White Water Rafting, Salmon River

Phone: (619) 594-7271

DESCRIPTION

This five-day adventure takes place in one of the most remote canyon and river areas left in the lower 48 States. Eastern Washington University will outfit and guide this “Epic Adventure”.

No deadlines, no cell phones, no e-mails, no worries – just the sound of water dripping from your paddle or the pounding of your heart as you ride the roar of rushing whitewater. You will experience the largest free flowing river in the lower 48 states, float the two deepest river gorges in North America, and pass through three states. This is truly one of America’s greatest river trips!

Whitewater Ahead! The Lower Gorge is full of Class II – IV rapids—Demon’s Drop, Sluicebox, Bodacious Bounce, China Slide, and Snowhole to name just a few. We will be using paddle rafts, so everyone will be a full participant, and share in the thrill of powering through big standing waves and negotiating the big drops. Of course, there will be plenty of calm water to relax and enjoy the scenery and company of new friends.

The Lower Gorge of the Salmon River is a desert river. It flows through the basalt of the Columbia Plateau, an area with amazing and bizarre rock formations. We will float through four unique and sheer walled gorges holding most of the rapids and many interesting artifacts left behind by ancient peoples.

BRIEF ITINERARY

Fourteen adults travel together from San Diego to Spokane, WA via scheduled airline (most likely Southwest). Upon our arrival to Spokane, we will be picked up by our EWU Epic Adventures guides and driven to the put-in in Whitebird, Idaho—a scenic 3.5 hour drive. At this time of year you can expect very warm days, refreshing water for swimming and cool nights for sleeping. Our itinerary is geared for first-time paddlers, but all experience levels will enjoy the beauty and solitude of this trip.

PRE-TRIP MEETING

A required pre-trip meeting will be held Monday, the week before your trip at 7:00pm at the Aztec Recreation Center on 55th Street adjacent to the Cox Arena. Directions and a parking permit will be provided with your confirmation.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

WEATHER

Plan for the worst, expect the best; warm days, breezy afternoons, cool nights, and plenty of sunshine is the norm. It would be rare to experience rain. Expect temperatures as high as the 90’s and as low as the 70’s.

FOOD

River rafting trips are the Cadillac of Wilderness experiences. These rubber boats carry all of our gear, allowing us to carry more fresh food thus allowing the preparation of amazing meals. Our guides will employ the use of cast iron Dutch ovens creating culinary masterpieces throughout the trip. Plan on this aspect of the trip being one of the most rewarding. We hope you will be amazed (as many of our trip members have been) by some of the delicious dishes the guides will prepare. Lastly, but most importantly, all trip members will share equally in clean up of all meals.

CLOTHING

Each participant must bring only the bare essentials or what is printed on the equipment list you will receive at the pre-trip meeting. Please limit yourself to one duffel bag to transport all your gear by van. Once we reach our destination, you will transfer your gear into “dry bags”. These dry bags will be provided by Aztec Adventures and are designed to fit in your raft and keep your gear dry. Your travel clothes and other valuables will be safely locked up in the vans that will meet us at the take-out.

CAMPING/LODGING

The Lower Gorge of the Salmon River has the finest camp sites on the entire river. Each afternoon we will set up camp on large sandy beaches with plenty of time for swimming and relaxing. These river campsites will be mostly sandy/rocky with no running water, no picnic tables, portable toilets, and no showers. Please be prepared to live in the elements for the duration of the trip. There is always plenty of room for private tent sites, bathroom sites and communal eating and cooking areas. We normally camp close to the water and just below the flood line to minimize our impact on the fragile environment.

STEWARDSHIP

It is always important to the Aztec Adventures program to minimize our impact on the natural environment and resources from which we derive so much enjoyment and knowledge. We will require that everyone pack out all of their trash. Included in the confirmation packet will be a handout on specific Leave No Trace essentials. We require that you not only read it, but also agree to practice all of the techniques. We will dispose of fecal waste by defecating in portable toilet facilities that are set up upon arrival to our nightly campsite. This may sound uncomfortable or strange, but is required by regulation.

HEALTH/PHYSICAL CONDITIONING

Paddling can be strenuous and uncomfortable at times. You’re sitting for long periods of time, maintaining a constant pace with only short breaks and without the opportunity to use a toilet or stretch out your legs. We will be paddling over 10 miles a day, which with proper instruction and technique should be a good workout, but manageable. Keeping yourself well hydrated, fueled up, and protected from the sun and wind is essential and will help keep your energy level high. It has been our observation that large people (240+ pounds) struggle greatly with the confined space of a raft. Leg and foot cramps, back aches, etc. have all been common occurrences on our extended rafting trips.

RISKS/HAZARDS/SAFETY

White water rafting is dangerous. Fast moving turbulent white water with fluctuating river levels with rocks, trees, and other obstructions pose many hazards—deadly hazards. Trip members are expected to abide by all safety polices and guidelines set forth by Aztec Adventures and our Professional Raft Guides. All trip members attending must be able to swim. Falling out of a raft or a raft capsizing is highly possible. Even if you do not fall out, you will get completely wet at various times throughout the trip. In addition, we encourage everyone to stay well hydrated by drinking a lot of water and applying sunscreen regularly. In addition, all trip members will be required to read, fill-out and sign the Aztec Adventures Risk, Waiver and Health Form when registering for the trip as well as that of EWU’s outdoor program.

Practically speaking, once we get on the river, the nearest medical facilities will be hundreds of miles away. The only realistic way to get off the river is by helicopter. Everyone on this trip must make a conscious effort at all times to be safe. One person’s disdain for safety will result in more hardship for the whole group. If we do have an accident or injury that requires medical attention beyond the scope of our leaders’ experience, the trip is immediately over without refund. Our leaders are certified Wilderness First Responders which means they are trained to administer first aid in this type of “delayed transport” environment. However, while they can treat injuries—they cannot always prevent them. Lastly we do our best to stay in communication with our contacts in town via VHF radio and we also carry a satellite phone for extreme emergencies. Included in your confirmation packet will be a brochure for short-term travel insurance—please take advantage of the low costs if you have any concerns.

OUR EXPECTATIONS FOR PARTICIPATION

Please commit to being a contributing member of a group of 20. We expect that you will be in good physical condition and health, able to paddle upwards of three hours at a time, and camp in a very primitive desert environment. We will enjoy meals together and divide equally all necessary tasks, such as carrying gear and rafts and cleaning them at the end of the trip. NO DRUGS! NO ALCOHOL! This is a white water rafting and camping trip—not an opportunity to become drunk, stupid, uncooperative and a danger to others. If you desire to consume alcoholic beverages—please DO-NOT sign up for this trip. NO DRUGS OR ALCOHOL WILL BE TOLERATED AT ANY TIME DURING THE TRIP. In addition, we ask that you respect and follow the safety instructions of the leaders and raft guides. Please! Don’t ruin the trip for others in the future.

TRIP LEADERS

The leaders guiding this trip have extensive whitewater rafting “know-how” on the Salmon and Snake Rivers. They run this trip throughout the summer for many groups and have been doing so for years. Again, Aztec Adventures is working with Eastern Washington Universities “Epic Adventures” program to provide this trip. All of the guides look forward to sharing a wonderful rafting adventure with a small group of enthusiastic trip members.

COST $920

Included in the Cost: Professional raft guides and outdoor leaders, all camping and permit fees, round-trip airfare San Diego/Spokane. Round trip transportation via air conditioned van from Spokane Airport, 12 meals (4 breakfasts, 4 lunches & 4 dinners/desserts), complete outfitting of all rafting and personal camping gear. A $250 deposit is required to reserve your space. Please read our cancellation policies carefully before registering.

NOT Included in the Cost: Transportation to/from San Diego airport. Also, personal expenses will include approximately four meals on the road or in town, favorite snacks and any desired gifts. We suggest approximately $150.

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(619) 594-6958
aztecadventures@ sdsu.edu