Idaho Rafting

OARS Idaho headquarters, or OARS Dories, is located in Lewiston, Idaho. OARS operates trips on the Snake River, Main Salmon, Lower Salmon, and Middle Fork of the Salmon River.

We hire only the best guides. Many have been rowing rafts and dories for decades. Don’t believe us? Check out our film Dory Land for the story of dories in Idaho. More than a couple of our guides were born into the Idaho rafting business. Our guides are safety-conscious with extensive wilderness experience. OARS provides the best guide-to-guest ratio in the adventure travel business, thus ensuring your questions are answered and your concerns are given the personal attention you deserve.

OARS offers a variety of whitewater rafting and dory trips in Idaho. We recommend considering the minimum age, length, and level of whitewater you’re interested in. We also offer several specialty options, from fishing to gourmet dining on select departures.

To help narrow it down, here are some general recommendations:

• For families or first-time rafters seeking a shorter trip with moderate rapids and warm water: Explore shorter trip options on the Snake River through Hells Canyon or the Lower Salmon River.
• For those wanting a classic Idaho rafting experience with fun whitewater, longer trips, and opportunities for hiking and history: Consider the Main Salmon River.
• For dramatic canyon scenery, challenging rapids, and a deep wilderness experience: The Middle Fork of the Salmon is an excellent choice.

Still unsure? Our team of friendly and knowledgeable Adventure Consultants are available year-round to answer your calls and help plan the perfect Idaho rafting vacation.

In general, Idaho rafting trips are an excellent family vacation option. The minimum age for OARS river trips in Idaho ranges from 7 to 15 and depends on the trip and the water level. For example, during the spring and early summer, high water conditions can increase the intensity of the rapids and may increase the minimum age for trips during that timeframe. See individual trip pages for more specific minimum age info.

From legendary Idaho rapids like Hells Half Mile on the Middle Fork Salmon to Wild Sheep Rapid in Hells Canyon, every river we run in Idaho has some level of whitewater. The majority of OARS Idaho river trips range from Class III (intermediate) to Class IV (advanced). These ratings are based on the International Scale of River Difficulty and can vary depending on the water level and season. For more about our river rating system, visit our guide to whitewater levels and river raftings.

The “best” time for rafting in Idaho really depends on what you’re looking for in your river adventure. For trips on the Salmon River and the Snake River through Hells Canyon, here’s a general guide:

For thrilling whitewater (generally June): If you’re seeking the biggest and most exciting rapids, early summer, particularly June, is typically the peak runoff period for both the Salmon and Snake Rivers. Expect high water levels, fast flows, and challenging whitewater. This time of year is ideal for experienced rafters looking for an adrenaline-pumping experience.

For warm weather and normal flows (July – August): The heart of summer offers warmer air and water temperatures, perfect for swimming, big whitewater splashes and long, leisurely evenings in camp. By July, the initial peak flows have usually subsided, providing consistently fun and exciting whitewater suitable for a wider range of experience levels throughout summer. These months are very popular, so booking well in advance is recommended.

For smaller crowds and beautiful scenery (Late August – September): As summer winds down, the crowds typically thin out, and you can often enjoy a more secluded experience. The water levels are generally lower, resulting in more moderate rapids that are still plenty of fun. The landscapes also begin to take on the beautiful hues of early fall, making for stunning scenery. Keep in mind that water temperatures will start to cool down, so bringing appropriate layers is advisable. Fishing on the Salmon River can also be excellent during this time.

The weather for rafting trips in Idaho, particularly on the Snake River through Hells Canyon and the Salmon River, can be quite variable, even within a single day. It’s best to be prepared for a range of conditions so you’ll be able to fully enjoy your Idaho river adventure. Here’s a general overview by season:

Early Season (May – June):

• Temperatures: Daytime temperatures can range from pleasant in the 60s and 70s (°F) to potentially cooler in the 50s, especially in early May or during cooler spells. Nights can be quite chilly, dropping into the 40s or even 30s (°F).
• Precipitation: Springtime can bring rain showers. 

Peak Season (July – August):

• Temperatures: This is generally the warmest time of year. Daytime temperatures can often climb into the 80s and 90s (°F), and sometimes even break 100°F, especially in Hells Canyon and the Lower Salmon River. Nights are much warmer, typically staying in the 60s (°F).
• Precipitation: Rainfall is less frequent during the peak summer months, but afternoon thunderstorms can occur.

Late Season (September):

• Temperatures: Daytime temperatures begin to cool down, generally ranging from the 60s to 80s (°F). Nights become cooler again, potentially dropping into the 40s and 50s (°F).
• Precipitation: The chance of rain increases slightly compared to July and August.

While this provides some general guidance, it’s always a good idea to check the weather forecast closer to your trip dates for more specific information. Keep in mind that mountain weather can change rapidly, so regardless of the forecast or the season, always pack rain gear!

Idaho’s rivers are rich in human history – from Native American petroglyphs to traces of Lewis and Clark’s journey and old pioneer trails.

There are five federally recognized tribes in Idaho: the Shoshone-Bannock, the Shoshone-Paiute, the Coeur d’Alene, the Kootenai, and the Nez Perce. Northern and Southern tribes created a rich tradition of rock art that dates back thousands of years. Petroglyphs have been carved into rock walls and boulders and are abundant on the western Snake River Plain.

In 1805, Lewis and Clark became the first Caucasians to pass through the region that later became a state. Between 1842 and the 1860s, more than 50,000 Americans crossed the continent in covered wagons on the Oregon Trail. The trail followed the course of the Snake River for much of its journey through southern Idaho. At the time, Idaho was not a state, but a part of the Washington Territory. Idaho became the 43rd state on July 3, 1890, with a population of 88,548. Its 2021 population reached over 1.9 million people.

The large mammal population includes elk, moose, white-tailed deer, mountain goats, big-horn sheep, mountain lions (cougars), short-tailed bobcats, and lynx. Gray wolves were re-introduced to the Idaho wilderness in early 1995. As a result, hundreds of wolves now roam the Frank Church Wilderness Area and the Selway/Bitterroot Wilderness to the north and adjacent country. Although there’s no guarantee, wildlife sightings are common on most Idaho rafting trips.

The official state bird, the mountain bluebird, is just one of the hundreds of birds that may be seen on your Idaho vacation. A year-round population of white pelicans thrives in the Snake River drainage. Idaho has many migratory birds such as the Caspian tern, snowy egret, great blue heron, black-crowned night herons, and tundra swan. One of Idaho’s most significant water birds is the trumpeter swan, a large white bird that weighs, on average, 24 pounds and has a wingspan of 10 feet. Game birds include grouse, pheasant, and the chukar (a partridge-like gamebird). Idaho’s most notable birds are its raptors. You may have the opportunity to see eagles, hawks, falcons, owls, turkey vultures, northern harriers, kestrels, and possibly even bald eagles and osprey.

Yes, both the Snake River and the Salmon River in Idaho offer excellent fishing opportunities. These rivers are renowned for a variety of fish species, including Chinook salmon and steelhead, making them popular destinations for anglers.

For those in the rod and reel set, early fall on the free-flowing Salmon River offers some of the finest Blue Ribbon catch-and-release trout fishing in the nation. The Middle Fork of the Salmon is one of the original Wild and Scenic Rivers, and although the whitewater may be world-renowned, simply put, the fishing on the Middle Fork Salmon River is superb and offers some of the best cutthroat fishing in Idaho.

Important considerations for fishing:

Anyone 14 years or older needs a valid Idaho fishing license to fish in either the Snake or Salmon River. Additional permits or tags may be required to fish for certain species like salmon and steelhead. You can purchase licenses online, at Idaho Fish and Game offices, or from licensed vendors.

Trips on the Snake River through Hells Canyon range from three to five days. Salmon River rafting trips range from 4 to 17 days, depending on which stretch of river you’re running. Main Salmon trips offered by OARS run six days. Lower Salmon trips are four or five days. Middle Fork of the Salmon River trips run six days. Combined Salmon River trips range from 11 to 17 days.

OARS river guides do their best to offer a variety of hikes on each trip. We make every effort to provide guided excursions to nearby points of interest, like cool vantage points and historic homesteads, some of which are brief walks while others are long hikes requiring more planning.

The Main Salmon offers great hiking opportunities, but for those particularly interested in hiking, consider the Middle Fork Salmon Hiker trip. Loon Creek Hot Springs, Johnson Point, and Marble Creek are just some of the amazing hikes you may get to experience on that trip.

On any OARS rafting trip, the trip leader must consider the overall ability of the group when deciding what hikes to offer.

If you are rafting with OARS on a guided trip, you do not need to obtain a permit. We handle all the necessary permitting.

Private boaters planning their own trips on many popular Idaho rivers, including sections of the Salmon River and the Snake River through Hells Canyon, need to navigate a lottery system to obtain a launch permit during peak rafting season.