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River Classification system
Boat Types and options
Family Trips
Frequently asked questions
Discounts
How much time are we in the boats
You want to go whitewater rafting but you don't want to get in over your head or you want to make sure it is challenging enough. You have heard of the rating system for whitewater rafting but do you know what it means. The American Whitewater Affiliation defines each class as follows:
| Class I |
Easy: fast moving water with riffles and small waves. |
| Class II |
Novice: straight-forward rapids with wide, clear channels. |
| Class III |
Intermediate: rapids with moderate irregular waves. |
| Class IV |
Advanced: intense, powerful but predictable rapids requiring precise boat handling. |
| Class V |
Expert: extremely long or very violent rapids; scouting is mandatory. |
| Class VI |
Extreme: for teams of experts only; portaging is often necessary. |
lass III Class IV Class V Rapids
Class III Rapids
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Class IV Rapids
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Class V Rapids
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In trying to decide which trip is best for you, your family or your group it is helpful to know the class river your are considering so we have listed the river trips we offer and their classes.
Idaho
Middle Fork of the Salmon ~ Class III-IV
Main Salmon River ~ Class III
Owyhee River:
Upper - Class V (some linings or portages possible)
Middle - Class IV-V
Lower - Class II-III
Jarbidge/Bruneau Rivers ~ Class V (IV at lower water)
Montana
Middle Fork of the Flathead River - Class III-V in June's high water, Class III- IV in July.
South Fork of the Flathead River - Class II-III, optional run through the Class V Meadow Creek Gorge
Alaska
Tatshenshini/Alsek Rivers - Class II & III |
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On some rivers you'll have a choice of craft, while on others rivers the nature of the rapids dictates what boats we use. Here's a look at the different boats we use and what boats are used on each river.
On some rivers you'll have a choice of craft, while on others rivers the nature of the rapids dictates what boats we use. Here's a look at the different boats we use and what boats are used on each river.
An adventure trip with your family can be one of the best vacations you'll ever have together. The activities are so varied that there's something for everyone...rapids, swimming, fishing, pioneer history, inflatable kayaks, campfires, sunsets or just relaxing.
Children 8 and older
The Main Salmon River is the place. The river begins with mostly Class I and II whitewater the first couple of days. Everyone can get used to the white water and learn to use the inflatable kayaks. Then on the third day, we hit the Class III water that is so much fun. On most western rivers the water is too cold for swimming, not so on the Salmon. Big beautiful beaches make great campsites and kids love to play in the sand and water. There are lots of wonderful eddies and pools. Late July and August are best for families with young children.
The Hayden Creek Ranch stay combined with the Salmon River is a great trip for young people.
Teenagers with the Family
If you would like to explore a more challenging river, the Middle Fork of the Flathead River is a good one for families with older children. This is a Class IV river. Because the area is so remote, we fly into the river. We are one of two outfitters permitted on this river so we rarely see other groups on our trips. Since there are not a lot of people, there is usually plenty of wildlife. The hikes on this river are a little longer and sometimes we like to just take off on unchartered game trails. On later trips, the fishing is good too. June and early July trips.
Other good choices:
Hike/Salmon River Raft and Bike/Salmon River Raft combos are excellent for older children also.
Alaska's Tatshenshini/Alsek Rivers
When your Children are Grownups
The South Fork of the Flathead is a great river for adventuresome families looking for an active style vacation with a challenge. This hiking/rafting combination has awesome scenery with mountain lakes and high vista views. And the river is pristine, usually crystal clear and teeming with trout. The Class V whitewater in Meadow Creek Gorge is exhilarating. Running the Gorge is dependent on the water level and the participants. Late June early July trips.
Other good choices:
Alaska's Tatshenshini/Alsek Rivers
Bruneau and Owyhee Rivers
Hike/ Raft Combos and Bike/Raft Combos
Family Reunions
From grandchildren to grandparents, family reunions are a fun way to get everyone together in a beautiful environment enjoying activities everyone can enjoy. We think the Salmon River is your best choice since it has something for just about everyone. May-September trips.
How strenuous or difficult is a river trip?
Generally, the whitewater is different on each trip. Class I-III is good for families or most anyone. Class IV is for those with a little experience or the very adventuresome novice that is in good physically condition. Class V is for the experienced, very adventuresome in excellent physical condition. Some rivers are easier for camping, some have less steep terrain for hiking. Generally, most off river activities are optional so guest can do as much or as little as they want. We will be happy to help you find a trip that is right for your fitness level and desire for adventure.
What gear do I need?
We provide most every thing a guest needs except personal belongings. Generally, you will have most of the gear you need already in your closet. Quick drying bathing suits are good. Some warm clothes are needed, synthetic pile or polypropylene is best for warmth. These dry very fast and are warm even when damp. One of the most important items on the list is good rain gear. If we should encounter some stormy weather you need to be able to protect yourself from the elements. Cheap plastic rain gear is not recommended. Rain suit with a hood is best.
NEED GEAR? Try Northwest River Supplies
How many people are on your trips?
We run small trips with a maximum of 12 guest on each trip (except for charter trips that wish to have more). This allows our trips to be more compatible with the wilderness environment, flexible to the interest of the group, and a more personal experience.
What type of food do you provide?
Everyone on our trips are amazed at the food on our trips. We serve fresh hearty meals. Examples: Breakfast - french toast, bacon, fresh fruit, juice or english muffins, grilled ham, eggs, fresh fruit, juice. Lunch - Turkey sandwiches, fruit salad, chips and dip, cookies and candy. Dinner - Grilled Salmon, pasta alfredo, steamed asparagus, pound cake topped with strawberries or nice thick New York steak, green salad, baked potato, french bread, and cheese cake.
Do you offer vegetarian or other specialized menus?
We will be happy to customize a menu to your needs. Please let us know well in advance of the trip so our guides know your requirements when they do the shopping for your trip.
What is the best trip for my family?
The Salmon River is our most popular all around trip. It is an excellent family trip because it is a Class III river with big sandy beaches and water that is warm enough to swim in. There is so much to do and see - pioneer homesteads, Indian drawings, hikes, hot springs, beach games, and the weather is usually pretty warm for a mountain river.
Do you have any age limits?
For the Salmon River we recommend an age limit of 8 years old and for the Middle Fork of the Flathead we recommend 12 years old. Deciding when a child is ready for a river trip is an individual decision and we are a little flexible with this so feel free to discuss your child with us.
Children: Children under 12 receive a 30% discount.
Groups: Discounts are available for groups of 3 or more. The amount of the discount is based on the size of the group. Three people would get 3% off, four people would be 4%, and so on up to 15% for groups of fifteen or more.
Restrictions: Child discounts are not available when a group discount is being given. We will be happy to figure out if the child or group discounts would be cheaper for you.
Discounts are not available when booking through a commissioned travel agent.
Often people have the idea that whitewater rafting is only about the river, but there's much more. Sure, we spend a good bit of time on the river - running rapids, drifting peacefully through the calm stretches, watching wildlife every chance we get, and, on some trips, swimming. Some days we spend 6 or 7 hours on the river, some days 1 or 2 and other days we don't even break camp.
We take time to walk to pioneer homesteads or hike to the top of a nearby ridge for the view. There's plenty of relaxing around the evening campfire, soaking in hot springs, reading or reflecting on the river experience, and there's always time for a little fishing near a pristine side stream.
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