Pete Seeger rowing an oldschool raft in Hells Canyon

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 nostalgic 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 Waters, 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.