the Wallowa and Grande Ronde Rivers as water temperatures rise and fish begin moving upstream.
Staying updated on Creel Reports and river conditions can significantly improve your chances of success and help you plan the perfect winter fishing trip in Northeast Oregon.

Steelhead Caught on the Magneto Stonefly

Grande Ronde River Steelhead caught on Devin Olsen’s Magneto Stonefly pattern.

We are fortunate to have Devin Olsen , a member of the Fly Fishing Team USA living and fishing in our neck of the woods, NorthEast Oregon. He is a master of Euro nymphing and has written extensively about this style on his website http://www.tacticalflyfisher.com/blog/ I would highly recommend a look over there to learn more about Devin and all of his fly fishing tricks and tactics. He also has a number of great fly tying tutorials showing you in depth video instruction on how to tie all of his favorite flies. After you watch the tutorial you can purchase all of the necessary materials you need right there from his website.

The Wallowa River is fishing well right now. Temperatures in the upper 30s with nice color. Get out there and get those nymphs drifting. Paul caught this beautiful Bull Trout down there last week.

Wallowa River Bull Trout

We expect to be catching more Steelhead than Bull Trout in the coming weeks/months. There are a lot of Steelhead waiting, down in the Grande Ronde and roadless stretch of Wallowa river, for the right conditions to get them moving upstream. When they do, we expect to have a great February and March fishing for steelhead on the Wallowa River.

The Grande Ronde River is currently experiencing a little flush of water, after some warmer air temperatures and rain in lower elevations sent water running downstream over the weekend. When conditions improve, our Grande Ronde River rafting trips offer a fantastic way to experience the same waters from a new perspective once fishing season winds down. The cfs at Troy, Oregon was up over 2600 but is now on a nice slide past 2400 hopefully on down to about 1400. If it does continue on down you could see some good action down there using the right techniques.

Here is a copy of the current Creel Report from the Lower Grande Ronde River in Oregon and Washington. Take a look and make of it what you will.

Grande Ronde River Creel Report 2016jan26

Get out there and catch one for us. We always love to see pictures and hear your stories as well.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some of the most common questions anglers ask about winter steelhead fishing on the Wallowa and Grande Ronde Rivers, along with practical, experience-based answers.

Email us at info@windingwatersrafting.com

When spring arrives, you can trade your waders for paddles and join one of our guided white water rafting adventures on Oregon’s most scenic rivers. Or explore further afield with our S almon River rafting adventures in Idaho for a true wilderness escape.

The post Winter Steelhead Fishing on the Wallowa River appeared first on Winding Waters River Expeditions .

Freedom Or Whatever

Mon, 11 Jan 2016 22:24:00 GMT

Thirty Wallowa County patriots occupied the Lostine Wildlife Area Saturday night in a show of solidarity to exercise our rights to, uhhh … get together on the weekend or something? The firepower on display was impressive. You couldn’t stand closer than about three or four feet from the bonfire. Otherwise, nobody was packing heat that I could see, leaving us completely unable to protect ourselves from the complete absence of any threat whatsoever.

A freedom lantern was set aloft, probably symbolizing something I guess, as it drifted up into the sky all majestic like, then down real abruptly, heading right for the line of cars and trucks parked along the snowy road leading to the compound. It was more of an open field than a compound, really, but you know what I’m saying. Let’s stick with compound. It sounds much better when describing the location for a group of adults to get together and act silly. High five, Ammon.

Sidenote: these sky lanterns are pretty sweet. They are powered by some kind of Harry Potter burning magical wafer underneath the paper balloon and put on quite a show in the starry sky. Smokey the Bear is likely not on the board of directors for the company making flying candles – but I’m told they are 100% recyclable, biodegrable, all that good stuff. Pose no threat to sea turtles, the Constitution, or Amendments numbers one through four. Sources tell me sky lanterns are available locally at Gypsy Java in Enterprise. Freedom.

America. Then a few of us went for a night ski. I think we were securing the perimeter or something? I don’t know, but it was pretty fun. Somethig to do, anyway. Fist bump, LaVoy. Yeah.

This silliness of occupying the Lostine Wildlife Area for three or four hours Saturday night did make it occur to my mind cells that all of us really should make it a point to go occupy our local Wildlife Refuges on a more regular basis. You know, for like an afternoon. To see wildlife. As exhibit bighorn, peep this here picture with some Dodge Rams, which just happens to have been taken while briefly occupying the Lostine Wildlife Area one afternoon years ago. We didn’t encounter one single armed loiterer that day or have to identify ourselves or nothin’. Freedom.

Photo credit and sidenote: Picture taking and outing to go pet the rams was thanks to wildlife biologist Crystal Strobl, a gal I, and many people, really miss. I would just love to hear Crystal’s thoughts on this deal down in Burns.

For the official press release on the recent peaceful occupation of the Lostine Wildlife Area, go check out the Occupy Lostine manifesto posted by spokesman Kendrick Moholt on Facebook.

America. Blue tarps. Freedom. Snacks.

The post Freedom Or Whatever appeared first on Winding Waters River Expeditions .

Grande Ronde River Steelhead Creel Report for December 22nd

Tue, 22 Dec 2015 18:53:00 GMT

Believe it or not Folks are still having good success catching Steelhead on the Grande Ronde River in both Oregon and Washington. The Grande Ronde River Flows are holding around 1700 cfs making for great levels to float and fish.

If you have time to get away from the family and you are not skiing powder this holiday season you should consider getting out to catch a Grande Ronde River Steelhead or 2. You can view the Creel report below.

We have not been on the Wallowa River yet but you can expect to start seeing some information from the Wallowa coming up in January.

Steelhead Creel Report

The post Grande Ronde River Steelhead Creel Report for December 22nd appeared first on Winding Waters River Expeditions .

Road Map as River Guide

Tue, 15 Dec 2015 01:04:00 GMT

A good river map is downright essential equipment for a proper voyage, right? Yeah, but there’s always the AAA Road Atlas alternative for finding your way by boat. It’s not ideal. Or all that safe. Or recommended, really. At all. But this story I’m linking you to is recommended. Warning: the ending appears to not be a happy one. But this is well worth the read. Particularly for the river-minded. There’s even a map of the Salmon River in Idaho tie-in from our territory. It’s quite a tale.

Ben McGrath does a dandy job with ‘The Wayfarer,’ writing about long-distance canoe traveler Dick Conant. Big fella in bib overalls charming folks on riverbanks – from police officers to librarians to residents of rough parts of towns – on a big long paddle trip from 20 miles shy of the Canadian border, down to North Carolina where his canoe and belongings were discovered, but no Dick.

The Salmon River Idaho portion of Conant’s river time involves a kayak he has “fashioned” … sounds ominous … in which he set out to reach the Pacific, via the Midddle Fork of the Salmon. Made it 350 miles, shy of the ocean but described it as “a learning experience.” I’ll bet it was.

For reasons not clear, I very much enjoyed the description of Conant drinking capfuls of soy sauce on a riverbank, alternating with sips straight out of a Tabasco sauce bottle. Huh? I don’t know, but this guy is my kind of kooky and without any more ado-ing, I’ll plop the link here with a hearty recommend for the best big-ol’ story I’ve stumbled on while walking around the internet in some time. It’s in the New Yorker … which, I don’t know, I guess is OK. Me, I prefer the Old Yorker. But no matter.

Read this and enjoy. If you don’t, I don’t want to hear about it.

Further Suggested Reading Involving Road Maps as a Navigational Aid:

I read this years and years ago and it made a real impression, as I was a shoestring sailor living on a crappy sailboat at the time.

I probably still have my copy of Cruising World stashed somewhere with the original article. Upshot: It’s cold up north. Guy in a rough spot buys a crappy boat for $500. Makes homemade sails from blue tarps. Navigates down to the Florida Keys using road maps. Somehow makes it. Whoah. Would like to know what Capt’n Freddy is up to now. Story is still floating around online, but just barely.

Capt’n Freddy or Dick Conant, if you’re reading this, get in touch. Although Dick, you should probably just contact that New Yorker guy.

All the rest of you, safe travels to your Christmas get togethers and we’ll see you on the river.

UPDATE (Not a good one): Attentive reader Hal Morello sent this update , from August 2015, which suggests Capt’n Freddy is no longer with us. Damn.

The Rivers That Guide Us

Navigating with a map of Idaho rivers brings clarity to any journey. Whether you’re exploring the Main Salmon, floating the Lower Salmon River, or tracing the Middle Fork Salmon River Map, every twist in the current becomes a story worth telling.

We often recommend using the Salmon River Rafting Map or as a companion to your river adventures. These help you pinpoint incredible features like Hells Canyon Snake River Map.

Plan With Purpose: Maps Make the Memory

A proper River Map Idaho gives you more than geography. It gives you perspective.

At Winding Waters, we know every bend in these waters. Whether you're navigating the Oregon River Map for nearby floats or plotting a course down the Salmon River Experience, it all begins with knowing the rivers.

Map of the Salmon River
River Map of Oregon
River Map of Idaho

This includes local references like the North Fork River Map, White Salmon Rafting, and Salmon River Road.

Ready for Your Own River Chapter?

Every great river trip begins with a sense of direction. Winding Waters River Expeditions offers Whitewater Raftings that take you deep into the wild beauty of the Salmon, Snake, and beyond. From route planning with custom maps to guided experiences through rugged Idaho, we bring your river journey to life.

Book your Whitewater Raftings adventure with Winding Waters today and discover the rivers that make stories.

Don’t just take our word for it—visit our Google Business Profile Reviews and see why Winding Waters white water rafting trips keep guests c oming back!

Give Back to The River

Thu, 03 Dec 2015 18:40:00 GMT

In 2016, will you run your fingers through the white sands of the Salmon , jump off Sturgeon Rock in Hells Canyon , or bird watch among the giant Ponderosas on the Grande Ronde ? Book your trip now until Sunday, December 6th and we’ll give $100 in your name to Western Rivers Conservancy for every full-fare seat on our multi-day trips, plus send you a 21oz Hydroflask . Your donation will help insure rivers like our Salmon, Snake, and Grande Ronde will be accessible and healthy for generations to come.

We are very fortunate to run trips on beautiful, healthy rivers accessible to the public. Western Rivers Conservancy (WRC) is working to insure that access and health remains for future generations. They also acquire land to conserve critical river habitat and work to secure the health of whole ecosystems. On the Grande Ronde River at Minam, they purchased a part of the boat launch, securing public access, and turned it over to Oregon State Parks. On the Salmon River at Pine Bar , they purchased 1,284 acres to protect both public access and habitat for endangered fish species. The land is now managed by the Bureau of Land Management. Thank you for your visionary work, WRC.

Sunset on the Salmon

Snowhole Canyon

Class III and IV whitewater

Beautiful white sand beaches

Snowhole Rapid, Class IV Whitewater

Deep canyons where all you hear is the trill of Canyon Wrens & laughter from the group

Fascinating geology, including Columnar Basalt

Rocky Mountain Big Horn Sheep

Class III and IV whitewater

Beautiful white sand beaches and warm, crystal clear water.

Quality family time

A typical beach camp along the Salmon

Sumo wrestling…a hilarious scene

Rest, relax, and let us take care of everything

Native American pictograph site in Green Canyon

Cliff jumping

Wild caught salmon cooked on a cedar plank is one of our mouth-watering specialties.

The zen of the canyons

Perfect adventure for individuals, families, and groups

Farm fresh eggs (from our WWRE chickens), fresh breads, and seasonal fruits are always on the menu.

Dinner on the Salmon

Inflatable Kayak Fun!

Beach Bocce Ball

Solar powered Christmas gift and Wallowas covered in St. Elmo’s Ice

Mon, 30 Nov 2015 23:48:00 GMT

Imagine a world where just one thing didn’t need batteries on Christmas morning. I give you solar powered lights perfect for camping. Well, I’m not giving you anything but you can get these at the Winding Waters Boathouse Shop. The best testimonial I can give is that I was not so sure about these Luci Light things when they showed up on the rafting trip pack list, but now am a convert and have Luci lights on my own list of things to bring camping.

I was skeptical about bringing solar lanterns on the river for two reasons. One, I’m skeptical about adding anything to the list of stuff to bring on the river. Packing and unpacking a gearboat, then toting everything up and down a beach, setting it all up and taking it all down is wonderful training for pruning your idea of what’s necessary equipment.

Reason two for not being so sure about solar lights was pretty much – oh jeez, I have to leave these out in the sun? Sounds complicated if you ask me. Yeah, well, of course it’s not. Todd is a Jedi knight of organizing things and he had the Lucis right on top when we opened the kitchen box in camp. Set them on the ground. They charge up. It gets dark. Kaboom.

So it turns out these Luci lights are super tiny and light and convenient and I love them. Blow em up like a small beach ball, push the button and light comes out. It’s pretty great. Pretty handy.

They don’t throw as much light as a regular lantern, but it’s a scientific fact that regular lanterns are a pain in the ass. So there’s that. What sort of voodoo magic is going on with lantern mantles? Seriously. That whole thing confounds me.

Luci Lights. Wall Tent Tested, Gearboat Approved. Slip a couple into the stocking of your outdoor enthusiast. Available at a Winding Water River Expeditions Boathouse Shop in Joseph, Oregon near you. Open every Saturday 10 to 5 from now until Christmas

In other news: it was unusually freaking beautiful here today in the land of winding waters. Every branch, leaf and car antenna is covered in hoarfrost or frozen fog or St. Elmo’s ice – whatever this stuff is, it shore is pretty. Yes sir. Makes you just wander around looking at it all going, huh, that shore is pretty. Good one, winter. Thanks for that.

Even the icicles have this frozen hair on them. Huh.

The post Solar powered Christmas gift and Wallowas covered in St. Elmo’s Ice appeared first on Winding Waters River Expeditions .

Steelhead Salad Sandwich

Thu, 19 Nov 2015 21:28:00 GMT

Cooking fish intimidates many people. Or is it just me? All right, fine. Just me. I worry the slab of fish will be undercooked, which is gross. Or overdone, which is like eating rubbery ingots. Even if fish turns out just right, I worry it’s not just right enough. Preparing fish is high stakes cookery.

Key Takeaways

Steelhead makes an excellent tuna alternative. Transform leftover steelhead into a delicious “super-tuna” style sandwich using your favorite tuna salad recipe for an easy, flavorful meal.
No stress cooking fish. Even if your steelhead turns out overcooked or underdone, you can repurpose it into a tasty steelhead salad sandwich—no meal wasted.
Add texture with red bell pepper. Finely diced red bell pepper brings crunch and sweetness, elevating the flavor and texture of your steelhead salad mix.
Perfect use for leftovers. Instead of letting extra fish go to waste, blend it with simple ingredients like mayo and seasonings for convenient, protein-packed lunches.

Quick, versatile, and satisfying. Whether you caught the fish yourself or bought it fresh, steelhead salad sandwiches are an easy way to enjoy gourmet flavor without the fuss of formal fish prep.

Especially fish you’ve gone out and caught yourself . If you char that meal it’s not like you can just thaw another chicken breast from the Costco pack and start over. Oh, dear me, I’ve burned the steelhead. Let me just run down to the remote canyon after tying some flies and get a lucky drift over a creature that just swam hundreds of miles on the return leg of an epic migration. Be right back.

Even if you do nail it when baking or broiling or grilling or whatever-ing a steelhead, you sometimes end up with leftovers galore. Somehow fish leftovers don’t do it for me. Now you’ve got wayward bones to deal with and the leftover asparagus doesn’t look appealing either.

My first steelhead coach Tom Farnum solved both my anxiety of cooking whole fish and the problem of leftovers by introducing me to the idea of steelhead sandwiches. It was a revelation.

There’s a certain reverence surrounding steelhead. If not, there should be. So I imagine the lemons need to be sliced just so for a steelhead dinner, with the good silver on the table and napkins folded into exotic bird shapes. Tuna sandwich isn’t the image that springs to mind when I think of eating a big beautiful fish caught on a fly rod .

It’s reaaaaally good, though. Try it. It’s like a super-tuna sandwich. Scrape those leftovers into a bowl and have at it for lunch tomorrow. If you really blew it on the fish preparation, scrape the whole thing into a much larger bowl and have at it for lunch all next week.

For this recipe you will just need your favorite recipe for tuna salad, but use steelhead instead. Pretty easy. My secret ingredient: red bell pepper diced super fine. Adds some crunch. So good.

So there’s the Gearboat Chronicles culinary tip for the week: Don’t worry about cooking fish, because you can just disguise it with mayonnaise and hide it between some lightly toasted sourdough bread for a quick and elegant sandwich.

The post Steelhead Salad Sandwich appeared first on Winding Waters River Expeditions .

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making and enjoying a Steelhead Salad Sandwich , inspired by Jon Rombach’s culinary adventure.

Steelhead Fly Fishing Season is not Dead Yet

Mon, 16 Nov 2015 23:42:00 GMT

Grande Ronde River Steelhead caught swinging a Purple Hobo Spey fly.

For those of you who think Steelhead Fly Fishing Season on the Grande Ronde River was over in November, Not So. This year with the lower water and warmer weather we are still having some good days of steelhead fishing down near Troy, Oregon.

The grande ronde river is holding at about 740 cfs on the Troy gauge, temp in the mid 40’s and has just a little bit of color in it. With these flows, water temps, clarity, warm days and Steelhead still moving into the area you can’t go wrong getting out there to chase Steelhead. Conditions are still good for swinging and getting that jolt of adrenaline when that steelhead goes for the grab.

Check out the Creel Report from November 16th.

Steelhead Report November 16th

The post Steelhead Fly Fishing Season is not Dead Yet appeared first on Winding Waters River Expeditions .

Nooooooooo

Tue, 03 Nov 2015 03:21:00 GMT

I’m oh-for-three. Not great stats for the opener of steelhead season conference play. In a not-so-funny coincidence, I listened to a guy telling me just last week he’d lost four steelhead in a row. I don’t know what’s going on, he said. I told him I’d endured a similar spell of not getting fish to the bank and this too shall pass. Or maybe I said keep your rod tip or your chin up or something. I don’t know. I said some words, anyway, meant to be consoling and had genuine sympathy for the guy. Mostly I was glad it wasn’t me.

O, man. This first fish of the season. Or first hooked fish, my lawyer points out I should say. There was a real slight, te-e-e-entative pause in the drift but I go ahead and uncork my standard overaggressive hookset. As a holdover from my last bout of losing fish, I don’t mess around with pitter-pat hook sets. I mean, I swivel the hips and lean into it. If that’s a steelhead mouth down there it’s either going to need Novocaine or whatever it is you put on ropeburn after a leader gets whisked through your lips. Related to me losing fish? Perhaps.

Camp Fish-Got-Off. At least the scenery was uplifting.

But I lay into it and nothing. Dang it all to tarnation, snagged on the bottom. Only. Wait. Why is the bottom moving?
Yesyesyes. A fish of a thousand casts yes. This movement chugs up toward the head of the pool about the speed of an old cement truck in compound low while I calmly poop my waders with excitement and get into battle stations, backing out from deep water for freedom of leg movment to unleash some Fred Astaire footwork if need be. Quick systems check on line tension, angle of the rod, back the drag off just a click. Check, check, check. The fish shifts into second gear nearing the head of the pool, taking 8.475 inches of extra line through my index finger which leaves 6 feet, 2.325 inches left before we’re on the reel.

I’m curious what this fish is going to do. It’s going to be good whatever it is and I can’t wait.

MUSICAL INTERLUDE

Hey, lay your corneas and earlobes on this clip from our Winding Waters Music For Wild Places pals Ross Holmes and Matt Menefee of Chessboxer. These two mustered the Salmon River itself into singing along a couple summers ago floating with us and here they are on Conan, playing with Warren Haynes. I’m not sure what’s more tremendous, that hat Ross is wearing or his fiddle skills. I guess the fiddling. And Menefee could probably win a trophy with that beard, but I’m sure he can with the banjo. Escucha to this.

Driving home after deciding f[orget] this, I passed one of our guides Cam Scott and his spiritual and menu advisor Renee. We traded chit chat. He asked how I did. I told him. I asked how he did and he said either, ‘Real good,’ or ‘fantabulous,’ or – I really couldn’t anything except the sound of an underwater cement truck busy haunting me.

So, right. Steelhead fishing. Tight lines or whatever. See you out there. I’ll be the guy screeching and having my hair turn instantly white if I lose another steelhead.

The post Nooooooooo appeared first on Winding Waters River Expeditions .

Grande Ronde Steelhead Count Update

Wed, 28 Oct 2015 15:11:00 GMT

Here is the Grande Ronde Steelhead Count update update from Jeff Yanke, the Wallowa District Fish Biologist. There are some encouraging numbers here. Thanks to Jeff for sharing this data with us.

Key Takeaways

Steelhead migration nearing completion: The Grande Ronde and Imnaha runs are almost finished, with only 75 steelhead recorded above Bonneville Dam last week and a total of 20,595 for the season.
Strong migration through the Columbia: About 14,000 fish have passed McNary Dam, representing roughly 68% of the Bonneville count—consistent with past survival rates between the two dams.
Impressive numbers above Lower Granite Dam: Over 11,000 Grande Ronde steelhead have migrated past Lower Granite, with 8,500 bound for the Grande Ronde River and 3,000 for the Imnaha.
Excellent fishing conditions: Anglers on the Grande Ronde River are seeing high success, averaging one steelhead every 4–5 hours of fishing—one of the best catch rates of the season.
Peak fishing window: With strong migration numbers and favorable catch rates, this period marks the prime time for steelhead fishing in the Grande Ronde and Imnaha Rivers.

Hope this update finds you all well. See attached for this week’s PIT tag estimates, updated through Sunday, and last week’s Grande Ronde River creel report. Here’s a quick breakdown…

Bonneville Dam: We estimated at only 75 steelhead migrated above Bonneville last week, confirming the Grande Ronde and Imnaha runs are about complete. This year’s total is up to 20,595. If you’re following regional fish runs, you may also enjoy exploring the nearby Salmon River , another classic Idaho adventure for rafting and wildlife viewing.

McNary Dam: Fish continue to move steadily through the lower Columbia, around 1,000 per week. Currently we estimate a total of 14,000 fish above McNary Dam, about 68% of the estimate at Bonneville Dam. During the last two run years, we’ve estimated 70-75% of our fish survive the migration between Bonneville and McNary so things are winding down here as well.

Lower Granite Dam: We have now eclipsed 11,000 Grande Ronde steelhead above Lower Granite Dam. We estimated that at approximately 1,800 migrated above last week, so the run is still coming pretty strong here. Of what we’ve estimated above Granite, we estimate 8,500 of those are bound for the Grande Ronde and 3,000 for the Imnaha. Of the steelhead that crossed Bonneville, we estimate 54% of the Grande Ronde and 62% of the Imnaha stock are now above Lower Granite.

Imnaha / Grande Ronde Rivers: Catch rates were amazing in the Grande Ronde River last week (see attached report). A steelhead for every 4-5 hours of fishing is tough to beat! Our guides are doing really well throughout the Grande Ronde corridor. We did observe more steelhead in the Imnaha River since last week, but estimate only 100 are in the river above Cow Creek. I’m confident many, many more than that are in the lower canyon and staging near Eureka Bar.

This is prime-time folks. Enjoy!

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions anglers and readers have about the Grande Ronde Steelhead Count update and what it means for this year’s run.

The post Grande Ronde Steelhead Count Update appeared first on Winding Waters River Expeditions .

Grande Ronde River Steelhead Report

Tue, 27 Oct 2015 17:29:00 GMT

Grande Ronde River Steelhead

Sorry for the lack of reports from the river this year. We will try to do better moving forward.

The Grande Ronde has been struggling for water this year. We have had a beautiful sunny, dry October which has been great for angler comfort along the river but maybe not the best for bringing fish upriver. The water levels have been hovering in the mid 500 CFS range for most of the fall making floating a bit of a challenge but has made finding the fish holding water a little easier.

One of our guides was Steelhead fishing on the Grande Ronde River on Monday the 26th and was able to guide his Purple Hoh Bo Spey fly within striking distance of the beautiful Steelhead shown in the image above. He found the water temps to be 49 first thing in the morning and warming up to 51 by mid day. The water is still running fairly clear but has added a little color with the recent rains.

Our experience this weekend has shown that a decent angler could expect a few good grabs a day on the swing. We are finding that fish have dropped a little further back in the runs due to decreasing water temps over night. The Steelhead are still filtering into the system but have been a bit delayed due to low water and warmer water temps so far this fall. We are hopeful that with water temp dropping and some cold rains increasing the flows we will see more fish moving upriver. We will see what November holds but we are expecting the Steelhead fishing to be great in November this year.

Click on the following link to check out the current Steelhead Creel Report for the lower Grande Ronde River. This shows that folks are having increased success so maybe November will be the new October on the Grande Ronde.

Please send us your reports from the river and contact us to book your next day of guided Steelhead fishing on the Grande Ronde River.

The post Grande Ronde River Steelhead Report appeared first on Winding Waters River Expeditions .

What a Load of Bull Trout

Thu, 22 Oct 2015 15:46:00 GMT

The upper Imnaha country is an honest-to-golly end of the rainbow place to be this time of year with hillsides of gold from the tamaracks going off. The weather for the bull trout spawning ground survey at the end of October was eeeeeeeepic. Gearboat master Todd Kruger was the wilderness chef. Barry Cox packed our gear in. I got to go along to help look for bull trout redds. Here we see Ian Wilson of Nez Perce Tribal Fisheries wading in the water peering around for redds. Note the blue, blue sky and green, green water. Man, it was nice up there. You outdid yourself, Ma Nature.

Key Takeaways

Bull trout spawning surveys reveal critical habitats — Spotting bull trout redds in the upper Imnaha helps fisheries like Nez Perce Tribal Fisheries and ODFW monitor spawning activity and preserve native fish populations.
Fall offers peak conditions for observation — Late October in the Wallowas delivers clear skies, vibrant tamarack foliage, and optimal visibility for identifying bull trout nesting areas.
Collaborative conservation in action — Teams from U.S. Fish & Wildlife , Nez Perce Tribal Fisheries , and ODFW join forces to document bull trout reproduction sites, ensuring science-backed management of the species.
Outdoor adventure meets research — Fieldwork combines rugged hikes, cold-water wading, and wilderness living—proving that conservation can be both demanding and deeply rewarding.
Grande Ronde River remains an angler’s paradise — Beyond the survey, local guides note strong steelhead activity, making this Oregon region a must-visit for fall fishing and eco-tourism enthusiasts.

Here’s Jeff Yanke of ODF’nW and Brian Simmons from NPTFisheries beholding the lovely idyllic stream before bushwacking down through face slappy brush to their next survey stretch.

Thanks to Gretchen Sausen with US Fish & Wildlife for running the show and letting me talk her into taking me along. Identifying these spots where fish make babies is interesting work. You wade your section of stream with eyes peeled for likely signs. A disturbance in the river bottom. Waterproof baby montitors. Little fish diapers littered around the gravel. That kind of thing. Then you consult. Measure. Say some science things. I like to announce a possible redd sighting by singing out: “I spy with my wee little eye … a clear line of deposition over here.”

Again, look at the grandeur. I can’t stress enough the grandeur.

This time of year in the Wallowas is just the bee’s knees, shins and ankles. Kruger and I are about to shove off on the Grande Ronde a five day steelhead float . So we got that going for us, which is nice. Meantime, got in a little mountain biking. Got on a trail recently that was so steep I worried about fire danger from the heat coming off my melting brake pads.

No joke, Todd’s brakes got so hot they gave up on doing their job and Kruges got a nasty blister when he touched the brake disc to investigate. Just a fun little bike ride, I was told. More or less straight down, it turned out.

Been hearing of great results on the Grande Ronde from steelheaders. Will bring back a report from this Minam to Wildcat expedition. See you out there.

Frequently Asked Questions

This article shares a firsthand account of a late-October bull trout spawning survey in Oregon’s upper Imnaha country — a mix of outdoor science, adventure, and appreciation for the wild Wallowas.

The post What a Load of Bull Trout appeared first on Winding Waters River Expeditions .

If you’re inspired to see these places yourself, check out our guided white water rafting trips across Oregon and Idaho.

Trick or Steelhead

Fri, 25 Sep 2015 23:00:00 GMT

Pretty sure you’re supposed to get less excited about Halloween the older you get. Not so for this guy. Sure, there’s always some version of a sexy nurse costume at a party to look forward to. Miniature Baby Ruth candy bars are cause to celebrate. But the fishing is typically re-e-e-e-ally good by Hallows Eve on the roadless stretch of the upper Grande Ronde. Steelhead have had enough travel time to pile in there in good numbers about the time kiddos are getting gussied up for trick-or-treating. So for some years now my preferred costume for Halloween has been a pair of leaky waders and a raft. I target the neighborhood of Minam to Troy, knocking on different pools and rifles, hoping for the flyfishing equivalent of a full-sized candy bar.

Wild GR steelhead losing a tail wrestling competition with guide James Nash.

Steelhead are already showing up and the ODFW estimates for this year, based on fish who signed the guest register at Columbia dams, look positively peachy. A Winding Waters guided trip just this week connected a first-time steelheader with some of the Grande Ronde good stuff. It’s already happening. Steelhead-a-go-go.

This is what it looks like. Seriously.

So quit your job, roll your savings over into spey rods, chain yourself to the fly tying bench and get ready. Remember to put a bowl of popcorn balls or some such on the front porch for the trick-or-treaters, then we’ll see you on the river.

Best way to go about this is the luxury of having somebody else do the hard stuff for you. And, hey, that’s us. Get some pals together who you can outfish for one of our steelhead support trips. You fish your brains out all day and roll into camp where Winding Waters has the wall tent camp already set up. You kick back and tell lies during the appetizer course and especially after dinner. Get your snooze on, more fishing and more us moving camp downstream. I’m telling you, it’s the way to fish.

Give us a jingle and we’ll get you out there for this fall fishing steelhead bonanza. Single or multi-day guided trips. Or guide your own bad self on the camp support trip.

The post Trick or Steelhead appeared first on Winding Waters River Expeditions .

Happy 40th Birthday Hells Canyon National Recreation Area

Thu, 17 Sep 2015 20:36:00 GMT

Happy 40th Hells Canyon National Recreation Area (HCNRA)! Honestly, you don’t look a day over 120 million. In tribute to this amazing canyon we get to bring visitors to each summer, we thought we would list some fun facts about the region:

* U.S. Congress established the HCNRA on December 31, 1975
* The recreation area was established to protect the historic and archaeological values
of the Hells Canyon area and the area of the Snake River between Hells Canyon Dam and
the Oregon-Washington border.
* 215,000 acres (900 km2) of the recreation area are designated the Hells Canyon
Wilderness
* The HCNRA encompasses 652,488 acres (2,640.53 km2)
* Nearly 900 miles (1,400 km) of hiking trails exist in the recreation area
* Within the HCNRA is Hells Canyon Archeological District, a 12,000-acre (4,900 ha)
historic district that is listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places. The
district includes 536 contributing sites, 23 contributing buildings, and 58 other
contributing structures.
* The largest portion of the HCNRA lies within Wallowa County, Oregon

Below is a chart showing the depth difference between Hells Canyon and the Grand Canyon.

Sunrise in the canyon

Sunset at Eureka Bar, confluence of the Snake and Imnaha Rivers.

Farm fresh eggs (we have our own chickens, so we know they're fresh!), fresh breads, and seasonal fruits are always on the menu.

Inflatable kayaks are on every trip

Nez Perce pictograph sites are abundant in the canyon. We stop to visit them throughout the trip.

Tomato and blue cheese bruschetta

World-class whitewater (Class III & IV). That's an 18 foot raft.

Hells Canyon, the deepest river canyon in North America

One of the many campsites in the canyon

Trails are abundant throughout the canyon and there are many hiking opportunities.

White Sturgeon, indigenous to the Snake River watershed, can grow up to 20 feet in length.

Black Bear are among the myriad of wildlife we see in the canyon.

Wild caught Salmon cooked on a cedar plank, one of our specialties.

View from Hells Canyon Dam, the launch site.

Scouting

The post Happy 40th Birthday Hells Canyon National Recreation Area appeared first on Winding Waters River Expeditions .

2015…One Incredible Summer

Wed, 16 Sep 2015 15:48:00 GMT

Thank you to everyone who joined us on our rafting adventures this summer! It was another banner year, full of fantastic specialty trips, family and group charters, wonderful food, hilarious costume parties, and many new friends! And thank you to our guide crew, who make it all happen. The slideshow above is a compilation of photos from the summer, which includes just a few of the shining faces and rejuvenated souls we had the pleasure of floating the rivers with this summer.

And thank you again for the testimonials. Below are a few of your words from the summer:
“The guides were awesome, the food was awesome (In fact I kept telling Erica after we left early that I wondered what the rest of the group was eating that day at meal times), and as you know the river and canyon were awesome. We will be posting a five star tripadvisor review soon and singing your praises, and yes as Erica said we will definitely be doing the trip again. Hopefully many times.”

“All the guide (and staff) were incredibly generous with their time, assistance and great stories. Such great people! I wish I had some helpful constructive criticism to share with you, but every aspect of the trip was so far above and beyond my expectation that I truly cant imagine a better experience. Thank you so much!”

“Everything was top notch-food, people, service, attention to the kids! You have great people working for/with you there.”

“I can’t put into words how great the service was. you have a great thing going on can’t wait to bring my children back.”

“Better than excellent.The guides and staff were friendly,professional, helpful, aware of the environment, informative,and passionate about the river. The love that they have for Oregon and the rivers is contagious. The team had a system that kept the passengers on the rafts, kayaks and paddle boards safe and comfortable. The camp sites were well selected and arranged and the food was delicious.”

“LOVED the staff. AMAZING quality, caring people and fun. I loved everyone and had a great time for my birthday and LOVED the staff. i would recommend this team and WW to anyone.”

The post 2015…One Incredible Summer appeared first on Winding Waters River Expeditions .

Mike Baird’s Salmon Migration

Fri, 17 Jul 2015 19:53:00 GMT

So get this. Mike Baird grows up in Idaho and tromps around the Salmon River country during his whippersnapper years. Gets all growed up and works in various Salmon River wildernessy areas parachuting into fires, planting new trees and whatnot. Marries his lovely wife Kathie in Stanley, Idaho, which is located between the left atrium and right ventricle of the upper Salmon River scene. His daughter Caitlin grows up and gets married ON the Main Salmon River. Floated down the Main Fork Salmon River and had the ceremony on the beach. Pretty cool. Mike river guides in the summers, sometimes guiding raft trips on . . . waaaaaaaait for it . . . the . . . guess which river.

The Grande Ronde?

No. It’s the Main Salmon. You were totally right.

286 Miles of Idaho’s Best Whitewater

So. A Salmon runs through it with this guy. And this year that same daughter Caitlin and friends lined up a trip to do the Middle and Main forks of the Salmon River White Water Rafting Trips . Both real groovy sections of river. Real groovy. Mike was in. Then Winding Waters called asking if Baird could work a Lower Salmon River Rafting trip. Rays of golden light beams shot from his calendar as he realized this was so coo-coo crazy it just might work. SSo Mike Baird loaded his boat, set off for Idaho and floated the whole gol-dang thing —286 miles on the water. 60 miles of it solo through rapids he’d never laid eyes on. Heckuva trip.

Here’s Mike with daughter Caitlin and son-in-law Matt Seitz.

Baird had to pack carefully for this journey. Luckily he remembered to bring me and I got to go along for the first leg on the Middle Fork. Here’s Baird rowing and me about to get a faceful of water.

We toodled through the Frank Church–River of No Return Map and saw chunks of rock like this this’n here. Easy on the eyes, that Salmon River Territory.

Middle Fork to Main Salmon: Wild Camps & Rapids

Mike packed carefully, remembered to bring me, and I got to join the first leg on the Middle Fork Wilderness Outfitters Idaho section. We ran into scenic spots like China Bar Lodge, crossed sections known on the Main Salmon River, and dodged rapids listed under Main Salmon Rapids.

Also? A 95-inch dragonfly. Magnific ent.

He also saw many things on this epic river jaunt. Like this 95 or 96-inch giant dragonfly. Magnificent creatures.

It takes a lot of huevos to embark on a river trip of such proportions. Pictured here (SFW).

Not pictured: rancheros

Let’s just consider those stats once more: 19 days. 286 miles. Camped with 30 different people. Consumed at least two cans of beer — one of them at the confluence of the Salmon and Snake rivers, by way of shotgunning, to cap the trip. For those not familiar with the technique of shotgunning a beer, easiest way to explain it is to direct you to the nearest freshman dorm during the first week of college. Second thought, don’t concern yourself with this barbaric ritual. Actually — no, everybody should know how this works. So you poke a hole near the bottom of a can of beer — bottles don’t work nearly as well — tip it up and pull the tab to open it in one fluid motion, then attempt to consume all the fluid in one or more gulps while foam erupts out your nostrils and your eyes start watering. Or so I’m told. I would never do such a thing.

Mike rolled into the Pine Bar boat near Morgan Bar Recreation Site , launch thoroughly warmed up, joined the Winding Waters crew and finished ‘er off in style. Nice work, Baird.

Scenic Landmarks, Local Lore & the Whitewater Legacy

Mike's trip also passed by places found on the Main Salmon River, through Idaho Wild River Adventures country. You’ll find Salmon Raft McCall Idaho and even locations like White Pine Lodge Idaho and Sacajawea Inn in Salmon Idaho—which appeared in a feature in the Salmon River Newspaper.

He probably drifted past Howard's Plunge Idaho and campsites shown on the Map.

Let Winding Waters Guide Your Journey

If you're wondering where to find the Best White Water Rafting in Idaho, you just found it. From family rafting trip setups to epic runs across the Main Salmon River Store, we’ve got you covered. Explore Idaho Float Trips, book through Salmon River Outfitters Lodging, and get to know real Idaho.

Looking for more? We also offer whitewater rafting, perfect for adventurers of all levels.

Want a real taste of adventure? Read firsthand stories from our guests on Google Business Profile Reviews and see why Winding Waters is a rafting favorite. We invite you to return to the wild with us.

Get musically KO’d at the OK — TONIGHT

Thu, 16 Jul 2015 18:47:00 GMT

Go get your groove out of the closet because everyone’s getting theirs on tonight at the OK Theatre.

Kai Welch and his musical amigos Phoebe Hunt, Heather Robb and Dominic Leslie will delight the earholes with music making and fun having. 7 p.m. OK Theatre Main Street, Enterprise, Oregon. For those of you who do not currently reside or find yourself within the environs of Wallowa County, let this be a lesson to you.

Reared just over the hill in the Grande Ronde Valley, Mr. Kai rowed boats down Hells Canyon before splitting for Nashville to sing sweet songs of melodies pure and true. Then he said Hold on just a tick — how would it be if we brought the music down into the river canyons. And that’s how Music For Wild Places trundled into the world. If’n you’re not on the list for the musical river concert journey about to launch, this next one is sold out, I’m afraid. But the glorious thing is you can get an appetizer with the OK Theatre show this evening. Just imagine it outdoors on a beach after a day on the water in a beautiful camp with world-class tunes every night and you’ve got a front row camping chair seat.

Tickets for tonight are available at The Dollar Stretcher Joseph Hardware M. Crow & Company General Store and online at Eventbrite.com. Doors get unchained at 7pm. First act is at 7:30, second act at the stroke of 8:30.

Here’s a sample, recorded in Hells Canyon. Bonus points if you can name the cabin. See you tonight.

The post Get musically KO’d at the OK — TONIGHT appeared first on Winding Waters River Expeditions .

Golden Stonefly Hatch is On!

Mon, 15 Jun 2015 02:56:00 GMT

The Golden Stonefly hatch on the Lower Wallowa and Upper Grande Ronde is absolutely fantastic right now. With our low snow pack the water level is predictably lower now than it has been at this time in previous years by about 4k cubic feet per second at the gauge station in Troy. The lower and clearer water coinciding with the stonefly hatch has made for some unforgettable dry fly fishing. The Golden Stonefly hatch on the Wallowa is one of my favorite times to fish here. In fact, during the winter, as local anglers talk fishing at the pub over beers, it is the golden stonefly hatch we talk about. Last night I floated with Mark Keffer and Jordan Manley, two Winding Waters River Expedition guides who have backgrounds with lots of fishing experience. During the float we passed the spot where a couple decades ago Jordan caught his first fish. Such are the foundations.

We started out fishing with nymphs, primarily the mottled brown Pat’s Rubber Leg stonefly nymph. I love this fly because fish love it and they are easy to tie. I cranked out half a dozen in the time it took me to cook a frozen pizza before the float. Mark boated a really nice fish almost immediately, while watching a cow elk casually swim across the river. He continued to catch fish until the fly fell apart, a good problem to have. The wind settled enough to switch to dry flies and then it was basically non-stop action for the rest of the evening. At one point I questioned aloud, “what happened? I haven’t caught a fish in minutes.” Aside from that agonizing dry spell, the evening was as perfect as it gets. We ended the trip with a beautiful wild rainbow that Mark hooked in the Wallowa and then the fish proceeded to lead us into the Minam before finally getting in the net at the takeout where we took this picture.

Wallowa River Rainbow Trout

When Paul Arentsen, owner of WWRE, asked how the fishing was I honestly replied, “As good as it gets.” Like anything good, it won’t last forever, so if dry fly fishing for big wild rainbows on a beautiful stretch of river is your game, then come on out and let’s float down the river.

The post Golden Stonefly Hatch is On! appeared first on Winding Waters River Expeditions .

Oh, Deer: How to Pee in the River

Mon, 08 Jun 2015 22:09:00 GMT

Key Takeaways

Peeing in the river is eco-friendly etiquette. When rafting, urinating in the river—away from swimmers—helps follow “leave no trace” principles and keeps campsites and shorelines clean.
Follow proper river etiquette. Always position yourself downstream of others and waist-deep in the water to maintain respect for both nature and fellow rafters.
Wildlife does it too. Even deer and elk naturally relieve themselves in the water, reminding rafters that nature’s flow takes care of natural waste through dilution.
Rafting the Grande Ronde and beyond offers adventure. From wildlife sightings to exciting rapids like The Narrows, every river trip offers unforgettable scenery and experiences.
Join guided rafting trips for safety and fun. Outfitters like Winding Waters River Expeditions provide expert-led journeys through Hells Canyon and the Lower Salmon River for an authentic, eco-conscious adventure.

Going tinkle in the water is one of the simple joys of summertime rafting. Just wade out up to your waist, place your hands on your hips, pretend to be studying the landscape across the river and let fly. It’s good etiquette to be downstream of others who may be swimming. Aside from that, peeing in the river is just good etiquette in general because there’s no reason to pee-pee in the bushes or fill up the groover when you can cool off and enact dilution as the solution to pollution at the same time. An advanced technique is to be drinking a liquid of some sort while you are standing in water up to your waist and also releasing liquid consumed earlier. That’s called reaching equilibrium.

WARNING: Graphic Image to follow.

Even deer use this practice. Observe this here deer taking a potty break in the Grande Ronde . Good job, deer. Way to leave no trace. It took us forever to train those animals to stop peeing on shore. The hoof marks on our faces and arms are not going away quickly, either. That is some deep bruising.

These elk in the next picture had no time for a bathroom break, however. They were hotfooting it off an island where I’d dropped a work crew of noxious weed sprayers. Two tiny calves were bedded down on the island, with six adults who crossed over to the main riverbank. It was part of our lower Grande Ronde rafting trip where the scenery and wildlife never disappoint.

Here’s what it looks like to load up backpack sprayers and head off to squirt leafy spurge, yellowstar thistle, knapweed and the other bad dudes of the invasive weed world.

The Narrows rapid not too far from the mouth of the GR where it joins the Snake River was a little bit on the spicy side. At low water the river squeezes between basalt walls with no room to get an oar in the water. Higher water creates a mess on a corner with a sampler tray of interesting obstacles to navigate. Jaggedy rocks, a decent-sized hole to avoid, a short little spillover you probably don’t want to mess with. We took a line right next to the bank, skirting the hole. Took some doing to get a boat into the narrow slot, but worked out fine.

Here’s a few more pics from this lower Grande Ronde tour, like this cool arch:

And a few of the sheds picked up during spraying missions:

Come join us, why don’t you. Rafting season is kicking in the afterburners right now and Winding Waters has trips of a lifetime departing for Hells Canyon and the Lower Salmon River each week. Our Hells Canyon rafting adventures are especially popular this time of year. This is beautiful country, folks. And seeing it from a raft is hard to beat.

Frequently Asked Questions

This article humorously explores river etiquette, wildlife encounters, and the joys of summertime rafting on the Grande Ronde River.

The post Oh, Deer: How to Pee in the River appeared first on Winding Waters River Expeditions .

Sturgeon Fishing with a Circle Hook

Mon, 08 Jun 2015 18:10:00 GMT

Fishing hooks have probably been around for around 40,000 years. The earliest of these were likely made of wood and thus did not survive. Metal and bone hooks were found in Norway which were dated at about 9,000 years old. In general, fishing hooks all have the basic “J” style bend. There is another hook shape which truly separates itself from the crowd. It is the circle hook, and there is nothing new about it.

Key Takeaways

Circle hooks improve fish survival rates. Their inward-pointing design minimizes deep hooking, making them safer for catch-and-release sturgeon fishing.
Sustainable fishing matters. Using circle hooks helps protect sturgeon populations in rivers like the Snake and Salmon, ensuring future generations can experience these ancient fish.
Proven performance on the river. Winding Waters River Expeditions reports every sturgeon caught with circle hooks was safely hooked in the mouth corner, preventing injury.
A conservation-first approach. Barbless circle hooks align with “leave no trace” and sustainable fishing principles—vital for maintaining balanced river ecosystems.

Preserving tradition through responsible angling. Switching to circle hooks honors the heritage of sturgeon fishing while protecting the species for future anglers to enjoy.

Modern Day Circle Hook

Ancient Circle Hook

Here we have two examples of circle hooks. The illustration is of a circle hook carved from human bones on Easter Island and the photo is of a modern circle hook made by humans in a factory.

The circle hook works. Because the bend in the point of the hook curves in towards the shaft, the hook will not grab onto to any surface that does not extend outwards. Basically, a fish can swallow the hook and it won’t catch on anything except the fish’s jaw, usually in the corner of the mouth. In some states like North Carolina, circle hooks have become mandatory for older gamefish like the Red Drum because the chance of ‘deep hooking’ one of these fish in its stomach, throat, or gills is substantially lower with a circle hook than with a “J” style hook.

On our Hells Canyon and Salmon River trips our guides and clients often enjoy getting to catch and see a white sturgeon. These modern dinosaurs grow in excess of ten feet and can be well over 100 years old. They are truly a magnificent animal. The sturgeon population in the Snake River is not doing as well as in the Columbia where anglers can keep fish between 43” and 54”.

Many anglers and adventurers experience this stretch on our Hells Canyon 5-Day Rafting Adventure . In the Salmon and Snake Rivers no Sturgeon can be kept or removed from the water and it is mandatory to use barbless hooks to aid anglers in safely releasing fish.

At Winding Waters River Expeditions we have switched to using circle hooks for Sturgeon so that we reduce the chance of injuring one of these freshwater giants. The circle hooks have been tremendously effective at hooking up and retaining the fish. In the last two seasons every single sturgeon we have hooked using circle hooks has been hooked in the corner of the fish’s mouth and did not injure the fish.

We believe in sustainable fisheries, leave-no-trace camping, and doing right by the animals that live in the places we love. These same stewardship values guide all our trips, from Grande Ronde River Rafting to our Salmon and Snake River adventures. Last June, my friends and I caught a sturgeon at Dug Bar on the Snake River where my grandpa, Doug Tippet, grew up.

As a boy his family subsisted on sturgeon meat for some parts of the year. He once caught a sturgeon that was too big for him to carry so he loaded the fish onto his pony and brought it home. I can only imagine how proud he must have felt. The fish we caught last year in that same part of the river was most likely already between 20 and 30 years old when my grandpa was puffing out his ten year old chest leading his burdened pony up the trail to his home in the canyons. Will our grandchildren be able to catch sturgeon in the Snake River? If we all use circle hooks, it is a step in the right direction.

Call us if you want to go Sturgeon fishing and see how these Circle Hooks Work. You can also join one of our guided white water rafting trips to explore these incredible Northwest rivers up close.

Frequently Asked Questions

Learn more about using circle hooks for sturgeon fishing and why they’re vital for protecting these ancient river giants.

The post Sturgeon Fishing with a Circle Hook appeared first on Winding Waters River Expeditions .

Fishing Season is Open in NE Oregon

Sun, 31 May 2015 19:49:00 GMT

Fishing season is open for trout and whitefish in our NE Oregon streams for the summer. Don’t be too discouraged by the high muddy water we are seeing as the snow leaves the mountains. High water has the fish more concentrated in areas of reduced turbulence, especially along the banks. The fish we have been catching on large profile flies like wooly buggers and stonefly nymphs look healthy. On the Grande Ronde we are already seeing golden stoneflies, yellow sallies, Pale Morning Duns (PMD’s) a handful of drakes and some Blue Winged Olives. Faster water with less visibility means a fish has less time to inspect your fly with his eyes so takes can be very aggressive. Choose flies with lots of moving parts like soft hackle, marabou, and rubber legs to help trout detect them in the water. Fish them with weight under and indicator close to the bank and get ready. During a typical year the largest trout caught on the Wallowa and Grande Ronde are hooked during high water in the spring.

A preview of coming attractions: Chinook Salmon season is slated to open on the Wallowa from the deadline at Minam State Park to the mouth of the Lostine and on the Imnaha on June 6 ^th . The Grande Ronde opens on June 13 ^th from Stateline to 100 yards above Wildcat Bridge. Lower than normal water levels should make for some pretty exciting fishing for Salmon and trout. Dates are already filling up so call to book your trip. We don’t know how long these seasons are going to stay open since Salmon are still coming over Bonneville Dam and quotas have not yet been set.

The post Fishing Season is Open in NE Oregon appeared first on Winding Waters River Expeditions .

Morels of the story

Tue, 26 May 2015 21:05:00 GMT

Wallowa County is in the midst of a mushroom frenzy. Servers in Hermiston crashed over the weekend due to all the Facebook posts bragging about the poundage of morel mushrooms in Oregon. You can do a census count of how many kitchen sinks there are in northeast Oregon right now because every one of them is online brimming with morels. Cows are sore from producing enough milk to make enough butter to saute’ all these shrooms. It’s madness. Whoever the governor of Oregon is these days had to declare a state of deliciousness.

Captain Morgan Jenkins has always been on the All-Star squad of morel hunting in Oregon, and the convergence of all this rain and morel mushroom growing conditions has put Mojo into high gear. I mean, look at this. I’m afraid his kitchen floor is going to collapse. I asked him where he found these and he said St. Louis.

Cap’n Todd and his lovely wife Tammy have also been chopping down huge wild morels. It’s not just abundance recently, it’s that these things are swelling to almost indecent proportions. Todd and Tammy had to use a cross-cut misery whip saw to fell this one.

If you don’t have a kitchen sink, Olaf pottery is the next best vessel for displaying foraged morels. Or maybe the other way around. If you don’t have Olaf pottery, call a carpenter and have a new shelf built in your kitchen because you’re going to be starting a collection. These ceramic wonder vessels are very Wallowa County, very awesome, made by a very awesome guy from Wallowa County. Here’s a link . Folgers crystals taste just like fine espresso when sipped from a Juve mug.

I don’t know what’s going on with this golden age of fungus right now, but I ain’t complaining. If we’re lucky, Morgan will preserve some of that bounty and slip some into the sauce for pasta night or into the skillet on farm-fresh egg morning . . . although that would elevate the already skyrocketingly-good Winding Waters meals into zero gravity and there’s not much research available on that.

Maybe we can ask the instructors on the Wilderness Advanced Life Support trip in Hells Canyon in September what the taste bud threshold is for goodness. Speaking of Hells Canyon and mushroom madness, you might want to keep an eye out for river morels mushrooms along the way. This unique environment sometimes surprises foragers.

And don’t forget, morel season in Oregon can be a fleeting treasure. The prime time varies, but typically the morel mushroom growing season hits hardest in spring. If you're wondering when do morel mushrooms grow, the answer lies in soil temperature and recent rain. Ideal morel mushroom soil temperature hovers around 50°F, and you’ll find them near morel trees like dead elms, ash, and cottonwoods. Yes, these are the best trees for morels.

For anyone new to the game, wondering where to find morels in Oregon or how to find morel mushrooms, keep an eye out after a rain, look around burn site morels, and explore the edges of wooded areas.

Also, check out our Whitewater Raftings trips. They don’t just provide river thrills but also pass through wild terrain perfect for spotting morels in the fall or spring. We call it the splash-and-forage combo!

Meantime, peace out, y’all.

(photos and mushrooms courtesty of Tammy. Except that sink one. That’s all Mojo.)

Tips for Spotting and Storing Morels

How to store a morel mushroom: Keep them dry in a paper bag in the fridge.
Tips to find morel mushrooms: Follow rain, check soil temps, scout for the right trees.
How fast do morel mushrooms grow? In just a few days under ideal conditions!
Identifying a morel mushroom: Look for the honeycomb cap and hollow inside.

Ready to Explore Oregon’s Wild Side?

Whether you're mushroom foraging or planning riverside adventures, Winding Waters River Expeditions is your go-to guide. Book your Whitewater Rafting trip with us to combine outdoor thrills with nature’s tastiest treasures.

Don’t just take our word for it—visit our Google Business Profile Reviews and see why Winding Waters white water rafting trips keep guests coming back!

Get Your River Rations

Tue, 19 May 2015 19:24:00 GMT

River rats, line up and get your rations. As per always, guests on Winding Waters trips can look forward to their very own stylish and collectible WWRE coffee sipping vessels to bring along rafting—plus this brand new item in the ol’ pre-trip gift package: ingots of healthy goodness in the form of River Rations energy bars, made right here local-style by BGood Bars of Joseph.

BGood master chef Judy Goodman applied her considerable backcountry know-how with frontcountry good sense about what’s good for us to eat, combined the two, squeezed out the gluten and— pow! —BGood Bars. River Rations are built to travel, can tuck right into the side pocket of a personal flotation device in Hells Canyon heat, get splashed and still be delicious. BGood has a full lineup of other recipes too, like Espresso Date Nut, Peanut Ginger, Spicy Hemp Cranberry and more. Check out the River Rations on your rafting trip and stock up on the other flavors on your way home. Here’s the BGood website .

Rafting season is underway, with a tour of Hells Canyon back from the deepest ditch in the 48, heading right back out next week. Gear guru Todd Kruger and his wife Tammy found a few days before rafting season took off, so they took off down the Grande Ronde. They even found enough morel mushrooms to outfit dinnner each night and bring some home in the cooler. Nicely done. Now that’s how you go mushroom picking.

I, however, went out to the woods to look for morels and bearly found any. Did come across these footprints, though.

Be good. Be healthy. Be seeing you on the river.

The post Get Your River Rations appeared first on Winding Waters River Expeditions .

What is Marabou Anyway? Fly Tying

Thu, 14 May 2015 15:38:00 GMT

Key Takeaways

Marabou feathers are essential for fly tying, especially in patterns like woolly buggers and streamers, thanks to their soft texture and lifelike movement in the water.
Marabou comes from the underside of a turkey , typically near the vent area, and is naturally gray before being dyed into vibrant colors for various fly patterns.
Fly tying marabou adds unmatched realism and versatility , allowing anglers to craft flies that mimic leeches, nymphs, or other aquatic prey with irresistible motion.
Using turkey feathers in fly tying promotes resourcefulness , as hunters can utilize everything from marabou plumes to tail and beard fibers for creative fly designs.
Marabou bridges craft, culture, and conservation , blending traditional fly fishing artistry with sustainable hunting practices and a shared passion for the outdoors.
Explore your creativity and connection to nature , using marabou for fly tying to craft not just flies—but memories—on your next Winding Waters adventure.

April 15th marks the end of spring steelhead season and until Memorial Day weekend, when trout season opens, fishing is not allowed in the rivers and creeks of NE Oregon. While anglers wait for the rivers to reopen, the Snake River in Hells Canyon remains a favorite for spring adventures and wildlife spotting.Anglers miss out on some great hatches during this time. Skwala and Yellow Sally Stoneflies make their appearance, but the real show is the Mother’s Day Caddis. If you are driving and your windshield is suddenly peppered with little green blobs, you have driven through a caddis hatch. These blobs are actually the egg sacks of the caddis and if you try to windshield wipe them away you will turn them into an epoxy strength smear that even the most enthusiastic gas station attendant will concede defeat against. Best to let them dry.

The end of everything is concurrently the beginning of something else and for sportsmen the end of steelhead is the beginning of spring black bear and turkey season. Spring bear hunters who draw either the Wenaha or Sled Springs tags are welcome to join Winding Waters on a supported bear hunting trip down the roadless section of the Grande Ronde . The scenic Grande Ronde River offers both hunting access and incredible rafting opportunities. If you didn’t draw a spring bear tag (I didn’t) you can buy a tag over the counter in Idaho or Montana or you can focus on Oregon’s Rio Grande Turkeys.

There are Easterns, Meriams, Osceola, Gould’s and Rio Grande Turkeys living wild in the United States. Meriams dominate much of the west but Oregon traded some elk for some turkeys a while back and the turkeys we have, except for a small batch of Meriams on Mount Hood, are the Rio Grandes.

The Truth About Marabou

Why pay $22.50 for a turkey tag when you can pay a comparable amount for a butterball at the store? In a word: marabou . That poofy feather you buy in bundles dyed in every color of 80’s fashion to tie undulating, pulsating, fish-catching flies comes from the underside of a turkey. What is marabou, exactly? It’s a soft, fluffy feather, naturally slate gray, that closely imitates a swimming leech for stillwater application.

Marabou and Fly Tying Essentials

Add some color and creativity, and you’ll find yourself limitless. Many would agree that the wooly bugger is responsible for catching more trout than any other fly. A fly box without a wooly bugger is no fly box at all. A responsible angler ought to keep one in their wallet. The thing that makes the wooly bugger so deadly is those wispy fibers of feather used in the tail—marabou feathers, specifically.

If you're wondering what are marabou feathers, they are soft plumes often found near the turkey’s vent area. These are essential for movement and lifelike action in water. Whether you're using marabou for fly tying or incorporating fly tying marabou into streamer patterns, the result is undeniable—big takes and bigger smiles.

The venerable muddler minnow uses fly tying turkey feathers from a turkey wing for the tail, and Dave Whitlock’s hopper uses it for the wing casing. Those iridescent bronze feathers from a turkey’s chest are well used on mayfly nymph patterns, and the fibers from his beard make good legs and tails on stonefly nymphs. You can even get creative by tying flies with turkey feathers you gathered yourself.

Feather Up Your Fly Box

We love seeing people use every part of the animal—maribou feathers, tail plumes, beard fibers, and all. Try adding feather marabou to your streamer tails, or even dress things up with marabou trim for a flashy accent. If you’re deep in the hobby and curious about what is marabou feather, it’s simply another name for that fluffy underfeather of a turkey or similar bird, often marketed in fly shops.

Hunters and anglers alike are showing off more unique creations. Think marabou feather boa streamers or even a full marabou coat of dubbing and hackle. Ever seen a marabou feather robe pattern? You should.

Fashion Meets Function

There’s a strange crossover between marabou fashion and fly fishing. You’ll see marabou in jackets, boas, cuffs—and in your fly tying kit. It’s beautiful, functional, and the next time you’re out scouting turkeys or rummaging through your fly box, consider how fly tying marabou connects nature, craft, and culture.

Spring Adventures with Winding Waters

If you did draw a bear tag and get a bear (color me green with envy), you might take some bear hair and tie a fly affectionately known in Montana as the brown bear brown, blonde bear blonde, black bear black…you see where this goes. There are many variations and people claiming to be the original producers, so I won’t play favorites. But George Grant, a true conservationist and fly-tying innovator, used bear hair to craft fly masterpieces.

While we may mourn this brief pause in fishing, there’s still sporting to be done. Get out this spring, harvest what you can, and tie something extraordinary. Post your fly-tying marabou or tying flies with turkey feathers creations to our Facebook page and bring them when you join us for a Whitewater Rafting trip this summer .

When the trout season reopens, the Salmon River offers some of the most scenic stretches for early-summer fishing and rafting.

With fly tying materials like marabou for fly tying in your toolkit, you’re not just crafting flies—you’re tying memories, stories, and outdoor legacies. Whether you're chasing trout, turkeys, or just peace in nature, let Winding Waters be part of your journey.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about marabou and its role in fly tying, answered clearly and simply for anglers and fly-tying enthusiasts.

Curious about Winding Waters and our rafting trips ? Our guests share their thrilling experiences—check out our Google Business Profile Reviews !

How Deep The River Is Right Here

Mon, 11 May 2015 19:55:00 GMT

How deep is the river right here? is the #1 most frequently asked question I’ve had in eight years of helping run river trips . I thought it might be helpful to answer it now once and for all, as we settle into the starting blocks for the 2015 river season. If you’re not in the mood for the brass tacks and technical jargon about to go down on explaining this age-old mystery, I’ll spare you and [Spoiler Alert] just cut to the chase right here. The answers are: 16 feet 4 inches, 12 feet 8 1/2 inches and 7 feet 2 inches, respectively.

Key Takeaways

River depth constantly changes — factors like rainfall, snowmelt, and dam releases affect how deep rivers like the Snake, Salmon, and Grande Ronde run at any given time.
Cubic feet per second (CFS) is the key metric used to measure river flow, showing how much water passes a point per second — a crucial detail for rafters and guides planning safe trips.
Controlled vs. natural flow — while the Snake River’s depth depends on dam regulation, the Salmon and Grande Ronde fluctuate naturally with weather and snowmelt conditions.
Depth varies by river section — calm pools are typically deeper, while rapids or “drop” sections are shallower, shaping both the challenge and excitement of river rafting.
At the time of measurement — average depths were approximately 16 feet for the Snake, 12 feet for the Salmon, and 7 feet for the Grande Ronde, offering a fun baseline for curious river-goers.

We have three main squeezes on our dance card at Winding Waters River Expeditions. The Snake River in Hells Canyon , Lower Salmon and Grande Ronde rivers . Those last two both join up with Team Snake in Hells Canyon.

How much liquid is in a river is most often reckoned by cubic feet per second. Cfs. The section of Snake we run is below Hells Canyon Dam . Different amounts of water are allowed to squirt out the dam. On an average summer day in Hells, the cfs might range from, say, 9,000 up to 18-thousand. It depends. Sometimes it’s a pretty regular schedule of up and down. But it can also change in what hydrologists refer to as a jiffy. This here photo shows a boat next to the bathtub ring in Hells Canyon, for an idea of what the different levels can be.

Here’s what it looks like from the top of the concrete spigot at Hells Canyon Dam.

The Salmon does not have someone opening and closing a big valve to control the water, but the ol’ Salmon can jump right up because of rainstorms, warm weather speeding up snowmelt, stuff like that. Same for the Grande Ronde, but the GR does have opposable thumbs at work on the flow because of irrigation water being diverted into all the weed farms popping up after passage of the Cheech & Chong ballot measure last year.

Here’s another ingredient in the recipe of knowing how deep the river is right here. Pool and drop. That’s the thing where a stream goes along for a while — doot-dee-doo — then there’s some rapids. Rar! Quiet time, then whitewater time. Tranquil then rowdy. The rapids are not very deepish. The big calm spots are more deeper. ‘Deepish’ and ‘more deeper’ are science-y terms, but I warned you this would be getting technical. Here’s Morgan bracing himself as he goes into one of the ‘drop’ sections.

Pioneering hip hop artist and Greek philospher Heraclitus is kind of a big deal for pointing out that you can’t step into the same river twice. I mean, you can, technically. I do it all the time. But also technically, he’s right and the fundamental characteristic of the cosmos is change. Or whatever.

What this means for a river guide is that you can scuba dive to the bottom of a spot in the river, take careful measurements and the number you come up with for depth will probably be pretty different the next time you float over the same place. Here’s guide Mike Baird after diving down to check the depth.

OK. With all that in mind, I’ve explained all this in the past, the person who asked has nodded and said, Huh. Then followed up with: So . . . how deep is it right here then?

The Snake River is 16 feet 4 inches deep. The Salmon is 12 feet 8 1/2 inches. And the Grande Ronde is 7 feet 2 inches. It’s different in other places, but right here that’s how deep they are.

I hope this contributes to the overall enjoyment of your trip in Hells Canyon , on the Lower Salmon and the Grande Ronde this river season . Stay tuned for more insider information on river life, as we explore the chemistry of what goes into Riveritas and other fun topics.

See you on the river.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about river depth and flow, inspired by insights from Winding Waters River Expeditions.

The post How Deep The River Is Right Here appeared first on Winding Waters River Expeditions .

When Hells Blooms Over

Thu, 07 May 2015 21:21:00 GMT

Ready. Set. Raft.

Winding Waters staff has been down in Hells Canyon watering all the plants so things are green and training the wild animals to come out for pictures. So everything’s all set for another splendid boating season. We’re launching a trip May 15 for a three-day sojourn amongst those big ol’ canyon walls and green, green Sound of Music hillsides sporting artful wildflower arrangements. Hells and high water , y’all. Get you some.

Here we have a lively action photo taken during a Spring Hells Canyon trip of yore. Camera operator on this was photographer Kendrick Moholt . The raft is in a big trough. Passengers smiling. Snake River splooshing up a fun wave. Thanks to some judicious cropping of the photo, we’re spared from seeing the pilot of this boat, who . . . wait a minute, that’s me rowing. I know the back of that hand on that oar like the back of my hand. OK. I get it. Fine.

Let’s just move on with a review of some of the sights you might see along the Hells Canyon corridor in Spring. Mountain goats, black bear, bighorn sheep, golden eagles, sasquatch and chupacabras are on the list, but we’re always putting photos of them up here so for the sake of variety I’ll throw in some of the under-appreciated Hells Canyon residents.

Bunnies

Awwww. This little nibbler was frolicking around on a tranquil hillside near Hominy Bar. So cute. But that’s because you can’t see the fangs from this angle. Hells Canyon is home to a population of Monty Python rabbits, which are not to be fooled with. And that’s why you go with professional river guides. I’ve seen Morgan fend off attacks by these beasts, coming at him from all angles, using just a carabiner and his surprising dexterity.

Birdies

What we have here is a chukar. This is what makes those chuk-chuk-chuk sounds you hear while floating along. As far as I know, chukars do not exhibit the same aggressiveness and the bunnies. But you never know. Also, I’m told they are quite delicious.

From wildlife to wide open views, this here is a shot of the Suicide Point hike. Don’t be fooled by the name. It’s not all that bad. Steep drop, yes. But the trail is really pretty easy going and well worth the juant.

Usually the timing works out to get a birds-eye view of the gearboat pulling downstream. Here we see Todd taking off from Salt Creek camp, loaded down with all the comforts of a Winding Waters camp.

So there’s a peek at Hells Canyon springtime. Our new guide, Jordan Manley, just got back from a week down in Hells, foraging around and living off the land with Joe Whittle, local writer and photographer. We’ll have to get their biscuit root casserole recipe and maybe try that out among the menu rotation. I’m especially excited about the signature hot sauce I saw in the boathouse kitchen that Hilary just made.

Give us a call and get on board for a Hells, Grande Ronde or Lower Salmon expedition.

See you on the riv.

The post When Hells Blooms Over appeared first on Winding Waters River Expeditions .

Is a Guided Fly Fishing Trip Right for Me?

Fri, 01 May 2015 04:08:00 GMT

This post written by James Nash, Winding Waters’ Fly Fishing Guide

Is a guided fly fishing trip right for me?

There are two groups of people who will benefit from answering yes to this question. One group is the person who would like to learn more about the quiet sport of fly fishing. The other is the person who is comfortable with their existing skill-set and would like to utilize the guide’s equipment and/or knowledge of the local water and fishery. If either of these sound like you, then let’s go fishing!

I don’t know how to fly fish…but I want to learn. Do you offer fly fishing lessons?
Yes! Fly fishing is at least as complicated as tying your shoe laces and dynamic enough that there is always something else to learn. So, if you have conquered your loop, swoop, and pull then you are of sound enough mind and body to begin learning to fly fish. My philosophy is that there is no clear line between guiding and instructing. I, myself, am always willing to learn but not always willing to be taught and I strive to be sensitive in not handing you more instruction than you feel ready for. I emphasize hands-on learning techniques and minimize lecture and demonstration. In half a day on the 6 Ranch you can learn about equipment, trout behavior, water reading, casting and, probably, how to fight, land, and release, unharmed, a wild rainbow trout. If you want to advance your skills to fly fishing 201 and upwards then come back another day and we will continue to improve our skills.

To book a day of fly fishing with James, visit our Fly Fishing Trips.

The post Is a Guided Fly Fishing Trip Right for Me? appeared first on Winding Waters River Expeditions .

Wilderness Advanced Life Support Course in Hells Canyon

Mon, 20 Apr 2015 22:27:00 GMT

Looking for a wilderness advanced life support course taught in the wilderness? With the unique combination of adventure on a rafting trip? Look no further! Join Wilderness Medical Associates and Winding Waters River Expeditions September 14-19, 2015 on the Snake River in Hells Canyon . Take a trip of a lifetime and learn from 2 outstanding instructors all while earning 36 hours of continuing medical education credits.

This 6 day, 36-hour course takes place primarily during a river trip on the Snake River in Hells Canyon. Learn in the wilderness, run world-class whitewater, and experience the natural world without distractions from everyday life. The course is open to certified or licensed advanced level medical practitioners from EMT-Intermediates and above involved in rescue, mass casualty, and remote outdoor environments or urban areas in disaster or crisis. This constantly-evolving course is highlighted by discussions of new and innovative ideas and the appropriate application of technologies. The learning environment is challenging, stimulating, and fun.

Past participants had a lot to say about their experience:

“ I felt spoiled. I have never done an expedition that everything was taken care of for me. The raft crew was always 1 step ahead of our needs. ” – Bill, Maine

“ Awesome food! Your commitment to local products is inspiring and the quality shines in the meals. ” – LaVonne, Washington

“ First long river trip, but not the last. WALS Course also excellent. Paul coordinated trip/course needs/timing with good results. ” – Ian, Oregon

“ Best group in total I ever worked with. I liked the fact the crew would socialize with us, but understand they need their down time also. ” – Kurt, Minnesota

The post Wilderness Advanced Life Support Course in Hells Canyon appeared first on Winding Waters River Expeditions .

Shift Gears at the Outdoor Gear Swap

Fri, 10 Apr 2015 21:55:00 GMT

A Soroptomist Miracle

I still remember the one floating turn on a rental snowboard, a bunch of years ago, that turned me to the dark side. It just felt so good. The skis went into storage and that was that.

Fast forward bunches of years. I’m floundering up a slope on snowshoes with my board on my back, watching friends on skis became little dots in the distance. It did not feel nearly as good as that one turn. So I wanted to go back to skiing.

Gearboat guru Todd Kruger helped find me some alpine touring skis and bindings this year, but I was having a rough go locating AT boots. Conley Brown listened to what I was looking for in terms of size and price. His take: “Duuuude, you’re looking for a ski swap miracle.”

CB was right. And it happened. I found these at the Soroptomist thrift store a couple months ago. Hardly been used. Fit ever so nicely. I actually heard classical music when I picked them up. It would have been even more miraculous if we’d had, I don’t know . . . snow this year. But one thing at a time.

Look for your next gear find Saturday, April 18 at the Winding Waters boathouse. Buy new stuff and turn loose of old equimpent you don’t use anymore so it can get back in the game. This gear shuffle is being put on by the Enterprise-Joseph Lions Club. Actual lions will be on hand, so bring a chair and a whip to keep them at bay.

Everything related to snowsports, water activities or things you do on land for kicks is welcome. Not guns, though. The swap will be at the WWRE boathouse in Joseph, the quonset hut a couple blocks on your right as you head out the Imnaha Highway. Buy things from 11am to 4 pm Saturday the 18th. Check out the flyer below for deets on dropping things off.

Climbing the Walls

Check out the recent addition of a climbing wall at WWRE while you’re at the swap. Pictured below is NOT the WWRE wall, rather a scene from a recent WREN excursion over to the Eastern Oregon University climbing wall. 28 Wallowa County kids took turns bouldering, roping up and practicing on a slack line. Good times, good times.

Steelhead Countdown

Getting down there on days left of the steelhead season. Sure been a good one. But you’ve got to reel it in on the 15th. So drop your taxes in the mail and go make a few last casts.

What to Wear for Whitewater Rafting

Getting ready for the river? Your comfort and safety start with proper gear. Here’s what to know about what to wear for whitewater rafting .

Clothing Essentials

Choose a whitewater rafting outfit with moisture-wicking and quick-drying layers.
Go for clothing for river rafting like dry-fit shirts, board shorts, or wetsuits if it’s cold.
Use UV-protective clothing for sunny conditions.
If you’re asking what to wear rafting in summer, breathable materials are your best friend.

Footwear & Accessories

Wondering what shoes to wear white water rafting? Stick to closed-toe, grippy, water-friendly shoes.
Don’t forget sun protection, a secure hat, and sunglasses with straps.
For kayaking too, think snug and splash-safe when choosing your kayaking clothes or what accessories go on a kayak.

What to Bring on Your Rafting Trip

Planning your pack? Here’s your quick g uide to what to bring white water rafting and how to prepare with the right rafting essentials.

Gear & Safety

Essential s: helmet, PFD, and white water rafting safety gear.
Add a dry bag, water bottle, sunscreen, and maybe some snacks.
Review the full suggested gear list for trips here .

Parting Shot: Some lake or another

Not sure what this one is called, but it’s not bad as far as bodies of water go.

Book Your Adventure with Winding Waters

Whether you’re gearing up for a float or just learning what to wear whitewater rafting, Winding Waters has your back. Join us for expertly guided whitewater raftings that pair epic scenery with top-tier gear and unforgettable river memories.

Wondering if our rafting trips are worth it? Dive into our Google Business Profile Reviews and see why guests love every wild, scenic moment with Winding Waters.

Steelhead Season Winding Down…

Mon, 30 Mar 2015 23:59:00 GMT

With the sun shining and flowers blooming steelhead season has begun winding down at Winding Waters River Expeditions. While the official end date of the season is April 15, the major pulses of steelhead have made their way upstream to the hatcheries.

Reported catch counts this past week were 7 hours per angler per fish on the Wallowa, about 8 hours per fish per angler on the Grande Ronde at Rondowa, and 45 hours per fish on the Imnaha.

River levels on the Wallow-a still remain fishable. River levels on the Grande Ronde have popped above 4,000 cfs.

For best results this time of year try using stone flies or smaller Copper Johns and light pink egg patterns. Don’t ignore shallower water off of seams. Get creative with your fly fishing and it could pay off in a fish.

Thank you for reading our fishing reports this season!

-Winding Waters River Expeditions

(Print http://www.feverishart.com)

The post Steelhead Season Winding Down… appeared first on Winding Waters River Expeditions .

Guide to Getting Philosophical

Mon, 30 Mar 2015 21:35:00 GMT

Paul and I both got a teensy bit older last week and celebrated with a rootin’-tootin’ river campout with friends and a float through unbelievable steelhead water. Unbelievable because it looked so good and somehow we managed to have one of those days when some wisenheimer says, “They don’t call it ‘catching.'” [Important note: this was experimental water, outside our normal beat. Normally we just whistle and steelhead come running.]

Theories for why fish just won’t cooperate when they had been team players in recent days range anywhere from meteorology to a banana being on the boat. Like most things when it isn’t going your way, the first stage is denial. “I can’t believe this run didn’t turn up a fish,” et cetera. The next stage is changing flies. Color. Depth. Fishing whitecaps in desperation. You start saying naughty words under your breath. Finally, a tough day on the water ends with observing, “Well, it’s just nice to be out here.” And pretending that’s completely true. I mean, it is. But, you know.

I just learned two fantastic new ways to cope with not catching, so here is an entry for The Gearboat Chronicles Guide to Getting Philosophical .

Kevin Harlander is the marketing dynamo for Terminal Gravity Brewing, a Wallowa County landmark. Kevin and I took a quick afternoon sprint to the Wallowa River last week for an on-the-water business appointment. It’s like a conference room but with a better view. Harlander didn’t waste time and got right down to business by hooking and landing one of the nicest fish I’ve seen in a while – this wild buckaroo of a steelhead right here. This fish was a real beast.

Then I landed a beauty of a wild hen and broke my recent string of getting skunked. So we were both in the bonus round and had nothing to complain about.

Kevin hooked a second fish, but it spit the hook like a kid trying brussels sprouts for the first time. He shook his head, reeled in and said, “Its spirit was just too strong.”

This is my new favorite explanation for a fish getting the better of a hook and line encounter. Its spirit was just too strong. I just like saying it. It’s perfect. As for broken leaders, hurried knots and other fishing mishaps . . . their spirit probably just wasn’t strong enough.

Credit for the spirit saying goes to Jordan Manley, outdoor philosopher and recent addition to the Winding Waters guide bullpen. Jordan and I were on a boat floating in Hells Canyon years ago and I asked him if he knew what time it was. His answer? “I don’t believe in time, bro.” I’m telling you, this guy’s got an answer for everything. His spirit is strong.

Back on the Wallow River at a different spot, Kevin and I witnessed what I guess would be a ‘breaching’ incident. I was busy tying on a fly, heard a splash and looked up. Then saw a steelhead come straight up out of the water and fall back in. “You seeing this?” Kevin asked. The fish jumped again, straight up. Then did it again. I dug my camera out of my waders because if this fish was going to put on a performance like this I wanted to get it on film. Its spirit got tired of jumping, though, so no film. (I mentioned this incident to Mike Baird and a few days later he reported seeing the same phenomenon in exactly the same spot.)

Kevin and I failed to entice this jumping fish onto our line, then admitted defeat and reeled in to call it a day. As he packed it in, Harlander announced, “That’s why they make beer.”

Two perfect sayings in one day. This guy’s good at philosophizing.

What Are You Doing Up There?

Paul and I pulled our raft onto a little beach and thirty seconds later, this is what Arentsen was up to. Fifty points if you can guess what made Paul climb a tree in waders.

If you guessed: There was a metal wagon wheel rim stuck in the branches of that tree somehow – Congratulations, you get fifty points. I guess floodwaters put it there. Or, maybe, uhm . . . I really don’t know what that thing was doing in a tree. But Paul gets 100 points for hula hooping with a wagon wheel. This picture is brought to you by AquaSeal.

The Wallowa River is fishing real well and WWRE fishing guides are ready to put you into the steelhead. Get on 0ut there.

The post Guide to Getting Philosophical appeared first on Winding Waters River Expeditions .

Steelhead Fishing with Winston Fly Rods Pro Staff

Wed, 25 Mar 2015 15:42:00 GMT

James Nash smiling ear to ear with Grande Ronde River Steelhead!

Winding Waters River Expeditions fishing guide, Captain James Nash was recently chosen to become a member of the Winston Fly Rods pro guide staff . Way to go James! Winston does not just hand these pro staff certifications out to anyone. James was required to guide a few members of the Winston staff to show them that he was indeed an expert in all aspects of guiding, including boating, angling, knowledge of local waters, prefessionalism and of course interpersonal skills. After proving his skills in person James was required to go through a thorough application process. It is no surprise that James excelled here and was selected by Winston to represent their brand in NorthEast Oregon on the Grande Ronde River and Wallowa River. James will be guiding for for Steelhead and Rainbow Trout on the Wallowa River, the Grande Ronde River and on the private section of the Wallowa River flowing through his families 6 Ranch. The 6 Ranch contains 2.18 miles of Wallowa River, 1 mile has been restored to its’ natural meander, providing some amazing fish habitat, and the other 1.18 miles are slated to be worked on this summer. The current section of restored river is fishing great right now and the next mile will be ready to go next spring. This is truly a unique fishing opportunity.

There are still 3 weeks left to catch a Steelhead this Spring. Contact us today to book your day of steelhead fishing with James.

The post Steelhead Fishing with Winston Fly Rods Pro Staff appeared first on Winding Waters River Expeditions .

Wild and Scenic Grande Ronde Steelhead Report

Wed, 18 Mar 2015 01:39:00 GMT

Key Takeaways

Grande Ronde steelhead fishing peaks in early spring, when river flows stabilize and water color turns the ideal shade of “steelhead green,” offering the best opportunity for consistent catches.
Variety in fly color matters less than presentation —successful anglers focused on dead-drift techniques in riffle tailouts and deep pools rather than specific hues.
The Wild and Scenic stretch of the Grande Ronde offers unmatched serenity , where misty canyon mornings, wildlife sightings, and slow-paced Spey casting create an experience as memorable as the catch itself.
Seasonal hatches like Blue Winged Olives, Caddis, and Skwala stoneflies enhance the river’s activity, making it an excellent time for both fishing and observing the ecosystem.

A multi-day float trip from Minam to Wildcat Bridge delivers the full adventure , combining daily steelhead action with gourmet camp meals, scenic solitude, and a deep sense of connection to the river’s timeless rhythm.

Launching from Minam for 4 day Grande Ronde River Float on a Grande Ronde River float trip that showcases one of Oregon’s most scenic stretches of water

Fishing update for the Wild and Scenic

By James Nash

The Wallowa and Grande Ronde rivers have steelhead in them and earlier this week, the conditions for catching them reached what will likely be the most optimum levels for the Spring season. Winding Water River Expeditions floated from Minam to Wildcat Bridge with two anglers who work for the Rolls Royce of the fly rod industry, R. L. Winston Rod Co.

My experience guiding anglers (on our guided white water rafting adventures through Eastern Oregon’s river canyons), by nature, usually involves instructing people who are on the youthful end of the experience spectrum. On this trip I found myself faced with the less common challenge of guiding men who were better fishermen than me.

And so it was a perfect storm. The rivers had stabilized their flows and colored slightly due to last week’s drizzle, the steelhead were there in force, the weather was warm and overcast, we had the finest fly rods made in the United States and two anglers who, having had a hand in building them, knew how they should be used.

On the Wallowa River we caught fish on black, chartreuse, yellow, brown, orange, pink, peacock, and white colors; which reinforces the theory that fish do care about color but it is the aspect they care about the least. We hooked fish in the tailouts of long riffles and in deeper pools, as you might expect, and almost exclusively on a dead-drift presentation.

The hatchery steelhead dogged somewhat and who could blame them after all they’d been through. Although these fish are close to their terminus, they do not give up easily as we experienced in spades later on when Jock hooked and landed a shining wild hen his 9’ #6 BIIX.

After we released the fish with a trembling voice jock whispered “that’s what I came here for…” Then he looked at his rod with amazement and gratitude and back to the water from which his fish had come. He had just experienced something he’d thought about for decades and it was better than he’d imagined.

At night, full to bursting on gourmet three-course meals cooked by WWRE guide Morgan Jenkins, we saw large stoneflies attracted to the flames of our campfire. Trips like our Grande Ronde 5-day rafting adventure often highlight similar spring hatches and calm stretches ideal for fishing. During the day Blue Winged Olives, Caddis and Skwala stoneflies came off sporadically on both rivers. The Wallowa was easier floating than it had been earlier in the week, although the rock garden below Blind Falls was a predictably sweaty trial.

On our last night we listened to rain flowing in little creeks off the roof of our wall tent, kept cozy by a wood stove. Enough water accumulated in my drift boat to require 20 minutes of bailing with a Folger’s can in the morning. The Grande Ronde came up 1,000 CFS to just over 3,000 and the water turned to the brown side of steelhead green. That morning mist clung to the rims where four bighorn sheep watched us eat breakfast and pack camp. The mountain goats we’d seen the day before were concealed in clouds.

Wild Grande Ronde River Steelhead

After a Spring rain the canyon looks at the same time as if it were both very old and also brand new. The first arrow leaf balsam roots begin opening showing spots of yellow along the hillsides where soon bears will be out eating them. The old gray moss hangs off the fir trees dripping the night’s rain and the morning’s dew. The river itself, milder on the surface than before the rain slaps gently on the hull of the boat and beneath steelhead move from one place to the next towards the gravelly redd where they were born. If you didn’t know better you might think you were the first person to ever float through those canyons.

Stopping at pools and riffles, Adam and Jock stand on the edge of the water carving curves in the air with the long slow strokes of their Spey rods and then standing still as the line unrolls across the water, straightens, pauses briefly then falls into the current and begins swinging downstream then across and then straightening below them before the cycle begins anew.

It isn’t every day we get a chance to be quiet and graceful, but this time of year on the Grande Ronde you can hardly avoid it. The pace and the experience are of the type that you start missing before you’ve even left, and you plan on returning. In addition to all of that, we caught Grande Ronde steelhead every day, hooked more than we landed, and left the river as we found it. For small groups or custom fishing itineraries, our private charter river trips offer the same quiet canyon experience tailored to your crew.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are answers to common questions about steelhead fishing on Oregon’s Wild and Scenic Grande Ronde and Wallowa Rivers.

The post Wild and Scenic Grande Ronde Steelhead Report appeared first on Winding Waters River Expeditions .

Lost and Found on the Ground Round

Wed, 18 Mar 2015 00:01:00 GMT

Rappers and Winston Fly Rod guys Jock and Adam were in the valley filming a video for their new release, “I’m on a Driftboat,” with James Nash on the turntables and oars.

Team Winston got on good terms with Grande Ronde steelhead via some fresh new lightweight double-hander rods. Meanwhile, I was downriver chucking telephone line with my 14-foot 9-weight utility pole, so this lighterweight concept sounds intriguing. I’ll have to look into that. Here’s James with a seamonster coaxed from the depths below Blind Falls.

Captain Morgan Jenkins set up riverbank resorts and shuttled camp gear for James, Adam and Jock. Sounds like MoJo busted out a new wilderness nacho recipe that I will be voting for in the upcoming River Season Menu Straw Poll.

That’ll Buff Right Out

Ruh-roh. In our continuing coverage of That Boat That Crashed On the Wallowa Last Year, that boat that crashed on the Wallowa River last year has made its way down to the Grande Ronde. Somebody has stripped what little was left on this poor gal, and snubbed her off to a tree. Free boat. But it’ll take some fancy rowing to get her out.

Speaking of finding stuff on the river, here’s a partial list of things plucked from the shore on this last run down the GR. One weird pink tub with rubber seal. No lid, but makes for a nice river garbage receptacle. 4 flip flops. 2 shoes (not matching). Foam chunks, prolly from that drift boat wreck. Lots of bobbers. One tennis ball, regifted to Todd’s dog Little Bear. One sun hat. Two bottles that formerly housed gross-looking wine. One sweet landing net that needs some attention but is still pretty sweet. . . .

And this jacked-up drink koozie, that appears to have been fairly cutting edge back in its day, with what appears to be a suction cup feature that appears to have not worked. Still, though, innovative idea. And this Mountain Dew bottle that I almost . . . ALMOST . . . unscrewed the cap on to pour out the liquid. But. However. Hold on. The caveman wisdom cortex of my brain kicked in, telling my fingers to halt. As you never, and I mean never, mess with yellow liquid in a plastic bottle. Mountain Dew label or not. Adopt-A-Highway cleanup experience has taught me that, at least.

Oh, hey, and I snuck up on some elk. That was cool.

Then I snuck up on a pretty flower.

Went through a black and white photography phase because it got cloudy one day and Mother Nature was in black and white mode.

Todd Kruger was rowing the mothership for our 4 day Grande Ronde journey. Jordan Manley cruised along in his new pack raft. Here he is looking all chill and whatnot.

Linden and Paul had themselves a picnic at Wildcat Bridge waiting for us to roll in. Linden got out her whistle and said she’d try it to see if that would make the river guides appear. Gave that thing a toot and, I’ll be darned, we came around the corner right on cue. Nicely done, Linden.

Check out Cam Scott’s latest Winding Waters Fishing Report for updates on the steelheading in the territory. Just talked to Mike ‘Grizzly’ Baird and he’s been getting into em but good on the Wallowa, with Cam and the Seitz family fishers. I don’t want to give away any secrets, so I’ll just whisper that beads sound like something a person might try. Down low. Maybe behind something with some weight to it. I’m just saying. You might try that. If you want.

The post Lost and Found on the Ground Round appeared first on Winding Waters River Expeditions .

Shed Ahead

Wed, 11 Mar 2015 01:36:00 GMT

ring-ring : Yes, hello there, James Nash. The cuss you say? Go 38 miles in one day with the Grande Ronde only flowing at 2,500 cfs? Oh, it’s down to 2,000 . . . I see. Weeeell, uhhhhhh . . . as a matter of fact it does influence my decision if you write ‘The Emeral Mile’ on your boat.* All righty then. Save me a seat.

(*note to Winding Waters Book Club members: you should read ‘The Emerald Mile.’)

So we bombed down the Wallowa and Grande Ronde at 2G in a day. Took nine hours, hampered somewhat by the ballast of all the fillings from my teeth and cartilage from my spine piling up on the floor of the drift boat after collisions with rocks when I was rowing.*

(*note to Winding Waters Rowing Club members: the Wallowa River has rocks in it. And a lot of them are poking out right now. The Grande Ronde has rocks in it too. They’re poking out much less, which makes it much easier to hit them going much faster. **sidenote: up til now I’ve been strictly an inflatable boat guy. You caress rocks in a raft. Generally. An aluminum drift boat encountering stone is a tad bit more jarring.)

Chandeliers Just Laying There in the Weeds

Justin Moncrief was also on board. From what I gathered, Justin is quite good at finding elk and deer sheds. So imagine how tickled Justin must have been when James was merrily rowing along, glanced up and announced: “Big bull shed. Right there. Dibs.” And it wasn’t just the one. James and Justin climbed up The Eiger Hillside in their waders and located the other half of the pair not far away. I was pretty busy down on the bank not climbing steep hills in rubber overalls with oversized boots that have slick felt soles.

Look at these things. The scientific term for these sheds is: ridiculous. I mean, just look at these things. Imagine toting those things around on your head.

Here’s a much grainier view, up near the summit of Shed Mountain, right after discovery.

We’ve done cast and blast trips in the past, where you go surf and turf after fish and birds. Might have to start doing steelhead and shed trips. As a bonus, these things are worth real money so a person could actually make money chartering a deluxe wall tent-equipped and fully catered shed hunting foray with all the luxuries down this roadless area of the Grande Ronde that’s probably littered — strewn, even — with sheds. I’ve heard far worse business plans.

Fishing wise, the Wallowa is about as clear as it gets and the Grande Ronde has some chalky color to it, but is certainly fishable. Here’s what it looks like at the confluence right now. Sidenote: Justin hooked a steelhead 30 seconds after this photo was taken.

Check out the Winding Waters fishing report for more details on the pursuit of finned ones in the Wallowa territory.

And to take the bull by the horns to go look for horns off a bull from the water, give a call.

Now go out there and get after them.

The post Shed Ahead appeared first on Winding Waters River Expeditions .

Full Swing…

Tue, 10 Mar 2015 04:15:00 GMT

That’s right. Steelhead season is in full swing. Just to make sure we are all on the same page, are these happy ladies holding steelhead?

The answer is no. But Kathy, the one on the left, sure wishes she was.

With a little over a month of the steelhead season left, at weekend’s end, the Grande Ronde is continuing to slowly drop and is now running just below 2,000 cfs. Even with days peaking in the mid to high 60s in Troy. What does this mean? Insanity. And also, if you have never swung a fly for a steelhead, now is probably the perfect time. With water levels dropping and river temperatures rising steelhead should be off the bottom of the river and moving in the upper water column.

Flows on the Wallowa are also still holding steady.

However, with rising daily temperatures, all of this could change on a dime and NOW is the time to get out and wet a line (especially since daylight savings just gave us an extra hour in the evening to fish).

By the end of March rivers are typically running high and off color. And while steelhead can still be caught, don’t let this week’s sheer beauty or steelhead numbers pass you by, give Winding Waters a call and book a fishing trip today.

The post Full Swing… appeared first on Winding Waters River Expeditions .

How Not To Take a Picture Holding a Fish

Tue, 03 Mar 2015 19:21:00 GMT

Key Takeaways

Perfecting the fish photo takes practice — Instead of the usual “grip and grin,” try a natural “frown and cradle” pose to avoid awkward or unrealistic fish pictures.
Positioning matters for great fishing shots — Hold the fish outward, angle it toward the camera, and make sure light hits both your face and the fish evenly for that magazine-worthy moment.
Capture the story, not just the catch — Include the setting, water reflections, or your fishing partner to give the photo context and showcase the full fishing experience.
Respect the fish and environment — Minimize time the fish is out of water and handle it gently to ensure safe release while still getting a memorable shot.
Documenting fish tags can be fascinating — Reporting tag data, like those from ODFW, helps track fish migration and supports conservation efforts across Oregon rivers.
Guided trips enhance your results — Fishing with experienced guides like those from Winding Waters River Expeditions boosts your chances of landing (and photographing) that perfect steelhead.

The ‘frown and cradle’ is my go-to method for taking a picture while holding a fish. This isn’t in protest of the usual ‘grip and grin,’ I’m just not any good at displaying fish for a camera. Or being in pictures at all, really. My 4th grade school photo was just a stick figure drawing the photographer substituted because he said he couldn’t bear to print the real thing. Yee-ouch.

The fish shot seems like it can almost take longer to stage than it does to land a fish. Folks who have the method down come at you with, “Hold it out.” “No, away from you.” “Now turn it.” “Towards me.” “Not that way.” “More to the right.” “Not that much.” “What is wrong with you?”

It’s nice to have the visual memento of the fish you just caught and all, but I don’t know. Just look at this nonsense here, taken a few days ago. There were other photos where I was actually looking up, but they were even worse somehow. This is no reflection on photographer Justin Jones, by the way. He did the best with what he had to work with.

He also waded across to help land this specimen, which was awfully nice considering the thorn bushes and boobytraps along this particular section of bank. Thanks, Doctor Jones. These fish are legendary in the Snake River in Hells Canyon too, here’s a super-exciting photo of me looking down at a steelhead and not holding it out to maximize the visual experience like you’re supposed to, so it looks like the fish is about to attack you through the screen all Jaws 3-D IMAX Hi-Def Dolby Surround style.

By way of comparison, here we have proper fish displaying technique as demonstrated by Matt Seitz, shown here lifting weights in a river recently. Notice the glistening water drops, dappled sunlight and a certain joie de vivre in this composition. Nicely done, Matt. And Ansel Adams Jr., or whoever took this shot. Seitz is Idaho-based. Married to Caitlin Baird, daughter of Winding Waters guide Mike Baird.

Check out his custom flyrod biz Clearwater Fly Rods on the facebooks. Clearwater rods are apparently built with blanks made of magic wands, based on this and many other pictures of Clearwater rods landing fish that resemble something you’d see served in the Hogwarts banquet hall.

Another guy with plenty of practice holding fish out of the water is WWRE guide Cam Scott. Pike Place Fish Market calls him to consult on advanced techniques. Cam Scott was born with nets for hands. Most of us get dirt under our finernails when we work, Cam Scott has scales under his nails. Cam Scott is so accustomed to holding steelhead with his bare hands, he doesn’t need gloves to weld. That last one doesn’t make a ton of sense, so I’ll quit. Here’s Cam, on the left, executing the double-lindy two-person fish holding pose. Known to very few who are able to endure months of training in a Himalayan flyfishing monastery.

Taking a good fishing photo is another matter entirely. Luckily, I’m also bad at that so can guide you with some authority on what not to do. Remember Justin Jones? He, Jeff Yanke, Paul Arentsen and I found ourselves in hot pursuit of Wallowa County steelhead among scenery I hesitate to call ‘breathtaking,’ because that term gets overused and thrown around a lot.

But, seriously, you need an inhaler on hand just to look at these surroundings. Paper bag to blow into and out of at minimum. So here’s Jones, in both pictures, taken seconds apart. You can’t really see him at all in the first photo, because I’m a bad photographer. If you look closely at the next one, you can sort of make him out, casting from atop a big rock. I probably could have gotten closer or changed a setting or whatever.

But the important thing here is that I was mainly concerned with getting down the trail to the next piece of water to get my own flies in the water. Anyway, innovative casting platform award goes to Justin Jones.

That next piece of water did come through for me, I’m delighted to report. A few things about this fish. We’d been picking up some whitefish, bull trout and rainbows that day. Mike Baird landed a submarine-class whitefish in the morning. So this hookup felt solid, then not much happened. Not a lot of resistance. I thought probably I’d hooked up with a whitey again.

It kind of doodled around the stream, no particular place to be, la-dee-dah. I applied pressure and it sort of came along. Doot-dee-doo. And I think we had a classic case of the fish not being all that aware it was hooked. In any case, proximity to the bank woke this fella up and we had ourselves a wrestling match in the final round.

Thing two about this fish, which I didn’t notice until pretty much going to take this picture, is the orange tag there behind the dorsal fin.

Zoom in, please.

Yes, that’s better. It said, “ODFW The Dalles” Then a bunch of numbers. It sure is nice fishing with Jeff Yanke. Except when you learn he landed three steelhead in three consecutive casts , as happened that day. Allow me to dwell on that for a minute. This guy placed his flies in the river three times. And each time a fish came out on the end. Bing, bing, bing. Just like that.

Using the Pythagorean Theorem and postulating the known quantity that steelhead are ‘the fish of a thousand casts,’ if we divide by crazy and carry the what-the-deuce, Jeff must be tying flies using unicorn mane, phoenix hurl and leprechaun sideburns. I mean, three for three? C’mon.

But anway, one of the nice things about fishing with Jeff Yanke is he’s the district biologist for ODFW out here and can hook you up with the data. Well, I’m sure any ODFW office will be happy to supply data but it’s much easier to just hand the tag off at the truck. So this tag turns out to have been inserted in this here steelhead back in October of 2014, up the Deschutes River. It’s preeeeetty cool to find out what these fish got up to on their journeys.

Last week I found a PIT tag transmitter in another steelhead and took it in for Jeff to scan. That steelhead first got on the radar April 30 of 2013 at Little Goose Dam. Next showed up July of 2014 at Bonneville, heading upstream, so it must have hitched a ride down the Columbia for its ocean cruise. Got back to the Imnaha February 11, 2015. I caught it February 24, 2015.

The following day, a mixture of kosher salt, brown sugar, shoyu sauce, home-squeezed apple cider, molasses, cracked pepper and other things was prepared. A Little Chief smoker was plugged in and ran February 26th. On March 2nd of 2015, the results were blended with low-fat cream cheese, or ‘Neufchatel’ — which is Esperanto for ‘low-fat cream cheese’ — sour cream, lemon juice, horseradish, finely minced sweet onion, red pepper, diced green onion, sprinkled with paprika and served at a potluck with little discs of baguette. Delicious. Amazing what these PIT tags can tell you. Simply amazing.

OK, gang. Get out there and get catching because it’s green light go on Wallowa and Grande Ronde river steelheading right now. For help taking fish pictures, and catching the steelhead to take the pictures with, get on the horn for 1/2, full or multi-day guided trips with the crack squad of Winding Waters flyfish guides, Cam Scott and James ‘The Fish Take Pictures of Me’ Nash, pictured here below holding a 29″ steelhead you can’t see because it’s inside that sturgeon. This guy takes finding fish to entirely new levels. This link will get you where you need to be.

Frequently Asked Questions

This article humorously explores the art (and awkwardness) of taking fishing photos — especially how not to hold a fish for the camera — while sharing a few steelhead fishing adventures and lessons along the way.

The post How Not To Take a Picture Holding a Fish appeared first on Winding Waters River Expeditions .

Don’t Fear Low and Clear

Mon, 02 Mar 2015 22:31:00 GMT

That’s right, with this past weekend’s temperatures with highs in the fifties and lows in the twenties our local rivers are back to being low and clear. This high pressure system of blue skies and cold nights looks like it will continue into another weekend. So, what exactly does this mean for your fly-fishing chances of hooking into a steelhead?

A few things:

-Play hooky like “The Gearboat Chronicles” Jon Rombach and go fishing mid-week, although if you do have to do battle on the weekend, find a set of train tracks to walk down or cross the river and fish the other side.

-Don’t bother waking up at dawn to go fishing, sleep in, cook a good breakfast, read a book, take a nap, because your best fishing hours will be in the late afternoon and dusk.

-Wear a toque or beanie, it will keep your noggin warm and is also considered lucky by some anglers.

-Use smaller flies than you normally might (that’s right, now is the time of the prince nymph) because a cold fish is more likely to hit something small than something ungainly and large in clear, high visibility, conditions.

-Fish deep slow pools, steelhead will be holding in deeper slower water with temperatures so low (but don’t forget the riffles).

While these are just a few of the many things to consider with our local waters clearing up, don’t consider for too long. The steelhead are here.

Grande Ronde Flows over the weekend: 2500 cfs.

Wallow River Flows over the weekend: delicious and easily wadeable.

The post Don’t Fear Low and Clear appeared first on Winding Waters River Expeditions .

Winter Snowpack Update

Thu, 26 Feb 2015 18:09:00 GMT

With the unusual weather the Pacific Northwest is experiencing this winter, we are frequently asked about the upcoming rafting season. Specifically, what will the rivers be doing? We cruised around the web for the best information on our rivers’ snowpacks and landed on the Natural Resources Conservation Service’s (NRCS) site. Trying to summarize the charts of data we found made our brains’ short circuit and then we found this easy to read, handy-dandy map (click on the map to make it larger…’cause those dots are tiny!):

(Disclaimer: This map is through Feb 1, 2015 – we still have 2-3 more months of snow season to go!) While it’s nice that this map has provided a beautiful rainbow of colors to look at, the red and oranges are not so good. The Cascades, for a 2nd year running, are well below their median snowpack this time of year. East of in Northeast Oregon, yellows, greens, and blues dominate the map. We can’t ignore that there are some orange dots scattered about east of us, too, meaning Old Pops Winter has some work left to do all over the west.

So what does this mean for our river season? The Snake River in Hells Canyon and the Salmon River are both in great shape for summer floating. Their watersheds are large. The Grande Ronde and Wallowa Rivers have smaller watersheds and need more snow. We’ll still be floating these rivers in May and June. And hopefully the sharing of water for irrigation and fish passage go well this summer,too.

We’ll keep our oars and paddles crossed that the spring brings its typical snows to the Pacific Northwest. Come on spring snow!**

**A quick note here to recognize there are many angles to analyze with snowpack and water availability. This article is a simplified take on the issue since we’re river outfitters. However, we are also scientists and concerned members of our community and realize that the low water in our region means tough times for our local natural resources and those who depend on them.

Steelhead Soup for the Soul

Thu, 26 Feb 2015 00:22:00 GMT

The weather has looked Photoshopped lately, it’s been so nice, so the only real options are: A) Squander the day inside wishing you were up to your knees in a steelhead run or 2) Just give up and go do it. To handle temptation such as this, write out a list prioritizing all the things demanding your immediate attention. Next, start a fire with that list. This will help take the morning chill off while you construct a PBJ sandwich, gather your dog and fishing accoutrements, rehearse calling in sick, then depart for the stream while whistling a merry tune.

Do take note that the appeal of playing hooky to go fishing has its limits. It’s three. Oregon fishing regs allow three steelhead per day. Here’s what that looks like, pictured below. Not pictured: total, utter contentment and the warm flush of a day well spent permeating every cell, right down to the mitochondria.

Next slide please. I saw this majestic beast from the river, all silhouetted on the ridge.

Yes, it’s a cow. But this proves that any creature appears at least somewhat majestic when backlit and peering down from a height. We nodded at one another, this cow and I. And I feel we had some form of understanding. The cow seemed curious as to what I was up to and I was in turn curious if the tavern on the way home would be open on a Tuesday because I could sure go for a burger all the sudden. Maybe even fries. No. Not fries. Better go with a salad. It’s not that I’m trying to watch my figure. The problem is I don’t have to try to watch it, I’m starting to see it in my peripheral vision. This sedentary winter routine is sure having its way with my pants size. Anyway. Fishing. Cows. Right.

Technique Talk: Fundamentals and The Importance of Ignoring Them Sometimes

You know those casts where you think: Nuts, I better try that over. But you fish it anyway, hoping. Well, it’s important to be confident in your technique and you can’t do that if you’re always worrying about doing it better. So, screw it. Let it ride. You never know. That’s awful, terrible advice. Really horrible. But it sure worked out for me yesterday. Twice. I caught this next fish here in water that was way too shallow, in too close and I had no business wasting a cast by—boop! Fish on. Just like that. There was just the slimmest outside cusp of likelihood a fish would be where this one was, and slimmer yet that one would move there. But just enough to let that errant cast go while scolding myself to reposition. Satisfaction Level: Immense.

The second against-my-better-judgement hookup was trying to cover water well beyond where proper line handling left off and the mending attempts looked more like a double-dutch jumprope exhibition where someone could lose an eye. But I will be dog-gonned if that fish didn’t time it just perfect for once and I got a hook set in before the next cycle of trick roping attempts at throwing another wavy mend took place. My, but that’s gratifying to get a connection from way across the river where you have no business fishing, but suddenly you’re in business. Feeling Afterward, In Relation To World: On top of it.

OK. That’s enough of that. To recap: fishing is fun. You should do more of it. Call Winding Waters and Cam or James will get you hooked up.

And for those interested in rowing, I am pleased to present . . .

The Cata-Rainbow-Raft

It’s the latest thing in stealth on the water. Tired of fish seeing you coming? Wish you could just row right up to where the steelhead are, reach down and give them a high-five on the tail fin? Maybe that’s a high-one. Either way, have I got a deal for you. No more worries about spooking fish as you float along in this disguised pontoon boat. Also available in cuttyrainbrown pattern.

This is the kind of thing I do on days when I’m not playing hooky. You know, important stuff.

See you on the river. Unless I’m in my stealth catarainbow. In which case all you will see is a dude riding two huge fish. And you will be confused. But don’t worry about it.

The post Steelhead Soup for the Soul appeared first on Winding Waters River Expeditions .

Midweek Steelhead Love…

Mon, 23 Feb 2015 05:10:00 GMT

As flows continued to drop last week the fishing got hotter and hotter. Overheard at Goebel’s gas station in Wallowa: “It seems like there’s just a darned fish behind every single rock.” And, on the weekends, I would add there also seems to be an angler behind every single rock, too.

But for the midweek adventurer, especially for the after work seeker of steel, this past week was particularly wonderful. When asked about what it was like to hook and land her first steelhead, an Enterprise first timer said, “It was a powerful experience. It felt like hooking into a truck.”

As of Sunday night the Grande Ronde continues to drop, closing in on the 3000 cfs mark. And the Wallowa remains clear/greenish tinted, with flows also dropping (even given a small snow storm/melt). Look to the coming week’s temperatures to be cold overnight, and warming into the daylight hours, and for river levels to remain steady (or dropping) with some snow forecasted for later in the week.

The post Midweek Steelhead Love… appeared first on Winding Waters River Expeditions .

A wee bit gusty

Tue, 17 Feb 2015 23:18:00 GMT

Wallowa County had us a freight train wind last week, y’all. It was so windy it put the roof back on a few barns that never got fixed from the last storm. It was so windy it blew the skirt up Marilyn Monroe-style on the bronze lady statue on Main Street, Joseph. So windy I couldn’t sleep and went outside at 4 am to find a @#%* tree on my truck.

The best part about discovering the big Christmas tree on the Toyota was being momentarily distracted and letting the dog I was supposed to be taking care of slip outside and take off for Canada. The dog in question is great, for the record. But prone to the occasional self-guided walkabout and not terribly interested in my commands to Sit or Stay when there’s a howling wind storm to go investigate. On the plus side, chasing that @#$% dog around town at 4 in the morning while roof shingles whistled past me was a nice distraction from my truck being under a tree.

Sometime after daybreak, I got an interesting text from Paul at Winding Waters headquarters with an update on the sign and mural haven taken to the winds.

I would have gone to help with the mural hunting, except for the whole thing about my truck being under a tree. Luckily I have other vehicles. Basically own a small car lot so I could just . . . well, hold on just a tic. What do we have here?

What in tarnation do Engelmann Spruce trees have against me and my cars? Why, Engelmann Spruce? Whyyyyyyy? One tree took out my entire classic car collection. 1966 Ford F100 Custom Cab pickup in maraschino cherry condition: smooshed. One sweet 1967 Buick Electra with 430 cubic inches of Wildcat Power under the hood: also remodeled by tree branches.

Carnage was widespread. Here’s a look at Wallowa County landmark Terminal Gravity Brewing. Specifically, their iconic aspen tree shade grove that’s such a joy to sit beneath in summer. Tipped right over.

But at least I still had . . . nope. Those are gone, too. I had six (6) trees come over on my place. Took the powerline out for the second time this year, both times from my trees. So my neighbors just loooove me. Notice in this next photo how the root ball on that sideways juniper pried my footbridge out of creek. Insult to injury, is what that is.

What’s that? Can’t quite make it out? Want another view? Okey-dokey.

You can’t really tell from these angles, but the creek is running higher than normal, probably due to warm weather associated with the Chinook wind and also THE RIVER OF SALTY TEARS COURSING FROM MY EYEHOLES BECAUSE MY BUICK GOT SMASHED. But that’s all right.

Aaaaaanway. Most of the Winding Waters mural did get recovered. We’re still missing one panel, if you happen to find that in your yard in Wyoming or wherever it landed.

The windstorm sparked a new tourism industry of people driving around to see how bad things got hammered. I heard all sorts of reports, but according to my most reliable source the wind got up to about 85 hurricanes per hour at the gustiest.

In other news, it’s super beautiful now. Blue skies. The rivers have dropped back down and steelhead fishing is the place to be. Unless you have a yard full of trees to clean up.

Also, thanks to everyone who came out to the Frostbite Film Fest last week. Had a nice turnout, a good crop of movies and a theater full of nice folks.

Give us a jingle-lingle-ling if you come across those missing sign and mural panels. This great weather has got me thinking it might be a good idea to, I don’t know . . . maybe go rafting. Yeah.

The post A wee bit gusty appeared first on Winding Waters River Expeditions .

Grande Ronde River Steelhead Creel Report Looking Great!

Tue, 17 Feb 2015 16:43:00 GMT

It looks like the Steelhead are hungry in the Wallowa River after that big flood of water they experienced last week. Take a look at the Creel report from the past weekend. We don’t like to put a lot of stock in these reports but the numbers on this report are hard to argue with. Looks like Cam was right and we need to enjoy these warm temps and get out there and catch a few of these Big Steelies. Hard to believe that we can be out in short sleeves catching Grande Ronde River Steelhead on the Wallowa River in February.

Click on the link below to see the numbers.

Steelhead Creel February 17th

The post Grande Ronde River Steelhead Creel Report Looking Great! appeared first on Winding Waters River Expeditions .

Grande Ronde Flows Dropping, Wallowa Good to Go…

Mon, 16 Feb 2015 02:16:00 GMT

After peaking at around 12,000 cfs on Monday/Tuesday last week the Grande Ronde is down to 5,500 cfs at Troy as of Sunday night and the steelhead fishing is picking back up. With such high flows on the Grande Ronde, anglers flocked to the Wallowa River on Friday in droves and several fly fishers (including myself) experienced particularly large crowds which thinned through the weekend.

Last Saturday’s rain front drops in on Draper White and Cameron Scott at Minam Park toward dusk.

The Wallowa continued to look excellent (blue-green in color) throughout last week’s warm snap and has also been starting to drop with over night temperatures getting back down into the low 30s.

If you had the chance to get out and fish the Wallowa mid-week, the fishing was much less crowded and the steelhead are running. From now until season’s end look to Monday-Thursday to give you the most solitude on the Grande Ronde and Wallowa Rivers. For me this past week it also meant the most steelhead. I was only able to track one down over the weekend on the Wallowa among the crowds.

This week’s forecast calls for continued stabilization of weather patterns with days topping out in the 50s and nights dropping down to the 30s. Near perfect. Pinch me as I can’t quite believe it is February and not the end of March.

Egg patterns and streamers have been working well. On a personal note one steelhead rose and attempted to eat a yellow thing-a-mabobber on Friday. I switched to spey fly fishing but didn’t get a hit. So it goes.

Book one of Winding Waters River Expeditions steelhead guides today and get yourself into some chrome!

The post Grande Ronde Flows Dropping, Wallowa Good to Go… appeared first on Winding Waters River Expeditions .

Chinook Weather, Steelhead Production

Sun, 08 Feb 2015 22:58:00 GMT

A freight train of a Chinook blew in on Friday, February 6th, bringing rain and warm winds that bumped river levels and will ultimately reset steelhead holding locations. The Grande Ronde topped out at 8,000 cfs late Saturday night and has begun to drop. The same pattern occurred on the Wallowa (currently clear above the Wallowa Canyon mouth) and Imnaha Rivers (the Imnaha at Imnaha jumped from 219 cfs to 1390 cfs by Saturday night and now has also begun to gradually drop).

So what does this mean? For a group of hearty steelhead fishermen and fisherwomen who drove fourteen hours from Colorado, fished Thursday afternoon through Saturday, it meant steelhead. And then no steelhead. And then, as the river turned big and muddy, carrying sticks and other debris, seriously no steelhead.

For the rest of us? It means steelhead are going to start moving. Big time. In from the Snake River and up the Grande Ronde and Wallowa. While last week produced some steelhead on the Wallowa River earlier in the week and over last weekend, by Wednesday and Thursday runs were feeling beat. When flows began to rise the fishing got hot, and then shut down once water levels really got moving. For best success keep an eye on river levels this week and look to great fishing by the end of the week if overnight temperatures drop back into the thirties.

The post Chinook Weather, Steelhead Production appeared first on Winding Waters River Expeditions .

River art

Tue, 03 Feb 2015 23:04:00 GMT

Ever try to build your own picture frame? It’s a pain in the don’t-even-ask. The worst part is trying to cut the glass to fit. For that, I need a glasscutter, blood donor and ambulance standing by. Like every challenging task, I’ve learned over time that the best way to go about it is ignoring the whole thing. So I’ve had a pile of to-be-framed treasures carefully piled here and there, until the other day when I came across a stack of old broken plexiglass I’d also set aside to be ignored. But wait. Plexiglass is easy to cut. It kind of stinks when you run it through the table saw, but doesn’t make you bleed. Perfect. Let the framing begin.

First up was a watercolor by Silje Christoffersen, Winding Waters guide and all-around superstar. The scene is Imnaha canyon country, which you’ve seen from the air if you’ve done our Hells Canyon whitewater rafting trip where we fly you out from Dug Bar, just above the mouth of the Imnaha on the Snake River. A closeup of Silje’s work is below, but check out this artful positioning—if I do say so myself—below an impressive deer skull also from the Imnaha River. My dog Bula found it years ago when I was fishing and she was scouting around on the bank. Good girl, Boo. Good girl.

Nicely done, Silje. Penny has more of Sil-jay’s artwork in the Boathouse Shop so take a look next time you’re in. Next up in the river art gallery is a painting by Tom Kearns, family amigo of the Christoffersens and one of my favorite river floating buddies over the years. Tom will go ahead on the gearboat, sit down in a pretty place—which is pretty much anywhere in the canyon—and focus in on a slice of wilderness. If the framing on this looks better than the others, that’s because Paul did it.

Hey, hey, hey . . . what’s this, now? A bunch of takes on the same bend in the river? I liked this so much from the first time I saw it that I’m afraid I put the full court press on the artist, Gretchen Williams, for ownership and she gracefully let me pry it out of her hands after a wrestling match. Gretchen created this during an art day at Skeleton Creek on the lower Salmon when we did a layover day. Good times. Layovers are always fun but the outdoor art studio she set up really put that one over the top.

Next we have sort of an avant-garde sculpture. Really it’s just a piece of driftwood, but with some super-funky swirly action in there that made me pack this thing down the river and home with me. I applied some varnish and it now resides atop the vintage laptop that was a gift from Hilary Valentine, our Winding Waters river chef. Thanks, darlin’.

This last one here doesn’t have a river connection, but it does serve as a directional sign for the groover in my cabin. The picture of the dude smiling and pointing is off some old house insulation that I tore out in the early days of renovating my shanty. I was so impressed with the 50s-looking drawing that I cut this chunk out and always planned to stick it on the wall for when guests ask where the bathroom is. He’s finally behind plexiglass and busy pointing toward the groove. Keep up the good work, 50s insulation guy.

You’ve got a shot at taking home some one-of-a-kind functional art by attending the Frostbite Film Fest next week. Paul Arentsen is building another ski sculpture this year and it’ll be auctioned off by amateur auctioneer me. Paul’s furniture made from retired skis adds 10% to the value of any home when displayed on the front porch—so it’s a wise investment on top of being visually appealing and comfy to kick back in. The Frostbite fundraiser is Thursday, Feb. 12 from 6 to 9pm at the OK Theater in Enterprise, so we’ll see you there. And please just shout out really large bids when the auction thing starts. I’m a little reluctant to be doing the auctioning. Craig Nichols set the bar awfully high for that. Here’s a picture of him in action at a previous Frostbite.

Again, just shout out really big bids when the auctioning starts. That’d be a big help. Not just for me, but all the winter sports outfits the Frostbite helps fund.

OK, go dust your own art collections and we’ll see you on the river.

The post River art appeared first on Winding Waters River Expeditions .

Grande Ronde and Wallowa Rivers Heating Up

Tue, 03 Feb 2015 03:43:00 GMT

Feb. 2, 2015–With an incredibly mild winter leading us into February, river levels have been holding steady. After a good fall run of steelhead and continuing reports and firsthand experiences on the Grande Ronde and Wallowa Rivers of fish being caught throughout December and January there is a high possibility we might be headed into one of the best spring steelhead seasons in recent years. Meaning: if you haven’t yet readied your equipment and bought a 2015 license, now is the time.

Reports: This past week’s steelhead derby down in Troy, OR, have been excellent continuing over the weekend and into the week with a Chinook bringing rain/snow and insulating the river from cold overnight temperatures. Anglers have been experiencing similar success on the Wallowa River both above and below Minam with larger concentrations of steelhead being caught below the Wallowa hatchery. With warmer overnight temperatures in the works, make sure to get out early to beat the rush. We shouldn’t have any ice forming on the rod guides anytime soon so take advantage.

Flies: Fishing with nymphs/swinging with weight should produce fish in the morning throughout the afternoon and evening hours. Spey fishermen and fisherwomen should experience their greatest success after the water temperatures have warmed up a bit during the day. Look to the afternoon to produce your best spey fishing this time of year. Anglers have been experiencing luck with prince nymphs (sz. 8-12), purple wooly buggers (sz. 4-8), larger spey flies, and a variety of egg patterns. Don’t overlook classic patterns like the Green Butt Skunk which can also be a great fly to try this time of year as the white wing and green chenille will really catch a fish’s attention.

If you are new to the area or looking to hire a guide, we currently recommend half day trips on the Wallowa and full day trips on the Grande Ronde. The weather should be getting nicer and nicer so don’t forget about our multi-day float trips. We welcome beginners and experts alike to join the Winding Waters’ staff on a guided trip. Love for and commitment to fly fishing is what motivates our guides .

Winding Waters’ guide Cameron Scott with a January 15′ steelhead. February should be even better.

Catching season is open

Thu, 29 Jan 2015 22:45:00 GMT

Smell that? Probably not, but the smoker is busy poofing out sweet wafts of smoked steelhead right now and the neighbor’s cats are eyeballing and nostriling the whole operation pretty hard. A low-pressure t-shirt zone blew in on recent weather currents and we’ve been catching fish. Here’s the good doctor James Hepworth with a friend he met on the river. Handsome fella. And Jim probably cleans up all right, too, I’m guessing.

Note the clenched teeth in this next action shot. You know it’s a formidable fish when you’re backed up on the bank using the Warn winch technique like that. I wouldn’t say he horsed this fish, but it did take a couple medium-sized ponies to land.

Frosty mornings have been a good time for lingering over hot coffee lately. About the time your fourth cup cools down enough you’re ready to toss it, the water temperature has warmed up enough degrees that the steelhead are stirring.

Brad Stephens knows what I’m talking about. Nice one, Bradley.

The Grande Ronde and Wallowa are happening. What are you waiting for? An invitation? OK—You are cordially invited to come catch steelhead with us. Fishing guides James Nash and Cam Scott are standing by. And they’re in their waders, so call soon. Those things get hot after a while. Give WWRE a jingle and let’s get this going.

Pipeline— Robbie Burns got toasted out here in little ol’ Wallowa County last week with a Burns Supper. I haven’t seen that much plaid in one setting since catching a glimpse of Mike Midlo’s impressive Pendleton shirt collection. This photo looks like I was sitting very close to the piper and that’s because I was. My word. Such beautiful, haunting music. Or what I could hear of it over the sound of my skull rending apart from the sound waves. I mean, that thing puts out some sonics. Is tinnitus a Scottish word? But really, it was great fun. And really loud.

Quail sighting —seen at the Josephy Center art show currently on display. This is the doing of Steve Arment. The guy can carve a bird, I’ll give him that.

Stuck Rod Update— Got it. Last ditch effort at unsticking the rod jam was to wind a piece of old bike inner tube around the butt section of rod. Clamped the ends of the wound-up inner tube in the shop vise, got a grip with more inner tube and backed up until I was sure the inner tube would snap and cause me some manner of harm. Instead, the joint popped apart nice as you please. Phew. Pleased to report the Echo is fishing just fine and it was nice to be back in the game with the 10-foot 7 weight rather than the fettucini-weight backup rod I had been using. I don’t know how long the fettucini is these days, since the tip broke off years ago and got a replacement glued on.

Well, folks, see you on the river. Whether that’s steelhead fishing in the soon-ishy future or coming up this spring and summer on overnight trips. May the fish be with you.

The post Catching season is open appeared first on Winding Waters River Expeditions .

Finally, a big enough bobber

Tue, 20 Jan 2015 23:39:00 GMT

Strike indicator. Thingamabobber. Floaty thing. Call it what you will. There are some folks who frown on attaching a visual aid to your leader to signal when your fly has a customer down under. On a private float last year some buddies and I tried sharing the river with an outfitter whose guides either had unique interpretations of river etiquette or none at all. It was hard to tell. One of our fun interactions featured them trying to barge in and poach a run my buddy and I were just starting to fish. When asked what the deuce, the reply was: “Well, you’re indicator fishing, right?”

Answer: yes. Implication: spey rods trump bobber rigs because . . . it’s harder, I guess? Very well. I’ll go along with that. Next time I see that particular guide I’m going to snorkel through the run and go after steelhead with my bare hands. Problem solved. We can all go back to getting along now.

Sorry, makers of calamine lotion. Thanks to Jeff Yanke and Kyle Bratcher over at ODFW Fisheries for organizing a trail cleanup last year to remove poison ivy and blackberry bushes on one of our popular riverside trails. I would have loved to be there because coming in contact with both of those bushes is my very favorite thing. But I was, uhm, I had . . . uhhh . . . I couldn’t make it. I did get to see their handiwork last weekend though and it looks like Zorro put on a machete class. Kyle, Jeff and whatever work crew you commandeered from prison, thank you all.

Behold what 80% chance of rain looks like, pictured below. Some of the Winding Waters crew and comrades got out last weekend with a not very encouraging weather prediction. Gusty winds up to 35 mph. Rain. Boiling seas. Dogs and cats living together. But if you have the proper gear, it doesn’t much matter. Although it does help if the weather forecast was written by some crackhead who was waaaaay off.

Name that critter. Had some fun wildlifey viewings last trip to the river. These here had me fooled at first from afar. Thought it was one thing, but looking through my far-seeing tubes revealed this as a something else. Hint: rhymes with Opp-ih-tie.

Mark the calendar.

Frostbite Film Festival fundraiser function for Fergi featuring films, philantropy and . . . I’m all out of f-words, except for that one.

Anyway, come to the OK Theater Thursday Feb. 12 from 6 to 9. Details on The Facebooks page .

Adios, amoebas.

The post Finally, a big enough bobber appeared first on Winding Waters River Expeditions .

Tips For Unsticking a Stuck Rod

Fri, 16 Jan 2015 22:46:00 GMT

I’ve got a bad case of rod jam. I mean, this fly rod is stu-u-u-ck. So this week we’ll review tips on how not to transport your fly rod by placing it under a windshield wiper. Also tricks that so far don’t work for getting two sections of fly rod apart. And, if we have time, I’ll introduce some new cuss words I invented while my eyes were popping out tugging on these two sections.

Key Takeaways

Avoid makeshift rod transport methods. Using your windshield wiper as a rod rack can bend or jam your fly rod—opt for a proper fishing rod holder or rack to prevent costly damage.
Use leverage, not brute force. Techniques like the “knees method” or grippy materials (rubber gloves or bike inner tubes) give you better control when trying to unstick rod sections without breaking them.
Temperature tricks can help—but with care. Applying mild heat or cold can sometimes loosen stuck joints, but avoid overdoing it to prevent warping or damaging your fishing rod.
Prevent future jams through smart storage. Invest in a fishing rod wall rack , ceiling holder, or PVC rod holder setup to keep your gear protected and organized between trips.
When in doubt, seek expert help. If your rod remains stuck after trying these methods, contact the manufacturer or visit a professional fly shop before causing permanent damage.

Focus on the fun—not frustration. Proper rod maintenance and storage ensure more time catching fish and less time wrestling jammed gear on your next Whitewater Rafting adventure.

The Windshield Wiper Rod Rack

It seems like an elegant, simple solution to tuck your rod under a windshield wiper for a short drive to the next fishing spot. Downsides include a much steeper angle than your typical rod holder, increasing the odds that your line may get caught in a branch as you drive along. To research what happens, I did just that and my findings indicate this will put a considerable bow in the rod because it’s fighting a tree and a Ford Ranger at the same time. You should have your drag set not too terribly tight and let up pressure by screaming “Stop! Stop!” to your buddy who is driving.

Kudos to the folks at Echo fly rods, because my 10′ 7 weight 4-piece took this stress like a champ and didn’t break. But, hoo-wee, the bottom two sections are crammed together but good and so far no amount of coaxing can get these things to part ways. I *thought about* bringing my crappy homemade fishing rod stand that day, pictured below, but did not. I also *thought about* bringing a spare rod that day, but did not. Luckily, the branch incident/rod tectonics happened at the tail end of the day, so I didn’t miss much fishing. Thankful for small mercies.

Tips For Unsticking a Stuck Rod

Fishing rod stuck together? You’re not alone. Two dogs in an alley syndrome can happen to your fly rod for a variety of reasons. Avoid them. Failing that, here are some tricks guaranteed to have no effect at all on my super-duper stuck-together rod.

Mind the Guides. Don’t be bracing your hand against the guides while trying to pull. Because . . . well, you know what? Go ahead. See what happens. Or you could learn how to handle a fishing rod tip repair properly—your call.

Nice and Kneesy . Arms aren’t really that great at pulling away from each other in a straight line. And we don’t want to put more stress on the joints by introducing flex into the mix. Try it first by getting your hands up high around your collar bones or chin. But if that fails, get the knees involved for leverage. Put the rod behind your legs, grab either section on the outside of said knees and apply outward leg pressure. Another approach is to sit down with knees raised in front of you. If contractions are five minutes apart and last longer than 60 seconds, get to a fly shop or hospital.

Get a Grip . Sliding hands won’t help so you can use those rubbery kitchen circle things for opening stubborn lids. Or gloves with gription. Some guys recommend shelf lining material, whatever that is. My shelves are lined with dust. I got a good tip to cut chunks out of an old bike inner tube and that works pretty well. Also you can use the same material to fashion an eye patch after pulling so hard your eyes pop out. You might need a fishing rod tip repair kit if you go too hard.

Temperature. There are reports of stubborn joints coming apart after being left outside overnight in freezing temperatures. You can simulate this by packing the joint in crushed ice. I tried it with snow. Then I ran warmishy-hot water over the female joint. Results: Nothing! But it sure sounds promising with all the science of expansion and contraction or whatever. An alternative warming method is to use a hair dryer. But don’t overdo it on the heat. I didn’t try this because the only hair dryer in my house is a towel, stacked in a shelf lined with dust. Results: Nothing!

You could always try using W D-40, but I'd recommend caution—this can get messy fast. Another idea? Store your rods properly to avoid this in the first place. Check out ideas for storing fishing rods, or install a ceiling fishing rod holder or fishing rod wall rack at home to keep things organized.

Grease the Skids. WD-40 is supposed to work like magic for stuck rods. Didn’t do the trick for me. Tri-Flow lubricant was also recommended with use of the word ‘magic.’ Nope. I also tried lubricating the joint with tears of desperation but same results. Then I tried using actual magic, by flipping through Harry Potter books and reading spells out loud to my fly rod, but *big sigh* nope. Thanks for nothing, Rowling.

Next move is to contact Echo, I guess, and see if they have any pointers. In the meantime I guess the 2nd and 3rd string rods will get some playing time this weekend. Did I mention the joint in question got twisted so the guide is 90 degrees from the reel seat so I can’t fish it? Well it is.

Or maybe I’ll go super old school and try to see what a steelhead does to a bamboo rod. The Snake River in Hells Canyon is one of our favorite places to chase steelhead and experience world-class rafting. Bob Both gave me a bamboo rod a few years back, bless his heart, and he swears it’ll handle a steelie. I’ve been afraid to try for fear of busting that beauty. But now seems like the time. So next week look for a tutorial on how to remove bamboo splinters from your eye that you popped out the week before trying to pull two fly rod sections apart.

I’ll leave you with a grainy pic tacken on windshield wiper day from across the river of Winding Waters guide Cam Scott while he gives a fish an airplane ride.

Wait, don’t leave yet. I’ll also leave you with this image of frosty business on a plum tree with the cutest little skis ever nailed to my cabin. Sure has been pretty around here recently.

Final Thoughts & Let’s Talk Rod Storage

This whole experience has been a reminder: proper storage prevents rod jams. Whether you prefer a truck cap fishing rod holder, a wall mount fishing rod holder, or something DIY like PVC rod holders for bank fishing, just don’t rely only on windshield wipers again.

And remember, whether you’re fishing for shad, trout, or steelhead, make sure your rods are well cared for—because no one wants to spend their river day wrestling rod sections apart. If you’re planning to fish and float, consider combining it with a Salmon River rafting adventure —it’s an ideal setting to test your gear the right way.

If all else fails, book a trip with Winding Waters River Expeditions and leave the rod headaches behind. Enjoy unforgettable moments on the water with our expert guides and premium Whitewater Raftings service—no rod drama, just epic adventure. Prefer a more personalized trip? Our private rafting charters are perfect for anglers and small groups who want a customized river experience.

Check out our Google Business Profile Reviews to know what others think about our service!

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions anglers ask about fixing and preventing stuck fishing rods, with simple, tried-and-true answers.

Pete Seeger rowing an oldschool raft in Hells Canyon

Wed, 07 Jan 2015 01:36:00 GMT

You may remember Jan Homan from one of our naturalist trips. She’s the second-nicest person in the world, behind the pope, and stopped by today with photos of music making person Pete Seeger, who you may have heard of in context of everybody knowing who Pete Seeger is. If you have not heard of Pete, he invented the electric guitar and gave the first one to Bob Dylan.

Here he is at the oars boat in a photo from 1972. The river guide in me looks at this and says: holy cheezwhiz, look at that wooden frame. And those pinchy oarlock stands. A bucket rafting boat. Imagine. Complete with river trip essentials like the bailer right there under his seat. These rowing conditions are nothing short of barbaric. Hey, there’s an ammo can in the lower right. Timeless. And what have we here in the background? I say, that does seem to be Pine Bar, which you will recall from your Hells Canyon Snake River rafting adventure as the site where we jump off Sturgeon Rock. Zoom in close, and you might catch one of the dory boats moored quietly. It’s a real throwback—something you’d see in a dory boat images search or described in a book about whitewater dory legends. Those classic dories boat were built to last and tell a story.

This old-school rig, complete with a rowboat with oars, conjures up scenes of the Snake River of Hells Canyon in all its rugged glory. The dory and dory ship culture lives on—seen in how we still honor the craftsmanship of a true rowing dory like Seeger’s.

These pics are from a trip sponsored by Hells Canyon Preservation Council and copies were dropped by at Kirkwood Ranch by Boyd Norton, rowing in this next photo. Here’s a link to a nice tribute Mr. Norton wrote about Mr. Seeger. His style? Akin to a river rowboat navigating a big snake river, poetic yet strong. If you're curious about what kind of rafting boat was considered high-tech in the 70s or want to compare it with today's gear, the evolution from whitewater dory to our modern Whitewater Raftings fleet is worth seeing.

Coming Soon To A Bookshelf Near You

Ellen Morris Bishop has a new one out. If you like knowing how the earth works, this if for you. She’s reading from it in Joseph this week and I’m a-going. Check it out at your local bookstore, or here’s some linkage to Ellen’s web hangout .

When I say geology rocks, I mean it. Hells Canyon isn’t just a site for whitewater rafting; it’s also a window into our earth’s ancient past. Fun fact: the Hells Canyon facts alone could fill a book.

If you’re planning your own adventure, keep in mind the Hells Canyon rafting 1-day option for a taste of it all. And yes, we’ve got all the logistics figured out—including your rafting trip packing list and answers to “what to bring river rafting.”

I shared an apartment with Lightning in college and it was a nightmare.

First Sunset of the Year Requiring Photo Documentation

I’ve just about had it with the splendor around here. A guy can’t even take his dog for a walk without being assaulted by beauty. I mean, look at this sunset that got all up in my face today. There I was, minding my business, trying to focus on being agitated about something then Mother Nature barges in trying sell me some free grandeur and I’m like, Lady, can’t you see I’m busy? Ridiculous.

Just ridiculous.

Sunsets like these make whitewater rafting in Hells Canyon more than just a trip—it becomes a memory carved into your brain. If you’re wondering “Is Idaho a pretty state? ” The answer is every evening’s sky.

The Classic Meets the Current

Whether you're nos talgic for a dory side view or excited to experience a guided raft, the spirit of the Hells Canyon River continues to thrill generations.

From Pete Seeger’s rafting photos to your future rafting pics with us, the waters haven’t changed much—but the gear, thanks to outfits like Whitewater Raftings, sure has.

From float trip necessities to the occasional grilled Idaho trout, every rafting trip is packed with charm, grit, and joy. Yes, even the Snake River lunch counter has stories to tell.

Join Winding Waters for Your Own Legendary River Story

At Winding Wa ters, we celebrate the roots of river running while offering modern comfort and unforgettable wilderness experiences. Whether you’re dreaming of the Salmon River Canyon, or a dory adventure down the Hells Canyon Snake River, we’ve got you covered with expertly guided raft trips and full-service logistics.

Want a real taste of adventure? Read firsthand stories from our guests on Google Business Profile Reviews and see why Winding Waters is a rafting favorite.

Must-have gear: headlamp

Tue, 25 Nov 2014 02:17:00 GMT

Some inventions are just so much better there’s no going back. Sure, society could maybe still function if they took duct tape, fire and cordless drills away from us – but there would be revolts. No protest marches or anything, because nobody could make signs without cordless drills or duct tape.

High on my list of indispensable stuff is the headlamp. I refuse to even try to see anything in the dark without a headlamp. I’ll use the moon in a pinch if it’s full and happens to be handy when I’m wanting to see something at night. But as for handheld flashlights, forget it. I’d rather fashion a torch from old rags off a mummy. You’re old news, handheld flashlights. Sorry, but there’s the door. Don’t let it hit you in your obsolescence on the way out.

Which brings us to the Winding Waters River Expeditions Vital Gear For the River That’s Also Crucial For Everyday Life: Holiday Gift-Buying Guide Edition. Headlamps. Give someone you love the gift of seeing things at night without using their hands. They will love you back even harder than they did before you got them a new headlamp. What’s that? they already own a headlamp you say? Great. Buy them another one. I own four. One rides in my truck at all times. One hangs by my front door. Two go with me on river trips because somebody usually always forgets their headlamp and if you’re going to have extra of something on the river, good candidates for having extra of include: beer and headlamps.

Scratch that. I own five headlamps. Almost forgot this little beauty, pictured over there on the right, that I found at Dave Cherry’s Antique Store in Lostine. I paid five bucks for it, which gave me pause. But put a price on this old-school craftsmanship. It may very well be the original headlamp. I won’t know until Antiques Roadshow comes to town. Until then, it will go with me on river trips as my second backup headlamp.

Meantime, you can get one of the latest generation newfangled versions that don’t require a car battery by sliding into the Winding Waters Boathouse shop, open weekends in December.

Happy headlamping.

The post Must-have gear: headlamp appeared first on Winding Waters River Expeditions .

Old Building, New Cheeseburger Frontier & Big Water

Fri, 21 Nov 2014 00:17:00 GMT

The award for Best New Name For An Old Building is . . . The Redd. It’s in Portland. On Salmon Street. Note that street. A redd, for those suspicious of the two d’s, is a nest excavated by fish to lay their baby fish eggs in. The internet assures me ‘redd up’ means to clear or tidy an area. The expression is used in Scotland, Northern Ireland and Pennsylvania. I guess that makes sense, if that’s the connection, because fish do clear bigger rocks out and sort the gravel when digging redds.

Normally symbolism and the like symbolizes for me that my eyes are about to roll, but in this case you’ve got: Salmon Street; fixing up an old warehouse to kick off new life for businesses and whatnot; little baby fish/businesses growing up to make a healthier stream/street. I like it. It’s good. Give whoever thought that one up a high five.

Spencer and Bobcat after steelhead fishing grand river on the Wild and Scenic Grande Ronde.

I heard about The Redd project from Spencer Beebe. I know him as a Grande Ronde steelhead fisherman, rower of boats and card player. But he’s also the founder of EcoTrust, the conservation outfit in Portland, who are behind this revamping of the 16,000 square foot warehouse intended to be a place where jumper cables can be applied to good ideas. Last time I saw Spencer was on the Salmon River last fall. We sat down along the Grande Ronde River this month and played a round of ‘What You Been Up To?’ and Spencer definitely had me outgunned in the cool-sounding projects to make the world a better place department. Although I did put a new roof on my house this year and I don’t recall Spencer mentioning any roofing projects. So I got that going for me. Which is nice.

Anyhow, learn more about The Redd and other EcoTrust goings-on by internetting here . To learn about playing the card game Oh Hell, stay here.

Remember to spey and neuter.

Steelhead, Flow & Burgers on the River

The card game Oh Hell is pretty simple. All you need is a deck of cards, a float trip in the fall, a wall tent full of steelhead fishermen, a little woodstove crackling in the corner of the wall tent to dry waders and keep you toasty, something to drink while playing – also to keep you toasty – then you get dealt some cards and there’s either a trump suit, or not. You bid how many you think you’ll win, or not. And . . . I don’t know. It’s easy to play but hard to explain. Better have Spencer or his pals explain it. Anyway, it’s super fun and you should try it. Here’s what the inside of a wall tent after a game of Oh Hell looks like:

The fishing report for the Grande Ronde River for our late October trip was off the charts—if you used small charts. "Slowish," or "challenging," would be accurate. Grande Ronde River flows, temps, and the recent pulse of rain—all that jazz had me optimistic that we’d get into the fish all right on this 5-day trip . But the grande ronde river steelhead report wasn’t promising. The crew went after it hard, though, and did get into some fish. And river otters. This next picture shows Silas Beebe laying some casts out and those two little heads just upstream of him are otters working their way downstream. (Click to enlarge.)

Cheeseburgers & Misty Mornings

Jared Wilcox helped Paul and I run camps on this foray, and burger night got stepped up a notch beyond the already powerful high mark of using local, grass-fed happy cows from Carman Ranch. Jared and I went the extra step to stuff smoked cheese and bacon INSIDE our burger patties. Repeat: cheese and bacon were INSIDE our burger patties. The overall effect was . . . well, this is a family website so I can’t go into too much more detail. Let’s just say it was [Edited to comply with windingwatersrafting.com standards] and could only be compared to [Edited to comply with windingwatersrafting.com standards] that I heard about one time from a guy I know who was in the Navy.

Cheeseburger revolution. Fishing grande ronde is best enjoyed with full bellies and beautiful backdrops.

Dessert wasn’t too shabby, either. Here’s Paul warming fruit compote to go atop ginger cake. Thanks, Hilary. And a nice, peaceful shot from one of our favorite Grande Ronde fishing camps with some misty morning action.

And a nice, peaceful shot from one of our favorite GR camps with some misty morning action.

This just in:

The Boathouse Shop will be OPEN this December on Fridays & Saturdays from 12-6PM. Great spot to buy unique gifts. 30% off on all apparel.

Also: WWRE is planning a big whitewater trip for springtime. Check out our “ Hells and High Water ” Adventure May 15-17, 2015. Special early-season pricing.

Your Grande Ronde Adventure

Grande Ronde Lake glistened in the distance as we packed out our gear. Our launch was just downstream of Boggan's Oasis on the Grande Ronde River, a perfect place to grab a final bite and stretch your legs.

We spotted signs for Troy, Oregon, another gem near the Grande Ronde River, Oregon, stretch we had floated. The Grande Ronde shuttle met us on time and shared a few tales about Grande Ronde River rafting groups earlier that week. The grande ronde flows were ideal — smooth and consistent.

Back in camp, I flipped through a Grande Ronde River map, tracking our journey and remembering key moments — the cool eddies, sudden strikes, and those elusive Grande Ronde steelhead.

Whitewater rafting in the Grande Ronde River is an unforgettable escape into the heart of nature. Book your next adventure with Winding Waters and enjoy crystal-clear waters, incredible fishing, and the thrill of true wilderness.

Curious what makes Winding Waters rafting trips so memorable? Our guests share their thrilling experiences—check out our Google Business Profile Reviews !

Win a Free WWRE T-Shirt!

Mon, 17 Nov 2014 19:23:00 GMT

Help us talk up Winding Waters! In the month of December, send us your favorite memory from a trip with us, plus a photo, and we’ll send you a free WWRE t-shirt (to the first 20 people to respond). Simply email Penny with your photo and memory at Pen@windingwatersrafting.com. Here are some of our favorite photo memories from past trips:

The post Win a Free WWRE T-Shirt! appeared first on Winding Waters River Expeditions .

Heavy Metal Forecast

Wed, 22 Oct 2014 19:31:00 GMT

Early season. Father and son, new to fly fishing, land four steelhead on their first day. True story. Check Snopes if you want. Cam Scott was there as a witness, also the guide. This just went down on the the Grande Ronde and it’s a cheery sign of things to come this fall.

Steelhead numbers returning to their Wallowa home country are downright pleasing to look at this year. There’s a gang of fish following their homing beacons and we’re getting enough rain to kick their travel plans up a gear. Winding Waters is launching two camp support expeditions down the Minam to Wildcat Bridge section this week and if you’re not one of the folks on those trips, you need to sit down and have a long talk with yourself. Be honest. Really open up about how you feel. Then give us a call to get your own trip down that roadless steelhead highway.

Thinking more of a day trip? OK. That’s cool. Remember guide Cam Scott from a couple paragraphs ago? Click this to go see him over at Flyfish Journal.

James Nash is also tearing it up on the guided steelhead safari front. He’s fresh back from an African safari so you may get to see his new zebra skin waders.

We got in a run down the lower Grande Ronde recently with a pack of amigos. Paul ‘Winding Waters’ Arentsen, Jeff ‘Doodle Dandy’ Yanke, Justin ‘Can’t Keep Up With Them’ Jones, plus Skyscraper John and ‘I Can’t Think Of a Nickname For Her Right Now’ Audrey – who, I believe, either caught the most steelhead during the trip or tied with Ol’ Skyscraper.

It was so warm down there wet wading and swim breaks were happening in October. The deuce? Tip from me to you: putting on fleece pants inside your waders just because it’s chilly-ish in the morning is not always a good idea. Legs sweat. Sometimes a lot. It’s a fact.

Here’s Paul applying the spey rod on a sunny day. Over on the right in this photo is a black lump on a rock which is really a river otter. (You’ve got to click to enlarge these . . . I have angered the internet somehow and can not get these dingdang photos to be bigger. I’m sorry, internet. Whatever it was, I’m so sorry.)

Here’s a closer view of Mr. Otter for a better look at a dark lump.

The Narrows were not boring. No surprise. Here’s some scouting shots and a panorama taken by Doodle Dandy.

VERRRRRRY INTERESTING . . .

I’m pasting below an email from Mr. Yanke, regarding a proposal out there to whack all clipped steelhead in specific downstream waters of our Washington neighbors. Take a gander at all this, mull this over and chip in your two cents by the comment links provided. My initial reaction was: Ummmmm . . . huh? I do put stock in wild stocks, but, jeez, Washington. Buy Oregon fisher-people a drink first. Here’s links to info and commenting venues.

Good morning everyone,

I wanted to share with you WDFW’s regulation proposal for the Grande Ronde River that would make retention of hatchery steelhead mandatory in the majority of WA waters.

The WDFW commission will consider this proposal as part of the “Columbia Basin Stream Strategy” at the upcoming December 12-13 meeting. In summary:

While this regulation change would be specific to Washington waters, it does have the potential to effect Oregon fisheries and steelhead programs too. Please take some time to consider the benefits and implications of this rule change, and share your perspectives with the WDFW commission. Here’s how:

You can find more information on this proposal (as part of the Columbia River Stream Strategy) here:

1. Navigate to: http://wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/ regulations/rule_proposals/ 2015-2016/recommend.php

2. Click on Proposal #5: Columbia Basin Stream Strategy ( http://wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/ regulations/rule_proposals/ 2015-2016/proposal.php?id=8 )

3. Information on the general proposal can be found here. To see specific proposals for the Grande Ronde, scroll down to the REGION 1 proposals for Asotin, Columbia, Garfield, Walla Walla, and Whitman counties

4. A .pdf of the proposed rules will come up ( http://wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/ regulations/rule_proposals/ 2015-2016/5_ Region1StreamStrategyTableSout h.pdf )

5. One thing to note : Mandatory retention is not explicitly listed under the Grande Ronde River regulations. You can find the rule on the bottom of Page 6 (Snake River Tributaries – not specifically listed).

The original public comment period ended October 16 ^th , but are extended (at this time) through November 13 ^th and possibly longer. You can provide your comments on this proposal here:

( http://wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/ regulations/rule_proposals/ 2015-2016/proposal.php?id=8 ) – Scroll to the bottom of the page to fill out the online comment form.

Please pass this along to anyone that may be interested in this proposal. If you have any questions, or would like to share your thoughts with us directly, please call the Enterprise ODFW office at 541.426.3279 .

Thanks in advance for your thoughts and comments on this proposal,

Jeff Yanke

Wallowa District Fish Biologist

Enterprise, OR

541.426.3279

The post Heavy Metal Forecast appeared first on Winding Waters River Expeditions .

Grande Ronde River Steelhead Catch Rates

Tue, 21 Oct 2014 18:37:00 GMT

We had a few anglers out on the Grande Ronde River yesterday. They were able to hook a few Steelhead even though this was their first time ever fishing for Steelhead. This matches what the creel report is now telling us. Over the weekend all anglers interviewed averaged out to about 3.7 hours of fishing for each Steelhead caught.

We are in peak Grande Ronde River Steelhead Season. Come on over and join us for a day on the river.

Keep reading if you are interested in hearing what Jeff Yanke from ODFW has to say about the fish counts thus far.

The most recent estimate at Bonneville Dam is 18,972 (Grande Ronde and Imnaha combined). This remains the second-highest estimate since I started doing these estimates during the 2010-11 run year.

The post Grande Ronde River Steelhead Catch Rates appeared first on Winding Waters River Expeditions .

Grande Ronde River Success and Creel Report

Mon, 13 Oct 2014 18:37:00 GMT

Key Takeaways

Steelhead fishing on the Grande Ronde River has started off slow this season, with only a few catches despite favorable water temperatures in the upper 50s.
Persistence pays off — even beginners, like one first-time fly angler, successfully landed multiple Steelhead with guidance from experienced river guides.
Guided trips remain productive , especially near Troy, where anglers are seeing a mix of Steelhead and Bull Trout activity.
Single-day and support trips are still available for booking, offering a great chance to experience Steelhead fishing before the season’s end.

Stay informed with the latest ODFW fish count reports to track current Steelhead movement and optimize your fishing plans on the Grande Ronde River.

We had a great trip last week on the Lower Grande Ronde River from Boggans Oasis to Heller Bar. It is not very often that you can wet wade while fishing for Steelhead. We did not have great catch rates only landing 4 Steelhead for the trip. Water Temps were in the upper 50’s throughout the trip and we fished hard. Just not a lot of action.

Cam Scott one of our guides had a great day down on the Grande Ronde River near Troy yesterday however. He had 2 clients who have never fished for Steelhead before and one who had never held a fly rod before. The total beginner landed 3 beautiful Grande Ronde River Steelhead including the one in the image above. The other angler landed 1 Steelhead a few nice Bull Trout. Way to go Cam. This proves that Steelhead are in the river we just have to work to find them and have a little good Karma to spare.

There is still space available for single day trips as well as on our Support trips launching on October 24th. Contact us today to reserve your seats.

Open link below to view the latest fish count report from our friends at the ODFW.

stscreel2014oct13

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are answers to common questions about the Grande Ronde River Steelhead fishing conditions and trip updates from the October 2014 Creel Report.

The post Grande Ronde River Success and Creel Report appeared first on Winding Waters River Expeditions .

Gone Steelhead Fishing!

Mon, 06 Oct 2014 16:33:00 GMT

Time for the annual crew member Steelhead fishing trip. The Oregon Grande Ronde River Steelhead Season is just about to be in full swing. There have been reports of Steelhead being caught in the lower river particularly in the Heller Bar area. The Grande Ronde is still quite low which I think is probably slowing down steelhead upriver movement. We did have a nice spike of cold water last week that should have produced a little excitement in the fish movement.

The crew and I are packing the boats today and heading down to the lower river for a 3 day float. We are going to float from Boggan’s Oasis to Heller Bar and test the Washington waters to see what might be in store for us on our Wilderness fishing trips later in the month. There is still space available on our October 24th Supported Steelhead fishing trip. It is not too late to join in the fun. There is also space available on our November 2 Support trip. Stay tuned for a full Grande Ronde River Steelhead report on Friday.

Here is fish biologist Jeff Yankees fish number synopsis for the week.

Our fish are still moving through the hydrosystem. We estimated that 1,157 and 1,628 steelhead crossed McNary and Ice Harbor Dams, respectively, last week. That’s farily consistant with what’s been observed the past few weeks.

The post Gone Steelhead Fishing! appeared first on Winding Waters River Expeditions .

Grande Ronde River Steelhead Estimates Looking Good

Fri, 03 Oct 2014 21:06:00 GMT

Current Grande Ronde River Steelhead report from ODFW Fish Biologist Jeff Yanke. Thanks for the update Jeff.

The post Grande Ronde River Steelhead Estimates Looking Good appeared first on Winding Waters River Expeditions .

2004 to 2014 – Ten Years and Going Strong!

Tue, 23 Sep 2014 18:55:00 GMT

As we wrap up our 10th season running rivers, we are always so grateful for the wonderful memories and great folks that come into our lives. And when the summer dust settles, we love to look back through our photos and reminisce. From our Music for Wild Places trips with professional musicians to our 4th Rivah Sistahs adventure, we thought you’d enjoy a slideshow with the summer highlights. We’re already booking trips for 2015, and many private charters, so if you’re thinking about an adventure next summer, we recommend jumping aboard sooner than later to get the dates you want!

And a few words from a couple of our guests this summer…

“We had an amazing 6 day trip with WWRE in Hells Canyon in late July. Our family has used commercial outfitters for over 20 years on western US rivers and are huge fans of ARTA and AzRA. Since neither of those run Hells Canyon we had to look outside our comfort zone and we are extremely glad to have found WWRE to add to our list. They were every bit as uncompromising as the big guys in their standards for river and camp comfort, enjoyment and safety, but as a smaller outfitter they were able to be a lot more flexible in meeting the many different requirements of our group.” ~Rick D, Portland, OR

“In the middle of July I went on a 4-day trip on de Lower Salmon with Winding Waters. I’m Dutch and I’ve seen many places, but this was one of the most impressive experiences I have had in a long time. In the daytime we had plenty of options to choose what we wanted to do: SUPping and training your thigh muscles, paddling duckies and enjoying the beautiful surrounding of the Hells Canyon or staying on the big rafts and having interesting conversations with the guides that knew everything about the nature and it’s genesis of the landscape. After a lovely day on the river we arrived around 4 at the campsite: a well picked white beach. Over there the guides pampered us with ice-cold drinks and appetizers, and in the evening an sumptuous dinner. They made the whole trip extra special, because of their urge to make everything perfect. Well they totally accomplished that, I’ll always remember this trip!” ~Livia W, Holland

Steelhead Coming This Way!

Fri, 12 Sep 2014 00:10:00 GMT

Wow! I have not been very good at keeping up with this blog. But that is not surprising as it has been summer and all. Now it is time to turn our eyes toward Steelhead season. I will do my best to keep up with this report as we begin catching steelhead which was done by guide James Nash last week in the Troy area. Read on to see what Fish Biologist Jeff Yanke has to say about the upcoming season.

Stay tuned and be sure to join one of our Supported Steelhead adventures taking place on the Grande Ronde in late October and early November.

Estimates of hatchery steelhead at Bonneville dam indicate the run continues to shape up over the past few years. So far we estimate 15,828 steelhead from the Grande Ronde and Imnaha have crossed Bonneville Dam. At this time last year, the run was about 85-90% complete. In total, we estimated 14,501 steelhead from the Imnaha and Grande Ronde Rivers passed Bonneville Dam – so we’ve already exceeded last year’s total! Looking ahead, we’re might end up somewhere near what 2011-12 (17,000 at Bonneville) offered us.

The post Steelhead Coming This Way! appeared first on Winding Waters River Expeditions .

Back to sch . . . still rafting!

Thu, 04 Sep 2014 02:07:00 GMT

How about all those first day of school photos populating Facebook right now. Young scholars bubbling over with excitement about facing 9 long months of sitting through fractions and The War of 1812. Yessir. The tracks of their bitter tears are barely visible because the camera tends to focus on the brand new outfits and backpacks.

Listen, kids. Enjoy those Number 2 pencils. You could be out in the work force instead. Like young Linden here, seen hard at work packing coolers for the family business.

It’s like something out of a Charles Dickens novel. “May I have some more porridge?” “NOT UNTIL YOU LOAD THAT GEARBOAT!”

Nah. Linden’s as happy as ever and no children were forced to carry things in the process of taking that photo. She volunteered, of all things. Here’s another photo of her, taken at Maloney Creek camp on the Lower Salmon where the Arentsen brothers and family hosted a sleeping pad-insulated sumo wrestling tournament that really should have been available on pay-per-view.

Speaking of the Lower Salmon and back-to-school time, here’s an inside tip: now is a great time to be on the river. Lots of folks have got their rafting in for the season so you don’t see as many rafters on the water, plus the weather is generally pretty great on account of things cooling off a touch in the evenings. Wallowa County gal Andi Leuders knows what we’re talking about. She’s organizing a locals trip down the Salmon coming up real soon.

That goes for the Snake River in Hells Canyon, too. Morgan, Todd and co. just headed for the ramp to enjoy the September conditions in Hells Canyon.

2014 had some fires out in these parts, but not to worry, appropriate caution was taken and no harm done. Well, there’s a few trees that may disagree about harm done, but also a lot of grass and such that’ll bounce back next year greener than ever. Here’s a shot above Skeleton Creek on the Lower Salmon, showing a panorama that distorts things some, but shows what it looks like to round a corner from blue sky into smoke. Two wildland engine crews were down there off the Eagle Creek Road to protect houses and those folks were sure earning their beans.

Music For Inhabited Places

Our Wild Places musical river guide pal Kai Welch played the Juniper Jam music festival at the fairgrounds in Enterprise over Labor Day weekend. And did a smash-up job of it, I might add. Rafters who have been on a Music For Wild Places float would recognize his Superman theme trumpet rendition to start his set. Looking forward to hearing who Kai lines up for wilderness concerts next year. Here he is tuning up before his set.

Coming up, I’ll be volunteering on a bull trout spawning ground survey this fall, hiking into the Imnaha headwaters. Should see some awesome country. But the real draw, of course, is that this event is catered by Morgan Jenkins, wilderness chef supreme. I’ll hike any distance and wade through icy streams for that guy’s cooking.

Here’s a parting shot of WWRE guide Robin Pace’s brother Anders, pulling a sweet Hells Canyon handstand on that blue boat in the distance.

The post Back to sch . . . still rafting! appeared first on Winding Waters River Expeditions .

Music For Wild Places on the Lower Salmon

Mon, 04 Aug 2014 15:04:00 GMT

You know that song ‘Africa’ by Toto? It goes like this:

It’s gonna take a lot to drag me away from you
There’s nothing that a hundred men or more could ever do
I bless the rains down in Africa . . .

What about ‘El Paso’ by Marty Robbins? (two-three-four…)

Out in the West Texas town of El Paso
I fell in love with a Mexican girl . . .

Of course you know those songs. We all do. But I don’t just know them now, they’re part of my DNA. We spent four great days floating the river with music makers Kai Welch, Ross Holmes and Matt Menefee, who can play purt-near anything they have a mind to.

Riverside concerts after dinner on the beach and a standout lunch performance from a cave below Half and Half Rapid made this Music For Wild Places trip what music critics like to call super-duper.

The other guides and I also got to hear some behind-the-scenes rehearsals. Matt, Ross and Kai play the spectrum, but were also focused enough on nailing Africa and El Paso that I now have one compartment of my brain devoted entirely to Marty and Toto. On a loop.

They’re great tunes and all, but this is no ordinary case of music sticking in your head. Marty Robbins has been grafted on at a cellular level and I now have a Toto gland that secretes rains down in Africa every four minutes. I’d like to think this might pass, but there’s nothing that a hundred men or more could ever do.

Kai Welch is the mastermind of Music For Wild Places, where he taps musician friends from Nashville and all over to come on float trips and bring world-class music to Mother Nature’s backyard. A portion of the love goes to Western Rivers Conservancy, who look out for all of us by keeping our rivers accessible. Look for the lineup next summer and get in on this.

And thanks to Jaco from our friends at Wet Planet for bringing along such a great group of folks. We had ourselves a time.

Quiet paddle through Blue Canyon.

Here’s Jaco’s Mom, one cool customer and a pleasure to have on the boat.

The post Music For Wild Places on the Lower Salmon appeared first on Winding Waters River Expeditions .

Eagle feather

Mon, 07 Jul 2014 01:30:00 GMT

Check this out . . . Tim Roberts fielding a puff of eagle down that drifted off a bald eagle during a flyover.

If you tried to recreate this with an eagle drone, the combination of timing wind and river currents with the drift of the kayak and feather would make it a mighty good trick to get this little whisp to drift down pretty as you please into his hand like it did for reals. I mean, it looked rehearsed. That was pretty cool.

(Note to game warden: the wee feather was released into the wilds.)

Speaking of bald eagles, check out this little snapshot of Nature celebrating the 4th of July by shining sunbeams on another Grande Ronde River bald eagle. Good job, Nature.

If catching a bald eagle feather is good luck, I’m guessing these folks did not catch one the day this happened. What we have here is a sad portrait of a driftboat on hard times. Get a job, driftboat! Pull yourself up by your oarlocks.

This wreck is one of two driftboat crackups on the Grande Ronde in the past couple weeks. My sources say no one was hurt in either wreck. The boat pictured here chose to go left after Blind Falls, and would probably re-think that if it had a chance for a do-over.

The other boat is currently residing on a rock above Minam State Park. Whoopsie.

Wanna see a picture of a bear? All righty then.

This lil’ smoky was in the Wild and Scenic stretch of the Grande Ronde, taking a water break after a hard day of teaching kids about fire prevention.

Speaking of teaching kids, this little whipper-snapper here listened to a 30-second tutorial on how to row a boat, hopped in the seat and started working the oars like he’s been doing it for more years than he’s been around. That was honestly one of best demonstrations of natural ability I’ve seen since that Redford movie.

Also had a young gymnast on a day trip the other day, pulling off somersaults from the kayak.

We got on the water for a float on the Grande Ronde and I was chatting with the Steensma family on my raft and this young fella Kees here said he went to Jesuit High School. Had I heard of it? Heard of it? My cousin Gary Rombach coaches football and track at Jesuit. Wouldn’t you know it, Kees plays football.

(Confidential to Coach Rombach: I don’t know what his training schedule is the rest of the summer, but he definitely got a workout paddling the river the day I saw him. Have him do some pushups next time you see him to prove it.)

Been a great summer with lots of water, good times and better company. And the good news is we’ve got more on the way. Let’s go rafting.

The post Eagle feather appeared first on Winding Waters River Expeditions .

Stoneflies on the Grande Ronde

Wed, 18 Jun 2014 19:02:00 GMT

Attention fly fisherpeople: large bugs seen flying and crawling amongst the waters and shores of the Grande Ronde River. Winding Waters fishing guides are standing by. Call in sick to work accordingly. Single day and overnight trips are on the roster. See our fishing page for trip options.

Pleasure floats are in full swing, splashing and giggling down Hells Canyon, the Grande Ronde and we’ll be on the lower Salmon in two shakes of a sturgeon’s tail.

Todd Kruger and I just had a great trip down the GR over Father’s Day and even got honked at by the excursion train crossing at Rondowa.

This Is How You Organize an Ammo Can

Those of you who have floated with Todd the gearboat wizard may have noticed his remarkable attention to detail. His shirts for a trip are rolled and secured with rubber bands. No kidding. My shirts are carefully thrown into a bag and secured by static electricity.

Military surplus ammunition cans make a great briefcase for personal items on the river. Toothbrush, wallet, sunscreen, alarm clock, all that jazz. Here’s a peek inside Todd’s personal ammo can. Note the containers to contain other containers. Probably alphabetical.

Compared with this view of ~~a typical~~ my ammo can. Empty camp soap bottle. New and old batteries intermingled so you don’t know which ones have juice left. Deck of cards with one or two missing. Backup headlamp that works occasionally. Extra lantern mantles because you never know. I did get a new tube of toothpaste for the season, though, after getting every last milli-ounce out of the last one.

Both systems have their merits, of course. I do save a lot of time by not organizing anything. But probably lose that time when I have to dump out my ammo box to find something. Ah, well.

Fish On the Barby

Got back to the boathouse from our last trip while Paul was going after some fresh salmon with the filet knife. Coming soon to a riverside barbecue. We’re trying out the cedar plank preparation method next trip and anxious to taste how that goes.

See you on the river.

The post Stoneflies on the Grande Ronde appeared first on Winding Waters River Expeditions .

Time to Talk Wallowa River Trout Fishing

Tue, 17 Jun 2014 22:14:00 GMT

OK it is finally time to talk Wallowa River Trout Fishing. The river has dropped and is in shape for fishing. One of our guides fished from 4:00pm until 7:00pm from a boat on the Wallowa on June 15th and boated 35 Rainbows. All of the trout were caught on a #4 golden stone dry. This is very exciting. It means that the fish are looking up and the Salmon and Stones are beginning to hatch. It is time to book your trip with James or Tom.

Fish Private Waters:

We are also excited to mention our new offering this year. James Nash of the 6 Ranch will be guiding anglers on his family’s Century Ranch which holds 2 miles of Wallowa River. They completed a river restoration project bringing 1 mile of river back into it’s historic channels adding a tremendous amount of Salmon, Trout and Steelhead habitat. This has turned into an amazing little fishery.

Check it out and book it here.

The post Time to Talk Wallowa River Trout Fishing appeared first on Winding Waters River Expeditions .

Wuv. Twue wuv.

Fri, 13 Jun 2014 15:32:00 GMT

Presenting Mr. & Mrs. Nash

James and Danielle Nash tied the improved-clinch-wedding knot last weekend. I know events such as this take a lot of prep, but it sure seemed like this wedding planned itself. Happy couple? Check. Picturesque setting by the river on the home ranch? Yep. Gorgeous weather? Uh-huh. Fabulous reception in the enormous riding arena? Yes.

James did some trips with us before going in the Marines as a tank commander over in Afghanistan. Great to see him home safe and all the best to the Nash family.

James guided Paul, Jared Wilcox and I around with flyrods just the other day on the same stretch of river he got married next to. I learned watching James take a few casts that my mending technique may need a little work. My timid approach to mending line looks like a little girl with low blood sugar playing jump rope with an imaginary friend who’s also tired. James mends line like he’s calling in an air strike. And guess which technique is moving the fly? The imaginary friend.

James is guiding morning or afternoon half-day fishing trips on this private stretch of Wallowa River that got rehabbed with a stream restoration project years ago. Find out more here.

Mr. Arentsen, Tear Down That Blacksmith Shop

Seen those lovely old barnwood accents in the Boathouse Shop? That’s courtesy of the ongoing Winding Waters barnwood reclamation project. Todd Kruger makes lovely work from reclaimed boards, Paul has a devoted following for his ski chairs and other woodwork. And I . . . ahem . . . make custom splinter delivery devices from old boards in my spare time.

Wood carver extraordinaire Steve Arment recently bought an old mansion house outside of Lostine and an old building on the property, previously used as a blacksmith shop, had to go. Here it is, false front and all:

And here’s my Toyota T100 moments before I adjusted the rear axle, transmission and who knows what else by trying to pull down a blacksmith shop that had no interest at all in being pulled over by a Toyota truck:

Cue the Chevy truck music. We hooked up Paul’s rig and got somewhere:

Cue the Terminal Gravity music and also the Crowbar As Beer Opener music, as Paul takes the heavy machinery approach to opening a celebratory beer:

Todd and I launch on a Grande Ronde trip here pretty quick. I hear there’s still open seats for the Buzz Holmstrom trip, which is going to be a dandy. Get on board for that and we’ll see you on the river.

The post Wuv. Twue wuv. appeared first on Winding Waters River Expeditions .

Congrats Enterprise Grads

Mon, 02 Jun 2014 19:36:00 GMT

The class of 2014, fresh out of Enterprise High, was great company for our 3-day Hells Canyon trip. We floated from Hells Canyon Dam, where fisherpeople were reeling in salmon, down to Pittsburgh Landing and had a fine time at all points in between. Here they are atop the Suicide Point hike.

The weather came through with a nice graduation gift. We came home to reports of the highlands getting pummeled by wet weather, but aside from 14 rain drops that fell on the first day and a brief spatter we could see coming on Day Two, conditions were great. The canyon was all greened up and flowers were blooming.

What a trip for sturgeon. Three were landed at two different camps so we got up-close and personal with these aquatic dinosaurs. Here’s a release after hooking up with the fish at dusk and turning it loose in the dark.

Sturgeon masters Mike Baird and James Nash took turns rigging sturgeon lines and coaching the retrievals. Here’s James and Baird about to make contact.

Here’s Damon Walker being a pepper on the business end of a sturgeon battle.

Allieu Moiwa, an exchange student from Sierra Leone, get the ribbon for gutsiest move on the trip. Allieu isn’t overly familiar with the mechanics of swimming but saw no reason that should prevent him from jumping off a 15-foot drop into the river at Sturgeon Rock. We all wear life jackets, of course, and this spot is safe for jumping . . . but, still. Come on. That’s a bold move. Good stuff.

Back in Hells Canyon

Parent chaperones Randy Greenshields, Philip Ketscher and Jim Birkmaier were along on the trip. This was the second time around for Philip and Jim, who did their own senior trip ooooh, a few years ago, in 1980 when they graduated from Enterprise. Todd Nash, James’ dad, was also in that class. To spice things up, Mt. St. Helens erupted while they were down there and the folks on the trip had to wonder what all that ash was doing drifting into the canyon. Here’s a photo of Jim. To avoid confusion, I should mention this picture is from the recent trip, not the 1980 tour. That guy still looks 18 so it’s hard to tell.

Hannah Schaafsma cranked it up 11 notches in camp by breaking out her fiddle. Something about that music just fits right into that setting. Years ago Hannah and I were in Taekwondo class together. Pretty sure she could have beaten me up if she chose back then and suspect that hasn’t changed.

Smoke Stander

Mike Baird has a long and winding resume’, including years as a smokejumper and champion camp cook. Both disciplines were handy training for this burger grilling session with wind conditions that drove the rest of us ten feet back while Baird held the line. Nice work, Mike. My eyes are watering just looking at this photo.

Silje Christoffersen captained a paddle raft on this trip, nailed all the whitewater runs and also found time to pose for this portrait with clouds.

New Gearboat Living Up To Its Many Names

This was the first trip for our new 20-foot behemoth gearboat, and final judging is going on as we speak to select the winner of free swag from the Name That Gearboat Contest. Prizes will hit the mail shortly with a list naming the big winner and runners-up.

Todd Kruger can’t get in the prize running, according to our strict unwritten rules of employees already having a bunch of Winding Waters t-shirts. But he did come up with a pretty creative name for the boat he’ll be rowing.

Todd has taken to calling his boat: Bluega. As in Beluga, like the whale because it’s big. And blue because, uh, it’s blue. Nice one, Todd.

The post Congrats Enterprise Grads appeared first on Winding Waters River Expeditions .

Family business adds new staff

Mon, 19 May 2014 18:49:00 GMT

Winding Waters HR department first learned of the newest recruit 9 months ago, but paperwork was held up until Britton Leonard Arentsen got a birthday and name. Super congratulations to Penny, Paul, Linden and now Britton Arentsen. Look at this little fella. Handsome and cute all at the same time. You can smell the baby powder through the monitor.

Britton already knows how to tie several knots and do a passable J-stroke, thanks to imprinted motor skills passed down via genetics from his river parents. Welcome aboard, Britton.

On the Slack Line

Silje Christoffersen is back in Wallowa County, home from a year at college learning stuff. Here she is with Cheri Miller and a crew of spotters on the two-person slack line challenge this past weekend.

Brent Wydrinski and myself were also along on this outing with Wallowa Resources for some outdoor learning and fun at the Billy Meadows ranger station in the north end of Wallowa County. 20 kids. 6 adults. Kids came up with their own star constellations around the campfire. Compass orienteering, hikes, games, artsy stuff, building things, walking a tight rope. Great food. Good times had by all.

Scenery wasn’t all that shabby either. Here’s the view looking back at the Wallowas.

More new staff

This new guy Britton has skewed the age chart somewhat, but also look for young gals Emily Bright and Hilary Valentine around the Winding Waters boathouse this season. Emily will be in the boathouse shop and helping run the joint in general. Hilary brings culinary ninja skills and will be taking our taste buds for a ride on Delicious Avenue all season.

Here she is filming an episode of River Chef: That Is One Big Wok , explaining the blueprints for a new menu item that is fried, and you stir it. Still working on a name.

Speaking of new recipes, Hells Canyon-renowned guide and river chef Caitlin Ecklund is over on the Indonesia part of the globe traveling around and checked in with a dessert idea for the river menu – a classic Indonesian dessert called es campur.

Caitlin lists the ingredients as: ice, rice milk, sugar, fruit, and jellies. But says we can throw in a twist for indo-n.e.oregon fusion. Brilliant.

You have Caitlin to thank if you enjoyed the coconut milk and chocolate fondue with fresh strawberries, pineapple and pretzels last summer. She whipped that little number up on the Salmon last year and we all liked it so much it got promoted to a regular thing.

Parting Shots

Team Winding Waters cleaned up our adopted stretch of highway last week. There’s no shortage of old baling twine in them thar ditches so I was pleased to see someone putting that stuff to good use. Award for Best Use of Old Baling Twine goes to this osprey for repurposing materials in home construction.

What the H?

Jude Broderson sent in this photo of a lure constellation seen on a lake in Washington. The mad scientist who designed this rig calls it the “school of fish.” Jude refers to it as the “piñata.” You know the old saying: Teach a man to fish and eventually he’ll do something like this:

For the fly fishing equivalent, here’s Hank Patterson with a helpful video on creating your own hatch. That segment starts at the 3 minute mark.

The post Family business adds new staff appeared first on Winding Waters River Expeditions .

Fox Alert on the Iwetemlaykin Trail

Mon, 12 May 2014 21:26:00 GMT

Best Short Hike With Baby Foxes: Iwetemlaykin Trail

Heading to Wallowa Lake, pull in at the trailhead on the right, take the short tour and don’t forget your cute repellant because there’s baby foxes all frolicking around right now.

Captain Baird and I were driving by there and fantastic Mr. Fox sauntered across the road right in front of us, then zigzagged through a deer herd. I’ve never fumbled to open the camera on my phone quite that fast and got it ready just in time for the fox to be done posing for National Geographic photos and be way off in the distance. Here’s what that looks like:

Paraphrased from the State Parks website: Iwetemlaykin is the Nez Perce name for the area of the Wallowa Lake basin. Pronounced ee-weh-TEMM-lye-kinn, that translates to “at the edge of the lake.” The property is adjacent to a Nez Perce National Historical Park, site of Old Chief Joseph Gravesite and Cemetery.

Speaking of the Wallowa Lake Basin

Lay your eyeballs on this panorama shot. Goldang but that’s a pretty patch of water.

Imnaha Highway Cleanup

Last chance to throw some garbage out your window on the mile of road Winding Waters helps vacuum and keep tidy. The crew is gathering this week for some spring cleaning of the ditches. We hit the guardrails with some Febreze, Windex the reflectors and wash the gravel. You know, just a general overhaul.

We’re so used to Leave No Trace ethics that the first year one of our new guides was scrubbing the painted lines off the asphalt but Cody at ODOT didn’t appreciate it. Now we just touch up the fogline with glittery nail polish left over from the Rivah Sistahs trip.

Other Things Seen in Wallowa County: The Center of a Tootsie Pop

This is what I like about living here. I was wandering around my noxious weed farm of a back yard while my dog did a sniffing inventory of every grass clump, talking away with my sister when I had the distinct notion I was being watched. Whoooo was it? I had to look up.

Hands-on Learning

Wallowa Elementary students took a tour of the Enterprise Hatchery a few weeks back and helped out with the spawning chores. Interesting to see the process and the kids dove right in. Weren’t afraid of slime one bit.

Rafting season is approaching. I can hear the pitter-patter of Chacos and flip-flops in the distance. Take a tour of the cool specialty trips lined up this season, from deluxe eats with Plate & Pitchfork, history on the Grande Ronde with author Vince Welch to the live music tours in Hells Canyon and on the Lower Salmon.

Gonna be a great summer.

The post Fox Alert on the Iwetemlaykin Trail appeared first on Winding Waters River Expeditions .

Hells Canyon Julep

Mon, 05 May 2014 18:30:00 GMT

‘Dance With Fate’ did not win the Kentucky Derby so it’s back to the drawing board for my retirement fund strategy. I never even saw my horse during the race. I was so careful picking the random scrap of paper out of Ken Homan’s coffee can to select my horse that I thought for sure ‘Dance With Fate’ would at least place. Ah well, easy come easy go. I’ll make those 2 dollars back somehow. Since I never laid eyes on that glue pot during the race, I had to do some googling to see where my money went:

Did you know: Churchill Downs says they sell about 120,000 mint juleps each year on Derby Weekend. They go for $11 a pop with a souvenir glass, OR you can pay $1,000 dollars for a limited edition Woodford Reserve mint julep with gold leaf on the commemorative cup. And if a thousand-dollar drink still strikes you as something a hobo might enjoy with a can of beans under a bridge, get in line for one of ten super juleps selling for $2,000 each.

That means that for the price of one single fancy commemorative julep at the Kentucky Derby, you and a friend can both go rafting in Hells Canyon on the Bourbons Bistro specialty trip, with bourbon industry insider Jason Brauner sharing his extensive knowledge of this Kentucky elixir.

There will be history lessons about bourbon that include bourbon tastings. I got a college degree in history and feel cheated that not once did classes involve bourbon tasting. There will be a flight of bourbon each night. I like this use of aeronautical imagery applied to spirits. It warms me.

Jason says that there are no bad bourbons. I plan to bring a bottle of Wild Turkey and press him on this issue. Once that is settled, he’ll share what really good bourbon is, explaining the difference in bourbon styles to hone in on your own preferences. The menu will fit nicely with the flights and this trip is sure to be what we call in the outdoor adventure industry, a “hoot.”

To find out more about enjoying your bourbon with a splash of whitewater, go here.

Large Marge In the Lead, If I Have Any Say In This, Which I Don’t

The ‘Name That Gearboat Contest’ is underway, with nominations and voting going on over on The Facebooks. So far, I like “Large Marge,” suggested by Mark Johnson. Other nominees for what to call the new gigantic blue gear raft include: Dreamboat Annie, Dance With Fate, The Steed, Hells Canyon Chrome, Moby, Argos, Providore, Malamute and more. Add your name suggestion and vote for others by clicking Like on your faves at the Winding Waters facebook page . There’s the prize of a free Winding Waters t-shirt or hat on the line here, people.

And here’s few shots from the weekend festivities at the Homan Hacienda, where Winding Waters naturalist Jan and her husband Ken kindly throw a shindig every Spring and it’s always what we in the weekend gathering industry like to call a “hoot.”

Drinko de Mayo Porch Concert

Sir Paul toting a Morgan Jenkins clay drinking vessel.

Ken has opinions on beer. Here is one.

I’m one of those people who never remember how a joke goes. Except this one: Pavlov heard the phone ring and remembered he forgot to feed the dogs.

Tom Swanson does not suffer from joke memory loss and he was in fine form Saturday. Here’s Tom mid-story.

The post Hells Canyon Julep appeared first on Winding Waters River Expeditions .

Name That Gearboat Contest

Wed, 30 Apr 2014 18:07:00 GMT

Winding Waters took delivery of a spanky-new and very large raft, built at the Aire shipyards in Boise. Designed to withstand extreme loads, the new gearboat should handle the largest Hells Canyon whitewater expedition and also work in a pinch as a temporary floating bridge for the highway at Minam if that ever washes out. Just lay some 2x12s across and send the semis over.

Todd figuring how many kilometers of straps it will take to rig this beast.

Here we see Paul measuring the new personnel boat on top of the even bigger new gearboat. Measurement came out to Big and 5/16ths.

Our last Aire gearboat is sometimes called ‘Big Blue,’ which now puts us in a bind. ‘Even Bigger Blue’ doesn’t exactly tapdance off the tongue. So we’re looking for a name. Situations like this are exactly why the Winklevoss Sisters invented The Facebooks, so we’re throwing open the naming rights, with a grand prize of an official Winding Waters snazzy t-shirt or hat from The Boathouse Shop, to be awarded to the bestest name.

To enter, go to the Winding Waters Facebooks page, Name That Gearboat entry, and have at ‘er. Ground rules: Name should imbue ( is that a word? ) the vessel with noble and stately qualities, call to mind the core values of Winding Waters River Expeditions and sound cool. Or, whatever. Any name, really, as long as it’s awesome. Limit 4,000 entries per person.

Speaking of snazzy gear from the Winding Waters Boathouse Shop, it’s back in action this week. Check it –

Boathouse Shop Sees Its Shadow

Some things take a wee bit longer to reach Wallowa County than other places. Thinks like packages, fashion sense and Spring. But I knew Spring had arrived when I looked out my window the other day and saw sunshine on new green grass. I looked again and it was snowing. Then more sun, another snow flurry. Some wind for good measure. And that’s our version of spring.

But sure as that marmot in Bill Murray’s home town can predict spring, when the door to the Winding Waters Boathouse Shop finally swings open for the season, it’s on. Great news. Especially for Tammy, who’s been waiting outside for a week, Black Friday style.

You can get in line behind Tammy this weekend. Shop’ll be open Saturdays & Sundays in May, 10 in the morn to 5 in the eve.

Then from Memorial Day Weekend to Labor Day Weekend, summer hours will be 10am to 5 pm 7 out of 7 days a week.
Penny’s found new gear to check out so get on down there.

The post Name That Gearboat Contest appeared first on Winding Waters River Expeditions .

G.I. Joe Trailer

Wed, 23 Apr 2014 22:18:00 GMT

The Dug Bar Road is what the Michelin Man threatens his kids with if they’re acting up. This route to the Snake River via the Imnaha Canyon has chest hair growing between the ruts instead of grass. AAA only covers travel on this road with a Kevlar Membership Plan and if you ask a GPS unit for voice directions to Dug Bar it connects you to a guidance counselor instead. It’s a rough road, is what I’m getting at.

Exhibit A is this photo with three – count ’em, three – trucks visible on one set of switchbacks. Four if you count the rig I was sitting in to snap the picture. And this is the expressway portion of the drive.

On the bright side, it’s spectacular country. Here’s what you see on the lip of Hells Canyon.

The Nimiipuu Trail, which Chief Joseph and the Nez Perce traveled before the war of 1877, is not far from the present road.

The view when you top out on Cactus Mountain isn’t so much a photo opportunity as mandatory. Here’s a Cactus Mountain snapshot when Morgan wanted to take a group photo with me and Shuttle Monkey, right after the stuffed animal jumped out of my hands. He came back.

As scenic as this trip is, it’s slow going on the drive out so Winding Waters flies our rafters back to Joseph for a comfy aerial view on trips with Dug Bar as the destination.

We don’t skimp on things to make you comfortable, so bringing all those comforts back home makes for some hefty loads on the trucks and trailers. Who else hauls lots of heavy stuff around? Santa Claus, yes. But also the U.S. Army. The North Pole doesn’t have surplus auctions, but Uncle Sam does. So the newest addition to the Winding Waters motorpool is a trailer built to hero specs.

Just look at all this towing capacity. Makes me want to move some hide-a-beds and pianos.

If this doesn’t streamline Dug Bar travel, our next move is a Sikorsky sky crane.

Musical Interlude

Lay your ears on some Shook Twins as a primer to getting onboard the Music For Wild Places trips this summer.

And check out other videos on their site .

Summer is shaping up. Chaco tan lines just around the corner.

The post G.I. Joe Trailer appeared first on Winding Waters River Expeditions .

The Ides of April

Mon, 14 Apr 2014 18:49:00 GMT

Taxes due AND last day of steelhead season both on the 15th? Might as well add National Root Canal Day on there too if that’s how they want to schedule things. Do this thing right.

Ah, well. The steelhead are getting in the baby-making mood so it’s just as well we leave them to their business. I stopped in for a look at the Big Canyon hatchery on the Wallowa River last week and watched fish still going for it at the end of the line. ‘Amazing’ gets thrown around a lot, but I think it truly applies to the traveling these fish do.

Baird Birthdays

River guide, teacher, sourdough pancake performance artist, award-winning dutch oven chef and all-around outdoor renaissancer Mike Baird and his lovely wife Kathie were born on the same day. How bout that? Kathie pulled off the hard-to-do feat of a surprise party that escaped the notice of Snowden and wikileaks. The 3 Baird young ‘uns Rial, Caitlin and Patrick, plus a mob of friends gathered at the Winding Waters boathouse and a great time was had by all.

Here’s Mike with a little fish he caught recently. I can’t tell if that’s a guppy or a bluegill. Hm. It’s cute, whatever it is.

How Not To Decorate A Cake

I thought Kathie should have a cake with her name on it too. My mental image of what it should look like was drastically different from the results. Turns out cake decorating is something of an art after all. My attempt at writing with icing looks like it was done on a moving train in the dark. The part that looks like a seismograph printout of the Mount St. Helens eruption is supposed to say ‘Kathie.’ File this under Thought That Counts. Those red things are candy fish. Hard to filet, but mighty tasty.

Let There Be Music

Tammy Knorr-Kruger, Gearboat Master Todd’s darling wife, has spearheaded the Joseph Mountain Music Festival two years running and this year switched the name up to Joseph Mountain Jubilee. It’s a great day of great music in the summer and we’ll be giving a heads up when the date approaches this summer. Here’s the website .

Tammy threw a funraiser Saturday in Joseph, with Todd on drums with the group Jazzberry Blonde. Super fun time.

Speaking of music, check out the Music For Wild Places trip coming up this summer if you haven’t seen it already. Raft trip AND outstanding musicians? Uh, yeah.

Also step lively on the Buzz Holmstrom trip with author Vince Welch, launching June 27-29. The Buzz Holmstrom story is one of the most interesting I know of, can’t recommend the book The Doing of the Thing enough and this will be quite a trip for anyone interested in interesting things who also likes running rivers. More info here .

Parting Shot

Saw this fixer upper combo of house and truck on a backroads Wallowa County drive last weekend. Lots of potential here.

Bonus Parting Shot

Most interesting book title I’ve seen recently. From the shelf up at Mike and Kristy’s house. Happy Birthday, Kristy. Lots of birthdays going on around here.

The post The Ides of April appeared first on Winding Waters River Expeditions .

Fergifest Lawnchair Racing: On the count of one

Mon, 07 Apr 2014 18:55:00 GMT

High Speed Sitting Down

The bare ground to snow ratio was perfect Saturday for celebrating last runs and gravity-fueled lawnchair racing at Fergifest. The mood was festive and the betting was lively before the start of the annual running of the lawnchairs. Racing aficionados call this Wallowa County competition the Kentucky Derby of snowsports minus the horses, small men dressed like jesters, awful hats, juleps or Kentucky.

After a disappointing finish the last every time I entered this competition, I held a last-minute consultation with my corporate sponsors and coach and these fictional people all agreed it made sense this year to bring in substitute lawnchair pilot Kendrick Moholt. Kendrick was uniquely qualified to race, since his daughter said it was OK if he borrowed her pink and white helmet and I forgot to bring the required safety gear. Another factor for getting an alternate driver is that I seem to be not getting younger and barreling down a mountain on a contraption held together with hope and deck screws probably isn’t the safest activity. Makes far more sense to talk a family man into doing it.

The starting line and racecourse, seen below, looks gentle and fun when you’re standing at the bottom. It looks the same from the top, only terrifying and a terrible, terrible idea. Every year I’ve raced in this event I’ve waxed the skis on my lawnchair to go as fast as possible, then wished at the top I’d attached sandpaper, garden rakes and insurance policies to the bottom instead to slow things down.

Timm Turrentine sealed his second victory in a row by once again using his innovative technique of cheating. Timm either confuses “one” and “three” or thinks counting and counting-down are the same thing. He explains his unique approach to understanding how numbers work by pointing out that he was the first one to cross the finish line. So I guess we’ll just let it go and let him enjoy that third-place finish.

The spot where Timm’s racer came to rest looked so good that second-place finisher Jerry Hustafa parked his sled right on top, then Kendrick came along and added to the sculpture of bent skis. Good job, gravity.

In this next photo, champion Timm Turrentine laughs while Fergi presidente Charlie Kissinger and Kenrick try to explain how numbers don’t all mean the same thing. Turrentine replied, “Well, eighth of all, that’s just not true.”

The Fergifest Fashion Show did not disappoint, with wigs and Hawaiian shirts out in force. Here we see fashion experts and father/daughter ski team Paul and Linden Arentsen sporting their new line of alpine wear for 2015, with Paul modeling an absolutely fabulous tropical shirt/Elvis sunglasses combo and Linden rocking a ski bunny suit with built-in mittens and cottontail.

Knee pads, fake dreadlocks, poncho and kerchief is not an ensemble many people could pull off. Willy Locke did not get that memo and pulls it off.

Muchas thank yous to the army of Fergi volunteers for the ton of work that makes loads of fun.

The post Fergifest Lawnchair Racing: On the count of one appeared first on Winding Waters River Expeditions .

Music For Wild Places

Thu, 03 Apr 2014 12:39:00 GMT

“Everybody needs beauty as well as bread, places to play in and pray in, where nature may heal and give strength to body and soul.” ~John Muir

Our friend and fellow river guide Kai Welch , a grammy-nominated singer-songwriter from Nashville, TN, has come up with a brilliant idea. Campfire sing-alongs have always been a favorite past-time on a river trip. Kai wants to take it to the next level and bring along world-class musicians. Spend your days drifting through beautiful river canyons, then listen to live music echo from these canyon walls in the evenings.

Kai spent his younger years working as a river guide in Hells Canyon , developing a deep attachment to this wild place and others like it. Music in Washington Park is great—but there’s something uniquely transformative about a concert by a riverbend or beneath canyon walls. Music eventually led him to Nashville, TN where he is finding success with a touring/producing/songwriting career. But while enjoying the music scene all over the world, it’s largely taken him away from these wild places. Somewhere along the way he began to wonder, what if the concert hall and the river canyon or the alpine meadow didn’t have to be a world apart?

Music and Nature as One

This inspired the idea behind Hunter Noack in A Landscape, a performance movement where music and nature blend. Just like Hunter Noack 2025 schedule will bring his piano to Oregon’s most scenic places, our concert trips invite nature lovers to experience piano in the park—but with river canyons and mountain air as the concert hall.

Last summer he took advantage of an opportunity to get back on the river when his tour-mate, Abigail Washburn, took a hiatus to have a baby with her husband, Bela Fleck. Kai called us up with the idea to start a Wilderness Concert Series, Music For Wild Places. We jumped at the opportunity.

Music For Wild Places’ mission is to allow people to enjoy the wilderness in a unique way, combining the transporting experience of hearing world-class live music, with the soul-stirring feeling of connecting with a truly wild place. In the process it hopes to promote an awareness for the need to conserve these places, for our own sake and theirs. A portion of the proceeds from each trip will be given to the Western Rivers Conservancy in support of their work in places like the Snake River’s watershed.

all about Wilderness Concert

Future Events

In August, 2013, Kai and friends Ashley Campbell and Nat Smith joined our Plate & Pitchfork Raft Trip to provide music in Hells Canyon. So not only were our guests served amazing food from chefs Benjamin Bettinger and Doug Adams of the Imperial in Portland, but they were serenaded each evening by this “Hells Canyon Trio”. It was reminiscent of the vibe of sunriver music on the lawn or sunriver concerts—but deeper, wilder.

For the summer of 2014, we’re planning 2 river trips. One on the Salmon Rive r with ChessBoxer (Ross Holmes (of Mumford & Sons) & Matt Menefee) and Kai as the guest musicians. And one August 3-6 in Hells Canyon with Phoebe Hunt , Dominick Leslie (of the Deadly Gentlemen ), Heather Robb (of The Spring Standards ), and Kai .

Pianos, Parks & Scenic Harmony

The concept aligns beautifully with events to Oregon parks; we do the same—except by raft. You could say we float “into landscapes.”

We see this as an echo of the ethos of America's musical landscape—w e want people to enjoy the wild while hearing the music it inspires. We believe music belongs under the sky.

Wilderness as a Concert Hall

Our events are perfect for those who seek unique music exper iences—like fans of classical concert tickets, or those looking up for concerts in Oregon. These river trips are as soulful as the best country music concerts. If you're used to landscape drawing for kids, it's time to step into a classical landscape—the real one. The sound of the river, the crackling campfire, and a live set by a guest artist—all this and more awaits.

Giving Back to the Wild

Part of our mission is to preserve these wild places. Just lik e Oregon alcohol tax supports public health, a portion of each trip goes to the Western Rivers Conservancy to protect rivers like the Snake.

“We humans have accomplished a lot in the last few hundred years. We have at least moved in the direction of equality and justice: mutual respect between men and women, between people of different races, religions, and sexual preferences. Hey, compared to feudal times we’ve even broken a few barriers between rich and poor. All these took generations — centuries of conflict, struggles, even wars to overcome. And in each case, it’s human dignity and human rights we’ve been moving toward. But what if our next great movement toward justice and equality isn’t strictly about us? What if our next task is to apply those same ethics of human rights to the rest of the living world that keeps us all alive? What if it could become our generation’s empowering cultural ethos to protect, revere, and attempt to learn something from the wildernesses we have left in this world? And what if it even became hip in the mainstream? What if this #ethos started trending on twitter, and went viral on Youtube? Could loving the wilderness be a sexy pop sensation, the next big thing? I think so.” – Kai Welch

Experience Music For Wild Places With Us

Let the rhythm of the river guide you through an unforgettable journey where nature and music come together in perfect harmony. Our wilderness concert trips offer more than just incredible views—they deliver soul-stirring performances in the most remote and beautiful settings. It’s not just a concert; it’s a full sensory experience, carried by the current and framed by canyon walls.

Join Winding Waters for an adventure that goes beyond the ordinary. Discover the magic of whitewater rafting paired with world-class live music, and create memories that echo long after the final note.

Want a real taste of adventure? Read firsthand stories from our guests on Google Business Profile Reviews and see why Winding Waters is a rafting favorite.

New Gearboat, Rubber Boots and Breakfast

Tue, 01 Apr 2014 19:54:00 GMT

The fleet has grown. Winding Waters welcomes a new set of tubes for moving mountains of gear down the river. Thanks to the good folks at Aire for building our new gearboat. We’ve gotten a lot of mileage out of our other Aire gearboat workhorse, plus the smaller cutting pony rafts we use for zipping around in the rapids.

Last time we tried to christen a new inflatable raft there were champagne bottles flying all over the boathouse. You have to aim for one of the metal rings, otherwise those bottles just bounce right off.

Bogs Boots: Thumbs Up

The rafting crew gets particular about gear. Bogs insulated boots have become a favorite for fall and winter river trips. They’re waterproof, so you can wade right out to the boat. Warm, so you can walk around camp in the morning and still feel your feet. And they’re kind of expensive, so if rafting guides are endorsing them it’s a pretty good sign they’re worth the money.

You see Bogs, or similar Muck brand boots, all over Wallowa County in the fall and winter, since they’re good for kicking around in all sorts of wintery, fall-ish situations. Here’s my favorite recent Bogs sighting: Thomas Bane heading home after a shift at Terminal Gravity brewing. Love that carabiner/backpack footwear transportation system he’s worked out.

Breakfast Roundup: Six Degrees of Better Bacon

I’m a thick-cut bacon sort of guy. No time for razor-thin store-bought bacon strips. If I’m going to increase cholesterol I don’t see any point messing around. So I enthusiastically support Paul and Penny’s farm operation to raise homegrown porky goodness we serve on river trips.

When I can’t sneak into the boathouse freezer to steal pork products, I purchase bacon from Mt. Joseph Family Foods, the market near Winding Waters. It has giant chunks of cracked pepper and will bend your spatula if you’re not careful. So good. But this last batch was above and beyond. Notice how only three pieces will fit inside a standard skillet. They don’t even fit. One piece is curling up the side. You win Bacon of the Month, Mt. Joseph Family Foods. Take the rest of the day off.

Which Came First, Farm Fresh or Crappy Store Eggs

Paul and Penny dropped off some real eggs from Linden’s chicken ranch the other day. I was on the tail-end of a dozen store eggs and the difference between eggs from Aisle One versus chickens that can see the sky doesn’t even require a taste test. Just crack one of each into a bowl. One of these things is not like the other.

Origin of the term ‘pale imitation.’

And check out the egg delivery system at the gate on the driveway to Arentsen Farm.

NRS boat straps and breakfast. Together at last.

Steelhead Season: Fourth Quarter

Steelhead streams are open for business out here until April 15th, so get on out there. Call for guided forays with Tom Farnam, steelhead guide to the stars.

As inspiration, get a load of this behemoth caught by Matt Seitz. This is a Clearwater fish, caught on an 8,000-pound Warn winch.

The post New Gearboat, Rubber Boots and Breakfast appeared first on Winding Waters River Expeditions .

Wallowa River Steelhead Creel Report

Tue, 01 Apr 2014 19:38:00 GMT

Steelhead Creel Report April 1

The post Wallowa River Steelhead Creel Report appeared first on Winding Waters River Expeditions .

Wallowa River Steelhead Fishing Report March 25th

Tue, 25 Mar 2014 17:37:00 GMT

Tom and Jake were down on the Wallowa River steelhead fishing again yesterday. They found the river to be in perfect fishing condition. Water temps in the low 40s, good clarity and a beautiful sunny day to boot. Jake caught 2 Steelhead on a prince nymph pattern.

There are only 3 weeks left in the Wallowa River steelhead fishing season, so it is time to clear your desk and get over here to catch yourself 1 or maybe 3 or 4.

I did get a look at the Creel report for the Wallowa and Imnaha rivers yesterday and I have included al link to that in this post below. I think that our crew of anglers has been able to do better that these numbers indicate.

Let’s go Steelheading!

Creel Report

The post Wallowa River Steelhead Fishing Report March 25th appeared first on Winding Waters River Expeditions .

Glowing Sky Ball Appears During Campout

Mon, 24 Mar 2014 22:56:00 GMT

A strange yellow bright thing hovered in the sky all day Saturday above the Imnaha River canyon. Jackets needed to be removed to cope with a rise in temperature and people had no choice but to enjoy themselves on green grass next to a beautiful river. Kids ran around. Dogs played. Barbecues were used to barbecue delicious things. Birthday cake was passed around in honor of Paul Arentsen getting another year wiser . . . I also had a birthday, but suspect I may have just gotten another year older, minus the wiser part.

Paul got some pointers on his casting technique from his daughter Linden, an accomplished fly caster –

“Try adjusting your grip, Papa. Like this.”

The lesson paid off and Paul was soon landing this beauty of a Wallowa County fish.

Justin Jones took his dog June for a walk, then tucked her under his arm to wade across the river in a spot where longer legs came in handy.

Justin, June and I saw a bat flying around in broad daylight. I got out my little point-and-shoot camera to attempt the very unlikely trick of getting a photo. I thought for sure there was no way . . . then, oh jeez, it came right for us and if I’d been ready five seconds earlier, would have had a close-up good enough to see the Count Chocula label on this bat’s collar. Did manage to capture this silhouette, though.

This little Imnaha outing was a great intro for another season of soaking up the outdoors out here in one of the seven wonders of Oregon. We had a great time and didn’t even need skis or snowshoes. I’ll be darned. Last year on the same weekend white flakes were falling from the cold-cold sky. Great to share such beautiful weather with a pack of such good friends and family rolling in from near and far. Paul and Kari split the big pot in a poker tournament. Todd broke out his shadow puppet theater. Chef Jake conjured the best tasting buffalo I’ve ever crossed paths with. We even caught some fish. Here’s Jeff Yanke mid-photo shoot.

Check out the Les Schwab free beef hat on Mike Midlo here, kicking back with Kristy Athens.

Camping is good. Camping next to a river is better. Bunch of nice people soaking up sunshine on a swell spring day better yet.

Happy spring, y’all.

The post Glowing Sky Ball Appears During Campout appeared first on Winding Waters River Expeditions .

Wallowa River Steelhead Fishing Report March 24th

Mon, 24 Mar 2014 18:07:00 GMT

Wild Steelhead caught on the Wallowa River

A quick Wallowa River Steelhead Fishing condition update. We had a great couple of days on the Wallowa. The Wild Hen in the photo above was 1 of 6 Steelhead that were caught on Thursday and Friday last week. The river is really shaping up. The cold nights have slowed down the run off allowing the river levels to continue to drop and clear up. The water temps are in the low 40s and clarity is good. We have been having the best success catching Steelhead nymphing with a heavy prince nymph trailed by any kind of egg pattern. It is time to get out there and catch a Steelhead. There are only 3 weeks left in the Wallowa River fishing season this year.

I should have the creel report in my hands later today and will try to update with that data.

Book your guide today!

The post Wallowa River Steelhead Fishing Report March 24th appeared first on Winding Waters River Expeditions .

Seven Wonders of Winding Waters

Thu, 20 Mar 2014 16:47:00 GMT

Travel Oregon announced their picks for the Seven Wonders of Oregon, and the Wallowas made the list. Raise your hand if you’re surprised. Me either.

Other wonders of Oregon include Crater Lake, prevalence of skinny jeans, Tonya Harding, The House of Mystery, OSU football turnover stats and that weird gas station in Ukiah. Double-check those at the Travel Oregon site .

We had the seven wonders of the ancient world. We have updated lists of modern wonders. Travel Oregon has picked their seven around the state, and now it’s time for The Winding Waters Seven Wonders of Whitewater Wafting .

1. The pyramids . Every list of seven things must by law include the pyramids. Check.

2. Headlamp batteries always give out at the worst time . Always. I wonder why that is. Sure, if you need a headlamp it’s dark, so any time it quits would be a bad time. But after years of research in the field I have exhaustive evidence that headlamps are somehow sentient, certainly malevolent and pick their time to quit in order to create the highest degree of inconvenience. Huh. Wonderful.

3. Hells Canyon

4. Lower Salmon River. Clear water. Crayola sunsets. Sandy beaches. It’s like the Waikiki of free-flowing streams, minus all the hotels and ABC stores.

5. Wild Things. Wildflowers. Wildlife. Wild . . . uh, cards. All that stuff. Nature, people. It’s the best reality show.

6. Rafting. It’s just so . . . so . . . fun. I wonder why. But as my uncle Ben Kenobi once told me, it’s best not to overthink. Just let go. Let it flow through you. While that sounds like instructions on how to urinate, I prefer to apply his advice in other contexts, like going rafting.

7. 7-way tie for 7th Wonder of Winding Waters. Contenders include: The crew, oh-so-good local food whipped up in our outdoor gourmet kitchens, Grande Ronde River steelhead putting a bend in your flyrod, the WWRE boathouse near the left ventricle of the Wallowas, a family-owned business with an ever-growing extended family of rafting friends . . . and for the 7th candidate for the 7th Wonder of Winding Waters, there’s another 7-way tie. This could go for a while. Draft your list of wonders of rafting, we’ll compare notes on the river this season and get these wonders finalized.

The post Seven Wonders of Winding Waters appeared first on Winding Waters River Expeditions .

Wallowa River Steelhead Fishing Update March 17th

Mon, 17 Mar 2014 19:13:00 GMT

The Wallowa River shaped up for Steelhead fishing over the weekend. The clarity is back and the river is flowing green again. There were a lot of people chomping at the bit to catch a Steelhead this weekend making it a bit crowded down by the hatchery. I am still waiting for the creel report to come in today and will update this post with those numbers after I see them. It does sound like the Steelhead Catching was a bit slow this weekend. We are hopeful that a new surge of Steelhead is moving up out of the canyon now that the river has settled back down.

Quick update on this report. I just saw the creel report from last weekend and numbers are shaping up just like the flows. 70 anglers were checked over 3 days march 10, 12 and 16. A total of 31 Steelhead were caught with an average of 8 hours per fish.

The post Wallowa River Steelhead Fishing Update March 17th appeared first on Winding Waters River Expeditions .

Everyone to the ark, rivers are on a rampage

Tue, 11 Mar 2014 04:40:00 GMT

Uh-roooogah . . . uh-roooogah . . . Flood Stage Alert. The Grande Ronde is grande right now. Behold what 25,000 cubic feet per second looks like under the old bridge at Troy –

Yowza. Here’s what it looks like from afar. (photos courtesy of somebody who linked somebody’s photos on facebook. Thanks, Winklevoss twins.)

And she’s up over the road in places –

The Imnaha River also let a few notches out on its belt, doubling from 800 to 1,600 the other day.

At the moment the Grande Ronde is dropping, but I’m going to keep an eyeball on this just out of curiosity.

Steelheaders: you know how everyone talks about a big flush pulling fish up? Well, here you go.

Big water on the Grande Ronde brings Buzz Holstrom to mind. If you don’t know about this guy, you ought to. We’ve recommended the book The Doing of the Thing: The Brief, Brilliant Whitewater Career of Buzz Holstrom before. For good reason. It’s a helluva story and that’s not just the Winding Waters Reading Club talking. It won the 1998 National Outdoor Book Award for history and biography.

Spoiler: There’s a sad ending to the life of this remarkable man, and it went down near a camp on the Grande Ronde River during a high water trip Buzz was running a sweep boat for.

Follow this link to the site of Vince Welch, who co-authored ‘The Doing of the Thing’ along with Cort Conley & Brad Dimock. There’s links to buy the book and you can also check out his recent work ‘The Last Voyageur’, about another Oregonian river badass, Amos Burg. Penny’s got copies of both books on the shelf at the Boathouse Shop.

Vince is coming out this June for a special trip down the Grande Ronde, centered around the Buzz Holstrom story. I’m looking forward to this, a lot. If they don’t let me go, I’m just going to follow along in a kayak anyway. We’ve been talking to Mr. Welch about doing a reading at the boathouse in Joseph before the trip launches, for those who are interested but won’t be on the boats. I suggest you be on the boats. It’s like a book club meeting, but with rafting and camping. I dunno why nobody’s thought of this before.

Here’s more info on the June Buzz Holstrom float with writer Vince Welch and Winding Waters. And me. In a kayak. Following along behind and eavesdropping around the campfire.

The post Everyone to the ark, rivers are on a rampage appeared first on Winding Waters River Expeditions .

No Child Left Inside…Please

Thu, 06 Mar 2014 19:39:00 GMT

Getting people outside is one of the reasons we are outfitters. It’s our pleasure to watch the transformation that takes place when guests leave the world of technology behind and reconnect with the natural world. We as a society are moving further and further away from our connection with the natural world and its consequences are devastating, especially on our children. Author Richard Louv has penned the phrase “Nature Deficit Disorder” in his book Last Child in the Woods to describe the consequences of our disconnect from nature on children. He theorizes that a myriad of mental and physical illnesses are the direct manifestations of this disconnect. And there’s the research to back it up. From the rise in attention deficit disorder (ADD) and attention deficit hyperactive disorder (ADHD) to an increase in obesity and depression, each of these illnesses or physical states can be linked to children tied too closely to technology and not getting outside enough.

But there’s hope – especially for our youth. Whitewater rafting is a perfect antidote to nature deficit disorder. On countless trips we have seen our guests be “weened” from their electronics and busy schedules of everyday life. They slip into ‘river time’ and begin to notice their surroundings: the call of a Canyon Wren, the rumble of an approaching rapid, the soft breeze over the water, and best of all, their family. It’s a magical transformation and the longer we’re on the river, the more dramatic the shift. And then they’re hooked. Children especially are hooked on an activity they can do all of their lives that offers pure, clean fun. And creates bonds that can withstand the test of time.

Plan your date with Mother Nature and get outside with us on the Snake River in Hells Canyon, the Salmon River in Idaho, or the Grande Ronde River in Oregon.

The post No Child Left Inside…Please appeared first on Winding Waters River Expeditions .

The journey of 3D9.1C2DCA25C5

Wed, 05 Mar 2014 18:02:00 GMT

Worried about your smartphone GPS revealing your movements? You must be a spy then. Just imagine if we had chips implanted under our skin so when we passed scanners located at strategic spots, a database registered the date and time we passed by. That is some serious sci-fi/George Orwell crazy talk right there. And also how biologists track fish.

This here is a PIT tag. The PIT stands for Passive Integrated Transponder. The little chip thingy is placed inside a fish and the fish goes about its business.

Let’s say one of these fish is a female hatchery steelhead and you were to encounter this particular fish at a secret spot on a certain river while drifting a number 6 prince nymph with crystal flash. This is what that would look like –

Then you go home and find a PIT tag while preparing the fish for the smoker. You then contact Jeff Yanke, Wallowa District Fish Biologist for the Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife. Jeff offers to scan the tag, a procedure that looks just like this –

And the ID comes back as 3D9.1C2DCA25C5.

Next, go to the internets and enter that string of letters and numerals. Here’s what you get back –

Now. Here’s some interesting info that Mr. Yanke was able to glean from the background of 3D9.1C2DCA25C5 . . . let’s shorten that to 3D for ease.

3D hails from the Irrigon Hatchery facility, where she had the PIT tag implanted on December 13, 2010. She was taken to the Little Sheep acclimation site in Wallowa County, got a feel for her new waters and was released on March 29, 2011.

Next time 3D shows up on the radar is on her way to the ocean, about six weeks later, at the Little Goose Dam Juvenile Fish Bypass Facility. She apparently got a lift down to the ocean, hitchhiking on a barge, probably, through the rest of the dams on the Columbia River. Because there’s no more info on 3D until 2 years and about 3 months later when she starts for home.

For more information on what 3d was up to for 2 years in the big blue, I recommend the groundbreaking scientific work of literature covering anadromous fish life cycles, titled, “Red Tag Comes Back,” a ‘Science I Can Read’ book by Fred Phleger. This was totally my favorite book as a kid and I can’t recommend it enough.

Arnold Lobel can draw him some gripping action scenes, I’ll say that much. Check it out –

So. 3D works her way upstream through the dams. And thanks to ‘Red Tag Comes Back,’ we know that jumping so much is hard work. She hangs out for a long time in one reservoir, then starts sprinting. But she misses a turn at the Snake River and goes the wrong way up the Columbia for a while, tripping the sensors at Priest Rapids Dam. Then apparently she asks for directions, because she doubles back and finds the turn up the Snake, then the Imnaha.

She went by Bonneville Dam, down low on the Columbia, August 5th of 2013 and got back into home waters of the Imnaha River February 15th of 2014. About 6 months to cover about 520 miles, not counting her detour.

Fairly amazing to be able to get this much information. Huh. This age we live in. After analyzing all that data, the important lesson is that every child should have the book ‘Red Tag.’

Other Fish

Guide Tom Farnam relied on his spidey senses and lifetime of steelhead knowledge, rather than electronics, to connect this fisherman with this wild steelhead on the Wallowa River a few days ago. Call and book your own steelhead outing with a Winding Waters guided trip. And check for PIT tags.

Wallowa River Steelhead

The post The journey of 3D9.1C2DCA25C5 appeared first on Winding Waters River Expeditions .

Feeding the ‘Mom Meter’

Tue, 04 Mar 2014 18:25:00 GMT

Adventuring together as a family is vital to my husband’s, my daughter’s, and my personal happiness. It creates so many wonderful memories and teaches us about each other. As head ‘Momma duck’ for our family, safety is the number one concern for my ‘duckling’. When determining whether a trip is safe and age-appropriate for our daughter, I ask many questions and rely on the trust-worthy advice I receive. My ‘Mom Meter’ takes into account all of this information and blends it with my intuition to determine if this adventure is in the green (i.e., appropriate and safe for her). Taking her on an adventure outside of her ability sends my ‘Mom Meter’ into the red and does not make for a relaxing, fun experience.

I have grown to appreciate our company on a whole new level in my role as Momma Duck. We have taken hundreds of families on the river in our 10 years as Winding Waters River Expeditions . And, because of the trust we earn with these families, many have returned to try out all of our rivers with us. Our guide crew, including my husband Paul as a lead guide, are a seasoned group of caring individuals who pay attention to every last detail. But safety is number one. And it’s this attention to safety that has sent many Mom Meter’s into the green.

So here’s a nod to all you adventuring Moms out there who love experiencing new things with your kiddos. I salute you.

Selecting the Right River for Your Family

Tue, 04 Mar 2014 17:19:00 GMT

We offer whitewater rafting adventures on three of the Pacific Northwest’s most beautiful rivers: The Snake River through Hells Canyon , the Salmon River (Canyons), and the Grande Ronde River . Selecting which river is best for your family’s adventure is an important decision. While we have a wealth of information about each river on our website, here are some important questions to consider when looking through these pages on our site:

What are the length of our trips?

What is the minimum youth age for each river?

How active is your family?

What are the type of rapids/river characteristics for each river?

What kinds of hiking/attractions are present on each river?

What are the types of boats/watercraft you use on each river?

We will also ask more questions to help you best select the river for your family. Give us a call today – 877.426.7238 or send us a note . We love our rivers, love our trips, and love talking with you about them.

The post Selecting the Right River for Your Family appeared first on Winding Waters River Expeditions .

Wallowa River Steelhead Fishing Report March 3rd

Mon, 03 Mar 2014 18:59:00 GMT

Art’s Wallowa River Steelhead

Tom had a group of anglers out on the Wallowa River steelhead fishing over the week end. The water was a little higher and browner than we would like but the guys persevered and caught some fish. Art was the lucky one hooking into the Wild Buck Steelhead shown in the photo above. Along with the Steelhead they caught some rainbow trout making for a nice day.

Tom reported seeing a lot of anglers out on the river on Saturday particularly below the Big Canyon hatchery and at the State Park. He found the water to be on the verge of being blown out and 41 degrees. They caught their fish using some heavy nymphs with egg pattern dropper trailing behind. The high flows required some bug flies to get down fast enough to be effective.

We had a very rainy day on Sunday which sent the Grande Ronde River gauge at Troy from about 5,000 cfs to about 8,000 cfs. This will likely have caused the Wallowa to officially blow out today. The weather this week looks like it is going to bring more warm rain to the area so we don’t expect to see the Wallowa River clearing up until early next week. We are hopeful that these big flows will help to bring more Steelhead up into the canyon improving the Wallowa River Steelhead Fishing.

Contact Winding Waters to schedule your next Wallowa River Steelhead fishing trip.

The post Wallowa River Steelhead Fishing Report March 3rd appeared first on Winding Waters River Expeditions .

Wallowa River Spring Steelhead Fishing Season is Finally Here.

Wed, 26 Feb 2014 22:49:00 GMT

Well we have broken the seal on the Wallowa River Steelhead Fishery for the Spring Season. Learn more about the Wallowa River and what makes it one of Eastern Oregon’s most scenic waterways for rafting and fishing. Tom, Mike and Cam went down to fish the Wallowa for the afternoon on Sunday this past weekend. They reported fishing in short sleeves and baseball caps wishing they had remembered to bring more sunscreen. If you’re already planning to explore the Wallowa, you can also check out our Grande Ronde River rafting trips that flow through the same rugged canyons and offer incredible spring scenery.

The water was just as cooperative. Running a little higher than they hoped but clear and very fishable. These same conditions often create perfect flows for guided white water rafting trips once the season hits full swing. They did not give me a water temp but we have to assume it is climbing up out of those cold, cold winter temps into more hospitable fish moving temps with all of the run-off. Warmer water also signals the start of multi-day trips like our Hells Canyon 4-Day Rafting Adventure , where anglers and explorers alike can enjoy big water and dramatic canyon views.

Key Takeaways

Wallowa River Steelhead Season is Open: The spring run has begun, with anglers already reporting active steelhead in the river and excellent fishing conditions.
Ideal Fishing Conditions Emerging: Despite slightly high flows, the Wallowa River remains clear and fishable — a good sign that water temperatures are rising and prompting more fish movement.
Effective Steelhead Fishing Technique: Using a large, heavy Salmon Fly nymph helps reach the strike zone quickly, which is crucial in faster spring currents with shorter drifts.
Watch the River Flows: As the water levels drop, expect fishing to improve even more, making it the perfect time to plan your next trip.
Plan Your Guided Trip: Contact Winding Waters to learn more or book a Steelhead Fishing guide on the Wallowa River for expert local insights and a productive spring outing.

Check Out These Steelhead!

The Buck was 26+ inches in length and the Hen was in the 24 inch range. Both of these Steelhead were caught nymphing with a large heavy Salmon Fly nymph. Tom chose to use this large heavy fly because the flows were a little heavy and he needed to get down into fishing zone fast. It is all about presentation and the most important thing is to get that fly down fast because the drifts are short.

We will just need to keep an eye on the river flows and get down there as the needle begins to drop. The fish should continue to move into our fishing waters with the warm water running off. If you’d like a more personalized experience this season, we also offer private rafting charters where your group can enjoy exclusive access and custom itineraries on our favorite rivers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions anglers ask about spring steelhead fishing on the Wallowa River — from timing and techniques to what to expect on the water.

Learn More

Contact Winding Waters with any questions about Steelhead Fishing on the Wallowa River or to book a Steelhead Fishing guide today.

From Bighorns to Baby Steelhead: One Perfect Day in Hells Canyon

Tue, 25 Feb 2014 20:15:00 GMT

I can’t begin to tell you what a great day I had fishing last week.

OK, I’ll tell you. Let’s break it down.

frostbite the night before

The OK Theater was back in action with a crowd of good folks showing up for the Frostbite Film Festival fundraiser. On the wings of a chipotle chicken burrito, TG beer, great company and cool movies, it was the nicest case of frostbite you could ever hope for. Auction treasures included 4 seats on a Winding Waters day trip and the traditional ski throne, built by Paul Arentsen. He mixed it up this year with child-sized ski chairs.

Morning drive

En route to the Snake River in Hells Canyon , I happened across this band of sightseers.

The good news is they were very docile so I slipped the truck into neutral and quietly took some photos out the window. Appreciative of the bighorn sheep in Oregpn encounter, I began to go on my way.

And that’s when they exploded into activity all the sudden, scattering pell-mell, kicking up heels and that youngster you see on the right clanged into that barbed-wire fence you see there. No backfire from the truck or anything. They just . . . got really really animated all the sudden. Like, really active. As a clump of fur drifted past my windshield I noted the satisfying nature documentary vibe shifting to more of a ‘what-sort-of-monster-are-you’ thing. But, c’mon. They were standing on the road. I . . . anyway, I saw some bighorns.

The Fish

I thought I hooked a submerged branch at first. There was some give, but I was just moving an object underwater. Then the object awakened and it was zzzz-zzzzz-zzzzz. I loosened my drag a few clicks. She took three good runs, throwing in combo moves of diving deep, peeling line, coming right for me, playing possum then springing into action with head shakes. This fish must have seen Footloose, judging by her impressive dance moves.

She took a vaguely prince nymph-ish fly that came off my vise, which means it doesn’t resemble anything from the insect realm nor any regular fly pattern. Some fish just appreciate creativity. Could’ve been a baby steelhead—the fight sure made me think of it. More on this fish later. I’ve got some interesting background info regarding her travels.

the coffee

This was one of those days when catching wasn’t even the linchpin for putting things over the top. It was a combination. Justin Jones and I had a swell morning on the water, then visited with Mike Hale and Larry Aschenbrenner in the afternoon, sipping the best black coffee I’ve had in a while. There are far, far worse ways to spend an afternoon than sipping coffee in good company while staring at the Hells Canyon river.

Oh, deer

Justin headed home to check on his wife and baby. I wandered down the river and lucked into that fish mentioned earlier. Then, this.

Look down at the bottom of this photo and you’ll spy a little forked-horn antler shed. It was smack in the middle of a cobble island, water on either side (keeping with the island theme). So this antler either A) was dropped by a young buck out on the island. Or, 2) got washed down, which is most likely. Or III) a golden eagle plucked it from the brow of the deer, flew off and dropped it there for me to find. I’m going with option 3.

Something about finding that antler gave me the smiles. I’m not good at finding sheds. I usually just walk right on by. This one was in such an oddball place it just felt . . . I dunno. That discovery skyrocketed my satisfaction with getting up that morning and getting outside in the wide world.

Driving out at dusk, I spied a big ol’ buck on the hillside above me. Nice four-point. And that made me smile all over.

Also this

Didn’t hurt that snow was up high, painting the Hells Canyon ceiling. For anyone planning an adventure, don’t forget to check Hells Canyon river permits and the Hells Canyon map before setting out. A trip to Hells Canyon on the Snake River never disappoints.

And then THIS

Young Annie Childress Jones has the nicest mom and dad. Lindsey and Justin let me hold her when I stopped in at their place on the way home from the river. Are you kidding me? A snoozing baby emitting cuteness rays with undertones of baby powder? Man.

So that’s how you have a stellar day of fishing. Wildlife, coffee with good storytellers, find an antler, catch a fish, pictures of Hells Canyon, sleeping baby, dinner with friends. It’s not so hard.

Wallowa River steelhead success

Tom Farnam, Mike Baird and Cam Scott also had success. Here’s Tom’s report card for the day –

These fish were caught on the Wallowa River. We had a big spike in flows a couple weeks back but things have settled and the steelhead fishing Oregon is on.

Plan Your Hells Canyon Adventure with Winding Waters

Whether you're chasing steelhead, marveling at bighorn sheep, or navigating the mighty Snake River in Hells Canyon, Winding Waters has your perfect outdoor escape. Our expert-guided whitewater rafting and fishing trips bring you face-to-face with unforgettable canyon views, wildlife encounters, and once-in-a-lifetime stories.

Book your next adventure with Winding Waters — where nature, excitement, and memory-making flow together.

Discover why adventurers love Winding Waters! Check out our Google Business Profile Reviews to hear what guests say about their unforgettable white water rafting trips.

Top 8 Reasons to Go on a Family Rafting Adventure

Mon, 24 Feb 2014 19:55:00 GMT

Looking for the best family vacation in the natural world? Here are the top 8 reasons we believe a whitewater rafting trip is the best family vacation…ever:

1) UNPLUG: from all of the daily distractions (no cell phones, etc.)
2) RECONNECT: with family, friends, self, and nature
3) FUN FOR ALL AGES: everyone has fun on a rafting trip
4) NO WORRIES: let us take care of every last detail
5) CREATE MEMORIES: to last a lifetime
6) EXPERIENCE WILD PLACES TOGETHER: see some of the Pacific Northwest’s most remote country
7) MEET NEW FRIENDS: our guides & guests are wonderful people
8) LEAVE NO TRACE: of your visit, but let these places leave a mark on your soul

“We just returned from a 3-day 2-night rafting trip (in Hells Canyon) with our family of five (children ages 7, 9, and 11). We tend to be picky travelers but I can honestly say there was not one improvement suggestion that I could make. Everything was perfect, including the food, planning, the guides…everything. We rarely take vacations that are 100% relaxing but this was exactly that. Paul, Morgan & co. were phenomenal across the board, fantastic with our kids, and great all around guides. The one change we will make is to go for longer. 2 nights just doesn’t cut it!” ~Pierre, Portland, OR

Getting away for a bit from the modern, technological world not only enhances a family’s time together, it’s proving to be vital to our well-being. We as humans have a symbiotic relationship with nature. Our mental and physical health is largely dependent on the natural world. And nature’s health is largely dependent on us. We understand that providing positive experiences in nature is vital to our guests’ well-being, and also to the health of our river corridors. Baba Dioum, an African Conservationist stated it best in a speech he gave in 1968:

“ In the end, we will conserve only what we love. We will love only what we understand. And we will understand only what we are taught. ”

Especially when exposed to nature at an early age, our guests will want to return to these natural places for the physical and mental well-being these places provide. And when it comes time to protect the health of our rivers, we know where our guests will stand.

Watch some video testimonials for family rafting with Winding Waters at our YouTube page .

The post Top 8 Reasons to Go on a Family Rafting Adventure appeared first on Winding Waters River Expeditions .

Mike Baird wins cooking gold for Team USA

Mon, 17 Feb 2014 20:20:00 GMT

Winding Waters river guide Mike Baird took home 1st place in the Dutch Oven Olympics Cuisine Contest held Sunday at the Hurricane Creek Grange in Joseph, Oregon. Competition was fierce, with 17 entries vying for supremacy in tasting the best. Goat, halibut, pig, venison, beef and I don’t know how many other representatives of the animal kingdom were combined into stews, chili, this, that and the other thing. All of them tasty.

Baird’s victory recipe involved a fancy-dancy pork roast with Cajun boudin stuffing, infused with a shot of bourbon. The pork slow-danced on your taste buds while the Cajun stuffing swing-danced with your flavor receptors. The whole shebang was artfully arranged in a gargantuan cast iron vessel for an overall effect of gaining two pounds just by glancing at the thing.

Judges Rick Steber and the Chief Joseph Rodeo court making their way through Calorie Alley.

Hosted by Fishtrap, a Wallowa County organization dedicated to promoting reading, writing, but so far has no affiliation with arithmetic – the event was a closing ceremonies for their Big Read event, where a good book is decided on and they do a bunch of cool stuff linked with the story. This year we all read True Grit, the story of an eyepatch starring John Wayne and Jeff Bridges. No, really, it’s a great read by Charles Portis. Read it as soon as you finish reading this.

The finale headliner was Rick Steber, eastern Oregon author who has collected over 15,000 interviews with colorful folks and rarely puts his pencil down, judging by his book catalog that runneth over with an impressive number of titles. (Sidenote: my pal Travis Craig grew up near Steber and his dad Dallas was pals with Rick. Dallas Craig is one of the best story tellers I’ve heard and I remember Travis telling me how when Dallas and Steber got going, it was really something to behold. So I was keen to hear this guy in action and Travis was right. Steber spins homespun yarns like a knitting champion. He even does a convincing old lady impersonation – which is saying something when you’re watching the voice of a 92-year-old woman exit the bearded face of a tall cowboy fella and it’s believable. End of sidenote.)

I never pass up anything involving the Hurricane Creek Grange and dinner. Because this:

What you see here are 4 cubic miles of homemade pies. I mean, really. Never has rhubarb been put to better use.

Mike Baird’s victory in the dutch oven cookoff means several things. It validates the well-known fact that Winding Waters River Expeditions treats it’s guests to outstanding food prepared in a wilderness kitchen. Now one of our chefs can rightly claim dutch oven mastery backed up by recognition in an official cookoff. This also means we’ll never hear the end of it. I can’t wait to not stop hearing about this. Especially because I was one of the people he beat. It doesn’t even matter what recipe I prepared – look at this awesome cast iron cauldron I used. Just look at this.

I really thought I could just pour a box of Honey Nut Cheerios in this thing and walk away with 1st place. But apparently not. Congratulations, Mike Baird. You’re in charge of all dutch oven dinners on the river from now on.

The post Mike Baird wins cooking gold for Team USA appeared first on Winding Waters River Expeditions .

How to get snowed in like a champ

Wed, 12 Feb 2014 00:38:00 GMT

White stuff and little temperatures clamped down on certain parts of Oregon last week. Schoolkids and tow truck owners rejoiced. Others didn’t know what to do with themselves. Here, then, is the Gearboat Guide to handling winter when winter gets serious.

Step One: Make it interesting

Winter travel on icy roads can get exciting. You can cut down on the terror of sliding into things with practical measures like all-wheel-drive, studded tires, the power of prayer and so forth. But even with a highly outfitted winter-ready vehicle, setting out in foul conditions can be tense.

I lucked into a wonderful distraction after starting my truck the other morning so it could warm up while I used a splitting maul to chip the ice shelf off the windshield for 45 minutes. All set, I went to hop in and discovered a floppy door handle because the inner parts had snapped off and it wouldn’t open the door. Fun! My truck was running, the passenger door was locked and the driver’s side door handle was useless, so I got to go on a scavenger hunt for the spare key last used for a shuttle on a river trip. Yay!

After some internet research, I discovered this is not uncommon because auto makers decided easily-breakable plastic was the perfect material to use for door handles. Why waste metal on a part that gets used constantly and locks you out of your vehicle when it breaks? Good choice, makers of auto parts. Way to conserve readily available resources.

Luckily, it’s only a pain in the ass to remove your door panel by breaking a bunch of other easily-breakable plastic parts, then you get access and notice you left the window down, because, you know, if you leave the window down you can reach in to open your door from the inside . . . so Step Two is to go get the door panel and re-connect the electronics so you can roll the window back up. Easy peasy!

Not only did I get the satisfaction of creating new four-letter words, I now know what the insides of a door on a Toyota pickup look like. Put a price on that. (A million dollars if you have the dealership do it, half a million if you hire a mechanic, $120 for the part from Toyota, or $20-something online.)

Enjoy the down-time

Winter is a contemplative time. It’s quiet. No distractions, like the absence of sounds from running water when your pipes freeze. Years ago I swore off ever dealing with frozen pipes again, ever, so long as I live. I’ve done my time. I wrote about this very thing right here a couple months ago, encouraging everyone to call Jay Butts, plumber extraordinaire, not me.

Todd called. His pipes had frozen. This is Todd Kruger, Winding Waters gearboatman extraordinaire, known to many as the nicest guy in the world. I can’t say no to Todd. So I mentioned the plumber Jay Butts. He’d already tried, but Jay was out of town. Damnit.

So a fun way to enjoy winter is to crawl under your house. Bring a friend. Run an extension cord. Prop a space heater next to the problem. Inhale some spider webs. Insulate some pipes. Army crawl through some cat poo. It’s fun.

Boat strap sighting

Before descending through the crawl space at Todd and Tammy’s, I noticed the legs of their ironing board are secured with an NRS cam strap. Evidence below.

Crawl under another house

The very next day I got another call and again, somehow, got convinced to crawl under another house. The good news is that Jacey and Joel now have heat tape installed on the plumbing under their house. The pipes are also insulated and I cleaned out most of their cobwebs and cat poop by collecting those items in my hair and clothing during the process. That’s the good news. In this case, the bad news, for me, is the same.

Special message from Jon Rombach

People of the world: Please, I beseech you, call Jay Butts, plumber, for all things relating to me crawling under a house. Seriously. This is ridiculous. Thank you. That is all.

. . . now where were we . . . ah, yes. Winter.

Go skiing

Possibly the cutest thing I’ve seen lately is the video posted on the Winding Waters Facebook page of Linden skiing with her mom and pop up at our local hill, Ferguson Ridge. (update: upon review, it is definitely the cutest thing I’ve seen lately.)

Here’s a screengrab. For the video, get on over to Facebook and friend the Winding Waters page if you haven’t already.

Go for a walk with Bula

For this winter activity, get a husky puppy. Be friends with her for 16 years. Then go for a walk in the snow. Sure, she doesn’t have the spring in her step she once did, but still gets around just fine and it’s a pleasure to see her romping in her element.

Get someone to build you a snowperson

My niece Anna has a can-do attitude, but recently had to deal with fluffy snow that wasn’t conducive to packing. Her creative solution was to ask her grandmother for help making a few snowballs. Maybe three. Big ones. You know, like . . . about . . . and then she sketched out what she had in mind, which were three nice-sized snow boulders perfect for making a snowman. Nice work, Anna. I like the way you think.

Wood-fired hot tub

I gotta tell you, watching snow pile up from the comfort of a hot tub is the reverse of crawling under a house in spiderwebs and cat feces. I can’t get enough of that hot tub when the snow is coming down. Here’s the view from the tub, steam and all.

Honorable mentions

Other fine ways to enjoy winter when it gets nasty are: Drink hot chocolate. (related: debate mini marshmallows vs. full size). Play board games. (related: debate Monopoly vs. Apple To Apples). Snowball fights (related: aim for makers of plastic door handles).

One last thing. Best way to combat winter’s grip is to think ahead and plan out a summertime river trip. If only we knew of an outfitter based in Joseph specializing in providing the best time you’ve ever had on the water in Hells Canyon, the sandy-beached goodness of the Lower Salmon or the Grande Ronde River. Hmm.

The post How to get snowed in like a champ appeared first on Winding Waters River Expeditions .

Charter Rafting Adventures

Mon, 03 Feb 2014 21:54:00 GMT

Our private charter rafting trips are a perfect way to have the river all to yourselves. For a variety of group types, these adventures are ideal:

Cater the trip to your group needs. We offer trips on each of our rivers: The Snake River in Hells Canyon , the Salmon River , and the Grande Ronde River . From the length of trip, layover days, to menu, we will work with you and your group to create the adventure that meets your needs. And we have group discounts available. Contact us to begin creating your next greatest adventure with your crew.

Ted Williams – best blankety-blank fishing interview ever

Mon, 03 Feb 2014 21:54:00 GMT

Tom Farnam and I have the steelhead lending library in full swing, passing videos and magazines back and forth until the fishing really turns on. My best contribution was the latest copy of The Drake magazine . Newsstand price is, quote, “Five Bucks – $10 for bait fishermen.” I’ve laughed at that enough that it’s worth the subscription just to see that on the cover of a magazine.

Farnam returned the favor by loaning me a pile of his Wild Steelhead & Atlantic Salmon back issues. These things are wonderful. They’re about the size of a road atlas for a nice roomy format. I went right to the cover story – Baseball Great Ted Williams: As Outrageous and Colorful as Ever, on His Favorite Fish.

Key Takeaways

Ted Williams, famed baseball legend and passionate angler, gave one of the most unfiltered and entertaining fishing interviews ever recorded—showing his genuine obsession with the sport.
His colorful storytelling in Wild Steelhead & Atlantic Salmon (Summer 1994) captures not just his salty humor but also his deep respect for releasing fish safely back into the water.
Williams’ legacy extends far beyond baseball—his dedication to fishing, conservation, and outdoor adventure reflects a rare blend of athletic excellence and environmental awareness.
The Wallowa River update highlights the unpredictable nature of steelhead fishing, where persistence, timing, and camaraderie make every trip memorable despite mixed catches.
Passion for fishing, storytelling, and community—whether through legendary figures like Williams or local river outings—remains at the heart of outdoor adventure culture.

Volume 1, Number 2 Summer 1994

Tom has told me tales about Williams before, how he set some baseball record for hitting then hustled past the reporters hoping for interviews so he could hop a plane to get in one last day of fishing on a favorite stream before the season closed. If you love classic Northwest rivers as much as Ted Williams did, you’d appreciate the wild beauty of our Grande Ronde River rafting trips.

This writeup is one of the best things I’ve seen in print. Pretty much a transcript presented raw by Thomas R. Pero. The opening sentence goes like this: “Hell, I can tell you real simply. . . .” Pero has the good sense to stay out of the way and just let Williams talk. And, oh boy. It is colorful. Here’s a sampler, edited for people with tender eyes.

“[Blankety!] I said. ‘[Blank] . . . son of a [bleep] was THAT LONG! I got him on.’ He just sunk right down, stayed right in that slick. . . . So I just wound all the [bad word] line up and got it on my reel. . . .”

“Last year’s camera didn’t have any film in it. The other year’s camera – the guy didn’t know when to take the [bleeding] picture and we never got a picture. That’s all right. I don’t give a [hoot]. The best fish I caught in the last 10 years, I haven’t got any pictures of them. ‘Cause I’m so [blessedly] CONCERNED about getting ’em back in the WATER. You know – hurry up, hurry up, HURRY UP. You get a 30-pound fish and you hold him by the [filth, foul, filth] tail. You’re trying to hold him up. You can’t hold him. It’s kinda tough.”

It’s kinda tough to resist finding out more about this guy after beholding such an interview. It’s not just the unexpected salty language, Williams was full of interesting [things] to say so I ran him through [the] Google. Baseball Hall of Famer considered best with a bat, pretty much ever. Took time out to fight a war. Twice. WWII then Korea. Campaigned for children’s cancer research. Married models. Had his own line of outdoor equipment, sold through Sears. Serious fisherman.

It’s easy to imagine him feeling right at home on one of our Salmon River rafting adventures , surrounded by wild water and big fish stories. You know that thing where people ask who you’d want to go back in time to have lunch with? I’d put rod racks on the DeLorean and see if I could go fishing with Ted Williams. For today’s anglers and adventurers, our private charter rafting trips offer that same sense of freedom and camaraderie out on the water.

Wallowa River update

Got out for an afternoon on the Wallowa River with Mikey Baird and Cam Scott. In an increasingly depressing trend this season, I caught nothing, Cam hooked but lost a big one, up in the 30-inch range, he says (my eyes hurt from rolling), Baird got into whitefish, trout, then I watched him hook this fish immediately after I’d gone through the same water. It looks small. And it is. But . . .

. . . this fish put on a display, rocketing out of the water three times and putting on such a show that we both thought it was closer to the 20-inch range. If this fish ever encounters a bear in the woods, the bear will almost certainly back down because this fish will appear larger than it really is.

Toward the close of day we got this nice curtain closer:

And I got this interesting shot. Looks like Mike’s truck is filled with gravel but really it’s a scree field behind me reflected in the window. Pretty tricky, I know. Don’t ask why I was standing next to Mike’s truck like that.

I said don’t ask. All I can tell you is this tire belongs to me now.

Frequently Asked Questions

This article dives into Ted Williams’ legendary passion for fishing, his famously colorful interview style, and a humorous look at a day on Oregon’s Wallowa River.

The post Ted Williams – best blankety-blank fishing interview ever appeared first on Winding Waters River Expeditions . If you’re itching to swap stories of legendary fish for real-life rapids, check out our guided white water rafting trips this season.

The Gearboat Awards

Tue, 28 Jan 2014 21:19:00 GMT

I put on some old rags and went to a banquet over the weekend. My radio pal Dave Nelson and I read off some announcements for the Wallowa County Chamber of Commerce awards banquet. I’m still wearing the rental tuxedo two days later. I may never give it back. People talk to you differently when you’re gussied up. I’ve been offered equity loans I haven’t applied for and all sorts of perks. Hot tip: invest in a tuxedo and just walk around town in it.

Look at that sky writing in the photo above. I’ve never seen such precise sans serif contrails. Must be the handiwork of Joe Spence.

This business of bestowing awards for best this and that was so entertaining I’m going to start the first annual Gearboat Chronicles Awards. right now. Here’s the first category.

Best Winding Waters Facebook post in the last week goes to WWRE guide Silje Christofferson.

You win, Silje, with the nod to Todd Kruger. King of the ~~Beergoatmen~~ Gearboatmen.

In related news, Silje’s younger brother Nikolai was recognized at the Wallowa County Chamber banquet for his involvement with a youth entrepreneur program. The name of his business was listed as: Man of Steel Recycling. The joke I had on deck was: “Don’t try recycling kryptonite. He wont’ take it.”

Sadly, I didn’t have the microphone during that exchange, and also Nikolai changed the name to Something-Something Steel-Something-Else Recycling. Which totally ruined the joke.

Work with me, Nikolai, work with me here.

Best What The? Award goes to Cameron Scott. Fly fishing phenom. Steelhead necromancer and last person you want to talk to at the end of a fishless day. I stopped by Cam’s new house (it’s nice) and spied a strange device leaning against the wall, not hidden or anything.

Well, well, well. What have we here. A spinning rod? This is like finding a Darth Vader action figure in Luke Skywalker’s toy chest before Luke grows . . . up . . . to . . . anyway – Cam has a spinning rod. He wins a free Blue Fox spinner I found hanging in a branch last week.

Best Cartoon Technology Used on a Gearboat Chronicle: Sara Zimmerman.

Sara is a way-back friend of mine and has many talents. Too many, probably. Should probably give a few back, Sara. She’s a cartoonist, web designer, entrepreneur, fine artist, pioneer in the women’s surf shop industry, mom to a darling girl, Cali (which probably should have started this list . . . let’s start over).

Sara is many things. Foremost a great mom. Check out her Unearthed Comics here , and see below how she put a little talk bubble thing in a photo of Ali I borrowed recently. I liked it.

Worst Use of Cartoon Talk Bubble Things – Me.

Not long after, I was supposed to send a photo of myself wishing happy birthday to my Aunt Donna, who’s got a big party coming up. I thought, well this is the perfect occasion for one of Sara’s cartoon bubbles. But, no. It turns out that is hard to do and beyond my computing grasp. Instead, I did it old school. Mira –

Almost the same, if I could photoshop my hand out.

Best New Business Card – Jay Butts

(Click to enlarge. The bottom line is the real paydirt here.)

Best Morgan Jenkins Sighting – Somewhere in Montana

And, finally, to close out this week’s award ceremony, I give you the Best Frost Display – which was everywhere in Wallowa County the other day.

The post The Gearboat Awards appeared first on Winding Waters River Expeditions .

Book Review: Deep – The Story of Skiing and the Future of Snow

Mon, 27 Jan 2014 17:33:00 GMT

Key Takeaways

Snow and water are inseparable: Rafters and skiers alike depend on a consistent snowpack, linking the future of water-based recreation to the health of winter snowfall and the broader climate cycle.
Porter Fox’s Deep blends passion with urgency: The book captures the heart of skiing while exposing how climate change threatens both snow and the outdoor lifestyles built around it.
Climate change impacts all adventurers: Whether you’re rafting, kayaking, or skiing, Fox’s insights reveal how a warming planet could reshape seasonal flow, snowmelt, and adventure tourism.
A call to awareness and action: Deep inspires readers to understand the science behind snow loss and to support sustainability efforts that protect natural cycles.
For outdoor lovers and storytellers: This independently published book—funded by passionate backers—reminds readers that preserving snow and water means safeguarding the spirit of adventure itself.

As rafters, we are in tune to the water cycle, particularly the liquid portion of this cycle. As guides, we are all closely tied to this cycle and fall in synch with it. Rafters are as dependent on a consistent snowpack in the summer as the skiers are in the winter—especially those heading out ongr. We spend our winters watching the snow pile up and talking about how this will affect our rafting season .

We then spend our summer hoping for a big snow year providing a season of face shots—and strong flows for Salmon River rafting adventures . This is probably why I was drawn to the book Deep: The Story of Skiing and the Future of Snow . The author, Porter Fox , does an amazing job of intertwining riveting and impassioned ski stories together with the story of climate change.  He captures the heart and soul of skiing answering the question: why do people give up everything to devote their lives to it?

The passion that he describes is easily translatable to the world of rafting and kayaking . You can learn more about Hells Canyon and the Snake River ecosystem to understand how these waters depend on snowpack and climate.

This book hit home for us here at Winding Waters and we thought it would do the same with many of you. So if you are looking for a new winter book to help keep you awake past 8:00pm we highly recommend this one. This book was independently published with funds raised through a Kickstarter Campaign They raised $28,807 from 439 backers enabling them to publish the book and go on a promotional book tour.

Check out this Video about the book:

Deep- Part 1 The West – Broadband from deepthebook on Vimeo .

More Official Book Review (from the Deepthebook.com Blog):
In his stunning first book, veteran ski writer Porter Fox captures the 8,000-year-old sport of skiing, the miracle of snow and the shocking truth of how climate change could wipe out both in the next 75 years.

The narrative follows the unlikely rise of skiing from prehistoric Norwegian hunters to nobility in the Alps in the 1800s to present-day freeriders on the vaunted slopes of the Rocky Mountains. On his global tour of the most celebrated mountains in the Northern Hemisphere—from Washington’s Cascade Range to the European Alps—Fox talks to alpinists about the allure and mysticism of the sport and to scientists about climate change and its effect on snow—ultimately finding a story that is far larger than the demise of skiing.

For the seven million skiers in America who dedicate their winters to tracking storms and waking up at dawn to catch the first chairlift, the lifestyle change will be radical. It will likely be far worse for the rest of the world. Fox uses primary interviews and evidence, mixed with groundbreaking scientific studies, to explain exactly how and when the Great Melt will play out—and the tremendous groundswell that is rising up to stop it.

DEEP provides firsthand accounts from skiers and scientists, who are mapping a way to mitigate climate change, reduce human impact on our planet and repair the water cycle. As it turns out, their efforts to save snow and ice might end up saving the world. That same awareness drives our own guided white water rafting experiences , where guests learn firsthand how water and wilderness connect.

Frequently Asked Questions

This book review explores Deep: The Story of Skiing and the Future of Snow by Porter Fox — a passionate look at the culture of skiing and the urgent environmental threats facing our winters.

The post Book Review: Deep – The Story of Skiing and the Future of Snow appeared first on Winding Waters River Expeditions .

C-c-c-cold out there

Wed, 22 Jan 2014 21:21:00 GMT

Winter steelheading is a good test for how tough you are. The results are in and I am not tough. At all. It was so cold on an overnighter last weekend I couldn’t even sleep. I thought freezing was supposed to bring on a sense of euphoria. I was definitely freezing and there was not a single thing even remotely euphoric about it.

Papa Baird, myself, Todd and Tammy and some pals from Portland went on this bone chilling fishing sleepover where I was roused from my rest by all the racket my skeleton was making by chattering. On the bright side, things were beauty-full when the sun was out and we caught steelhead. Had this been a full-blown Winding Waters trip, we’d have had the walltent up and gently wafted warmed air into the sleeping chambers of our guests. But this was not a fully catered Winding Waters trip.

I realize other parts of the country are getting the lower parts of their thermometer exercised these days (where does all the mercury go when it gets down so low?) and we were down there voluntarily . . . but hoowee. Just . . . hoo-wee.

But, like I said, we did catch fish. This one here is wild, and she was a bundle of firecrackers in fish form. The indicator didn’t bob, it started zipping upstream quick as you please, I threw the rod tip up and it was on like Donkey Kong. So fun. One of those where you yell out loud because you just can’t help it, even though nobody’s there to hear you. Whooping it up.

Next slide please. Ah, this here’s a hatchery female that took a purple and black streamer-looking fly. Later that evening we dined on fresh-caught steelhead with lemon, butter and mango salsa stuffing. Mmmmm-mmmmmm.

Then Jack Frost invited all his friends over when it got dark and the suffering began. Of course you know winter steelheading in January is going to be cold. Forecast was for lows in the mid-20s, but camping right next to the river turned that into a bazillion-million mega degrees below zero. Frost started forming on our waders as soon as the sun even thought about going behind the ridge.

Not prepared, you say? To the contrary, I had my zero-degree sleeping bag along, thermarest on a cot for insulation, wearing fleece everything, wool hat . . . even started out in a hot tent thanks to my super-jazzy Kifaru tipi with woodstove. Here we see Baird and my pooch inside the wonder tent.

But that stove requires stoking on a pretty regular schedule and won’t hold a fire all night. I rekindled that bad boy to knock the chill back enough to get back to sleep, lulled by the cries of agony from the other campers who didn’t have the luxury of a woodstove.

Here we see Tony, shielding his eyes from the sight of a sun he thought he might never again see just a few hours before.

But the sun did return, all was right with the world and then you break out the guitars and do a little strumming. Here’s Casey, taking a break from his mission of birding. I think he’s just glad his fingers didn’t snap off while unzipping his tent in the morning.

Of course, one way to circumvent freezing at night is to go steelheading during the day and enjoy Wallowa Valley nightlife before retiring to luxurious guest accomodations. And it just so happens Winding Waters can make that happen. Fish are in the rivers so give Winding Waters a jingle and get after them.

The post C-c-c-cold out there appeared first on Winding Waters River Expeditions .

Ice ice baby

Mon, 13 Jan 2014 21:49:00 GMT

Freezing water is all over the news. People third-degree burning themselves by throwing boiling water into the freezing air only to – what? have it not freeze? I didn’t bother reading further into those headlines. I’m pretty old school about hurting myself in winter. I don’t need to introduce outside factors like boiling water.

From the archives of hurting myself – my favorite ice related injury was pushing a wheelbarrow filled with large firewood rounds over a light dusting of snow covering a sheet of ice on my property. One foot swooped out and boom, down I go. The wheelbarrow also tipped over, introducing gravity, which sent the heavy firewood chunks in motion for the earth – except my hand was in the way. My pinky finger did its best to break their fall, but catching large, heavy masses of wood is tricky at best when you’re distracted by falling on the ice and then getting your pinky broken.

Fun fact: Broken pinkies hurt. A lot. It doesn’t seem like your pinky does all that much, but it turns out almost every single thing you do involves your pinky. You’d be surprised how often you notice this when your pinky finger is broken and the pain receptors are working at full capacity. Thanks, ice!

But frozen water can work in your favor. Here’s a photo from our friend Hilary Valentine’s holiday party, involving a miniature golf course constructed in ice. This one’s a par three.

She also had ice candles placed around the course, made by leaving a hollow in a bucket set out to freeze, then illuminating with a candle set inside. Enchanting.

But let’s talk fishing. As reported last week in my guide to assaulting your friends who catch fish when you do not, Mike Baird and Cam Scott did pretty well a week or so ago in the steelhead arena. So we went back a few days later. I had plans to redeem myself. I took the necessary steps to prepare by smudging my fishing gear with burnt sage, tying a new batch of flies, rigging up a fresh leader, getting a good night’s sleep and making a plan for how I would go about my low water, cold weather tactics.

What I didn’t plan for was ice in the river. In three days the river had dropped. A bunch. And there were ice floes floating along – not big, but small patches about a foot or so square, with thin shelves growing out from the banks. So you had to pick your spots for casting to avoid draping your line over the little islands of ice that would keep your nymphs from getting down into the business district. It was kind of fun, really. You could land your weighted flies in the liquid, then throw mends accordingly.

Here’s a view of a run I’ve had success in before, and thought may be a smart play on account of enough depth for a fish to hunker down in.

The shelf was a problem and I would have needed a twenty-foot spey rod to manage any attempt at a good drift. I tried some big barrel rolls and rodeo mends, but mostly I was just making pretty zig zags on the ice with my line. Entertaining, but not part of the master plan for breaking my no-fish streak.

So I violated the guideline of not tromping around in the water and alerting the fish to my presence. I kicked some strategic holes into the shelf to free up access, launched a big sheet of thin ice into the current and sat down to eat a sandwich and hope any steelhead in the vicinity would forget the commotion. Here’s the shelf pulling away to start its cruise downstream.

And by adapting to the elements, adjusting my approach and being flexible, I was able to successfully maintain my streak of not catching any fish, then walking back to the truck and finding out that Cam Scott did catch fish. Two, if you’re wondering.

It’s fun, this winter steelhead fishing.

But ODFW reports steely activity in the Grande Ronde, moving up into the Wallowa River and folks are catching fish. We’ll keep you posted when it really turns on. In the meantime, watch your step on the ice.

The post Ice ice baby appeared first on Winding Waters River Expeditions .

Uncomfortably Famous: The Buzz Holmstrom Story

Fri, 10 Jan 2014 22:47:00 GMT

“Some people have said I conquered the Colorado. I don’t say so. It has never been conquered, and never will I think. Anyone it allows to go through its canyons and see its wonders should feel thankful and privileged.”

Key Takeaways

Buzz Holmstrom’s Legacy: In 1937, Buzz Holmstrom became the first person to complete a solo trip down the entire Green and Colorado Rivers, marking a historic moment in river expedition history.
A Humble Adventurer: Despite national fame, Holmstrom remained modest—believing the Colorado River could never be truly conquered, only respected and experienced with gratitude.
A Mysterious End: Holmstrom’s life ended tragically and mysteriously in 1946 near the Grande Ronde River, leaving lasting intrigue among river historians and enthusiasts.
A Tribute Through Adventure: Winding Waters River Expeditions offers a historical river journey, The Buzz Holmstrom Story , where travelers can relive Holmstrom’s pioneering spirit through guided storytelling and exploration.
Preserving River History: Events like these celebrate the pioneers of whitewater navigation, inspiring today’s adventurers to explore with respect for nature’s power and legacy.

In that moment the modest Holmstrom, a gas station attendant from Coquille, Oregon, became the first person to complete a solo (52-day) voyage on the 1,100-mile Green and Colorado Rivers . Within days the story of his amazing voyage was in newspapers and on radio stations across the country. Holmstrom, much to his dismay, became uncomfortably famous.

Nine years later, on the evening of May 18, 1946, Holmstrom’s body was found on a game trail downriver from the confluence of the Grande Ronde and Wallowa Rivers – Rondowa. For decades the sad mystery of what happened on the banks of the Grande Ronde River plagued all those who knew Holmstrom.

June 27-29, 2014, join Winding Waters Rivers Expeditions and author/river guide Vince Welch for The Buzz Holmstrom Story: A Historical Journey on the Grand Ronde this spring. Each night Welch, co-author of The Doing of the Thing – the Brief, Brilliant Whitewater Career of Buzz Holmstrom , will recount aspects of Holmstrom’s life, epic voyage through Grand Canyon, and untimely death.

(Mountaineers Books (Seattle, Washington) recently published Welch’s latest effort The Last Voyageur – Amos Burg and The Rivers of the West , an account of another Oregon river runner who left his mark on the history of fast water navigation .)

Frequently Asked Questions

Learn more about Buzz Holmstrom — the humble Oregon river runner whose solo journey on the Colorado River became one of the most remarkable feats in river-running history.

The post Uncomfortably Famous: The Buzz Holmstrom Story appeared first on Winding Waters River Expeditions .

Bourbon with a Splash of Whitewater

Wed, 08 Jan 2014 18:34:00 GMT

Paul Arentsen, co-owner of Winding Waters River Expeditions, grew up in Louisville, KY and, by association, has bourbon in his blood. To honor his hometown’s truly American distilling heritage, we’ve invited a bourbon connoisseur along on one of our Hells Canyon whitewater trips. Jason Brauner, owner of Bourbons Bistro in Louisville knows more about Bourbon than most folks. And we’re excited he’ll be sharing his knowledge with us on our June 20-22, 2014 trip: Hells Canyon on the Rocks: A Bourbon Tour. The ideal vacation for bourbon lovers who savour outdoor excitement, this all-inclusive 3 day, 3 night rafting expedition explores 32 miles through the deepest river canyon in North America.

In the evenings, Jason will share his extensive knowledge of bourbon that he brings from his years of industry experience. He will give us an overall history of bourbon including bourbon tastings. There will be a smooth progression through each evening’s flight. Spaces are limited on this unique bourbon-lover’s vacation. For more information and registration, visit Hells Canyon on the Rocks: A Bourbon Tour or call us at 877-426-7238.

A Short Bourbon History: As the only native spirit to America, Bourbon deserves to be named the “True American Spirit”. Nobody knows for sure who first got the idea to make whiskey out of corn and good Kentucky water to make whiskey. But if corn and limestone-rich water were all it took, Bourbon would have been invented right then as well. But there’s more to Bourbon: it also has to be aged.

In the late 1700’s, Louisville, Kentucky was the epi-center of corn production and whiskey distilleries in the mid-west. To distribute whiskey to other regions, the barrels were generally shipped down the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers to New Orleans and the like. By the time the whiskey reached its destination, aging had turned it an amber color and evened out the flavor so it was smoother, richer, and a whole lot more pleasing to the palate than un-aged whiskey. Through early advancements, Elijah Craig became known as “The Father of Bourbon”. He was the first to burn the inside of oak barrels, which enhanced the flavor of the bourbon.

Today, Kentucky still remains the home for quality bourbon. To learn more about this truly American spirit, join us on our Hells Canyon on the Rocks: A Bourbon Tour.

And want to learn more about the interesting history of bourbon? Here’s a nice article in Forbes India Magazine: The Interesting History of Bourbon Whiskey .

How to handle getting skunked

Mon, 06 Jan 2014 19:47:00 GMT

Mount Joseph through the fog on commute to the river.

I got shut out on a steelhead excursion last week. It happens. My friends, however, were catching steelhead. And not just one or two. A few times they had the gall to do it right in front of me.

Fog gets worse on the drive to the river. Bad omen of things to come.

Cam Scott should be ashamed of himself. At the end of the day he had his three hatchery fish limit all bagged up and ready for seasoning. He had let another hatchery fish go, as it was a wee jack on the questionable side of 20”. Scott also landed two wild fish in the upper-20s. Plus a few other hookups that got off. Ridiculous.

Yeah, great. Reeeeal happy for you.

Fishing cohort Mike Baird, on this same outing, landed three wild steelhead. Great job, Mike!

What a jerk.

While all this was going on I managed to not disturb a single fish. Not a trout. Not a whitefish. I did come into contact with submerged sticks. Hooked a few rocks, bushes, tree limbs, myself. But when reached for comment about my poor performance on that particular day, a spokesperson for the fish released the following statement: “He was fishing that day? Huh. Didn’t know.”

When your fishing buddies run hot and the steelhead just don’t get your drift, it’s tempting to take your frustrations out by assaulting the other fishermen physically. Go ahead. It helps. It really does. They’ll think you’re playing around so don’t worry about telegraphing your punches. Just walk up and begin unleashing haymakers. Remember to rotate your hips, really swivel them and get your whole body into it. And follow through, for Pete’s sake. You’ve got to punch through your target. Aim for several inches beyond your fishing buddy’s smug face. That’s the secret to really getting some power into your blows.

Stay down. You’re done fishing for the day.

Once you’ve gotten that negative energy out, let bygones be bygones and concentrate on improving your performance. The first step to increasing your stats is to level the playing field by removing any evidence that other people have caught fish that day. Easy enough. Just root through the pockets of your friends while they’re still dazed, locate their cameras and delete any photos taken that day. Throw any fish they have kept into the bushes. The raccoons need to eat too.

Now we can focus on what steps you can take to turn it around. Don’t make the usual mistake of wasting time by changing your fishing tactics. Whatever you’ve got tied on is fine. Don’t adjust your depth, target different water or any of that nonsense. Consistency is key. The fish want to be stubborn? Fine. Two can play that game. Just keep doing what you’re doing and they’ll come around.

By being consistent and laying a beatdown on anybody else who catches, or even tries to catch a fish, they will learn to give you first crack at any run. In the absence of other fly presentations, your rig will look that much better and soon you’ll be firing up the grill for tasty, fresh steelhead fillets.

They’re vulnerable here. Optimal time to attack.

If the skunking continues, repeat these steps and think about adding combinations to your punches. If that still doesn’t bring your luck around, you may consider bathing in tomato juice and burning a scented candle. Also remember to wear your lucky boxer shorts, longjohns and any other article of clothing that was on your person during days when you did catch fish. The proper gear is essential.

Hope these tips help. Tight lines. And remember to follow through. Really snap those hips.

The post How to handle getting skunked appeared first on Winding Waters River Expeditions .

Review: ‘Low and Clear’ is good stuff. Watch it.

Wed, 01 Jan 2014 23:22:00 GMT

Been fishing lately? Me either.

Been tying flies for when the ice retreats? Good for you. I’m real happy for you. No need to be smug about it, though. I should be winding up patterns to do something productive while waiting for the fishing to turn back on. But I’m not. My default approach is a frantic session at the vise late at night before an early morning fishing start. It works for me. That way I don’t have near as many flies tied as I hoped and I believe this makes me fish better, out of fear I’ll break off the few decent flies I did manage to get ready. After I lose those, it forces me to go to the bullpen and partially clear out the inventory of crappy-looking patterns that were also tied at the last minute and really have no business going in the water. This sparks a resolve to finally get off my lazy hindquarters in the off-season and tie up a squadron of flies to avoid a shortage in the future.

But thankfully my fishing buddy Mike Baird hooked me up for Christmas with the fishing documentary ‘Low and Clear’ and that’s got me charged up about fishing so let’s talk about that instead. I’ll have plenty of time to sit down at the fly tying bench later.

‘Low and Clear’ follows fishing amigos Xenie and J.T. on a steelhead mission reunion to British Columbia. J.T. is John Townes Van Zandt – son of songwriting heavyweight Townes Van Zandt. Xenie is a flyfishing Jedi figure, famous back in the day, we’re told, for being a fishing powerhouse with intimate home water knowledge and pretty much unlimited access from friendly local landowners.

Fame is an interesting side channel in Low and Clear. You’ve got J.T. being kin to a well known and loved musician – in some circles – and Xenie having some hero status in the fly shop during the time these two guys meet, in the good ol’ days before their Colorado stream access is plastered with No Trespassing signs threatening the law if you slip in to fish.

Yoda introduces J.T. to the force. Rich folks buy up all the riverfront. J.T. has moved back to Texas, got into the boatbuilding business, has a sweet house on the water and a sweet boat to go out fishing on the flats.

They stay in touch and a camera crew is arranged to capture them planning, going on, then reflecting upon a fishing trip. There’s great footage. Nice shots of takes, runs and Xenie landing multiple fish using an indicator with an egg pattern. Cut to despondent casts by J.T. while Xenie hoots at another hookup. Some back and forth about J.T. being dedicated to the noble path of swinging with the spey rod while Xenie enjoys catching a bunch of fish.

Watch it. It’s good.
So good me and Baird are going fishing tomorrow. Water’s cold but at this point I’d be thrilled with hooking a whitefish. Please. At least let me hook a whitefish.Happy New Year from Winding Waters River Expeditions and the Gearboat Chronicles.Look forward to seeing you on the water in 2014.

The post Review: ‘Low and Clear’ is good stuff. Watch it. appeared first on Winding Waters River Expeditions .

Has Santa been good?

Tue, 24 Dec 2013 16:09:00 GMT

Who’s watching the watcher, huh? We all walk on eggshells about making the naughty or nice list, but who’s keeping tabs on Claus, eh? Probably Mrs. Claus, I guess. OK, mystery solved. Go back to your Christmas preparations.

Icy Putt-putt

Friend and party mastermind Hilary Valentine went the extra mile and a half for her annual stocking holiday party by constructing a frozen mini golf course in her backyard. There was a candy cane shaped hole. Ice lanterns. Special score cards. Little tiny pencils. The whole deal. Impressive.

Ice Lanterns

Take a bucket of water. Submerge some smaller vessel inside the water in the bucket and secure it, somehow. I’ve never done this myself so at this point I’m speculating. Wait for it to freeze. Remove smaller thingy. Insert candle inside the hollow and boom, you got yourself outdoor lighting. They’re cool. And apparently an Alaska thing.

Calamity

The Oddfellows Hall in Enterprise is a community hall where all sorts of good things happen. Ballet class. Taekwondo. Music events. It’s also home to the Soroptomist Thrift Store, a Wallowa County fixture that’s like a big garage sale where all the proceeds go to good causes like scholarships and so forth.

A hidden pipe from a decommissioned water fountain of yesteryear froze, burst, sprayed water and made frowny faces. But cleanup and repair efforts were launched and if we’re going to find a bright spot among this unfortunate event, I think we can all agree that it’s the discovery of this ultra-cool stove, seen down in the basement of the Oddfellows Hall. Man, that’s a groovy looking heating device.

Musical Interlude

The song I currently can not get out of my head – get out of my head, song – is Kory Quinn’s Barnyard Stomp. This guy played at Juniper Jam in the Fall and was just in town playing at Terminal Gravity and he’s good. Maybe too good. You should listen to him.

Fight Scene

My niece Claire is a Scooby Doo aficionado. She loves her some mystery solving. As we were loading a DVD to watch Scoob last time I was there, she explained what I would be seeing in this episode and then, as an aside, turned to me and said, “I’m pretty into Scooby Doo,” in exactly the same way somebody might reveal they were an authority on chipped Ming Dynasty ceramics or Impressionist painters who leave a bad impression. Man, that kid cracks me up.

Here’s the dramatic fight scene from a homemade comic book to be released on Christmas morning, starring my nieces and nephews as superheroes that fight all the bad guys from Scooby Doo.

You may wonder why the bad guys are holding ice cream cones. In this particular story line, the monsters are trying to steal all the ice cream in the world. Duh.

Merry Christmas

Wishing all you Winding Waters friends and family just the best Christmas ever.

Here’s one last pic. This here is me and Pablo Arentsen walking back to camp after a day of steelhead fishing on the Imnaha. That was a good day. I want all the days of 2014 to be kind of like that day. Except maybe better fishing. And not as cold. But otherwise that was a pretty great day.

The post Has Santa been good? appeared first on Winding Waters River Expeditions .

Give the gift of holding it together

Wed, 18 Dec 2013 21:21:00 GMT

More proof that boat straps are the greatest thing ever.

Last week gearboat master Todd Kruger again proved he’s one of the nicest guys in the universe by helping me install soffits on a house in the freezing, single-digit cold. Soffet? Soffit? Doesn’t matter how you spell that word, it looks wrong. They’re the thingies covering the underneath part of your roof that hang over the ends. Those deals.

Tools required for the job include: Thermos of coffee. Woodstove in house to warm up next to. Portable table saw. New buckle for my tool belt because it kept coming unclipped. NRS boat straps. And other things like nails and stuff.

A precarious ladder situation got the boat straps out first. Todd thought of this safety measure seen here to help anchor our scene. In temperatures like we were dealing with, had we fallen off the ladder, most likely we would have shattered into thousands of tiny little shards. Nobody wants that.

Back to that problem belt buckle. Thing just wouldn’t stay clipped. Now, I know what you’re thinking. Yes, technically, based on medical definitions taking into account various indexes, I probably qualify, especially in the winter, as being what doctors would call “fatty fatty two-by-four.” Hey, it’s the off season. I don’t really have an excuse for the on season.

But that wasn’t entirely what was going on. I’ve had my nail bags for probably 15 years or more and they always stayed on just fine. The original plastic buckle had a piece break off. Still worked. Still stayed buckled and held up the belt, but in a fit of preventative maintenance I bought a replacement belt with new buckle, threw the old one that still worked into the garbage and – kids, let this be a lesson – the new one was a cheap piece of sh@# and complete waste of money that wouldn’t stay clipped and was making me fly into a very un-holiday spirit-like rage.

Enter boat straps. Threaded a short strap through the loops and voila’. No more fits of rage and Todd and I could get back to soffit hanging.

Originally this photo also pictured the %^&*@#! defective zipper on one particular pair of Carhartt pants that has always refused to stay zipped. The combination of that defective zipper AND defective nail pouch buckle was sending my blood pressure up where there is no gravity and the only beverage is Tang. But removing the faulty zipper part seemed like a good use of the crop feature in the photo editing program. You’re welcome.

Now. This heartwarming tale boils down to another recommendation for everybody on the planet to have their own collection of boat straps. Perfect stocking stuffers. Penny has them in the Boathouse Shop. She also has a ridiculous sale coming up this Saturday. Here’s the update from the Winding Waters page on The Facebooks:

50% off all T-Shirts in the Boathouse Shop this coming Saturday, December 21st.

One Day Only!!

And 30% off all Patagonia wear. 10AM-5PM.

But that’s not all. Check this little item out, which is headed to my wee nephew Jack, who is all of one year old. Water bottle/sippy cup combo? Brilliant, I say. Also available at the Winding Waters Boathouse Shop.

Little Jack’s sisters have guitars and put on some pretty sweet living room concerts. They do some covers, but their original stuff is just fantastic. Young Anna was composing songs in the back of the minivan and my sister overheard a preview of her upcoming single. The lyrics went something like: “If you’re a bad guy/I’ll punch you in the face/If you’re a good guy/I might forget/and still punch you/but just a little bit…..”

(Disclaimer: the parenting of these children is absolutely top-notch, discouraging violence and all that . . . it’s just . . . c’mon, those lyrics are adorable. She probably was inspired by Pixar movies. They’re so violent.)

The girls use a shoelace for a guitar strap on their acoustic Barbie guitars. I got them some fancy-dancy guitar straps for Christmas, with cardboard box packaging that looks like this:

So good luck with your last minute shopping. Here’s some pretty Wallowa Mountains and clouds to look at:

The post Give the gift of holding it together appeared first on Winding Waters River Expeditions .

It’s cold enough for me

Mon, 09 Dec 2013 20:06:00 GMT

The top two conversation topics trending in Wallowa County right now are: frozen plumbing and whether or not it is cold enough for you.

I won’t have anything to do with the frozen pipes topic. It’s imperative to remove yourself at the first sign of a person mentioning frozen pipes. Do not engage. Immediately break off eye contact, turn and flee, making damn sure you are not followed. The penalty for ignoring this advice may be later finding yourself crawling under their house through spider colonies and cat poop to help fix the problem. I’ve been there and don’t ever want to go back. Never, ever.

Jay Butts is a plumber based in Joseph, Oregon. Call him with any and all situations involving plumbing. My own home water delivery system is swaddled, heat-taped and freeze-proofed to a degree that I shouldn’t ever again have to crawl under there in the freezing cold. Never, ever. I have said that at least two other times, but this time I feel confident.

As to whether or not it is cold enough for me: Yes, as a matter of fact it is. Thank you for asking.

With overnight lows reaching you’ve-got-to-be-kidding-me below zero and daytime highs up to seriously?, my main source of exercise has been bracing myself for the short commute to and from the woodpile to pitch more fuel into the reactor.

Happy Birthday Penny
Penny claims to have gotten older, although she continues to defy the aging process and you wouldn’t know it. A swell time was had by all at the party in the boathouse and here’s a super-blurry picture taken right after the blowing out of candles to prove it.

This new boathouse thing is really working out. Not only is it a sweet home base for running whitewater rafting trips out of, it’s just a spectacular setting for throwing parties. There was also a ski waxing clinic held in the quonset hut over the weekend.

That mural outside the boathouse let me exercise the sign painting brushes I hadn’t used in 10 years, then recently I was asked to get them back out to make copies of an old hand-lettered sign. Little shaky. That’s definitely not like riding a bike after taking a long break. But I made a stab at it.

Morgan has been over in Montana, making ceramic art. I hear he’s back in town for a ski patrol refresher.

Todd’s been volunteering up at the local ski area and also involved with a project to make handmade snow shoes. More on that later.

I made a trip over to central Oregon and got Craig Nichols on the phone, though plans to sit down and catch up with the singing cowboy will have to wait for next time.

For a view of water that is not frozen, we have here the ultra aquamarine of the Metolius at Wizard’s Hole, or Hogwarts Narrows, or whatever they call this patch of snazzy water.

Everyone hip to the magic trick with the panorama feature on your phone? Click this below to see what I’m talking about. Start taking a pano shot with your friend Jude on the left wearing a green hat. Move the camera to the right and have Jude run around behind you so he’s magically there when you finish panning to the right. Boom.

From the archives, we have here a cute picture of my sister Jennifer and I being all cute standing in front of a big ol’ tree. As seen on the refrigerator at Mom and Dad’s house over Thanksgiving.

Be good. Stay warm and don’t let your pipes freeze.

The post It’s cold enough for me appeared first on Winding Waters River Expeditions .

Snake & Salmon confluence

Thu, 21 Nov 2013 18:21:00 GMT

Give this photo here a click to enlarge. What you see there is the rivers confluence where the Snake and Salmon Rivers collide—an awe-inspiring sight that highlights the raw beauty and power of rivers in Idaho. Taking pictures in remote areas with telephones. It’s all a little Captain Kirk-y.

For those curious about what is river confluence, it's the point where two or more rivers meet and combine their waters. In this case, it’s where the might of the snake river in oregon meets the heart of the idaho salmon river. This confluence is one of the scenic highlights you might see while enjoying one of our Whitewater Raftings trips through this majestic canyon country.

Journey Along the Snake & Salmon Rivers

T his view captures a wide-angle take of the landscape around the lower Salmon River , and yes, that’s Mike ambling through the frame on the left—iphone distortion and all. The snake river idaho winds through rugged canyons, its course often traced on a snake river map washington or in paddlers’ minds as they explore the path of snake river through Oregon, Washington, and Idaho.

For reference, where does the snake river start and end? It begins in Wyoming and travels through Idaho before forming the border between Idaho and Oregon, and finally joins the Columbia River. For those keeping tabs, where does the snake river end? In the Columbia River in Washington state.

This is also prime territory for snake river salmon fishing, though the steelhead season has seen its ups and downs this year. Still, we hold out hope each time we cast.

Remember when a panorama involved taking a b unch of pictures left to right, getting your film developed and then taping the choppy results together? That was kind of fun, now that I think back.

Remember summer? Here’s a suntan comparison taken during an impromptu Winding Waters staff meeting at Terminal Gravity pub. Ed is in there. Brian Murphy. Baird. Silje. And, um . . . I guess the other arm was just an arm we found lying around.

Those arms really don’t look to tan, truth be told. But if I compare with my arm now – Gah! Blinded.

Journey Along the Snake & Salmon Rivers

This view captures a wide-angle take of the landscape around the lower salmon river, and yes, that’s Mike ambling through the frame on the left—iphone distortion and all. The snake river idaho winds through rugged canyons, its course often traced on a snake river map washington or in paddlers’ minds as they explore the path of snake river through Oregon, Washington, and Idaho.

This is also prime territory for snake river salmon fishing, though the steelhead season has seen its ups and downs this year. Still, we hold out hope each time we cast.

And on a recent-ish fall launch for steelhead. There’s Todd on the right, next to Morgan.

On the subject of steelhead, the catching has been slim. Season got off to a fairly rip-roaring start but has sure quieted down. Went out last Friday with Cam Scott and he broke the spell with two hatchery males.

Here’s an action shot.

Bonus activity this week: Name this exotic creature that has bright markings evocative of some African savannah dwelling gazelle like thing.

Ah, it’s just a whitetail deer that was in my yard. But, man, that is quite the colorful coat there.

The Rivers of Idaho: Wild, Scenic, and Unforgettable

You’ll find an incredible range of Idaho rivers flowing through mountain valleys, canyons, and open ranges. From the Clearwater River in Washington to the Idaho Snake River, this state is home to some of the West’s best waters for recreation.

Use a lower Salmon River map to trace your next route or daydream about the elevation of Salmon, ID, a charming town near many rafting put-ins. Whether you're drawn by the river flows in idaho or seeking a river of idaho to explore, there's no shortage of adventure.

Rafting the Seasons: What to Wear & Pack

Spring and Winter Rafting

If you're considering rafting in april, layering is key. Yes, there’s even winter rafting, and those who try it love the solitude and crisp air of a winter river rafting trip.

Wondering what to wear white water rafting? You’ll want proper river rafting attire like a dry suit or wetsuit, especially in colder months. And yes—do you wear a wetsuit white water rafting? Often, yes! It's smart, especially early or late in the season.

Don’t forget a white water rafting helmet, water rafting safety equipment, and shoes designed for rafting—what shoes for white water rafting depends on water temps and terrain.

Warm Weather Essentials

When the weather warms, your water rafting outfit can be lighter. Still, always check the conditions. If you're new, read our tips for whitewater rafting, tips for raft safety, or explore our raft beginners guide .

What should I wear white water rafting and what to bring water rafting are common questions. The answer? Quick-dry clothing, sun protection, and a sense of adventure.

Whether you’re chasing the thrill of whitewater rafting , mapping out the lower salmon river, or wondering what to wear for rafting, we’ve got you covered.

Curious what makes Winding Waters rafting trips so memorable? Our guests share their thrilling experiences—check out our Google Business Profile Reviews!

Budding Special Trip Concepts for 2014: Bourbon and Music

Wed, 13 Nov 2013 19:25:00 GMT

Live Music and Bourbon on the river, sounds good right? Introducing our 2 newest trip concepts in development for 2014.

The first idea, called the Arcadia Wilderness Concert Series, was brought to us by guide and working musician Kai Welch , an Eastern Oregon native living in Nashville, TN. Kai’s concept is to invite outstanding guest musicians to provide entertainment during the trip. A portion of the proceeds will go to a wilderness-oriented organization to be determined. Here’s a video clip this summer in Hells Canyon with Kai (center), Ashley Campbell , and Nat Smith as the Hells Canyon Trio performing one of Kai’s original songs, Sweet Abandon:

Imagine a river trip accompanied by amazing music like this! Stay tuned for announcement of the 2014 band and registration information.

The second idea focuses on Bourbon . This trip concept traces back to Paul’s Kentucky heritage. This idea was born as we were making bourbon eggnog in our good friend Jason Brauner’s restaurant kitchen last Thanksgiving in Louisville. Jason is owner and founder of the first bourbon-centered restaurant in Louisville, called Bourbons Bistro . He will join this whitewater trip in 2014, bringing with him a variety of bourbons to taste and his wealth of knowledge of their origins. In addition, Jason will work with us to pair the menu to compliment the bourbons he brings for us to sample.

We are so excited about each of these trips! More information coming soon on both. If you’re interested, drop us a line . We also have a variety of other Featured Trips scheduled for 2014.

The Birth of the Quonset Hut, A Spiritual Carpenter’s View

Wed, 13 Nov 2013 17:53:00 GMT

Key Takeaways

The Quonset hut, first developed near Quonset, Rhode Island during WWII, became a symbol of durable and efficient military architecture that blended functionality with nature-inspired design.
Built with an arched, clam-shell structure , the Quonset hut’s curved form offered superior strength and wind resistance—ideal for extreme environments like Greenland’s icy conditions.
Larry Haun’s personal experience as a Navy Seabee revealed the hut’s practicality and spiritual resonance, showing how purposeful design can connect humans more closely with nature.
His reflections in Greenland highlighted the environmental impact of human activity , emphasizing the importance of mindful construction and minimal pollution.
The story reminds us that simplicity, adaptability, and respect for nature are enduring lessons from the Quonset hut’s legacy and Haun’s journey as a “spiritual carpenter.”

In honor of Veteran’s Day and the 1 year anniversary of our Boathouse, we thought it appropriate to honor both our service men and women and our Boathouse’s history.

Adapted from Larry Haun’s (1931-2011) blog, A Carpenter’s View:

“My Story: The Quonset Hut”

“ I want to do with you what the spring does to the cherry tree. ”
–Pablo Neruda

The Quonset hut was born in one of our many wars. In many ways this hut is an icon of WWII especially in the Pacific war theater. Yes, that’s what they call it–theater. The problem of housing the huge number of military personal along with storing materials needed to wage a massive war was vast. Today, that same spirit of teamwork and engineering can be seen in modern projects, from bridges to guided white water rafting expeditions that test both strength and collaboration. Inventive minds quickly found a solution and started producing this oval, metal building near Quonset, Rhode Island, from whence comes its name.

Sometimes we get things right and build like nature does. There is a natural way of being that seems to be unknown or simply ignored by us. We build our houses in straight and square lines. Where do we see this in nature? The Quonset hut is an exception. This strong, stable, half-round structure is shaped like a clam shell, the long-house of the Iroquois People, or the curved home a turtle carries around on its back. Its natural curves remind us of the geological wonder carved by rivers like the Snake River in Hells Canyon .

I was a journeyman carpenter so I joined a reserve unit of Navy Seabees, a construction battalion (much like how small groups join our special interest rafting trips today, each member bringing a unique skill to the adventure). It wasn’t long after that, in Oct. 1951, that I was called up for two years of active duty. I was sent to boot camp at the large naval base in San Diego and trained in the art of war.

From San Diego, I went to Port Hueneme, north of Los Angeles, for further training in construction. It was at this base that I encountered rows of the versatile Quonset hut set up for hundreds of different uses. I lived there in a hut for three months. This base is a training and staging area for military construction workers being prepared to build and fight in a war zone. I was there with a battalion of young men, more than seven hundred of us, all scheduled to be sent to Korea.

Maybe someone can help me understand what came next. It happened near the end of our training. We were preparing our gear to ship out to the Korean Peninsula when I was approached by an officer I had never seen and did not know. He came up to me with one question: “Do you want to go to Korea?” I answered—well, no, not really. He turned and left. I and one other recruit from Indiana, received orders to report to the Seabee base in Quonset Point, Rhode Island! Everyone else was headed for the war zone. I’m serious, what was going on here?

Quonset Point, the home of the Quonset hut. There I was placed in another battalion and we were soon on our way to Newfoundland, an island province off the coast of eastern Canada, to build landing strips and a new base post office.

The six months in Newfoundland passed quickly and we returned to Rhode Island. That rhythm of seasons and travel reminds us of the steady pace of rivers like the Grande Ronde —quiet stretches punctuated by moments of excitement. Again it happened.

Shortly before we were ready to leave for Cuba, another officer came to me. He said that there was a special group that had been undergoing survival training in Canada and were preparing to leave shortly for an experimental task on the Greenland icecap. The carpenter who was part of this small group had an appendectomy and wouldn’t be going on this expedition. Would I be willing to take his place?

The fringe benefits of growing up in Nebraska: Maybe he asked me because my records showed that I came from western Nebraska where winters can be almost as bad as those in Greenland. I said yes. The nine member group I joined had three mechanics, an electrician, a cook, two equipment operators, an officer, and me the carpenter.

It was called the US Navy Seabee Hardtop Detachment and left for Greenland around Christmas time, 1952. Greenland is the world’s largest island about three times the size of Texas. The Greenlanders have home rule, but the island is still owned by Denmark and is mainly covered by a thick, now rapidly melting, ice sheet.

We arrived at Thule air force base located on the west coast of Greenland about half way between the Arctic Circle and the North Pole. We stayed at the airbase for a time, preparing to set up our camp about thirty miles out on the icecap. Our project was to see if the nine of us could use heavy equipment to build an airstrip on the ice that would support the landing of wheeled aircraft.

Four of us were transported out to our station on the ice cap. Besides us, the plane carried basic supplies, two tents, small stoves, fuel, food, and bedding to begin camp setup. We landed, looked around, unloaded our gear, and began to set up our tents. We cut blocks of ice-snow to form a wind barricade and a place for our toilet, had some food and crawled into our sleeping bags.

The two Jamesway huts, each 16 ft. x 16 ft., came in 1,200 pound packages. We opened the boxes and set them on the 2×12 foundation bolting them together to make the floor. The ribs were made from wood and joined together to form an arch. Each arch was attached at each end to the floor by a bolt. Each arch was attached to the next one by a spacer that hooked the two together.

Once we had all the arches in place, we began covering them with the insulated blankets that measured 4 ft. wide. These blankets attached to the ribs, to each other, and to the floor to keep them in place. The ends of the hut were also covered with insulated blankets that had a vent for air circulation and an entry door. We had practiced putting them together back at the airbase so even though we were working in -0 degree weather, we had the first hut in place in less than three hours. When you are in the middle of Greenland, you may not have the luxury of building slow.

In less than a week we had the two huts in place along with stoves for heating, cooking, and melting ice to use as drinking water. Our two small stoves, burning diesel fuel, made me realize how little it takes to pollute our environment. Within a short time, the endless snow and ice around our living space was coated with black soot. It helped me to understand the impact a million gas burning cars and hundreds of coal fired plants generating electricity has on the quality of air we breathe in our cities and throughout our country. City folk must have lungs the color of the blackened snow.

Rounded buildings work much better in this cold, windy climate than those with a flat side like a regular house. Nature always finds efficient shapes—just as the Salmon River carves elegant curves through Idaho’s rugged wilderness. The wind blows up and over their tops. Once all our buildings were complete we were quite warm and cozy. It wasn’t long before our home was further insulated by snow and ice particles that drifted over the huts.

We staked out an airstrip less than a mile away and began work. We organized ourselves, working 4 hours on and 4 hours off, keeping at the airstrip building task 24 hours a day, seven days a week. We seldom shut the engines off on our two small caterpillars. We used the Cats to pull an ice pulverizing machine up and down the landing strip breaking the ice into smaller and smaller particles and then compacting all with a heavy roller. Hard work, but at least I wasn’t expected to kill Koreans. For that I am forever grateful.

We had instruments to test the depth and degree of hardness of the airstrip to see if it would support a wheel landing of a C-47. Once the desired hardness was reached, we radioed the pilot at Thule airbase to give it a try. He arrived in an unloaded plane and safely landed, took off, and landed again on wheels rather than skis without incident. I guess we, like our former president, could say: “Mission accomplished.”

The dangers that we met in that frozen part of the world helped me to see that we are part of nature not its master. Life there was one of survival unencumbered by a truckload of things that clutter our lives and keep us from being who we really are. And who are we really? I remember what an woman told me once: “I am just an old woman trying to live simply and be loving toward myself and others.”

All paths, in the end, lead to the same graveyard. Living in the far north taught me to follow a path that allowed me to wake up, be present and in touch with my heart. Please tell me, what else is there in life?

To learn more about Larry’s interesting life, the New York Times wrote a great piece on him before he died in 2011. The Carpenter’s Carpenter .

Frequently Asked Questions

Explore the fascinating story behind the Quonset hut — a wartime invention that became a symbol of resilience, ingenuity, and simplicity, as told through the reflections of master carpenter Larry Haun.

The post The Birth of the Quonset Hut, A Spiritual Carpenter’s View appeared first on Winding Waters River Expeditions .

Minam to Troy Polar Express

Mon, 11 Nov 2013 20:25:00 GMT

A gaggle of Winding Waters guides hopped in the boats for a late season run down the upper Grande Ronde roadless stretch, with a weather forecast written by Stephen King and enough longjohns to stretch from here to the moon.

Todd, his lovely wife Tammy and their canine family members Indigo and Lil’ Bear. Morgan Jenkins and his six drybags of foul weather gear. And myself, with Bula the 16-year old Wonder Dog.

Photo by Hal Morello, using Tammy Knorr’s phone, which I then got off the facebooks.

Fishing was challenging. We covered gorgeous water and convinced some trout and whitefish to come out and play, but steelhead were aloof to the point of taking on the character traits of mythical creatures. We did talk to one guy who was obviously a liar by claiming to have caught a few.

Action seems to be down lower around Troy and thereabouts. Conventional wisdom has everyone waiting for another rain. Water temp was 38 when I checked. Air temperature looked like this:

Really very pretty to be down there with the snow and all. Then it would clear off and do this:

My elderly dog can’t hear much these days, and her vision seems a bit cloudy. Nothing wrong with her schnoz, however, as evidenced by her sniffing out this elk carcass upstream and trotting off to inspect, then eat, whatever was on the wind. This was a spike elk. Dunno what brought on its demise.

One of the things my dog can’t hear is her fur being singed. I became the proud owner of a Kifaru tipi this rafting season and just love that thing to pieces. Literally. I got this tipi used and it had a few pinholes and small rips in it that I put some patches on, but on this last trip I heard a sickening tearing noise while applying tension to set it up. The resulting tear, down near the peg loops, was significant. Then later that night it became moreso when my trusty dog tried to use it as a dog door, found it wasn’t quite large enough and enlarged the rip to fit her size by throwing her head around. Big sigh.

Photo by David Jensen. Man, that guy’s good.

But back to her fur being singed. The tipi has a little woodstove that is far more handy than sliced bread. Love that thing. Revolutionizes cold weather camping. But it’s kind of a full-bore or out proposition and while the stove was glowing orange with a cheery blaze, my beloved dog would lay down right next to this pocket furnace, then lean over and I’d hear the sizzle of her husky fur being melted. Tips of her ears. Tail. Fur on her back. She never got burned-burned. Never felt anything. Just got confused when I’d shout and push her away from the stove. Her bed was well away from the stove and all that. It’s just difficult to tell a dog they can’t lie down next to something warm, even for their own good. She looked like she’d played a game of tag against people using hot irons by the end of the trip. Maybe Kifaru makes a collapsible dog barrier to go with their other stove accessories.

Here’s some little white dots that are mountain goats. There’s also the faint blush of a rainbow in there, but you kind of have to squint. You have to work for it on this photo.

Cold and snow aside, always a pleasure to be on the water. Well. Except when you’re on the water and ice is sharing the raft with you. But it’s a pleasure once you get to camp and get the little woodstove going, provided your dog isn’t being singed. Then it’s a pleasure.

Here’s one more shot of what the GR looks like once the clouds break and the pretty pours in.

The post Minam to Troy Polar Express appeared first on Winding Waters River Expeditions .

Grande Ronde River Steelhead Fishing Report Nov 1

Sat, 02 Nov 2013 23:49:00 GMT

Grande Ronde River Steelhead

Tom had a wonderful day on the river yesterday. HIs client Mike caught a nice 28 inch Wild Grande Ronde River Steelhead Buck. They found the river to be clear but cold. The water temps were holding around 40 degrees F and the River Flows are 843cfs. Mike was new to Steelhead fishing so considering that and the water temps they chose to nymph most of the day. Mike caught this fish on a size 12 tungsten head prince nymph with red wings about 6 miles downriver from Troy.

I do think the best Grande Ronde River Steelhead fishing has yet to come. Today it actually started to feel like Steelhead season with a rainy cold front moving in. We are looking forward to a great November on the Grande Ronde River. We are looking forward to a great November on the Grande Ronde River and another season of unforgettable Grande Ronde River Rafting adventures . The October crowds are subsiding and the fish should be continue moving into Oregon waters.

Key Takeaways

Grande Ronde River steelhead fishing is improving as colder weather moves in, signaling the start of peak November conditions for anglers.
Water temperatures are around 40°F with flows near 843 CFS , making nymphing an effective strategy for targeting steelhead.
Successful catches, like Mike’s 28-inch wild steelhead buck , show that even beginners can hook quality fish with proper technique and fly selection.
October crowds have thinned out, providing quieter stretches of river and better opportunities for anglers heading into November.

Guides from Winding Waters River Expeditions continue to explore the river, offering firsthand updates and insights for future steelhead fishing trips .

Morgan, Jon, Todd and Tammy just launched on a 5 day trip from Minam to Troy . This is their guides only trip celebrating a long Rafting and Fishing Season. They felt the need to get down there after running all of our Supported Steelhead trips this October. Our team spends the season leading guided white water rafting trips and fishing expeditions throughout the Pacific Northwest. It says a lot that they still want to be down there after working down there for the month of October. I should have a report from them for you on Wednesday.

Please feel free to leave your own reports in the comment fields below. If you’re planning your own group river experience, consider booking one of our private charters for a custom-guided adventure.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions anglers have about steelhead fishing on the Grande Ronde River in early November.

The post Grande Ronde River Steelhead Fishing Report Nov 1 appeared first on Winding Waters River Expeditions .

Grande Ronde River Steelhead Report October 31

Thu, 31 Oct 2013 19:07:00 GMT

2013 Grande Ronde River Steelhead

Tom was down Steelhead fishing on the Grande Ronde River yesterday with Jake. Jake successfully landed 2 Steelhead including this wild hen. As you can see in the photo the weather has been amazing on the Grande Ronde River. The majority of the Steelhead we have been catching have been caught Nymphing this season. This is different from years past but we don’t really have an explanation for this. We will continue nymphing and swinging and keep you posted.

Tom is heading back down again tomorrow so I will let you know how he does. In the meantime have fun chasing those Grande Ronde River Steelhead. The season is still young.

Happy Angling.

The post Grande Ronde River Steelhead Report October 31 appeared first on Winding Waters River Expeditions .

Lower Salmon 5-day cast & blast

Tue, 29 Oct 2013 20:47:00 GMT

Anyone who’s fished for steelhead knows the frustration of finding a promising stretch of water, only to think: I don’t have time for this. I’ve got to scoot along to camp and ready the melted chocolate fondu for dessert after preparing the fresh pear reduction with brown sugar and a touch of cinnamon to accompany grilled porkchops for tonight’s dinner.

Classic winter steelhead fishing scenario.

Friends, I’m here to tell you there’s a better way. Introducing the Winding Waters River Expeditions steelhead support camp program. The most helpful fishing innovation since loop connectors.

You concentrate on hooking the fish of a thousand casts with a fewer number of casts while a team of commandos from Winding Waters forges ahead to establish comfort amongst the wilds. A heated wall tent appears when you row around the bend at each campsite. Hell, we even heat the outdoors for you with a cheery fire outside the heated wall tent. There’s chairs to sit on and everything. Deluxe open-air restroom facilities await, and if the fishing isn’t quite perfect right from camp we get an intern to swim out with a snorkel to rearrange rocks and create holding water to match your casting approach. It’s the little touches that make all the difference.

Last week we dispatched crews to both the steelhead mecca of the Grande Ronde River in eastern Oregon and the Lower Salmon in Idaho. Here’s the view from one of our Lower Salmon camps, with yonder hills touched up by Nature’s photoshop.

A fine group of gents were in this posse, organized by Spencer Beebe, founder of Portland-based Ecotrust . Some of these fishers had been on Grande Ronde trips with us in the past, though Bobcat here, pictured below, was a new acquaintance.

Ed and Spencer in Blue Canyon.

These guys taught Paul and I a card game known as “Oh Hell,” which is a little racy compared to the names for card games I played growing up. Although I did learn a somewhat similar game in Tijuana years ago which translates something like, “&*^%$#ing @#${&%-da.” Similar rules, but in the other version the loser has to cut a finger off.

These guys were nice enough to spot Paul and I some points and let us win the occasional hand. Here they are, either plotting game strategy or looking at new fly patterns to try out. Same thing, essentially.

“I call this one The Visiting Mother-In-Law. It triggers a response to lash out.”

About that heated wall tent. The tent we were using belongs to Wallowa County outdoorsman Dave Yost. The stove jack appeared to have been recently installed. That’s the part where the pipe from a wood stove passes through the fabric. In theory, this is made of material that withstands high temperature. In practice, Dave Yost should probably skip ahead and not read this next part because the stove jack material on his tent had more of a melting reaction to heat, rather than a withstanding tendency. Hmm. It was also stinky. Pee-yeww.

But this is the West. Where ingenuity, crumpled beer cans and a roll of tin foil can get you through virtually any difficult situation. So we engineered a heat-diffusing coupler bearing and got back to the business of playing cards.

You can start reading again, Dave.

Here’s the view fishing from the confluence of the Salmon and Snake rivers.

Paul gets flippant.

And the scene from Skeleton Creek on the Lower Salmon, with Spencer’s boat in the foreground.

Great to see that stretch of lovely river with all those colors perking things up.

Get yourself down on the Grande Ronde right now and get after some steelhead. They’re moving up and we’ll also be fishing the Wallowa River before long. Contact Winding Waters for guided trips.

See you on the river.

The post Lower Salmon 5-day cast & blast appeared first on Winding Waters River Expeditions .

Why We Fly Fish

Wed, 23 Oct 2013 18:31:00 GMT

A friend recently shared this amazing fly fishing video from Kitchen Sink Studios. It’s a short clip about the essence of the sport. Granted, it’s based on fishing in the Grand Canyon, but you will understand the universal love. Check it out:

Vermillion from Kitchen Sink Studios ®, INC. on Vimeo .

The Steelhead are biting. Our Fully Guided Day Trips on the Grande Ronde are in full swing. Book one now and experience the passion in this video.

The post Why We Fly Fish appeared first on Winding Waters River Expeditions .

14 sandwiches, natural splendor and steelhead fishing

Tue, 22 Oct 2013 02:11:00 GMT

Even the view from the gas pumps is pretty in Joseph, Oregon. Look at this. Ridiculous.

And then . . . and then, while Paul, Jared Wilcox and I were driving down to pick up Mo, Todd and a merry band of steelheaders fresh off the Gronde Ronde River from a 5-day fishing float, the goldang morning light was gussying up the goldang mountains in front of a goldang picturesque barn and it’s just . . . it’s just pretty out here this time of year.

What? You want the view in the other direction? Fiiiine. Here’s the Seven Devils, looking over at Idaho.

There you go. Ridiculous.

Want to see what the forest around Wallowa County looks like right now? I’m warning you, it’s ridiculous.

Goldang western larch turning a beautiful golden hue. I don’t know how much more natural splendor I can take. I’m up to here with the splendor.

Busy-busy in the boathouse this week, as Morgan and Todd packed for another Grande Ronde River steelhead trip and Paul and I rigged for a 5-day cast & blast extravaganza on the Lower Salmon River in Idaho with Spencer Beebe and his hunting and angling associates.

Want to see what making 14 sandwiches for two steelhead trips looks like? Fine.

Ridiculous.

Steelhead are running and guide extraordinaire Tom Farnam can take you to them. Give Winding Waters a jingle and get out there on the water.

Parting shot is a pack of Joseph town pet deer lingering around the driftboat.

The post 14 sandwiches, natural splendor and steelhead fishing appeared first on Winding Waters River Expeditions .

Grande Ronde River Steelhead Oct 17

Thu, 17 Oct 2013 17:21:00 GMT

Tom fished the Grande Ronde River near Troy with a client on Tuesday and found the conditions to be perfect. This was reflected by the number of anglers he encountered fishing. The word is out that Steelhead are in the Oregon waters of the Grande Ronde. Tom did not see much Steelhead action on Tuesday. They caught Trout and Bull Trout but no Steelhead.

The Grande Ronde River Steelhead Creel Report from last week reported catch rates of 10.8 hours per Steelhead in Washington and 15.4 hours per Steelhead in Oregon waters near Troy. There have however been some great reports of folks catching up to 8 Steelhead in a day.

We did launch our first 5 Day Grande Ronde River Supported Steelhead trip yesterday. The group launched under sunny skis from the Minam boat launch. They will be off of the river on sunday so expect a full report on Monday from their trip.

Grande Ronde River Steelhead Update Oct 14th

Mon, 14 Oct 2013 18:52:00 GMT

I have some positive news to report from last weeks steelhead fishing on the Lower Grande Ronde River . The steelhead fishing conditions are perfect with the flows holding steady in the 900cfs range and the water temperature holding right around 50 degrees F. These are ideal conditions for swinging and waking flies for Steelhead on the Grande Ronde River .

Key Takeaways

Ideal Steelhead Conditions: The Grande Ronde River is holding steady at around 900 CFS and 50°F—perfect for swinging and waking flies for Steelhead.
Improving Catch Rates: While still below seasonal averages, anglers are starting to see more consistent Steelhead catches across the Lower Grande Ronde River.
Mixed Techniques Working: Successful anglers reported catching fish both by nymphing and swinging spinners, showing that versatile approaches are paying off.
Positive Signs Upstream: Reports of Steelhead caught above Troy confirm the fish are moving throughout the river system—making it a great time to plan your trip.
More Updates Ahead: With guides heading back out this week, expect fresh reports and insights on the evolving Steelhead conditions on the Grande Ronde River.

The catch rates are still below where we would like to see them this time of year. The good news is people are catching fish. My group, that was out last week, all caught at least 1 Steelhead in addition to many Rainbows and Bull Trout. 1 of our guides took a private trip floating from Boggans Oasis to the Snake River and had great success. Their group of 4 caught a total of 29 Steelhead in 3 days. The caveat here is that they were caught nymphing and swinging spinners.

For more guided fishing and rafting trips in the Pacific Northwest, check out our guided white water rafting options.

I also heard a report of 2 Steelhead being caught swinging flies above Troy last week. This tells us that it is time to go Steelhead fishing on the Grande Ronde River.

Tom will be out guiding tomorrow and I will let you know how he does.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions anglers have about Steelhead fishing on the Grande Ronde River during mid-October conditions.

The post Grande Ronde River Steelhead Update Oct 14th appeared first on Winding Waters River Expeditions .

They’re he-e-e-ere . . . 2013 Grande Ronde steelhead

Mon, 14 Oct 2013 17:18:00 GMT

Just got back from a Grande Ronde steelhead expedition and boy are my arms tired. All that casting and setting the hook and playing fish and filling out the harvest tag and slicing lemons and heaving the fish on the grill and forking fresh-caught steelhead into my mandibles. Wears a guy out. But in the best way.

Here’s the after picture.

This is before.

Had a fine time floating and fishing with Justin Jones, local feller works for The Nature Conservancy out here in the WC. And his pals from up north, John and Audrey.

Little guy. The fish, I mean. John is six-foot-a-hundred or thereabouts.

Miss Audrey had just caught her first fish ever a week or so before this trip. That fish was a Coho salmon. Good start. And then, well . . . then she and John showed up for this Grande Ronde outing and they ran up numbers of fish hooked and landed that bordered on the obscene.

I favor the fly fishing approach. John leans toward gear fishing. We tried to debate the merits of each, but kept getting interrupted by the scream of John’s reel and he’d politely say that he’d be right back, and off he’d go to land a steelhead.

But Justin and I did just fine nymphing. Final tally for three days was something like 19 fish landed. 5 on the fly, maybe 2 on a jig and the rest spinners. The spinner approach seemed to be working. John builds his own rods and even makes his own spinners. Never met anyone that made their own spinners before. I forgot to ask if he weaves his own fishing line too.

Here’s a Rombach Special that came off my fly vise the night before this trip. The blueprints for this pattern were to grab whatever was laying out on the fly bench from the last time I tied a fly many months ago. I call it The Tungsten Beadhead Whatever. But it caught a few fish, so hey.

Here’s Justin coaxing one to shore.

Also caught a few smallmouth bass.

And this is interesting: Audrey noticed a red fish finning its way up the shallows. And, sure enough. What appeared to be a 6-inch kokanee was swimming along in the GR. Huh. Here’s a blurry Bigfoot-style photo to prove it. Look for the red smear in the middle.

Updates from the fish trackers indicate a stronger run that last year with Grande Ronde, Wallowa River and Imnaha steelhead for the most part completing the trip up and over Columbia River dams and in the home stretch.

Reports of fish caught up around Troy are coming in and it’s a great time to be on the water.

We’ve got steelhead master Tom Farnam secured in a sensory-deprivation chamber when he’s not on the river so as not to allow any distractions. That’s easy enough because he’s mainly focused on steelhead anyway.

You can set up day trips for guided steelhead fishing, or go the deluxe route with our fully catered trips down the Grande Ronde.

The post They’re he-e-e-ere . . . 2013 Grande Ronde steelhead appeared first on Winding Waters River Expeditions .

2013: A Summer Captured by the Lens

Tue, 08 Oct 2013 21:43:00 GMT

Summer has done it’s usual disappearing act. Thank goodness we had many camera lenses capturing the scenes on our adventures this summer. Here are some of the shots from our trips on the Salmon River, the Snake River in Hells Canyon and the Grande Ronde River this summer.

Here’s a dreamy photo of the Lower Salmon River taken by Dave Jensen:

Snake River in Hells Canyon Whitewater Photographed by Kendrick Moholt:

A bacon, lettuce, tomato, and avocado masterpiece about to be devoured by Dr. Kaare Tingelstad on our Wilderness Advanced Life Support Course (WMA) this September:

Our 3rd Annual Rivah Sistahs Trip on the Grande Ronde – beautiful women and beautiful friends:

A photo of Linden and her Mama from the Mountain Khakis Photo Shoot our crew did in August on the Salmon River with Professional Photographer Adam Barker:

The Hells Canyon Trio graced the beaches of the Snake River in Hells Canyon this summer with their amazing music. Watch for more trips with guest musicians next summer (photo by Erika Polmar):

And then there was the awesome dog who Stand Up Paddle Boarded in Hells Canyon:

Really, we have a TON of photos we could share here. But the parting shot I’ll leave you with is a Dave Jensen image of camp at night…

If you’re ready for a vacation with this kind of scenery, we’re taking bookings for 2014. See you on the river!

The post 2013: A Summer Captured by the Lens appeared first on Winding Waters River Expeditions .

Grande Ronde Steelhead Moving Up River

Tue, 08 Oct 2013 20:43:00 GMT

Steelhead are moving up the Grande Ronde River from Washington into Oregon. Anglers are landing Steelies above Boggans’ Oasis. After a big flush of water last weekend, the river has settled down to below 1,000 cfs, rendering it clear and very fishable. Tom hooked a Steelhead on a swinging Purple Peril yesterday. It’s time to catch some Steelhead!

The post Grande Ronde Steelhead Moving Up River appeared first on Winding Waters River Expeditions .

Salmon sunset

Mon, 07 Oct 2013 17:45:00 GMT

Here’s a recipe for a quick and easy night on the river when there’s no place you’d rather be.

Find a remote, picturesque river. Go there. In this case, we’re using the Lower Salmon River in Idaho . Mix in a bunch of nice people. Unfold camp. Whip up kebabs on the grill with fresh fruit and coconut milk/chocolate fondue for dessert. Let it sit. Add a mind-blowing sunset. Enjoy. Realize there’s no place you’d rather be. Serves a large group.

We had an armada of kayakers on this particular Salmon trip, plus special guests: my mom, niece Emma and photographer David Jensen.

Here’s what the beach layout looked like during the groovy sunset, when every camera on the trip got exercise.

As everyone was running around taking pictures, I overheard somebody say this was great because it was impossible to take any bad pictures with light like this. Well. I proved that wrong by taking this blurry image of Jensen the photographer while he was occupied with taking non-blurry pictures. (bugs white water rapids photos capture the fun of these misty moments.)

For reference, here’s what a pro does. That’s a Jensen capture of Ma Rombach and niece Emma getting a refreshing dose of Salmon River water droplets.

The Wet Planet kayak school folks took a jet boat ride at the end of our Salmon excursion. Here’s Ryan Copenhagen and Clay Lucas lashing down the boats.

And here’s a look at a visitor to camp who was curious about what was going on. Good times, Toad. That’s what’s going on. Good times.

Explore More on the Salmon River

Looking to plan yo ur own river adventure? Whether you're going rafting for the first time or returning for more, Winding Waters can help you launch from iconic spots like Hammer Bar Put-in Salmon, paddle through Main Salmon rapids, and relax in the beauty of the Salmon River Canyon, Idaho.

Curious minds often ask: can you have fires on the lower Salmon River? Check with Forest Service guidelines before your trip to stay safe and environmentally responsible.

Unforgettable Experiences and Scenic Routes

The main Salmon River in Idaho offers soul-soothing views, while the Whitesand River adds unique terrain to explore. And if you're wondering what whitewater rafting is, it’s the thrill of navigating whitewater in a raft—exhilarating, wet, and unforgettable. For fall adventurers, whitewater rafting in October adds cooler temps and beautiful foliage.

Looking to expand your rafting resume? Try whitewater rafting in Twin Falls, Idaho; Owyhee River rafting trips; or dive into Payette River rafting in Idaho. Even places like the Sun River of Idaho offer incredible floating river experience stops.

READY FOR AN ADVENTURE?

Discover the heart of Idaho's rivers with Whitewater Rafting by Winding Waters. Whether it's your first trip or your fiftieth, adventure awaits with expert guides, scenic rapids, and riverside memories that last a lifetime.

Don’t just take our word for it—visit our Google Business Profile Reviews and see why Winding Waters white water rafting trips keep guests coming back!

Grande Ronde River Steelhead Season!

Fri, 04 Oct 2013 00:07:00 GMT

We are finally ready to begin chasing Grande Ronde River Steelhead again. The reports are showing some good numbers of fish coming over Lower Granite Dam headed this way. We have been out a few times last week and did not catch any Steelhead. We did keep ourselves entertained by hooking up with some nice Rainbows and Bull Trout however.

We are encouraged by last weeks spike in CFS. The river rose over 2000 cfs and is now back down in the 1,000 range. This should begin to bring Steelhead upriver. The river is currently blown out but with the current weather forecast we expect to see the flows stabilize and clear up by the end of the weekend. This will be just in time for us to spend the next 6 days in the canyon.

Stay tuned for more reports. We will do our best to keep everyone informed.

The post Grande Ronde River Steelhead Season! appeared first on Winding Waters River Expeditions .

The Art of Siestas on the Salmon

Sat, 10 Aug 2013 00:21:00 GMT

We all have places that are special to us. Part of the reason they grow to be special is that we only get to visit them rarely. The Lower Salmon is such a place for me. I only get to – wait . . . no, I’m a river guide. I get to float the Lower Salmon all the time. I’ve been making laps down there for the past three weeks. And I’m going again in a couple days.

Seriously, I just . . . my job is to float on a river I love. I mean, this is bordering on ridiculous. I don’t even deposit my paychecks anymore. I just dump the Salmon River sand out of my duffel bag after a trip, make a fire ring and burn my paycheck, laughing and laughing until the neighbors call the cops. Law enforcement shows up, asks what this is all about so I show them pictures from the last trip and pretty soon the cops and me are all circled around the fire roasting S’mores.

Here are some of those pictures.

Above: view from the wing at Frog Pond Camp.

Below: A Death Star Melon, sometimes known as a Jenga Melon, is that thing where you de-seed a large, spherical fruit and then painstakingly cut it into intricate bits and place it lovingly on a platter. This is an advanced technique. The Force is strong with our latest crewmember Nolan, who pulled off a better Deathstar than I ever have, and I’ve been trying to make those things for years. Good job, Nolan. Seriously. I’m happy for you. For real.

Having all that fun can tucker a person out, as seen here by the faceplant nap being taken in the nose of a ducky.

And then there’s the Jump Rock. Wakes you right up.

Speaking of waking up, Caitlyn Ecklund got all artsy with the pancakes last trip. I would frame that skillet if I could.

We set a new world record on the last trip for most students from Eastside Prep School in Seattle who could claw their way onto one inflatable kayak. Check out the wake behind that one kid motoring to the scene.

And back to taking siestas. Here’s Caitlyn, catching a snooze while protected by SPF Umbrella.

Love me some summertime on the Lower Salmon.

The post The Art of Siestas on the Salmon appeared first on Winding Waters River Expeditions .

Lining the Narrows

Fri, 26 Jul 2013 16:33:00 GMT

Key Takeaways

The Narrows is the Grande Ronde River’s toughest challenge , featuring a Class IV rapid with tight rock walls and a narrow chute that demands careful rope lining instead of rowing.
Low water levels make oar control nearly impossible , so boaters must “line” their rafts through to prevent getting wedged or flipped in the current.
Safety and teamwork are crucial when navigating the Narrows , with guides like Silje Christoffersen demonstrating proper rope-handling techniques to avoid injuries.
The lower Grande Ronde offers a rewarding contrast , transitioning from lush forest scenery to open desert landscapes after conquering the Narrows.
Scouting and preparation pay off , especially for first-time boaters unfamiliar with the multiple squeeze points hidden within the Narrows.

The lower section of the Grande Ronde River has an exclamation point after running for most of its course with water and rapids that, for the most part, aren’t too difficult to row.

Then you get to the Narrows. Dun-dun-duhhhh. We lined three boats through and had a nice swim at the bottom after some sweaty times running along the rocks on our Grande Ronde River rafting adventure .

The Narrows is a Class IV, formed by rock shelves on either side with a skimpy slot down the middle. Here’s a picture of the river just above where it all gets channeled in. Take a look at how broad the water is. Sure, it’s shallow, but that’s a wide river right there. It was actually kind of fun. We lined three boats through and had a nice swim at the bottom after some sweaty times running along the rocks — exactly the kind of moment that makes a Grande Ronde 5-Day Rafting Adventure unforgettable.

The before picture shows us easing the raft down with ropes just above where things get busy.

And here’s what it looks like after the squeeze. Daaaang.

That there is Mark Porter on the right, weed samurai. We were down there with Porter and his cohorts to spray and inventory invasive plants.

I tried to help by finding plants, then calling out to one of the biologist folks, “Hey, I think I found some blah-blah-blah over here. A real nasty one, too.”

They would say, “You sure? That usually grows in a riparian area, not way up on a hill where you’re asking me to climb in the baking hot sun.”

“Pretty sure.”

So they’d trudge up the hill and look at my invasive weed specimen. Pause. Wipe the sweat from their brow with a squeegee. Sigh ever so slightly. Then say, “Well, what you have here is a something-something-Latin-name-something. Commonly known as a dandelion.”

I’m really not very good at identifying noxious weeds. I should be, since they’re all over my yard. But I’m not. So I went back to rowing boats. And then attaching ropes to the raft when we got to the Narrows, since there’s not enough water to maneuver with oars so you line them through to avoid getting sideways and having the current wedge your raft against the rocks.

Here’s the expression most boaters get when seeing the Narrows for the first time at low water.

That’s Silje Christoffersen. Winding Waters guide and former Chief Joseph Days Rodeo Queen – which was handy because she taught me some rope handling techniques from her horse background. I was coiling line like you normally do, but when the raft takes off in that current the line pays out pretty quick and she had a safer method where your fingers don’t get in danger of taking off with the rope. Good to know.

Here’s Porter doing some fancy rope work. And this isn’t even the really narrow spot.

This is between the upper and lower squeeze points where it’s broad enough to float to the next tricky point.

I’ve been through here a couple times before when the water was high enough to be over the narrow spots. It’s a confused patch of water with some trouble rocks and a little drop. The upper part is just some waves at high water, so I wasn’t aware the ‘s’ in Narrows is there for a good reason, since it’s multiple narrows spots. Good to know. It wouldn’t be too fun to miss the scouting spot and drift into this scene without knowing your oars would be useless.

It was actually kind of fun. We lined three boats through and had a nice swim at the bottom after some sweaty times running along the rocks.

River slows down a bunch after the Narrows and it takes some rowing to get down to the takeout . Here’s a shot looking back at Porter in the Bridge Rapid. Whether the water’s mellow or full of spring surge, our guided white water rafting trips keep the adventure safe and exciting.

That lower stretch has a lot of charm. It’s groovy to go from forest up high down to more of a desert scene on the lower end.

My, but that Grande Ronde is a pretty river.

Frequently Asked Questions

This story covers an adventurous day navigating the Grande Ronde River’s most technical stretch — the Narrows — and the teamwork, challenges, and humor that come with river running and fieldwork.

The post Lining the Narrows appeared first on Winding Waters River Expeditions .

Lower Salmon River, please

Sun, 21 Jul 2013 15:44:00 GMT

Of course

I find it refreshing when people are polite. That’s not to say I’m surrounded by rude folks or anything, that’s a rarity in the Wallowas or on the river.

But get a load of this. We do regular trips with an outdoor program called Wilderness Ventures – which, by the way, is where two people by the name of Paul and Penny met back when they led trips for that outfit, going on to start up a rafting company you might have heard of, called Winding Waters. . . .

So there’s a trip with Wilderness Ventures every summer that has high school students from a school in Virginia. The kids have always been great. And polite.

We just got back from this year’s WV trip on the Lower Salmon and, as always, these Virginia youngsters were a pleasure. They were some of the quickest studies in kayaks I’ve seen in some time and just fun to be around. Everybody on the trip was great about pitching in, helping to set up camp and so forth. We would say thank you and they would say you’re welcome. But one guy in particular, Jackson, when you thanked him for carrying the water jug or whatever, would respond: “of course.”

I kind of like that. It’s sort of next-level politeness. Hadn’t heard that before. Good job, Jackson’s parents.

Adventure on the Lower Salmon River

So here’s some photos taken while having fun messing around in boats.

First we have a paddle boat charging down the clear, cool waters of the Salmon, with some big ol’ hillsides in the backdrop. I believe this is the lower stretch of the Billy Creek area.

Want a closeup of fun times in the paddle raft? Of course.

Here’s a birds-eye view looking down on our little armada, below Half and Half rapid.

And here’s what we were up there on the hill looking at. A fixer-upper stone and boulder house left by miners back in the day. Cozy. About 8 x 12.

The beaver slide is that thing where you turn a boat over and it magically becomes a slip-and-slide when you throw buckets of water on and slide into the river. Good times.

And here’s a mid-air jump at the Birch Creek columnar basalt formations that geology was nice enough to make into a perfect place to take a plunge. Thanks, geology.

Check out the leopard print upholstery on the gearboat coolers. That blanket came with a hide-a-bed sofa I got from friends years ago and I dug that snazzy thing out of the shop when I went looking for something to drape over the coolers and pour water on to keep our ice in great shape.

Now I’m thinking about re-upholstering my truck interior with that design. Maybe zebra stripes for the back seat?

I’ll leave you with this: check out the reflection of the water kicking back up on the overhanging shelf. That Salmon River is just magical. Love it down there.

Extra Tips for Explorers

Want to explore further?

Floa ters often ask: Can You Have Fires on the Lower Salmon River? The answer varies—always follow BLM guidance.
Curious about river stats? Check the Salmon River Water Temperature, Weather in Hells Canyon Idaho, or grab a full Map of Idaho with Rivers before hitting the water.
For those branching out to Oregon, maps like the Map of Idaho and Oregon Border or Map of the Snake River in Idaho are handy.

Plan Your Family Adventure Today

Looking for the ultimate guided Grand Canyon Rafting Trips for Families ? Or maybe you want a memory-making trip closer to home? B ook a whitewater rafting experience with Winding Waters today and discover why our Salmon River Canyon adventures are known for creating lasting magic—just ask Jackson from Virginia.

Don’t just take our word for it—visit our Google Business Profile Reviews and see why Winding Waters white water rafting trips keep guests coming back!

Let us help you plan every step of your journey to the river itself!

“Excellent” Rating for Wallowa River Rainbow Trout Fishing

Sat, 13 Jul 2013 18:18:00 GMT

The Rainbow Trout fishing on the Wallowa River is “excellent” according to our guides. The warmer temps and higher water have subsided, giving better clarity to the water. Fish are biting on both dry flies and nymphs.

The post “Excellent” Rating for Wallowa River Rainbow Trout Fishing appeared first on Winding Waters River Expeditions .

Grande Ronde Giggler

Fri, 05 Jul 2013 14:23:00 GMT

Just returned from a 4-day Grande Ronde river fishing mission with Nick and Mary – who have a great thing going where they’re fishing buddies, also happen to be married and have been together 43 years, I think it is.

Mary has a distinctive reaction to catching fish, which earned her the name of The Green River Giggler on a previous trip of theirs. It’s a versatile title, as I now think of her as the Grande Ronde Giggler. She won the impromptu fishing derby from camp at Sickfoot and was gracious in her victory.

Saw pelicans in the upper stretch of river. Unusual.

Also saw the cutest drift boat ever go by. I just want to pet it and feed it a saucer of milk. Awwww.

Jarrod Wilcox, a new Winding Waters team member, passed his "training" with flying colors, mostly by fishing from a raft and stacking rocks. Good on him

The landing site at one of the camps seemed excessively rocky to my eye, so I asked him to please move the offending stones and stack them out of the way. He did an outstanding job.

We had something of a warmish spell last week. Paul and crew were on the Lower Salmon and Morgan with his band of merry rafters were floating Hells Canyon. So we had a trifecta of three different river trips going all at once and we were all consulting the super-secret river guide code book which reveals which camps have the most shade and cooling breezes.

With a bit of a heat wave moving through, we had trips on the lower salmon river, Hells Canyon, and the grande ronde river simultaneously. All of us flipped through the grande ronde river guidebook, that super-secret tome that helps you pick shaded camps and breezy bends.

It was so pleasant under the cottonwoods and pines at one camp, even the water jug took a siesta.

Camp Life and Good Grub

Plenty of butterflies (flutterbys?) danced across the water. They even took a break on my ammo box. And the pork chop topping game was strong—guide Tom Farnam brought out a fresh apple drizzle that was next-level.

And the culinary prize for best pork chop topping goes to fishing guide Tom Farnam, who whipped up a fresh apple drizzle that couldn’t be beat. The man knows his way around a grill and definitely gets his sear on.

Exploring the Grande Ronde Region

Nick and Mary have fished everywhere—from Alaska to the Grande Ronde River flows. Their Alaska story involved a float plane drop, mistaken raft sizes, and a low river that required constant paddling. They now prefer letting others handle the logistics.

Good call—our Whitewater Rafting service is designed for exactly that. Let us manage the gear, the food, and the shuttles. You just show up, enjoy the water, and maybe giggle while pulling in some steelhead.

Nick described the trials of setting up camp, breaking it back down, rigging the boat, navigating the river and then being so worn out the fishing they were there for was hard to get to. So in the future they decided to let other folks handle that end. That’s what we’re here for and I’m hoping to see the Giggler and Nick back for steelhead season so they can exercise more fish on the Grande Ronde.

River Knowledge: Maps, Flow & Shuttles

The Grande Ronde River flow has been solid lately, perfect for both casual floats and targeting fish in those eddy lines. With the Grande Ronde shuttle service running smooth, access points are reliable and efficient.

Bring your Grande Ronde River map or reference our guides who know each twist and canyon wall. Whether you're floating to fish or joining us on a full Grande Ronde River rafting trip, we’ve got you covered.

This stretch, seen on the Grande Ronde, Oregon, map, winds through the Grande Ronde Valley, past spots like Grande Ronde Lake, and is ideal for anyone interested in fishing the Grande Ronde River. From casting lines for trout and steelhead to just floating for fishing , there’s no better way to explore the wate r.

Planning Your Grande Ronde Adventure

For those serious about fishing, we recommend checking out the latest grande ronde steelhead fishing report. Whether you're headed out solo or joining a guided trip, it helps to know what’s biting.

And if you're looking to plan ahead, consult a Grand Ronde map. It’ll help you visualize the bends, access points, and elevation shifts of this scenic waterway.

Thinking of letting someone else do the legwork? That’s what we do. Our whitewater rafting trips make planning stress-free and full of laughs—especially with gigglers like Mary around.

Come Fish, Float, and Laugh with Winding Waters

Join Winding Waters River Expeditions for your next Grande Ronde getaway—whether you're here for Grande Ronde f ishing, relaxing river time, or a full Whitewater Raftings experience. We handle the details. You bring the giggles. Let the river do the rest.

Don’t just take our word for it—visit our Google Business Profile Reviews and see why Winding Waters white water rafting trips keep guests coming back!

River trip update smorgasboard

Sat, 29 Jun 2013 01:14:00 GMT

Fast and furious lately. Just rowing boats and rigging trips and having fun and coming home and doing it again. It’s a good busy. Not a humid busy.

But consistency has suffered on the ol’ Gearboat here, so I’ll abandon the typical thing where I attempt some type of coherant thread. This is a Jackson Pollock-style river post with tidbits I’ve been saving up and will now throw at you willy-nilly. Brace yourself. This will be sporadic.

Goats

In Hells Canyon. Around about Ragtown Bar, which is a cool campsite but could stand some weed removal. So my cockles were warmed to see this herd of weedeaters converting big green plants to little brown pellets. Go, goats, go.

Flambe ‘

Justin Jones carmelizing dessert at Tryon camp. That’s a blaster. A high-powered propane delivery system. Or a delicate fruit crisp heater-upper in the right hands. This was on the Jan Homan tour, which was chock-a-block with delightful people. Good times were had.

Pee-pee etiquette

Dilution is the solution to pollution. It’s good practice to urinate in the river. Even the animals know that, as seen here by this ungulate tinkling in the Grande Ronde. Just took that picture today, floating a day trip on the GR with Whitney and Chance, newlyweds who’ve been honeymooning out here in the Wallowas. Congratulations, you two. Sorry to mention your recent nuptials in the same paragraph as a deer taking a leak. I warned you this post would be random.

Eagles nest

This is also on our Grande Ronde day trip float. ‘Merica.

Boggan’s Oasis compass

Love this. Finest milkshakes in the land and coolest entryway too.

Stone flies

Here’s a pic of protein on the wing down on the GR. I’m heading out for a 4-day fishing bonanza with guide Tom Farnam and our new powerhouse Jared Wilcox. We pack that trip tomorrow.

Right now I’ve got to run, jump in the shower, clean up my bad self, get to an art opening, a boat launching by our amigo Ben Hayes who just completed a hand-built dory, then get to a music show by friends who will make sweet melodies at Lear’s in Enterprise. Busier than a something-something in a pepper patch or whatever. But, again, it’s a good busy.

Always room for more. Come rafting with us. We’ve got Salmon trips launching, fishing is great on the Wallowa, Hells Canyon has been dynamo . . . just saw a bear, a mountain goat and eagles in the space of one hour last float.

It’s summertime and the rafting is full-swing. Come join us.

The post River trip update smorgasboard appeared first on Winding Waters River Expeditions .

The Rivah Sistahs and Father’s Day on the Grande Ronde River

Mon, 17 Jun 2013 23:12:00 GMT

Summer is in full swing at the Boathouse. The crew is loving the new space! And we’re receiving boxes for a great group of ladies which arrive this Saturday for a 6 Day Grande Ronde Adventure! They’re known as the Rivah Sistahs and this year marks their 3rd expedition with us. They’ve journeyed down the Salmon and Snake River in Hells Canyon and now it’s time for the Grande Ronde. They’re a fun-loving group of women and we’re having fun preparing for their arrival!

And I’m getting ready for Paul’s toes to come home looking like this again!

And yesterday we celebrated Father’s Day on the water with good friends. Linden, Paul and Penny’s almost 3 year old daughter is learning to row very quickly. In fact, she helped us rig the trip! She’ll be guiding our trips in no time!

The post The Rivah Sistahs and Father’s Day on the Grande Ronde River appeared first on Winding Waters River Expeditions .

Salmon Fly Hatch Happening on the Wallowa River

Mon, 17 Jun 2013 22:30:00 GMT

The Salmon Fly Hatch is happening on the Wallowa River. They’ve moved up from the Grande Ronde and are now hatching on the Wallowa. Water clarity and flows are perfect. Lots of happy anglers!!

The post Salmon Fly Hatch Happening on the Wallowa River appeared first on Winding Waters River Expeditions .

Fun with toads

Mon, 10 Jun 2013 15:32:00 GMT

The mural at the boathouse has Toad and his pals from the Wind in the Willows crew and I was reminded on our last Hells Canyon trip that the Winding Waters crew has something of a history with toads on the river.

Hiya.

Here’s Morgan. He found a toad on our last trip, hopping through camp at Tryon Creek. He seems pretty happy about it.

Touching toads doesn’t really give you warts, right?

Back when I started working for Winding Waters, we pulled into the boat ramp at Pine Bar on the Salmon River and I climbed up on top of the trailer to hand down our bags that had been riding on top of the rafts.

I heard Morgan call my name and turned to see him tossing a flat object in my direction. It was a toad. Or had been. This toad had apparently been in an altercation with the tire of a vehicle, and not fared well. It had been preserved well in the summer heat and was more or less mummified.

As Morgan has wide-ranging interests in the natural world, I assumed he was throwing this dead toad at me in the interest of sharing a scientific specimen.

I was worried he hadn’t had enough time to appreciate a sun-dried taxidermy specimen, and since I was just then getting ready to unload his bag, I thought he might appreciate having the toad around later for further study.

So, to be a good employee, I carefully wrapped the prize inside Morgan’s pillow so it wouldn’t be damaged in transit and he could easily find it later.

My plan was a success, because he did find it later, though he rolled out his sleeping bag and pillow in the dark and was not aware of my gift until laying down and feeling something scratchy on his cheek. He said it came as something of a surprise.

Morgan is such a great friend that he thoug ht I might like to have the toad back, and we passed it back and forth like that for a while until almost coming to blows because we both thought the other should have it.

We found a record-sized crayfish on the last trip, which was so impressive it was a sure thing Morgan would want to see it.

There it is, in the photo above. That blue background is Morgan’s sleeping pad. He was busy doing camp stuff when we found the crawdad, so it seemed best to put it somewhere he would be sure to find it.

I guess he liked it, because later I picked up my shade hat and found a present Morgan had left me, also a specimen from the natural world. This was a complete snake shed, from a harmless racer, that Morgan had thoughtfully coiled under my hat for me to find. Here it is draped around my hat so you can appreciate the scale.

People sometimes ask what we do in camp for fun and I tell them bocce ball or horseshoes or ducky jousting or something, because not everyone shares our interest in studying biology like this. It’s very entertaining, you just have to remember to check your pillow before turning in for the night.

The post Fun with toads appeared first on Winding Waters River Expeditions .

Enterprise HS Seniors in Hells Canyon

Mon, 03 Jun 2013 19:25:00 GMT

Winding Waters had a fine time with the graduates from Enterprise High on a 3-day jaunt through Hells Canyon. Fine group of folks and I’m going to quit worrying about where the world is headed based on these level-headed young gents and ladies.

Here’s a view of getting the boats in the water, looking up from the ramp at the launch site below Hells Canyon Dam. John Feeser putting some wind in the rafts, with the visitors center in the background.

And another shot, with morning sun lighting things up. It really is impressive surroundings down there. Can’t argue that.

We ran Wild Sheep and Granite Rapids the first day, two exciting Class IVs. Camped at Oregon Hole and Feeser, who is something of a sturgeon fishing dynamo, had two hookups. First one just plain got off but the second fish headed upstream and then reacted to being turned around by doing a convincing imitation of a freight train, peeling line and showing no signs of stopping until finally just snapping the leader. Would have liked to seen the size of that one. Here’s the sturgeon crew watching line disappear.

Camped at Salt Creek the second night and then paddled across to the Suicide Point trailhead on the Idaho side, snapping a group picture up top. How bout that backdrop, huh?

Here’s the view hiking up.

And an overhead view of Todd and Robbie rowing the gearboats away from the Salt Creek beach.

Joseph Harshman is among the Class of 2013 graduates from Enterprise and probably has lost feeling in his hands from being high-fived so much after being awarded a Ford Scholars Program scholarship, which is kind of a big deal. He’s been rafting with Winding Waters the past three seasons and I’ll just fast-forward to Joseph’s college graduation and assure anybody looking to hire a good one that Joseph fits that bill.

I get kind of big-brother thing going for the young folks that work with us and I’m awful proud of this Harshman kid. Among other things, I like how he fishes with a bamboo fly rod that belonged to his grandparents. Landed a steelhead with it last season. Boom. This kid is going places.

Day Trips on the Grande Ronde

We’ve been taking day cruises down the Grande Ronde since getting back from Hells Canyon and having a blast.

Here’s my pal Dave Nelson and his wife Kathy kayaking it up on the GR. I did the morning news at the local radio station with Dave for years and got so used to his voice reading the weather that nowadays if I need to know what the weather is going to do, I call him up and make him read the forecast.

Stand Up Paddle Boards are all the rage these days and the Winding Waters Boathouse Shop in Joseph has SUP board rentals for paddling Wallowa Lake. We’re also taking them along on some river trips – which is super fun.

Here’s Penny getting after it on the Grande Ronde.

Heading back to Hells Canyon this week, been seeing stone flies on the Grande Ronde and the Lower Salmon River is getting into shape.

So fishermen, get hold of us if you want access to all that great fishing in the roadless section of the Grande Ronde.

Whitewater enthusiasts, get on board for a Snake River or Lower Salmon trip.

See you on the river.

The post Enterprise HS Seniors in Hells Canyon appeared first on Winding Waters River Expeditions .

Rainbow Trout Season Opens on the Wallowa & Grande Ronde Rivers

Mon, 27 May 2013 02:47:00 GMT

The Rainbow Trout season has started as of yesterday, May 25, 2013. Tom Farnam and Jon Rombach visited the Wallowa River yesterday in the Canyon. They had good success catching some 16″-18″ Rainbows on both dry flies and nymphs while fly fishing on the Wallowa River. Water conditions are good and the season is shaping up to be a good one!

Senior class on the Snake River

Sun, 26 May 2013 14:40:00 GMT

We’re loading the boats for the Enterprise High School Class of 2013’s graduating class cruise down the far right edge of Wallowa County in Hells Canyon. . This section is part of the Snake River in Hells Canyon, where the canyon walls rise dramatically beside one of the most thrilling rivers with rapids in the West.

To make this trip extra special, I’ve put together some 3-ring binders with study topics like rapids classifications and the geology of a class river. We'll cover what it means to face a class 4 rapid or class iii rapids, and answer questions like: "Are class 4 rapids dangerous?" and "How are rapids classified?", will do some lectures around the campfire and have written quizzes to be administered throughout the trip. Fun!

WWRE crew cleaned up our stretch of Imnaha Highway last week. While cruising past the Snake River of Hells Canyon, I found a broken pipe wrench. If you’re not careful and have the windows open in your car or truck, a pipe wrench can totally blow off your dashboard and end up in the ditch alongside the road. So no worries, whoever lost their pipe wrench in this fashion. Happens to the best of us.

Here’s the after-party BBQ. A rager. There’s the prototype sample sketch for the mural hanging in the boathouse. Those clouds are supposed to resemble the Winding Waters logo. I don’t know.

And, hey, what’s this? Trout season? It’s the perfect time for class 2 3 rapids and floating near the big Snake River while casting lines into the foam. Ayep. It’s now safe to dust off your fly rods after a dormant phase. I stopped on the Wallowa headed out of town and caught this sea monster of a trout in no time at all. Took a big ol’ brown and orange foamy stone imitation and just mauled that chunk of foam. And he was feisty.

Down the road caught up to guide Tom Farnam, who reported good fishing all day long, landing some nice 16-inchers and bushels of smaller trout. Here’s the feesh he was landing as I came upon the scene.

Water looks great for this time of year. Nymphing real productive and they’re taking things on top, too. Tom knows that stretch like no other, so hop in his boat and let him introduce you to a pack of early season hungry trout.

I caught up with my sister and her fam, over in Summerville at their uncle Scott’s. Who, by the way, is the Snap On tool guy in the area so flag him down for all your implement needs.

Em, Jacob and Joe are were busy slinging arrows and I caught one in the thigh during our photo shoot. Walk it off, uncle Jon, walk it off.

While hanging out, I found a guidebook listing the things to do in Hells Canyon, and sure enough, whitewater rafting in Hells Canyon topped the list. No surprise there. From hells canyon snake river rafting to photo ops like snake river rafting pictures, this place delivers every time.

Curious visitors may also stumble upon the Hells Canyon Adventures Lodge or book with reputable companies-- of course, Winding Waters. We provide thrilling whitewater rafting through legendary runs like the Snake Canyon, Idaho, and more.

So if you're itching to experience the whitewater rafting ratings firsthand, explore the whitewater rafting classes, or just see what Class II whitewater rafting feels like—come see us.

Understanding Rapids Classes and River Classifications

Get to know the different types of rapids before you hit the water with Winding Waters’ Whitewater Raftings. Here's a quick guide to the most common rapids classifications:

Class I rapids – Easy flowing water with small waves; suitable for beginners.
Class II rapids – Straightforward rapids with wide, clear channels.
Class III rapids – Moderate, irregular waves that may require precise maneuvering.
Class IV rapid – Intense and powerful; suitable for experienced paddlers only.
Class V rapids – Extremely long, obstructed, or violent rapids; risk is higher.
Class VI rapids— Nearly or completely unrunnable; attempted only by experts in ideal conditions.

Experience the Snake River with Winding Waters

Let your adventure begin where the wild river meets expert guiding. Whether you're curious about white water rapids levels or want a relaxing float, Winding Waters' Whitewater Raftings offers it all. Our local guides are experts on every twist, turn, and tale from the Snake River of Hells Canyon. Book your trip today and discover why we're trusted for unforgettable rafting in the Pacific Northwest!

Don’t just take our word for it—visit our Google Business Profile Reviews and see why Winding Waters white water rafting trips keep guests coming back!

Messing about in boats

Mon, 20 May 2013 16:13:00 GMT

We broke a bottle of champagne over the doorknob of the new boathouse Saturday with a Grand Opening party and had all the traditional activities for the christening of a quonset hut – tacos, beer, gigantic scissors for the ribbon cutting with the mayor of Joseph, John and Deb Moro playing live music, free Winding Waters raffle items . . . good times.

Here’s the ribbon cutting with the giant scissors. Seriously, those scissors are so big the The Chamber of Commerce borrows them from a logging company when there’s a ribbon ceremony.

Here’s a panorama of the new world headquarters. From left to right: New sign is up. Mural. Boathouse Shop entrance. WWRE logo over the shop door. Beautiful mountains. My 1997 Toyota T100. Click to enlarge.

Here’s a closeup of the mural, with Water Rat, Mold and Toad simply messing about in an 18-foot Hyside raft and charging the rapids of Hells Canyon.

The whole quote from Wind in the Willows reads, ‘Believe me, my young friend, there is nothing – absolutely nothing – half so much worth doing as simply messing about in boats.”

That nicely sums up the Winding Waters River Expeditions mission. If it’s been awhile since you’ve messed about in boats, Penny’s got copies of Wind in the Willows for sale in the book section of the Boathouse Shop. Best setting for reading river books I’ve found is on a river. I recommend Hells Canyon, the Grande Ronde and Lower Salmon River. All make for very nice reading lounges between the rafting, deluxe meals, hiking, adventuring and so forth. By coincidence, Winding Waters can take you to all of those places.

Todd Kruger and Tammy Knorr cruised down the Wallowa and Grande Ronde over the weekend with their trusty companions Indigo and Little Bear. Here’s Todd navigating Minam Roller above the State Park, and notice how calm and assured Todd is, as he very casually adjusts his cap as he enters some turbulence. That guy knows his way around a set of oars.

We’re heading for Hells Canyon next week with the graduating class of Enterprise High School for a 3-day trip along the edge of Wallowa County and always have fun with these young ladies and gentlemen as they make the jump from high school days to what’s next.

The post Messing about in boats appeared first on Winding Waters River Expeditions .

You took that? Photo workshop in Hells Canyon

Tue, 14 May 2013 00:05:00 GMT

Huddle up, friends. We need to talk about taking good pictures.

Before the invention of Steve Jobs and digital photography, taking pictures used to be a tiring process where you had to thread little film canisters inside trapdoors of your camera, then move a lever or rotate a dial to advance to the next frame, THEN after you were done taking photos of your wagon train or tyrannosaur or whatever, you had to take your film to a store to get developed. Then wait. And finally you got back a packet of 3×5 sheets that had your crappy pictures on them. It was a long way around.

Point and shoot prototype.
Carrying case and pack string of mules not included.

It’s a wonder we bothered taking pictures at all back in those medieval times before the digital age.

Technology has leapfrogged over all that old bother, but you still need to know how to run that fancy-pants camera of yours. Which bring us to Hells Canyon June 16th to the 20th for 5 days inside the deepest gorge in these here lower 48, rafting and cameraizing during a photo workshop during the spring bloom and wildlife jamboree that nature puts on each year.

Kendrick Moholt is the instructor. Aside from being a globetrotting photographer, he’s known as a field zoologist, botanist, and perhaps I should mention that Kendrick and I are both members of a secret society. It’s called the Oddfellows and we meet the first Monday of every month at 6 pm next to the public library in Enterprise. But shhhhhhhh. It’s secret.

What? You want to see some photos speaking louder than words? All right then, KABAM –

There’s that pack train we were talking about. Photo: Kendrick Moholt

What now? You want to see some kind of electric bird? Okey-doke. And I should mention that the added bonus of Kendrick’s zoologist and botanist superpowers are that he knows an awful lot about creatures. Especially feathered creatures. For instance, this probably isn’t called an electric bird. But I’m not sure about that, because I’m not Kendrick.

Photo: Kendrick Moholt

I’m looking forward to this trip. There’s been some talk about me getting to row the boat with the photographers and Kendrick has plans to visit and photograph parts of the canyon not often seen. I’m all for that.

So act now, because this trip is on the horizon.

Mosey over to kendrickmoholtphotography.com for more info and to see more of his work.

The post You took that? Photo workshop in Hells Canyon appeared first on Winding Waters River Expeditions .

New Winding Waters boathouse coming right along

Wed, 08 May 2013 18:09:00 GMT

I’ve been up at HQ painting on the new mural and seeing big developments every day. The new sign just moved into its new home and looks awfully sharp, if you ask me. Here’s Paul puttin’ the screws to it.

Speaking of new signs, Penny painted ‘The Boathouse Shop’ sign and did a smashup job. Just look at this snazzy entrance to the newest retail outlet in Joseph that doubles as a portal to the outdoor rafting and fishing dimensions of Wallowa County and beyond.

You can also rent standup paddle boards from Winding Waters starting now. Paul’s got three new boards with all the gear, plus some handy roof racks that pop right on your rig. Go paddle it up on Wallowa Lake.

Penny thought of everything plus a few more things for her Boathouse Shop. Go take a look-see. Here she is breaking in the new system.

But it’s not all refreshing lemonade sales around the boathouse. Paul and Ed have been getting after it on pre-season trailer maintenance, which is right up there on the list of fun things to do that are very near the bottom of the list of fun things to do.

I tried to help out with a little trailer wiring maintenance but every time I get near trailer wiring I consider adopting the Amish approach to motorized vehicles. I can handle wiring a house. I can even wire a jaw shut in a pinch. But trailer wiring, for reasons I don’t understand, is something I just can’t understand.

So I bailed and went back to painting happy clouds on the mural. It’s looking something like this here.

Stop by and check out the new locale. Grand opening will be May 18th. See you there.

The post New Winding Waters boathouse coming right along appeared first on Winding Waters River Expeditions .

Foodie Rafting Adventures with Winding Waters River Expeditions

Tue, 07 May 2013 16:27:00 GMT

2013 Adventures: Picture yourself traveling in style through a remote river wilderness, accompanied by some of Portland’s best chef talent and our outstanding guide crew. A dream you ask? This summer we make it a reality. Join top chefs from Portland on two outstanding whitewater foodie adventures featuring locally sourced foods and regional wines and beer. The first adventure launching July 17th is a partnership with us, Winding Waters River Expeditions, and Noble Rot in Portland. Chefs Leather Storrs, co-owner of Noble Rot, and Joseph Hickey are returning again for a Salmon River 4 Day Expedition July 17-20, 2013. As guest chefs last year on our, we are excited to have these two characters on the river with us again. Leather, Joseph and our Winding Waters crew will prepare out of this world meals while you relax, dream, and play your way down the Salmon River.

The second adventure is our 2nd Plate Pitchfork Ranch Raft Trip August 26-30, 2013 . We had a fantastic trip last summer and have partnered again with Erika Polmar, owner of Plate & Pitchfork , for another outstanding trip. Chefs Benjamin Bettinger and Doug Adams of Imperial in Portland will serve outstanding dishes of locally sourced foods on this 5 day trip. The first day we’ll visit the Carman Ranch , meet owners Cory Carman and Dave Flynn, and discover the art and science of raising grass-fed beef (which will be served on the trip) on this century ranch. Benjamin and Doug will serve a branding style dinner that evening, a dinner traditionally served after a calf branding. The next day we’ll head out to Hells Canyon for a 4 day whitewater adventure. Throughout this trip, Benjamin, Doug and the Winding Waters crew will serve over the top dishes.

Reserve your seat on one of our rafts today!

The post Foodie Rafting Adventures with Winding Waters River Expeditions appeared first on Winding Waters River Expeditions .

Salmon flies and bighorns on the Grande Ronde

Mon, 29 Apr 2013 17:18:00 GMT

Todd Kruger and I just got back from the shakedown trip for the season. First packout from the new mothership boathouse was a breeze.

Kruges and I were along for a float with our pals from Wet Planet, over in the Columbia Gorge land. Always a pleasure to see those folks and we had a great weather window that even caused us to dig for a strange substance called sunscreen.

We did encounter a spell of howling wind on the last night. Three tents did not take kindly to this development. Todd’s was one, pictured here:

And my tent didn’t fare too well either. I had every point staked down and all my gear stashed inside. Mr. Wind laughed at these precautions and pasted my belongings up against the hillside. Thanks to Todd and Tall John from Wet Planet for helping peel my temporary home out of the bushes.

Tried to get a picture of ugly ducklings, but best I could do was cute goslings. Scientific name: baby gooses.

Every bighorn sheep in the greater Grande Ronde River basin region came out to say hello. We saw them all down the canyon. Here’s one band of boys, seen downstream from Rondowa.

Todd’s faithful companion Little Bear got along great on the river. He’s a strong candidate for employee of the year if he keeps it up with being cute.

Trout season is a ways off, but I sure got in the mood after seeing a few big ol’ salmon flies out and about, ten miles or so below Troy.

Here’s a pic taken at camp in the evening shortly after someone noticed a transformation happening right before our eyes. That finger on the left is pointing down to the recently shed husk on the rock.

And here’s a bunch of adults circled around taking pictures of bugs. All high school biology teachers would be proud.

Floating the river isn’t all biology seminars and watching bighorn rams or baby gooses. It can be hard work too. As seen here, with Todd and Little Bear during a grueling rowing session.

See you on the river.

The post Salmon flies and bighorns on the Grande Ronde appeared first on Winding Waters River Expeditions .

Boathouse Sign & the Work Projects Administration

Mon, 22 Apr 2013 22:02:00 GMT

We have been pondering for months now what our new “billboard” sign should look like. Here’s the current version below.

We needed something colorful and fun to say “come on a trip with us!”. We’re on a great path now and it should be done in early May, just in time for the river season. Here’s the story of how the sign evolved. Paul, Linden and I had just taken a trip this past October to Zion National Park. I have a big soft spot in my heart for the National Park posters done by the Work Projects Administration (WPA) back in the 1930’s and 40’s. The Zion National Park poster is no exception.

Paul and I had dreams of our billboard sign having the style of one of these WPA signs. Then, out of the blue one day this winter, Jon Rombach mentioned how he thought it would look cool as a WPA style sign. So there you go. And better yet, Jon used to work for a sign company, so he knows how to do something like that! Needless to say we commissioned him to do our billboard. So far, it looks great! Here’s a sneak peak at the mock-up:

Jon’s big task is to take this 24″ x 36″ mock-up and enlarge it to 8 foot high x 24 foot wide. I’ll keep you posted as we go, but here’s the beginning. Notice the white light in the lower left-hand corner. That’s a projector Jon’s using to enlarge images and draw them on the scene. Very clever.

Amidst all of this work, we are also booking lots of trips for the summer. So life is good! Come join us on the Snake River in Hells Canyon, the Salmon River, and/or the Grande Ronde River!

The post Boathouse Sign & the Work Projects Administration appeared first on Winding Waters River Expeditions .

Invested in Imnaha

Mon, 22 Apr 2013 17:14:00 GMT

Now, let me explain. Yes, this appears to be a drunk dog. It is not. She’s only buzzed. No, no. Not true. The only thing this husky was drinking was the pure waters of the Imnaha River. But she did lay down all pie-eyed next to a bottle of Wallowa County-distilled Stein bourbon. A gift from Ed and Jean at the boathouse birthday bash. And it makes a fine photo, does it not?

The pooch seen here is Szia, a chukchi husky. In Wallowa County, that can translate to “wolf.” Hence the pink flagging on her collar to discourage a case of mistaken identity. It’s already worked once, though the plastic flagging was mistaken for a radio collar and the husky was still believed to be a wolf.

Mike Midlo took that picture. He and Kristy Athens stopped out here to breathe some air cooled by snowy mountains, though the snow was also whirling down in the sky so we boogied down to the banana belt of the Imnaha Canyon and found sun.

And a rainbow. Behold that vest on Kristy. Don’t pretend you don’t want one just like it. Nobody is believing that.

I took them to a favorite place where the fishing has been good to me. Mike approached the old chunk of concrete from a bridge that is no more the same way I approach it. Intent. Sizing it up.

I take this approach because fish will hold near the top of the run. Mike saw other promise, crawled up and had a snooze. Mike got was he was after. I do not find fish there every time. There’s probably some kind of lesson or moral or whatever in there, but I just turned 40 so I’m done with learning.

Driving out, we shared the road with a bighorn ram. Two, in fact. Other guy was down the slope. They weren’t too concerned with our presence.

Then we racked them up for a game of cutthroat at the Imnaha Tavern. Mike won, even though I tried to cheat, but Kristy still had that vest on, so she won on the technicality of having superior fashion sense.

And that’s how you have fun in Wallowa County when it’s snowy up on top.

Meanwhile, back at the boathouse Penny and Linden were hard at work staining boards for the new Winding Waters headquarters. Linden is using a water-based finish. 100-percent water, in fact. She’s quite good at applying it for an even finish but the nature of that stain requires frequent coats.

Paul and Todd just finished a new awning overhang thingy for the entrance to the boathouse store. Portico? Call it whatever you want, it looks super cool.

First trip of the season for me this week, going down the Grande Ronde. Weather outlook is sunshiney and I’m jazzed. Be good to get on the oars again.

Let’s go rafting. Give Paul a jingle and line it up. Hells Canyon wildflowers are getting ready as we speak.

The post Invested in Imnaha appeared first on Winding Waters River Expeditions .

Quonset Hut Love Affair

Sun, 21 Apr 2013 20:39:00 GMT

We are in love again. This time with a building. But not just any building. A quonest hut – which looks like a boat turned upside down. And once we learned how to spell the word “quonset”, it sealed the deal. This quonset was built in the 1950’s, presumably from the surplus of huts left over from WWII. It’s been a Forest Service Fire Crew building, storage building, feed store, and now a boathouse. It’s perfect.

The Boathouse before we bought it. Jon and Paul discussing the possibilities.

Getting it ready for operations this summer has been a larger task than we originally thought. But then again, aren’t most remodel projects that way? The 3 main remodel areas are the new retail store (The Boathouse Shop), the kitchen, and our office. We’re putting the final touches on things as we get ready to open the retail shop May 1st. Very exciting. Here are a few timeline photos of the project.

The Boathouse Shop under construction.

After taking down 2 barns for the materials, the Boathouse Shop nears completion the beginning of April.

Paul & Todd add the beautiful timber frame awning onto the front of the Boathouse Shop this past week. Gorgeous!

The post Quonset Hut Love Affair appeared first on Winding Waters River Expeditions .

Boathouse bash, Amos Burg and Ben the boatbuilder

Tue, 16 Apr 2013 17:08:00 GMT

How ’bout this sunrise on the Wallowas, eh? Snowed most of yesterday, but made for a downright pleasant scene this morning while I was out merrily chopping wood and cursing the white spring weather.

Last Friday we gave the new boathouse a shakedown cruise with a birthday gathering. Paul and I needed some time to ease into being 40 so the party was postponed. Mike and Kathie Baird had birthdays in the meantime and my mom had recently gotten younger, so there was lots of toasting to be done.

Here’s a snapshot from outside looking in at a bunch of friends gathered. My dad and I were out on the porch beholding Mount Joseph in the moonlight.

I took this picture and then we heard some commotion inside. Turns out that was the cake and candle moment. Paul had to muster enough wind for two, which is no small feat at our age.

To give you an idea of how many candles are involved, here’s my birthday card from niece Claire, who risked carpal tunnel from all the crayon work required to fit so many candles in there. Way to be a trooper, Claire.

Speaking of cute kids, here’s Linden at the boathouse party wondering why all these tall people are making so much noise.

On-River Season & Launches

For those of you within striking distance of The Bookloft, our great local bookstore on Main Street in Enterprise, get on down there Wednesday April 17 at 7 pm for a presentation by Vince Welch, author of the new book The Last Voyageur: Amos Burg and the Rivers of the West.

Burg was a badass riverman and this should be good. This Welch fella was one of the authors of The Doing of the Thing: The Brief, Brilliant Whitewater Career of Buzz Holmstrom , which has made the Winding Waters recommended reading list.

Speaking of river voyageurs, check out the recent story in the La Grande Observer featuring boat builder Ben Hayes, whose shop is in the Winding Waters brick building in Joseph.

Want another Observer story? Perhaps something about the new Winding Waters boathouse? OK. Here you go .

Spring Trips & River Highlights

Rivers are starting to be run. First trip going out next week on the Grande Ronde . The GR is always fun, but I especially like the spring trips when the water is high enough that you can zip down the 30-some miles from Minam through the roadless section in one day. Call Paul to get in on some of that action.

But one day is just an appetizer. Our springtime main courses include overnight expeditions in both Hells Canyon whitewater rafting and on the Grande Ronde, served with a side of abundant wildlife viewing and garnished with wildflowers galore and green, green landscapes. Highly recommended.

Also reserve your tables for summertime dining in Hells, on the Lower Salmon and GR. This is making me hungry for rafting.

Beyond Hells: Regional Rafting Escapes

Wa nt a local twist? Try themed trips like the North Fork of the White River float trips, or even whitewater rafting in Taos—heck, maybe you'll brave the Taos Box whitewater rafting if you've got wanderlust.

Whether you're after whitewater rafting deals, couples dates, or a whitewater summer location, Winding Waters promises trip variety and a path into the wild you'll never forget.

Ready for Adventure?

Taste gorgeous trout, float iconic rivers, and feast under the stars. B ook your Whitewater Rafting trip with Winding Waters today—adventure and beauty await!

Hear it straight from the river! Read what other rafters had to say about Winding Waters in our Google Business Profile Reviews —your next adventure awaits.

2013 Fergifest Lawnchair Race – Turf Edition

Mon, 08 Apr 2013 17:02:00 GMT

Ah, Fergi.

Where 2 inches feels like 6. Where kids learn to ski, grownups can act like kids and even bare dirt on the hillside can’t slow down the end-of-season festivities.

Minor adjustments were made to the schedule of events. The downhill race was less speed-oriented and more a matter of adapting to the conditions. Whoever managed to get the furthest down the hill won. I do believe that was Rock Thies, who has been on something of a tear lately, what with a string of snowboard race victories and prying the lawnchair race trophy from Paul Arentsen’s sled last year.

To recap: last year we had snow. I reverse-engineered Paul’s championship design and Paul was out of town, signing Ben Hayes as backup lawnchair driver. Ben and I met on the hill. It did not go great. Here’s a link to how that went down.

So I bent my chair back into shape, added some reinforcements and should have added wheels too.

The field went from probably too many last year, down to four. Defending champ Rock. Timm Turrentine. Dave Carpenter in some contraption on loan from the Muppet Show, and me.

The most exciting part was probably the ride up the hill on the snow cat, when I was precariously attached to Rock’s sled, which was in turn precariously attached to the snow cat. Here’s a picture of Rock and Timm laughing about how I’m about to fall off and get crushed.

Timm sort of won. If deciding to take off whenever you feel like it counts as an official start. But the rest of us were marshaling our energy to drag our sleds through the mud, so I’m OK with it.

Nice job, Turrentine.

As always, the Fergi faithful arrived to tip their hat once again to a beloved little community ski hill.

Melting snow means rafting season, so I look forward to my first sunset on the river in Hells Canyon or along the banks of the Salmon or Grande Ronde, reclining in a camp chair that isn’t bolted to skis and/or strapped to a snowcat.

The post 2013 Fergifest Lawnchair Race – Turf Edition appeared first on Winding Waters River Expeditions .

Winding Waters Barnwood Recycling

Mon, 01 Apr 2013 23:18:00 GMT

We pack a lot of stuff on river trips, making sure all the comfort bases are covered. And we pack it all out. Aside from the usual recycling, last year Winding Waters even started putting food leftovers to good use by bringing them back to Arentsen Farm to be enjoyed by the pigs. That little act of recycling is repaid in the form of the finest homegrown bacon ever to grace a breakfast plate. That’s the circle of life right there.
Refitting the new Winding Waters headquarters building in Joseph kicked in a whole new level of reusing materials, with barnwood and metal salvaged from local buildings set to be torn down. I’ll get some photos up soon of the sweet finish job Paul and Todd did with those boards.

The WWRE crew dismantled another small barn last week, taking that bad boy down in one day. Here’s it is early that day.

And here it isn’t, later that day.

That was the laziest attempt at time lapse photography ever. But, hey, I was busy. Doing things like throwing boards down that almost clubbed Todd. And then the hammer flew out of my hand, ricocheted off another board and was coming right for Paul. I’m a menace, I tell you.

Linden worked harder than any of us, seen here picking up nails with her custom magnet device.

We’ll see where these boards end up in their next life. Probably somewheres around the boathouse, but you never know. Paul has been creating designer ski chairs for years from old boards and skis. Todd makes all manner of cool stuff, furniture, picture frames, you name it, from cool vintage wood.

I got inspired by those guys and made some picnic tables a couple years ago with recycled barnwood. These here are wee versions for little tykes.

Be sure to stop by the new WWRE boathouse in Joseph this season. It’s the quonset hut a couple blocks down from the Chevron. You’ll see it. And take a look at those old boards inside the new digs.

Now’s a great time to reserve your trip for the 2013 whitewater rafting season in Hells Canyon, the Lower Salmon River and Grande Ronde. Looking forward to floating with you.

The post Winding Waters Barnwood Recycling appeared first on Winding Waters River Expeditions .

Imnaha steelhead and hot tub camp

Thu, 28 Mar 2013 17:34:00 GMT

It was 40 years in the making, but well worth the wait to get down on the Imnaha last weekend with a pile of friends to fish all day and then feel old afterwards.

Paul and I both boosted the birthday candle industry this year. He’s about 24 hours older than I am. I’ll be darned.

Here’s Paul at work on the river.

And here’s what he had to show for it. Nice wild male that very well could be the same fish he hooked in the same run the day prior.

I was having a dry spell until Neal Espinoza unveiled the secrets of a particular run. Neal landed a handsome boy steelhead, then I turned this lovely lady up. Also lost one not long after that, which made me throw a tantrum. It was a quiet tantrum, mostly internal. It’s still going on actually. I’m still furious.

Look. Matching coats. How cute.

My brudder-in-law, Chad “Crawdaddy” Crawford, came over from Eugene with posse members Bill Rhodes and Dave Morrison. They also have nicknames but we won’t get into that now. Dave is a handy fellow and likes pancakes, though. I can reveal that much.

With a name like Crawdaddy you can wear a hat like that.

Chad has created not so much a camping trailer as a triumph of art and utility. Behold this glorious contraption allowing him to store and transport all of his outdoor luxury items, which fold out into the very essence of convenience. Seriously. Love that trailer and kitchen setup.

Their tent, in the background, had a boiler of a woodstove setup and I’m not sure if the snow went away because of a pressure system or Chad’s stove.

On the subject of stoves, we carted the ol’ watering trough/wood-fired hot tub down to the scene. Ain’t nothin’ like soaking in the hot tub after tromping around in waders all day. Here’s before.

Here’s after. With some nice steelhead water right handy. We all took turns fishing that water and got nothing, until Stirling Webb showed up and, bam, in fifteen minutes caught his first steelhead. Nicely done, chap.

Breeze and Joanne showed up in the Scooby Doo van and solved the Mystery of the Imnaha Monster while they were down there.

Great time with a bunch of pals. Thanks everybody for coming down. Jacey, Hannah, Mike Baird and his future son-in-law Matt . . . Dave Rooper and Kate Frenyea, Justin, Quinn, Claire, high school pal Jeremy Hill . . . Jake and Edie . . . this here is Tony Tranquilli, buddy from Portland.

I don’t know who-all I’m forgetting, but it was a fine hoedown.

Except I’m so old I was snoozing every night pretty early after hiking, hot tubbing and being old.

Here’s one last shot of Paul, right before a running of the bull. Good times. Good times.

The post Imnaha steelhead and hot tub camp appeared first on Winding Waters River Expeditions .

Statistics, fly fishing and magic

Thu, 21 Mar 2013 11:55:00 GMT

Al Josephy has a perfect background to start fly fishing. He manages water for the state of Washington, so he knows all about stream dynamics and such. He also teaches statistics at Evergreen State College.

I figured the statistics would be especially handy in the event we had to discuss hours-per-fish based on various criteria if his first outing didn’t get positive results.

But in Al’s case the data was skewed. He got the hang of casting right off the bat and landed his first fish with no trouble at all. Caught it on the swing, no less.

I tried to explain that he was doing it wrong. Traditionally you suffer long periods of frustration, then catch fish. He wouldn’t listen.

Al and I were on the Imnaha, which took some swings in level of flow recently with some warm weather runoff, but stabilized.

The Wallowa is in good shape and fishing well. Last I saw, the Wallowa was clocking in at 8 hours per steelhead.

Reports I’ve heard for the Grande Ronde say that Washington water below the acclimation site is fishing well, but the Oregon fish are moving up, so the Wallowa is the better bet over the GR right now.

Here’s the latest photo for my fine art collection of power lines getting in the way of sweet views.

Al also has a background with engineering projects, including power line installation via helichopter. Pretty fascinating stuff, really. I would need to have Al explain the ins-and-outs, but basically the tension of the lines is supported by . . . wait, no . . . it’s the angle, or . . . hypotenuse or something. The easiest way to explain it is magic. The helicopters help string up these massive lines and then a wizard comes in and does some magic.

There’s your science lesson for the day.

The post Statistics, fly fishing and magic appeared first on Winding Waters River Expeditions .

300 Steelhead in big Canyon Hatchery on Wallowa

Fri, 15 Mar 2013 08:11:00 GMT

Tom and Jake had another great day on the Wallowa yesterday. As you can see in this photo the Steelhead are big and the sun is shining. Nice Jake.

They reported that as expected the river level is on the rise but the color is hanging in there and the temp is holding in the low 40’s. They also stopped in at the Big Canyon hatchery where they reported over 300 Steelhead coming in. This is good news telling us that the fish are in the river and it is time to fish.

Contact me today if you would like Tom to show you his favorite fishing holes and techniques for catching Steelhead on the Wallowa.

Remember to get your dates locked in for the 5 Day Fall Steelhead fishing trip on the Grande Ronde through the Wild and Scenic canyon between Minam and Troy.

The post 300 Steelhead in big Canyon Hatchery on Wallowa appeared first on Winding Waters River Expeditions .

Wallowa River Fishing Conditions are Good.

Wed, 13 Mar 2013 07:24:00 GMT

Tom and Jake have fished the Wallowa every day since Saturday and are having a great week. They have caught nice Steelhead every day including this 28″ 7.5 pound bright hen. You can tell by the look on Jake’s face that this was a nice one.

Their report from last night March 12th said, despite the big spike in flow on the Grande Ronde River the Wallowa is holding steady and continues to have nice clarity and color and water temp in the low 40’s. This is quite surprising considering the warm weather we have been having. they stopped in at the Hatchery and found that there are many new Steelhead beginning to show up there. Seems like the high flows of the GR are really getting those fish moving up stream into the Wallowa. If the river hangs in there the fishing should continue to get better and better during the next few weeks. You gotta love catching Steelhead on a nice sunny 60 degree day. No gloves needed out there this time of year. Just sun glasses.

The post Wallowa River Fishing Conditions are Good. appeared first on Winding Waters River Expeditions .

Viva Baja

Wed, 13 Mar 2013 07:19:00 GMT

Paul asked me to go down to Baja Mexico to investigate reports of a new way to wear personal floatation devices. I found the inventor of the ‘over one shoulder’ technique and went out for a day on the water to see him in action.

We won’t be adopting the method. I won’t bore you with all the technical data, but the upshot is there are better ways to wear a life safety jacket. The proper use of life jackets & vests is essential, and a poor fit or unsafe design can compromise your safety. That’s why a proper life jacket inspection is always recommended before heading out.

Here’s my mom demonstrating proper PFD use—no gimmicks, no shortcuts. Just a trusted coast guard approved life jacket with solid life jacket buoyancy chart ratings. And yes, we also remembered to check the PFDs to see if they were up to regulation and safely fitted.

You know, that Mexico is all right. Except for all the sun and warm weather, which was a shock to my system. I missed my whitewater rafting in the Pacific Northwest and was honestly wondering how long do life jackets last in saltwater environments. Not to mention the important routine of service life jackets, especially after every trip.

While down there, I asked myself, what's the best way to maintain your inflatable PFD in such a hot, dry place? Proper care includes checking the M24 rearming kit, knowing when you should replace the CO₂ cylinder in an inflatable PFD, and running a flotation test regularly.

I even packed a CO₂ life vest, but between the humidity and the tacos, I was more concerned about how tight my life vest waist had gotten. Don’t forget: if you’re using inflatables, always carry rearming kits for life jackets and check inflator type V life jacket settings before use.

I did discover a possible new line of work while down there: life jacket market investigator. From the streets of Baja to the beaches, there were questionable knockoffs like the Mambobaby dupe, and I couldn't help but wonder, is Mambobaby Coast Guard approved? (Spoiler: It’s not.)

If anybody needs a skip tracer to look for Wallowa County residents who are abroad, let me know. Here’s my last operation:

Chris Geyer and I run into each other in Joseph. He says he’s heading back to Baja. I say I’m going there too.

He says we should meet. I agree. But then it doesn’t look like it’s going to work.

Then I’m driving a rental car through a town and see Chris Geyer drive by in his Rhino. What the what? We had chile rellenos to celebrate.

He and Christina have a lovely place down there. Really a nice spot.

So Mexico was great but I can’t tell you how relieved I am to be back in the land of overcast skies and the possibility of bad weather. Keep your margaritas and t-shirt weather, Mexico. I’ll take tire chains and possible frostbite any day.

And let’s be honest—nothing beats floating the rivers in Idaho.

O yeah, and I hear the steelhead are cooperating.

I’ll be getting on the water in the next couple days to find out, but call Paul if you’re looking to get out there and exercise your steelhead rod—or just want to ask, Where can I find a life jacket?

Ready to explore Idaho’s wildest waters?

Join Winding Waters River Expeditions for unforgettable whitewater rafting where safety, scenery, and thrill unite. From family-friendly floats to adrenaline-pumping rapids, we’ve got the perfect trip for you. Let’s make waves together!

Curious what makes Winding Waters rafting trips so memorable? Our guests share their thrilling experiences—check out our Google Business Profile Reviews !

Wallowa and Grande Ronde River Creel Report March 11th

Mon, 11 Mar 2013 15:38:00 GMT

Troy gauge here

Wallowa and Grande Ronde Steelhead Creel report for March 11th 2013

The post Wallowa and Grande Ronde River Creel Report March 11th appeared first on Winding Waters River Expeditions .

Wallowa River Hanging in there.

Sat, 09 Mar 2013 08:53:00 GMT

Just a quick update on the Wallowa River Steelhead Fishing conditions. Tom fished yesterday and found the river to be in great shape. It has come down after a slight increase with last weeks warm rain event and is now running at a nice fishing level. The water is clear and holding in the low 40’s temperature. Tom ‘s client caught a nice 1 salt steelhead on our favorite nymph yesterday. Hope the river can hang in there for the next few weeks and provide us with some nice short sleeved steelhead fishing. We will be out on the river quite a bit this week so I will keep you posted.

Stay tuned.

Remember to reserve your Fall Supported Steelhead trip this spring as these trips are very limited and folks are beginning to make their reservations now.

The post Wallowa River Hanging in there. appeared first on Winding Waters River Expeditions .

Grande Ronde River Flows Cresting at 4,000cfs

Mon, 04 Mar 2013 14:03:00 GMT

Grande Ronde at Troy Gauge Link:

Minam River Gauge:

The post Grande Ronde River Flows Cresting at 4,000cfs appeared first on Winding Waters River Expeditions .

Grande Ronde River Steelhead Creel Report | Feb 28, 2013

Thu, 28 Feb 2013 15:42:00 GMT

Grande Ronde River graph here

Grande Ronde River Steelhead Creel Report

The post Grande Ronde River Steelhead Creel Report appeared first on Winding Waters River Expeditions .

Return of Puppet Show Beach

Tue, 26 Feb 2013 20:57:00 GMT

Todd Kruger has many talents. Artist, builder, twig-craft, musician, gearboatman.

Twig-craft? That’s right. Ever see a Terminal Gravity Brewing tap handle? Todd.

He applies his music skills by hosting open mic at Mutiny Brewing in Joseph, our other beloved Wallowa County brewery.

He tried to talk me into doing something for open mic but I wasn’t having it. Last time I did my interpretive ribbon dance in a public setting the mockery was just hateful.

Then we remembered shadow puppets and I was on board. One of Todd’s skills he doesn’t often get a venue to practice is a natural gift for the art of doing fantastic shadow illustrations.

Background

There was a river trip. It was dark. Todd was behind a tarp and his headlamp was casting a shadow. He started improvising some scenes and it wasn’t just memorable – that campsite had to be renamed in honor of the occasion and is now known as Puppet Show Beach.

Fast Forward

The Elizabeth Expedition returned for another tour down the Lower Salmon River and I got to witness this second rendition of the shadow puppets.

The ladies on the trip bought a saucy romance novel to bring on the trip. They took turns skimming for the juicy bits and would read aloud at night after dinner. It was . . . interesting. Very interesting.

On the last night we had a big finale. The romance novel was picking up the pace for the big finish, which featured another dimension, if I remember correctly. Seriously. The action shifted over to another dimension.

We dropped one end of the wing to make a stage for Todd. Had some background guitar music and it was one of the greatest things I’ve ever seen.

I tried to film it, but the footage is mostly me and other people laughing and you kind of had to be there.

So we made up our own little romance novel to bring Puppet Show Beach to the Mutiny open mic. Todd cut out some fancy shadow props to illustrate the action and Morgan played hand drum for mood music.

Afterwards one guy I didn’t know mentioned that what he just saw was almost grounds for us to be run out of town on a rail. So I guess that means he liked it.

So the Winding Waters nightlife experience has expanded. We’ve always had the light show, or star gazing some people call it. And world-class musician and storyteller Craig Nichols. Now we’ve got shadow puppet theater.

It worked pretty good on a bedsheet in town, but I’m telling you the ambience of shadow puppets on the river with a campfire in the background is hard to beat. Just tell Paul you’re requesting the Shadow Theater option on your trip. He’ll know what you’re talking about.

Attention Fisherfolk

Tom Farnam tormented me today. I had been scurrying around trying to be productive at home, then stopped and realized I should be fishing, what with the nice weather and all. Then I went back to not fishing. Mistake.

Tom stopped by and showed me what I missed on the Wallowa.

Call Paul and request the Catch a Steelhead option. He’ll know what you’re talking about.

The post Return of Puppet Show Beach appeared first on Winding Waters River Expeditions .

30″ Wild Buck on Wallowa!

Thu, 21 Feb 2013 15:43:00 GMT

This just in! Tom fished the Wallowa River yesterday and caught a beautiful 30 inch Wild Buck. He was fishing with our go to Prince Nymph. Unfortunately we do not have a photo of this beauty only Tom’s word and our imagination. The fishing is really picking up down there. The river is clear and holding right around 40 degrees. I would say that the Spring season on the Wallowa River is a go.

Most folks I have talked to have reported the same thing. Not quite as many Steelhead being caught as in year’s past but the fish that are being caught are larger on average. This is demonstrated nicely by Tom’s report of the 30 incher.

We are also hearing good things from the Grande Ronde River. Jon and I were down there with our buddy Jeff last weekend and caught a nice Wild fish on a nymph even though the flows were on the rise and the color was off. I think you could have a great day down there as the flows level out again.

The post 30″ Wild Buck on Wallowa! appeared first on Winding Waters River Expeditions .