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Since 1969 O.A.R.S. (Outdoor Adventure River Specialists) has been setting the standard in first-class rafting, sea kayaking and multi-sport vacations, with destinations and unparalleled experiences on over 35 rivers and coastlines of the world. The California-based, eco-conscious organization caters to active travelers of all ages and abilities with more than 75 unique itineraries worldwide, including one-day and weekend escapes.

Archive for the 'Lower Salmon' Category

Idaho - An Epic Year of Whitewater Rafting After an Epic Year of Skiing

 July 16, 2008.

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.

The Middle Fork of the Salmon River (Class III-IV) is the premier alpine river experience in the U.S.  It’s a classic whitewater river, and it equals the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon as one of the most sought after vacation destinations.  The Middle Fork offers constantly changing terrain:  the trip begins at 6000 feet in elevation in high alpine landscape and travels through forested hills, open, rolling grasslands, and finally into a narrow, rocky gorge.  The river canyon offers waterfalls, creeks, sandy beaches and natural hot springs and all kinds of wildlife viewing opportunities.

Justin Bailie image, photog dude extraordinaire!

The Gorges of the Lower Salmon River (Class III) is an ideal setting for an adventurous family vacation.  The river runs through warm, dry canyon country and has some beautiful, massive river beaches and clear, mellow pools.  There are plenty of opportunities for the entire family to try kayaking in inflatable kayaks (“duckies”).

The Idaho Operations Manager has been with O.A.R.S. almost since the inception of the company, and five of the river guides have a collective experience of 81 years leading river trips.  More than a couple of guides were born into the Idaho raft-guiding business.  These are just the kind of folks you want taking care of you!

Check out the Wine on the River trips in Idaho… and these awesome Justin Bailie images from a recent Middle Fork Salmon raft trip:

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