Highlights & Details
Trip Pricing
Adults: $1,429.00
Youth: $1,379.00 (12 and Under)
Minimum Age: 7+ years & 50+ lbs
Price Includes: All camping gear (tents, sleeping bags and pads), meals from lunch on first day through lunch on the last day, splash jackets and pants (for cooler days on the river), vehicle shuttle and jet boat shuttle out plus complimentary t-shirt and Nalgene-style water bottle, no additional taxes or hidden fees.
Idaho's Premier Family Friendly Trip
Our 4-day rafting trip starts at the Hammer Creek Recreation Site near White Bird, Idaho. From here we explore 50 miles of the Lower Salmon River as it carves through the Columbia River basalts and much older Seven Devils formations delivering dramatic vistas and big splashy rapids each day. Short stops break up the rafting action as we view ancient pictographs, see the remains of early mining camps and visit historic Native American sites. Giant white-sand beaches provide a comfortable camp setting each evening. Swimming in the warm water, bocce, volleyball and other activities make each afternoon a perfect day at the beach.
On our fourth day, we’ll reach the Salmon River’s end at its confluence with the Snake River in Hell’s Canyon. This is where a chartered Jet Boat service will pick up all guests plus one of your trusty guides to be shuttled downstream on an exciting ride all the way to the Holiday Inn in Clarkston, WA where your vehicle will be waiting. With plenty of sunshine, warm water and comfortable camping, the Lower Salmon delivers the very best comfortable family rafting adventure.
What's it like?
Each day the guides will have coffee on between 6:30 am and 7:00 am and breakfast is served at 8:00 am. We start packing up at 9:00 am and try to be on the river by 10:00 am. Each day on the river is different and actual activities are chosen according to the general interests of the group. There are a wide variety of short hikes, swimming holes on side creeks, historic sites and places of interest to linger. You’ll also have the opportunity to move from raft to raft, relaxing in the oar raft, joining a crew in a paddle raft or going solo in an inflatable kayak. Learn more about the Types of Rafts.
When: 9:00 am (Pacific Time) Our meeting location in White Bird, ID is located just within the Mountain Time Zone but all of our trips run on Pacific Time.
Where: Hammer Creek Recreation Site and Boat Ramp near White Bird, ID. Although most trips launch from Hammer Creek, some low water years warrant us launching from nearby Pine Bar Recreation Site. If this is the case we will let you know.
PLEASE DO NOT BE LATE. Being late affects the entire group and the first day’s itinerary and may require us to skip popular stops or activities. Orientation and packing takes about an hour. If we have not heard from you the trip will depart when ready. If you are lost or will be late please let us know by calling us at 541-385-5947.
Drive Time to Hammer Creek:
Grangeville, ID – 30 minutes
Lewiston, ID – 1 hour, 45 minutes
Seattle, WA – 7 hours, 15 minutes
Portland, OR – 7 hours, 45 minutes
Missoula, MT – 3 hours, 30 minutes
Boise, ID – 4 hours
On Cooler Days Add a Second Layer Being prepared with light to mid weight layers of synthetic clothing takes the chill out of cooler days on the river.
It is a tradition on our trips to have some fun on our last evening. Ties, cummerbunds, costumer jewelry, crazy hats – think Halloween. Be as creative and crazy as you want.
On colder trips make sure that the kids have neoprene footwear, a warm and waterproof hat and plenty of polyester/fleece tops and bottoms for layering.
Our day begins at 9:00 am (Pacific Time) at the Hammer Creek Recreation Site and Boat Ramp. You should have eaten breakfast, made any last minute purchases and fueled your vehicle prior to this time. The town of White Bird is 3.5 miles away. Look for the Ouzel crew at the boat ramp. Each guest will be given two dry bags. The larger “overnight” bag is for the majority of your personal and camping gear and will be sent ahead to camp. The smaller bag is for items you would like to keep accessible during the day. Your trip leader will provide instructions on how to pack and properly seal your bags and you will have a limited amount of time to pack your belongings.
The “overnight” dry bag provides 3.8 cu. ft. of storage. When closed the bag is 16 inches in diameter and 33 inches tall. If we are providing you with a sleeping bag, it will already be packed in the bag. Most guests find it useful to separate clothes and belongings into smaller bags for easier packing and better organization. Small, collapsible duffels, laundry bags and even pillowcases work well. Large or rigid duffel bags are difficult to work into and out of your dry bag. Pack toiletries and liquid items in a Ziploc or waterproof container in case they leak inside your bag.
Your overnight dry bag will not be accessible until you reach camp. Use the smaller dry bag for items such as sunscreen, cameras and extra clothing that you’ll want accessible during the day. If you have special photography equipment or unusual items please call our office for packing suggestions.
Once your overnight bag is packed we will collect it along with any other items that do not get packed in your overnight bag – this includes personal beverages, tent (if bringing your own) fishing gear, trekking poles, etc. Make sure to keep your car keys handy. Overnight bags will be loaded on to our equipment rafts and those rafts will depart for camp. Your vehicle will be shuttled to the Holiday Inn in Clarkston, WA during the trip. You will fill out a shuttle authorization form prior to your trip with the company we use to move our vehicles. The orientation continues with discussions about the environment, safety and what to expect over the next few days. There is quite a bit of talking on this first morning. Our goal is to makes sure everyone is well-informed and prepared for the trip ahead.
All meals beginning with lunch on the first day to lunch on the last day are included. Snacks are always available. Nobody goes hungry on an Ouzel Trip!
Our menus are designed to be flexible in order to accommodate vegetarians and other dietary restrictions. Most dishes are made largely from scratch, making it is easier to prepare portions on the side. You will list your dietary restrictions on the trip registration form prior to the trip, and we will use this information to shop accordingly. However, it is ESSENTIAL that you remind the guides of your restrictions PRIOR to meal preparation. When necessary, dishes and utensils will not be used to prepare or serve more than one dish. For more information on specific dietary restrictions, go to frequently asked questions.
Snacks are important to keep guests (especially kids) fueled and happy. The snacks we carry are limited in variety, so for “picky eaters” we recommend bringing snacks that will be welcomed.
Beverages include: Water, Lemonade, Iced Tea, Coffee, Hot Chocolate, Tea, Juices and an assortment of wines served with dinner (we plan for 2 glasses of wine per adult per evening). We do NOT supply beer, sodas or other beverages, but you are welcome to bring your own. We’ll have coolers with ice set aside for guest drinks. Except for special bottles of wine or scotch, please do not bring glass.
Alcoholic beverages are not allowed on the river during the day and we asked that guests drink responsibly in camp.
We supply all the group camping gear for the trip. This includes dining tables, chairs, shelter tarps (for rain and sun), toilets, hand-wash stations, campfire set-up (when allowed), solar showers, a small library and games (like bocce, horseshoes, etc.).
Our tents sleep two comfortably and larger family-sized tents are available and will accommodate a family of four. Single travelers are not required to share a tent.
Sleeping bags are rectangular, flannel-lined 45° bags and are 34” x 84”. Sleeping bags are professionally laundered between trips.
Sleeping pads are heavy duty “Paco” pads and are 72” x 28” x 1.5”.
We do not cancel trips due to inclement weather. The detailed trip planner for your trip will include suggestions on the type of clothing to pack. Ouzel will provide splash jackets and splash pants, as well wetsuits and wetsuit booties if conditions warrant.
Despite the gear we provide, it is important for our guests to be prepared. This means checking the weather and packing appropriately. Dressing in layers and AVOIDING COTTON will provide a good base layer that can be combined with our extra gear.
Lastly, it is wise to assume that every article of clothing you wear on the river will be soaked by the time you reach camp. You should be prepared to change into a completely dry set of clothes each afternoon (including socks & shoes).
“The guides were awesome. Somehow they were totally crazy and fun but also extremely professional. They had the perfect balance of letting people expand their boundaries and keeping us all safe. I have many awesome stories of this!” - Kali S. (Salmon River)
Join Us Online
Box 817, Bend, Oregon 97709
info@oregonrafting.com • (541) 385-5947
PO BOX 817, Bend, Oregon, 97709
info@oregonrafting.com (541)-385-5947
Privacy Policy - Reservation Policies - Contact Us
© 1979—2023 Ouzel Outfitters. All rights reserved.