The Lower Salmon River whitewater trip is perfect for families with kids. It is the biggest river O.R.E. runs and many of our clients have said it’s our most exciting trip. And when we say big, we mean the canyons are big. The beaches are big, white, and sandy, similar to coastal beaches. The frequent and friendly rapids are full of big splashy waves (Level III+) with names like Half-&-Half and Snow Hole.
The towering desert canyons and gorges hold a lot of history. The soaring views downriver and upriver make for a whitewater multi-day trip that is a favorite for anyone who ever goes. Oh, and it’s the second deepest canyon and the longest completely free-flowing, undammed river in the lower 48 states.
The Lower Salmon River rafting trip is the quintessential Pacific Northwest River adventure. The adventure begins in Lewiston, Idaho, and explores the final canyons of the Salmon River before it joins the mighty Snake River on its way to the Columbia. The trip covers 50+ miles on the Salmon River and another 25 miles on the Snake River. The trip concludes with a jet boat shuttle ride out from the confluence of the Snake River straight into Clarkston, WA.
There is a lot of history on this famous river once dubbed the “River of No Return.” Get swept up in stories of the Nez Pierce, Chinese gold miners, and river hermits who escaped to the Lower Salmon wild to find their solitude. This river canyon has been home to people for thousands of years and the secrets its caverns hold can truly only be understood by experiencing the beauty in person. Along the banks, one of the oldest known records of human inhabitation is a spot that makes you feel like a blip in time.
You will get to view wildlife like the desert bighorn sheep, Chukar, and bald eagles. Evenings at camp are great for listening to the canyon wren’s crescendo bouncing off the canyon walls. With usually warm weather and clear refreshing water, the Lower Salmon River rafting trip is full of swimming opportunities for kids of all ages. Known as a “pool drop” river, there are some great chances to learn to row your own boat or maneuver an inflatable kayak through the rapids with nice pools at the bottom.
It doesn’t matter if you’re a seasoned river runner or a family out on your first multi-day, this river is a trip great for everyone.
For our 4-day Lower Salmon River adventure, families can expect an exhilarating journey through big canyons and friendly rapids like Half-&-Half and Snow Hole. Immerse yourself in the towering desert landscapes and rich history as you navigate the second deepest canyon in the lower 48 states.
UPCOMING PUBLIC DATES:
*OTHER DATES AVAILABLE FOR GROUPS OF 5 OR MORE
Opt for the 5-day option for an extended exploration of the Lower Salmon River, featuring 50+ miles of thrilling rapids and stunning scenery. Delve into the history of the “River of No Return” and encounter wildlife like desert bighorn sheep and bald eagles along the way. With warm weather and clear water, this trip offers plenty of swimming opportunities for everyone.
UPCOMING PUBLIC DATES:
*OTHER DATES AVAILABLE FOR GROUPS OF 5 OR MORE
For over 35 years we’ve run whitewater rafting trips on ten of the best rivers Oregon and Idaho have to offer. Our safety record is excellent. Our guides are friendly, skilled professionals. We use only the best, professional quality rafting equipment. And we offer an unsurpassed variety of boats from which to choose: oar rafts, paddle rafts, inflatable kayaks, and our unique, custom designed Row-Your-Own catarafts.
For more about who we are please click or touch more about O.R.E.
Almost anyone can go. No prior rafting experience is necessary, and no prior camping experience is needed for our multi-day trips. We welcome children ages 7 and up on most of our rivers (some options can be 5 years old), and adults of all ages. While we recommend that our guests know how to swim, non-swimmers are free to join us on most trips (with the exception of certain high-water spring trips).
No, even if it’s your first time we have a trip that can work for you.
O.R.E.’s safety record is excellent. That’s because your safety is our number one priority. Running rivers, like other outdoor activities, involves an element of risk. But we work hard to protect your safety and well being. Our guides are trained in river safety and first aid skills. Each trip begins with a thorough safety orientation. Coast Guard Approved life jackets are worn at all times while on the river, and complete first aid and emergency kits are carried on each trip.
Yes, we operate trips even if it is raining. After all, it is whitewater rafting and we enjoy the water. On the rare occasion that conditions warrant it because of safety concerns, O.R.E. will cancel a trip.
Yes, we are unable to accommodate walk-up businesses/customers due to trip planning etc. Day trips can fully book up for the weekends during the summer, so it is best to reserve early. Mid-week trips and spring/fall trips are not as busy.
We provide top-quality professional rafting equipment, including U.S. Coast Guard Approved lifejackets, helmets, and other safety gear.
Your trip fare covers all expenses from the time we meet until the time we say goodbye. Tents, sleeping bags, pads, waterproof river bags and boxes for your personal gear, and transportation to and from the river from a designated meeting place is included.
We also provide outstanding, freshly prepared meals from lunch on the first day through lunch on the last. Juice, coffee, and tea are provided. Complimentary wine is provided with dinners.
Our meals vary depending on trip length, river, time of year, and the needs and preferences of our guests. But all are high quality, healthful, delicious, and freshly prepared by our guides.
Perishable fruits, vegetables, meats, and dairy products are packed on ice. After each meal, dishes, utensils, and cookware are cleaned using an approved four-step dishwashing system, including a sterilizing rinse.
Sample Menu – a Day on the River
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Dessert
Our menus are designed to enable us to accommodate a variety of medical dietary restrictions as well as personal dietary preferences. Our meals are prepared on the river rather than pre-made, so it is typically easy for us to prepare portions on the side that lack (for instance) onions you may be allergic to, or meat for those who are vegetarian or vegan.
If you have specific dietary needs or preferences then please let us know. And feel free to call or email us if you have any questions about meals.
Vegans and Vegetarians: All of our menus include ample fresh fruits and vegetables. When our guests let us know that they are vegetarian or vegan we can add hummus, tofu, and other protein sources to our meals. Also, meals that normally include animal or dairy products will be prepared so that separate portions are available without these ingredients.
Food allergies (including nut, gluten, and dairy): Meals will be prepared so that side dishes are available that avoid these items. As appropriate we will also provide substitutes such as soy milk or gluten-free bread, snacks, and pasta.
Youthful preferences: Children can be picky eaters. So we are happy to provide kid-friendly meal options upon request such as hot dogs, hamburgers, macaroni and cheese, and grilled cheese sandwiches. In addition, peanut butter and jelly is always available.
Beverages: Water is always available, and juice is available in camp and at lunch each day. Coffee as well as hot water for tea and hot chocolate is available in camp, and fruit juices are served in the mornings with breakfast. We are happy to serve wine complementary with dinner. This wine comes from our friends and partners at Goose Ridge Winery. We feature their Cascadian Outfitters label on our trips.
You are welcome to bring soda, beer, additional wine, spirits, or other drinks, and we will endeavor to keep these on ice for you as needed. Please avoid glass containers when possible.
Please note that our policies vary for day trips and multi-day trips. See below.
O.R.E. rarely cancels a trip, but we reserve the right to cancel or reschedule due to water level fluctuations, insufficient reservations, or other factors beyond our control. If we cancel, we’ll refund your fees in full, but we cannot reimburse you for other travel expenses you may have incurred.
A deposit, payable by check, or credit or debit card, confirms your reservation. Deposit amounts are $200 per person for all overnight/multi-day trips. Lodge trips may require an additional deposit. (Exception: Full payment is required at the time of reservation if less than 30 days remain before the trip begins.)
FINAL PAYMENT IS DUE 60 DAYS PRIOR TO YOUR MULTI-DAY TRIP.
Cancellations, Transfers, and Refunds:
Please notify us as soon as possible if you find it necessary to cancel your reservation. Because we lose the ability to sell reserved spaces to other individuals or groups, we strictly adhere to the following policies:
(Rogue lodge and camp/lodge trips may incur additional cancellation fees if they are levied by one or more of the lodges.)
Yes! We partner with a local guide and offer this as an option for those looking to fish along their trip. Click here for more details, and be sure to read below for information regarding fishing license requirements.
You will need to check the local fishing regulations as we operate in many different river locations. You will need a fishing license for the state that you are in. Both Idaho and Oregon offer daily passes and annual for in-state and out-of-state residents. Youth ages 12 and under in Oregon and 14 in Idaho do not require a license.
You will be able to fish from campsites and at lunchtime, but we cannot guarantee that you will be able to fish from the rafts while we are moving downriver. If you’re interested in having a fishing guide and an assigned raft for fishing let us know, we may be able to arrange on request.
Plan a perfect river excursion with all the right information at your fingertips. Learn about our stunning locales, explore our detailed gear book, or reach out with any other questions so we can make your trip as smooth as possible.
The Wild & Scenic Clackamas River is rated as one of the best rafting adventures in Oregon and is only a 45 minute drive from Portland's East side. An unbeatable combination. Three thrilling Class II or Class III+ white water rafting trips are available to choose from. Our half-day trips on the Lower Clackamas are perfect for those new to rafting or with smaller kids. The Upper Clackamas offers a more thrilling rafting adventure. The full-day Upper Clackamas Experience is the most thrilling white water rafting trip we offer. This river has it all.
Oregon's #1 most popular one-day white water rafting trip. The Wild & Scenic Deschutes River rafting trip flows through high desert with consistent and exciting Class III-IV white water rapids. Suitable for beginners, your rafting trip also features world-class fishing and lots of wildlife. This river is only 2 hours from Portland and offers lots of sunshine and swimming even when Western Oregon is cloudy.
The Wild & Scenic Sandy River is an early season delight, as the water generally starts to drop by early June. It courses its way down the slopes of Mt Hood and drops into the Cascade foothills before joining the Columbia River. A great option to see the lesser known portion of this surprising scenic trip that is still close to town.
The beautiful McKenzie River is located just East of Eugene and is one of our favorite rafting runs in the Willamette Valley. Swift, crystal clear water moves along a tree-lined river bank and is full of fun Class II+ rapids. With half-day to two-day trips available, there is plenty of great camping, hiking, fishing and whitewater to enjoy.
The North Santiam River offers a great introduction to whitewater rafting. Conveniently located near Salem and Portland, it's a great river to raft year round. Our half-day and full-day options include lots of swimming opportunities, crystal clear water and mild, splashy rapids like Spencer's Hole, Carnivore and Mill City Falls. It's a river rafting trip suitable for everyone, whether they be novices or a veteran rafter.
Experience the allure of the Deschutes River with an easy multi-day rafting trip. Choose from the upper section's thrilling rapids and starlit nights, starting at Warm Springs or Trout Creek and ending at Maupin, or opt for the lower section's serene stretches and dynamic last-day rapids, starting at Buckhollow and concluding at Heritage Landing. Both trips offer stunning canyon views, ample wildlife sightings, and excellent conditions for fishing and swimming in one of the West Coast's premier rivers.
Located in the Northeast corner of Oregon, the Wild & Scenic Grande Ronde River is considered to be on the "mild" side with many Class II+ rapids. It makes a great, relaxing whitewater river rafting adventure for the whole family. It journeys through the confluence of the Wallowa and Grande Ronde rivers and is home to forested river banks, high desert scenery, great wildlife, and bird watching, along with abundant fishing opportunities
With mellow white water and stunning desert canyons, the Wild & Scenic John Day River trip is our most relaxing multi-day trip. The easy days on the water, wide open beaches for camping, excellent fishing, and room to explore make this perfect for your family's first rafting trip and those wanting to try a new watercraft on a row-your-own cataraft.
The beautiful McKenzie River is located just East of Eugene and is one of our favorite rafting runs in the Willamette Valley. Swift, crystal clear water moves along a tree-lined river bank and is full of fun Class II+ rapids. The area is full of plenty of great camping, hiking, fishing, hot springs, and whitewater to enjoy.
Experience rafting and exploring a true wilderness river in Oregon’s Grand Canyon, the Owyhee River. With riverside hot springs, historic ranches, geological wonders, and many other hidden secrets, each journey down this river is a fresh experience for every boater. This is one of Oregon’s finest multi-day trips that truly shows a different side of the state.
Our office is open 7 days a week during the months of April–October from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. We are available for reservations and customer support during these hours. During the months of November-March are open Monday through Friday.
Oregon River Experiences offers trips launching from various points across Oregon. Detailed departure information for each river trip can be found on our individual trip pages.
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