Idaho: Boise, Get on the Salmon River and Go. River rafting with kids has its benefits, no Ipods, IM or text messages get in the way of fun. And the electronic barriers aside, the quality time, river energy and natural thrills cannot be beat. Do the cool, rugged (not for sissies) Main Salmon with your favorite kid and share the thrills in an oar-rigged raft, paddle raft, or inflatable whitewater kayaks. Paddle like crazy and share the glide; this is the fun stuff better than TV.

For families Idaho is one of those mystery destinations, rugged and wild, meant for hardcore adventurers who claim to live off the land. Except for the stories of Sacagawea and the amazing journey of Lewis and Clark on the “River of No Return” the page is almost blank, ripe for a one-of-a-kind family adventure. In reality Idaho is an ideal family destination because it is rugged and wild, yet friendly and safe.

Sacagawea slept here. For a more specific family vacation idea consider the Salmon River one of the most beautiful whitewater rafting rivers in the world; it is the ideal spot for a true family river adventure. The Main Salmon provides scenic variety and delightful free-flowing Class III whitewater. The level is perfect for multiple generations and varied experience levels. It offers comfortable sandy beaches perfect for a noon-day picnic and a river break, dramatic rock formations, plenty of wildlife including coyotes, deer, wild horses, stray cattle, otters, big horn sheep, moose and an occasional black bear track and a river bonus, Barth Hot Springs.

No two days are the same. Destination Wilderness of Idaho employs guides who are experienced and knowledgeable about the Salmon River, safety, nature, environment, and best of all, having fun! Their whitewater river guides are not just excellent boatmen, they are gourmet chefs, musicians, storytellers, naturalists, comedians and, by the end of your trip, your friend. They consider it a pleasure to be able to guide families or friends down the incredible Salmon. No two days are the same; no two trips are the same. They take safety seriously yet make it easy to relax, have fun, and enjoy the energy of the River. 

Lewis and Clark did it. Experience the 3.2 million-acre Frank Church Wilderness and the famous "River of No Return" as Destination Wilderness of Idaho guides take you into the remote and beautiful Salmon River Valley. More than 6,000 feet from the rim to the river bed, the valley is deeper than the Grand Canyon. Beginning in the Sawtooth Mountains, it flows more than 400 miles westward into the Snake River which eventually reaches the Pacific Ocean. Wildlife viewing, premier whitewater river rafting, sunshine and relaxing campsites are abundant.

About the Main Salmon River rafting adventures. All trips begin in Salmon,   Idaho. Prices include all river equipment, food, guides, and air charter from McCall to Boise or Salmon, or car shuttle from Salmon to McCall, at the end of the trip. Tents, camp chairs, sleeping bags, sleeping pads and personal waterproof bags are also included. Destination Wilderness of Idaho utilizes many different types of whitewater river craft so participants can row, paddle and drift down the river. From oar-rigged rafts and paddle rafts to inflatable whitewater kayaks, the choice is yours. Depending on your level of adventure you may choose to paddle with a team, paddle solo in your own inflatable kayak or sit back and relax, letting your whitewater guide row you down the river in true vacation style. Need to know: They provide the finest river rafting cuisine imaginable; full complements of personal camping gear; state-of-the-art equipment, including self-bailing rafts, "solo cats" and Coast Guard approved life jackets; smooth and hassle-free logistics; and an absolute dedication to your safety and enjoyment.

About the experience. Rafting with your family makes for an awesome family adventure, yet knowing that the guides have big river experience is essential to peace of mind. Whitewater does not come without risks and the guides at Destination Wilderness know firsthand how to stay safe.  The guides have a passion for the sport and a love of the River itself. They have guided in places such Zimbabwe, Siberia, and Chile, only to return to "The River of No Return".

Day to day on the river. The full description may be found at the Destination Wilderness Idaho but we have included a few highlights to give you a sense of the experience. The Salmon whitewater river rafting trips begin in Salmon, Idaho and finish near McCall, Idaho. Five and six days in length, these journeys are perfect for everyone. Thrilling rapids, such as Salmon Falls, Big Mallard, and Bailey Falls gets adrenaline flowing. Long, calm pools allow you to unwind. The campsites provide perfect settings to sit back and relax in the peace of a wild place. Need to know: They provide variety on the river including paddle boats for those wanting to be part of a team driving a raft through boiling waters, oar boats for grandpa and grandma; self-bailing kayaks for kids of all ages seeking full control of their destiny;  nimble one-and-two person inflatable kayaks for older teens seeking the latest in rafting technology.

River food is the best. Breakfasts are multi-course events offered to fuel the day. Picnic style lunches served riverside include: fresh meats, vegetables, fruits, and other snacks. To salute to a great day of whitewater rafting enjoy happy-hour hors d'oeuvres and beverages; Dinners are hearty and include marinated and grilled steak, chicken, fish, shishkabobs with pasta and potato side dishes and fresh green salads, Dutch oven cakes, and a variety of beverages, including aromatic cowboy coffee and espresso. Bonus points: In addition, any special dietary needs you have are gladly honored. Vegetarian meals are a pleasure for us to create.

They do the details. All trips begin in Salmon, Idaho. Prices include all river equipment, food, guides, and air charter from McCall to Boise or Salmon, or car shuttle from Salmon to McCall, at the end of the trip. Tents, camp chairs, sleeping bags, sleeping pads and personal waterproof bags are also included. Just ask and they will be happy to help arrange for travel to the rendezvous point. In the case of the Salmon River, Boise, Idaho serves as the major city gateway, and is served by most airlines. Charter flights are available from Boise to Salmon.

Cost of the rafting adventure. For 2007 a typical 4-day camp trip (June 21, 29) cost $1325 per adult and for $1175 per youth (younger than 16). The river trip includes a bush flight from the riverside air strip back to Boise or Salmon.

Here’s the deal. For 2007 Destination Wilderness is offering two “Kids for Half Price” trips – a 6-day camp trip in July and one in August. Each child (6-15 years old) accompanied by an adult goes for 50% of the regular adult price. Sorry, no additional discounts apply for kids on these dates. To raft the river the minimum age is six.

Contact details. Destination Wilderness. 712 Powers Street Eugene, OR 97402. 1-866-872-5666 or www.destination-wilderness.com

More Family Vacation Ideas

Idaho: Salmon, Lewis & Clark, Creating a Family Field Trip. Getting out and doing as well as seeing the real stuff is energizing for everyone, which is why field trip days during the school year are happy days for kids. Organizing a family version takes a little more time but is definitively worth the effort. More

Utah: Moab, Taking a “John Wesley Powell Adventure”. One national park, two rivers, three canyons and one great adventure, the multi-faceted “John Wesley Powell Adventure” combines magnificent wonder, spectacular whitewater challenge and triumphant personal achievement. It is the ideal balance of serenity, thrill, and fascination that will transform your life. More

West Virginia: Oak Hill, ACE Adventure Center, Surfing the River. I could hear the screams of delight; bodies of all shapes and sizes were bounced about as each raft navigated the first rapid on the New River. Soaked by the first rapid, my heart pounding, I could see more whitewater and more fun ahead. I knew it was going to be a vacation to remember. More

Content researched and created by Travel Communications Inc. Images provided by Destination Wilderness. Copyright 2007.