Our day trip on the river was exciting. Jake, our guide, was accommodating with the teenagers allowing them time in the inflatable kayak and plenty of personal instruction to improve their rides through the rapids. The ride from McCall seemed to fly by while anticipation for the trip built. The twenty miles on the river flew by and the kids said they wanted to do it again soon! The getting wet was refreshing. Food was fabulous. Thanks Jake, Chris, & Lauren!
We rafted the Salmon River over night with a group of 12, ages 13 to 57. Salmon Raft took care of everything and made it look all so easy. Owners Chris and Lauren, and the professional staff they utilize, made sure our adventure was safe, relaxing and treated us all like we were royalty. The attention to detail was unparalleled, the food was amazing (bruschetta appetizers, rib eyes grilled perfectly, and peach cobbler), and we really enjoyed the stories they told while we floated some of the best canyon country anywhere. We compared their pricing to other outfits and believe Salmon Raft provides the best value on the river.
Wow! What an awesome adventure with the Salmon Raft crew in gorgeous McCall, Idaho. The three of us (teenage son in tow) joined friends over the 4th of July for a two day overnight river trip. We loved it! The SR crew made us feel so comfortable and ready for adventure. Their expertise on the river, knowledge of the area, attention to all the details and the fabulous food made the whole experience a great value. The opportunity to gaze under the stars next to a beautiful natural river was unforgettable. Thank you Salmon Raft crew!
To experience a trip with Salmon Raft is to have a little slice of heaven. Can’t recommend it highly enough. The service, attention to detail, comfort, wonderful food (think homemade fresh peach cobbler, cooked Dutch oven on the beach), were all top notch!! The staff is extremely knowledgeable and friendly. The Salmon River is an absolutely beautiful place to go rafting. There are several warm, sandy beaches. Beautiful rock formations tower over you as you head down the river. In addition, there is lush green foliage to admire, and lots of wildlife to see. We met Herman! When can I go again?! Oh wait, did I mention the awesome rapids……?
Salmon Raft offered us (my husband, son and myself) the BEST rafting experience we have ever had! Our guide took expert care to read the river before each “rapids experience” to ensure our safety. Prior to rafting the Salmon, Derek observed the highest class rapids to plan for the execution of those rapids. Two experienced raft guides followed our raft in case a water rescue was necessary. Additionally, an inflatable kayak was brought for the use of the more adventuresome – after several rapids in the raft, our son chose to run the Salmon in the kayak. With individualized instruction for managing the kayak and safety protocols explained, our son extended his river experience paddling the kayak, Great consideration for his safety was provided. Our guide chose the water path for the kayak carefully, avoiding the most dangerous sections of the river, while offering class 3 paddling for our son. Certainly, this was the most safety-driven rafting experience we have had.
The guides are very personable. After the hour ride to the drop-off, conversations had turned strangers to friends. Everyone involved in our experience was considerate, informed and positive. Laughter and stories (primarily of fishing and other outdoor adventures) were freely exchanged.
Professionalism is also apparent within this company. All of my pre-trip questions were answered thoroughly. We were carefully instructed in the “what-to-do-if” scenarios that could occur during a class 3 to 4 rapids rafting trip. While on the river, our guide explained some of the mining situations currently taking place on the Salmon. Derek also pointed out historical evidence of past living along the Salmon. He is also a “darn good” geologist! After telling me about a phenomena that occurs when striking pieces of quartz together, he found two pieces of the mineral for us to try later.
Lauren, one of the owners and the van and raft trailer driver, is also professional and thoughtful. She arranged our trip exceptionally well – there were no surprises. She even baked us “river cookies” the morning of our trip to enjoy during break time!
None of us were ready for this rafting experience to end. We have spoken of it often and always with smiles. We will certainly raft again with the folks at Salmon Raft! We are considering the two day trip for our next experience!
I can’t think of a better way to see the Salmon River and have a unique Idaho experience than a trip with Salmon Raft. The staff was enthusiastic, encouraging and welcoming. Our guide, Chris, was knowledgeable and made us feel comfortable although we had limited white water experience. The one-day trip was a perfect combination of relaxation and adventure! I would highly recommend Salmon Raft for a great experience.
Our experience with Salmon Raft was awesome! The team was warm, welcoming, and fun to be around. I had never been river rafting, and our guide Chris was really good at making us feel comfortable and at ease the entire way. He even brought along tons of great snacks! If you are looking for a fun and thrilling time with an experienced team, definitely go with Salmon Raft — it will be an adventure you’ll never forget.
When I went to their web site I could sense their environmental commitment, youthful enthusiasm and air of competence. As my son (who is guiding in the Grand Canyon would say) the SR Crew seem to have “the teelos.” I just trusted them! Other companies seemed to be of the old guard which is ok but not as interesting. Strong people pitch!
Our experience with Salmon Raft was excellent from the beginning to end. Making reservations online, getting questions answered prior to the trip, and even rescheduling our trip due to illness was simple and stress free. Lauren was great to work prior to the trip and Chris and his guides were fantastic throughout our entire experience down the river. They offered a variety of float options, from leisurely to more adventurous float kayaking. Perfect for all experience levels. We plan on returning with friends to do an overnight two day trip soon.
