A whitewater rafting blog for anyone interested in California whitewater rafting, Idaho river rafting, rafting in the Grand Canyon, as well as rafting throughout the U.S. West, national parks vacations, multi-sport vacations, adventure travel, and all things related to the world's waterways.
Archive for the 'Main Salmon River Rafting' Category
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.
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.
It’s Monday morning and you need a little something-something to help ease into your work week? How about a little video clip of some O.A.R.S.’ dories running Vinegar Creek Rapid on the Main Salmon River in Idaho?
According to a recent nationwide survey, most people plan their vacations 3-6 months in advance… meaning, it’s time to make those reservations for your summer vacation now. Need some ideas? Maybe this Idaho whitewater rafting video will give you some ideas.
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.”
Women – what are you doing for a Mother’s Day gift this year? O.A.R.S. is offering a Women-Only whitewater rafting trip on Idaho’s “River of No Return” (the Main Salmon River).
What a better way to celebrate mom! The Wild and Scenic Main Salmon River surges through a scenic canyon in rolling wave trains and exciting drops, separated by lazy stretches during which you can sit back, relax and get caught up with one another. Create lasting memories while relaxing riverside in a natural steaming mineral bath. Allow our guides pamper you by rowing you and your mom down river and preparing all your meals. Heck, we’ll even do your dishes!
This special Class III river trip in the 3.2 million-acre Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness departs July 15 and lasts for six days.
Our dear friend, John Blaustein, took this footage while rafting in Idaho last summer… this time on the Main Salmon River. That’s "Bronco" (Bill Bruchak) at the helm. He’s made more than 100 trips down the Grand Canyon; in the off season he’s a ski patroller in Colorado.
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