Our standard Hells Canyon Itinerary is 4 days and includes the best stretches of whitewater, tons of historic sites and hikes, and more time to unwind, explore, and truly experience the place. The summer months offer long sunny days and a more mellow (but still exciting) version of the whitewater while spring trips feature higher flows and much higher adventure.
We also offer numerous charter options for trips from 3 to 5 days long that can include lower stretches of the river. The trip options and styles are incredibly varied and it is one of our favorite things about Hells Canyon.
Please Note: Our Hells Canyon of the Snake River Rafting trips take place in the wonderfully unpredictable natural environment and there are almost limitless exploration options, Because of this our on river itineraries are always flexible and relaxed to accommodate water levels, weather, and our guest’s needs and interests.
Day 1:
Our Standard trip starts in the little mountain town of McCall Idaho. There you will be met by one of the guides and we will drive about 2.5 hours towards the Oregon border and our ‘put-in’ just below Hells Canyon Dam. On the way we will stop for last minute necessities, personal drinks, etc. At the put-in we will meet the rest of the crew, have lunch by the river, and do an orientation talk. After loading our gear and ourselves into the boats we push off and head down Hells Canyon and into the deepest gorge in North America.
The first day and a half of the trip includes the biggest whitewater, with rapids like Wild Sheep and Granite. And then there are longer stretches of gentle current mixed with more mellow (but still exciting) whitewater.
Each night we will camp along the river on grassy flats or the occasional sandy beach. The first afternoon we will float into our first riverside camp and we will have a “camp talk” and go over everything you need to know about our comfortable wilderness camping. The camping on the Snake is incredible with room to spread out and expansive views of the canyon. In the evening we will enjoy our first dinner and a night under the stars.
Days 2 – 3
Each morning after a hearty breakfast and plenty of time for a second cup of coffee we will break camp and head down river.
Each day features whitewater, stretches of calm where people can jump in and float, opportunities to hike (the hiking is world-class), visit Native American pictographs or old homesteads, and fish in the mornings and evenings. The exact itinerary and length of each day will depend on water levels, weather, and the interests of the group. There is an incredible amount to see, a ton of options, and time to explore and relax.
Day 4
Morning comes once again with coffee, tea, views of the peaks high above, and the sound of birds in the canyon. Our last day is a chance to experience the river for one last morning with the last few rapids and some of the most famous historic sites – including one of the best collections of Indian petroglyphs on the Snake.
We reach the end of our river trip around lunch, say goodbye to most of the guides and begin the 2 hour drive back to McCall and civilization. We will get to McCall between 4 and 5:30 in the afternoon.
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