The Wild and Scenic Middle Fork of the Salmon River is located in northwest Idaho, and by most accounts it sets the whitewater rafting standard in the U.S. I haven’t experienced this river yet, and I’m chomping at the bit to get there. (powers-that-be, if you’re reading this…) I can tell you from the feedback I hear in the O.A.R.S. office, it’s unforgettable, it’s wild, it’s sublimely scenic and the terrain is uber diverse.

The MFS is rated Class III-IV, which means it is exciting and thrilling, but probably not terrifying. O.A.R.S. offers 6-day trips from the end of May through September. (We also offer a special 6-day Hiker Special in September.) We travel 100 miles and charge through 100 rapids. You choose your method of travel: inflatable kayak, paddle raft, oar boat or classic wooden dory (in high water). Some days you might feel brave and want to paddle the inflatable kayak (aka “ducky”), other days you may want one of our stellar guides to do all the work and row you along in a sleek, classic dory.

In speaking with our Idaho Adventure Consultant, Azz, one of the most notable highlights of the Middle Fork Salmon is its constantly changing terrain. Our trip begins at 6000-ft in alpine territory. As the trip continues downriver, the scenery changes significantly and we pass through forested hills and open, rolling grasslands. There are lots of side hikes alongside creeks and to waterfalls and natural hot springs. There are big, sandy beaches that are great spots to play Frisbee, horseshoes and bocce ball or to picnic, read a good book and/or nap. These beaches also make for some incredibly comfortable camping. The last part of the trip flows into a narrow, rocky gorge called Impassable Canyon.

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Unca John’s trivia team, the Paddleheads, defeated 21 other teams to reclaim their title as the Calaveras County Trivia Bee champs. (They won two years ago.) Sponsored by O.A.R.S. (hey-we support useless knowledge as well as river conservation), the Paddleheads consist of John Sproull, Noel Hembrecht and Jeff Airola. The contest is in its 11th year and is a benefit for the Calaveras County Library. This year’s theme, “Yee-Haw”, was a tribute to all things cowboy/western, with some little known tidbits about Antarctica thrown in for good measure. Thanks for representin’ John!

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George Wendt, Founder and President of O.A.R.S. (and truly a humble leader), is featured today in Don George’s interVIEW. I had no idea until I read this interview that George’s first river trip was the Glen Canyon back in 1962. 1962!  And he still loves running rivers… Don George, the Adventure Collection’s Web Editor in Chief, is a highly respected and pioneering travel journalist of more than two decades. He was most recently the Global Travel Editor for Lonely Planet Publications. His blog, Don’s Place, is a great resource for travels of all flavors.

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Okay, whitewater rafting anywhere is paradise.  However, it’s especially true in Fiji.   Don’t take my word for it… here’s a video clip of an O.A.R.S. / Rivers Fiji trip on the Navua River…

Navua River Fiji

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We teamed up with Teva last year for what turned out to be two wildly successful product-testing trips on the Main Salmon River. tevatribeweb_320x240.flv These trips prompted more of the same for this year.  These trips will, of course, be led by our really cool guides and will feature pristine wilderness, fun Class III or IV whitewater, the unique opportunity to meet the Teva Product Team and test footwear – and free shoes.  The California Guide School, held April 20-26, the Colorado River through Cataract Canyon, May 18-23, and the Green River through the Gates of Lodore, August 1-4, all have reduced prices for students 18-23 years with a valid college ID.

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