RIVER OF NO RETURN
SALMON RIVER RAFTING, 5 OR 6 DAYS

One of the advantages of a river trip is the flexibility of the daily itinerary. It can vary widely from one trip to the next based on group desires, Mother Nature and courtesy for other groups on the river. This typical itinerary illustrates a five-day trip on the Main Salmon River. From July through the end of the season, we lengthen the Main Salmon trip by one day and follow this general itinerary.

SAMPLE ITINERARY

Day 1: Meet group at the Best Western Vista Inn in Boise, Idaho. Fly into Salmon, Idaho where we will pick up those who opted to meet in Salmon. We transfer to a bus and enjoy a scenic 2-hour drive to Corn Creek, our launch site. We stop at the Northfork store en route to the river to pick up any last minute supplies such as fishing licenses, lures, beer and wine. The first day on the river we run Gunbarrel, Ranier and Devil's Teeth rapids.

Day 2: We may enjoy a short hike up Chamberlain Creek. After the exhilarating rapids of Salmon Falls, we stop and soak our bodies in Barth Hot Springs, a natural hot spring which flows into the Salmon River.

Day 3: This day is our most exciting rapid day. We run Bailey Falls, Split Rock, Big Mallard and Elk Horn to name a few. A stop at Jim Moore's place is usually included on this day. Jim Moore came to the Salmon River from Kentucky around the turn of the century and lived a colorful life until 1942. The log buildings he constructed were recently nominated to the National Register of Historic Places.

Day 4: After a visit to Buckskin Bill's homestead (Buckskin was the last of the Mountain Men) we will run Jackson and Ludwig rapids. Later we float past the confluence with the South Fork of the Salmon River.

Day 5: We'll run Vinegar & Chittam Creek rapids before taking out at the end of the trip. There is a 4 1/2 hour bus ride back to Boise, Idaho, and lunch will be eaten en route. Vehicles that were shuttled will be waiting at Spring Bar, our lunch spot.

We meet for your trip in Boise, Idaho at the Best Western Vista Inn, 7:00 a.m. (Mountain Time) the morning your trip begins. If you are driving, your car can be left at the hotel, while on your river trip. Departure time can vary due to factors such as plane availability and weather. For this reason it is imperative that you attend our pre-trip orientation the night before your trip.

We will meet guests who are staying in Salmon, Idaho at approximately 9:00 a.m. (Mountain Time) the morning of the trip. To arrange a car shuttle if you are meeting in Salmon or North Fork, please contact River Shuttles (800-831-8942 / www.rivershuttles.com). Shuttles are approximately $265.

If you are flying, you can fly into Boise, Idaho the day before your trip begins. If you have made arrangements to stay at the Best Western Vista Inn, the hotel van will pick you up at the airport. If you need assistance with your travel arrangements, please ask your Holiday Expedition reservation agent.

When you arrive in Boise the day before your trip, there will be a pre-trip orientation meeting at the Best Western Vista Inn at 8:00 p.m. (Mountain Time). A Holiday representative will give you a short orientation on all aspects of river travel. At this time we will issue your waterproof bags, answer any questions you may have, and finalize your flight departure time for the morning of your trip.

Lodging in Boise, Idaho before and after your trip can be booked at:

Best Western Vista Inn 800-727-5006 (free shuttle service to and from the airport, indoor pool, continental breakfast, *discount for H.E. guests). This should be your first choice because we meet for your trip here. www.bestwestern.com

Best Western Airpot Inn 800-727-5004 (free shuttle service to and from the airport, outdoor pool, continental breakfast, *discount for H.E. guests). www.bestwestern.com

Sleep Inn 800-321-4661 (free shuttle service to and from the airport, continental breakfast, *discount for H.E. guests).

*When you call to make advance reservations at one of the above motels, mention that you are on a Holiday Expedition trip and you will be extended a discounted rate on your room.

Lodging in Salmon, Idaho before your trip can be booked at:

Stagecoach Inn Motel 208-756-2919 (riverside rooms, outside pool)

Williams Lake Lodge 208-756-2007

North Fork Motel & Campground 888-432-0240 (In North Fork, Idaho - optional meeting point.)

BE SURE TO MAKE ADVANCE RESERVATIONS!

If you are camping out, there are two campgrounds in Boise: The Americana campground (208-344-5733), and the Mountain View RV Park (208-345-4141). There are three campgrounds in and around Salmon: Salmon Meadows Campground & RV Park (208-756-2640), Salmon River RV Park (208-894-4549), and North Fork Motel & Campground (888-432-0240).

If you have any questions prior to leaving for your trip, we welcome you to call our Salt Lake City office Monday through Friday at 800-624-6323 (outside Utah) or 801-266-2087 (inside Utah). We're happy to take the time to answer your questions. You may also contact us by e-mail at Holiday@bikeraft.com

IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS THE NIGHT BEFORE THE TRIP, OUR IDAHO HEADQUARTERS NUMBER IS 208-983-1518 (OR) LEAVE A MESSAGE AT THE BEST WESTERN VISTA INN'S FRONT DESK.

Beginning of the trip: On the morning of your trip, plan to arrive promptly at the pre-determined time established at the pre-trip orientation meeting. We will then take you to the airport. There, our prescheduled flight will be waiting to take you to Salmon, Idaho. When you reach Salmon, you will then take a 2-hour scenic drive to the embarkation point. The bus will stop at North Fork en route to the Salmon River, so that you can buy a fishing license, beer and any other last minute items.

After the trip: We will leave the river just upstream of Riggins, Idaho. We will then travel by van on a 4 1/2 hour scenic ride back to Boise, Idaho. Anticipated time of arrival back to Boise is approximately 6:00 p.m., but unexpected events could delay us. We recommend you stay another night in Boise and fly out the next day to avoid complications in flight connections after the trip. Guests who opted to have their vehicles shuttled will depart from Spring Bar, our lunch spot at about 1:30 p.m.

Fishing: You will need an Idaho fishing license. A nonresident license is approximately $11.50 for the first day and $5.00 for each additional day. Junior fishing licenses are also available for children 14-17 years of age ($13.75/season). The best fishing is in July, August, and September. Lures such as Mepps, Panther Martins and Rooster Tails do well in the main stream while fly fishing is good on the side streams. You will have the opportunity to purchase a fishing license in Boise, or North Fork en route to the Salmon River. If you would like to obtain more information or secure your license in advance contact: Idaho Fish and Game, 800-554-8685.

Salmon River weather: In May, early June and September, temperatures average between 55 and 80 degrees during the day and 40 to 60 degrees at night. In late June, July and August the daytime temperatures are 80 to 90 degrees, with nighttime temperatures 50 to 60 degrees. A thunderstorm or rainy day can happen and can cool temperatures considerably. With this in mind we recommend you have a rain suit, polypropylene underwear, (fleece top and pants are nice in cool weather too) and a light tent. If you reserved a rental unit with us when you booked your river trip, we will have a tent and rain gear for you.

Bugs, snakes, etc. are generally no problem. In fact, the lack of pesky insects is one of the reasons wilderness camping on the river is so pleasant. Any river trip, however, is subject to a localized insect hatch. Sometimes bees will be about, so make sure you have appropriate allergy medications with you. We rarely see any snakes, but if the thought of them bothers you, try sleeping on the beaches or in a tent instead of rocky or bushy areas.

Hiking is a highlight of the trip, however, it is strictly an optional activity. There are many interesting short hikes available. Hiking can be done in durable sneakers or lightweight hiking boots. Remember that hiking and other activities vary widely pending time, and what other plans are ahead for the day on the river.

Medical Emergencies: Our guides are trained in first-aid and carry first aid supplies only. REMEMBER to bring your own prescription medicines. ALERT our guides to any medical problems you might have such as diabetes or allergic reactions. Wilderness expeditions are a long way from hospitals, doctors, and pain-relieving medicines. Evacuations to modern medical care are uncertain, and protracted. In case of evacuation and/or medical treatment beyond first aid, expenses incurred are the responsibility of the participant.

Cancellation Policy: If cancellations are made prior to 90 days before the trip, monies will be refunded less a $50.00 service charge per person. If cancellations are made within 90 days and outside of 45 days of the trip date monies will be refunded less a $100.00 service charge per person. Cancellations made within 45 days of the trip date are non refundable. Prior to 45 days to the trip date we will transfer reservations to another trip in the same year with a $25.00 service charge per person. All policies will be enforced and we strongly recommend trip cancellation insurance. Cancellation of a trip is very unlikely, but we reserve the right to cancel any trip due to river or weather conditions or the lack of sufficient reservations. A full refund will be made if such is the case.

Insurance: Medical and cancellation insurance on a vacation plan can be obtained from numerous insurance companies. We offer plans underwritten by TRAVEL GUARD that cover accident, baggage and cancellation claims. An application should be enclosed with this information package. We encourage all to take advantage of this coverage. This is available to American and Canadian citizens, as well as citizens of another country as long as you have a U.S. address. If you have questions give us a call. Also, if you are bringing expensive cameras, binoculars, or other items we suggest you have insurance coverage for them (commonly available through Homeowners Policies). In the event of a loss, our insurance will not cover those items.

Tipping the guides: Many guests ask us if tipping is appropriate after the trip. If you feel the the guides have been instrumental in your enjoyment of the trip, you may choose to direct a gratuity to the trip leader. He/She will then distribute it evenly to the other crewmembers. Of those that choose to tip, the average contribution amount ranges between $10.00 and $20.00 per guest, per day. However, the decision to tip is left to your sole discretion.

Beverages: We provide ice water, lemonade, fruit juices, two sodas per day per person and ample cooler space. If you choose to bring any specialty sodas and/or alcoholic beverages, we have no problem taking whatever you want to bring - within reason. However, because of the limited space on the charter flight we must control the amount of beer or wine you carry with you on the plane (one favorite bottle of liquor or wine is not a problem). For this reason we will make a stop after the flight in North Fork, where you will have the opportunity to purchase beer, wine and liquor. You cannot buy liquor, however, on Sunday departures. Don't buy beer, wine coolers or sodas in glass containers. Wine packaged in a box is ideal. Mark beverages that you bring so they are packed on your boat.

Things to see in the area: Basque Museum and Cultural Center, Canyon Country Historical Museum, Deer Flat National Wildlife Refuge, Eagle Island State Park, Idaho Botanical Garden, Idaho Historical Museum, Julia Davis Park, Lake Lowell, Lucy Peak State Park, Silver City, Snake River Birds of Prey, Warm Springs Resort.

Reading material you may enjoy:

River of No Return Carrey & Conley $15.95
National Geographic February, 1970 N/A