As I travel down the rivers of Idaho each week, I sometimes feel there are hidden eyes watching us.  I like to believe they are the spirits of the ancient people who lived in these canyons before modern society.  At least, we certainly see evidence of these people on our river trips.

There have been Native Americans in the Snake and Salmon River watersheds for over 10,000 years.  Known as the Nez Perce (who call themselves, “Nimíipuu,” meaning, “The People”) and Shoshone-Bannock (descendents of the Mountain Sheepeaters) tribes, these people lived off the land and took advantage of the fish, game and native, edible plants found in the river corridors.

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Written by Debbie Hausler

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There is no mistaking or denying Idaho’s rugged beauty.  It is a place of vast and magnificent wilderness.  It would be a rare thing for someone not to feel the strong call of nature here.  However, Idaho’s wilderness has a history and on-going record of the call of man and his influence on nature’s order.  There are several examples of this issue we continue to follow as we travel down Idaho’s vast waterways, asking ourselves when is it beneficial for man to manipulate the natural world, and when would it be better to let Mother Earth tend to her own? I don’t propose to have the answers, or even venture forth my opinions, but suffice it to say there is no lack of strong, relevant material to motivate our campfire talks here on the rivers of Idaho.

Reintroduction of the Gray Wolf

Wolf reintroduction occurs by repopulating a previously extirpated area with a group of wolves, with the hope that they will reestablish themselves in the area and ecosystem.  Although wolves are the most environmentally adaptable mammals next to man, they had been hunted out of all of the lower 48 states, with the exception of a few small packs in remote northeastern Minnesota.  Wolves were highly prevalent in North America until westward expansion occurred in the 1800’s – settlers hunted the wild bison, deer, elk and moose, forcing the wolves to then hunt domestic livestock (sheep and cattle).  When this occurred, bounties were issued for wolf kills, and continued as late as the 1960’s. 

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Written by Debbie Hausler

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Whitewater rafting on the Gorges of the Lower Salmon River in Idaho means playing in fun rapids and warm and meandering water, as well as being shown the wilderness by family-friendly guides.  The mellow water of the Lower Salmon River is appropriate for children 7 and up, and there are opportunities for everyone to paddle their own boat. See for yourself…

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Written by Tracy

Writer, Photographer, former Waterblogged Editor

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Tourism officials in Idaho admit they were nervous the economy would have a negative effect this year, but a new tourism report shows numbers are up seven percent.  According to Idaho Tourism Administrator, Karen Ballard, more people are vacationing close to home.  She also said Mother Nature has helped Idaho, especially with a huge attraction in the summer — rafting on Idaho’s rivers.  Said Ballard, “We knew we were going to have an epic year of whitewater rafting after an epic year of skiing, so we are really excited that people have figured that out.”

O.A.R.S. offers trips on Idaho’s Middle Fork of the Salmon River, the Main Salmon River, the Gorges of the Lower Salmon River and Hells Canyon of the Snake River.

Justin Bailie image.

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Written by Tracy

Writer, Photographer, former Waterblogged Editor

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