Otter Bar Lodge is famous in the kayaking world. Owned, built, and operated by the Sturges family it was one of the most well-known kayaking schools in the United States and recognized by Outside Magazine and National Geographic for its location, instructors, and quality. Kayakers of all abilities would come to the Salmon River canyon to improve their skills and spend comfortable afternoons and evenings at one of the more unique lodges in the country.
After 40 years Peter and Kristy Sturges are no longer running the kayak school, but the lodge is still very much part of their lives. The only lodge in the canyon, it sits on one of the few big flats on the river and has unique access to the many stretches of whitewater. There is a dining and common room, fireplace, sauna, hot tub, covered outdoor areas, and a mix of cabins and rooms. Their goal when building it was to
“Keep it small, personable, and first class. Build a lodge large enough to sleep fourteen but cozy enough for two.”
It definitely shows – there is a character and warmth that can only come from a lodge that is slowly hand-built over time.
Like the canyon itself, Otter Bar is extremely remote. They generate their own power, have a private beach with swimming holes, a network of road and mt. biking roads, trails, and a mix of rolling lawns and native forest. There are no commercial establishments anywhere near and the region is internationally recognized for its biodiversity.
From the lodge we can build an itinerary that features whitewater from class III to class V with multi-sport options including rafting, inflatable kayaking, mountain biking, hiking etc. Each afternoon we will return back to the lodge to enjoy the canyon in comfort and maybe a drink on the deck. In the evening we will serve three-course Momentum meals and the day ends in a comfortable bed.
These trips are charter only and are a fixed cost for 1 to 12 people (it is based on the cost for 12 guests). We can go up to 14 to 16 guests depending on the group.
Please give us a call or shoot us an email if you are interested in seeing one of the most spectacular and remote river canyons in the world from one of the most unique lodges in the country.