Rafting and Hiking the Middle Fork of the Salmon! A perfect combination! My husband and I celebrated our 20th wedding anniversary rafting down the Middle Fork through the Frank Church Wilderness with OARS and went during the week of their Hiker's Special. It was an experience we won't forget! Everything about our trip with OARS was top notch. From the responsiveness of the office to get us information or answer our questions regarding the trip to the delicious meals we ate along the river. We can't say enough about all the well-thought out details. Our boatmen/river guides were knowledgeable and taught us how to paddle and ride safely and have a ton of fun at the same time! They brought so much joy to the trip. They seemed eager to interact and showed genuine interest in the guests. They would sit and visit with us even after very long days of paddling and hiking (and cooking and cleaning up dinner and getting camp set up- all the parts we didn't have to do because of them!). They taught us about history and nature and the river and environmental concerns and forest fires; the list goes on and on. They were always present to help with any concern we had! We were especially surprised the night they baked us a special cake and sang "Happy Anniversary!" to us! How thoughtful! With all the other things they had to do to have the trip be a success, they took the time to celebrate with us. We really appreciated that. We also really enjoyed going on the "Hiker's Special" trip offered early in the season. The river is running fast so there is time after tackling tons of rapid each day to enjoy some extra long hikes in this extraordinary wilderness of the country. I really appreciated the options we were given each hike. There was always someone who just wanted to hang out at camp and not go. The guides never pressured, just encouraged anyone to go. Often there was more than one hike option- a more "adventurous" and a less "adventurous" option. Usually the difference was incline, technical difficulty or length. The guides also spread out so that faster hikers had someone to lead and those who wanted to take more time didn't feel lonely. Even when I was slow, I didn't feel "babysitted". The guides just hung back and never rushed us. I have a fear of heights and one trail our trip leaded Ned took me by the hand and said "This is going to be worth it. I want you to follow me and you are going to be fine." I did what he said and he was right. It was so worth it! He didn't have to do that. But honestly, that sums up everything about this trip. They don't have to do the 1000 things they do to make this trip above and beyond awesome, but they do and that's why we will definitely travel with them again. read more

Our family of three had an incredible five-day trip with OARS on the Lower Salmon River. Such a FUN family vacation, and one we'll be talking about for years. The guides were the absolute stars: skilled, hardworking, funny, patient, and each charming in their own way. They kept a large, energetic group safe, hydrated, very well fed, and entertained with seemingly endless good humor. The food was genuinely impressive, especially considering every meal was made on a riverbank. The Lower Salmon was a fantastic choice for our family. We had wildfire smoke and temperatures over 100 degrees, but frequent opportunities to jump in the river made the heat surprisingly manageable. There was enough whitewater to be exciting, and each day we could choose among oar rafts, a paddle raft, single- and double-person inflatable kayaks, and the dory, a hard-sided rowboat that gives you a completely different ride through the rapids. The biggest thing I'd want another family to know is that this is a very communal trip. You spend five days in close quarters with the same people, and you didn't pick them. We chose this trip because our 11-year-old could go, but I hadn't really thought through what a minimum age of 7 might mean for the group. Ours included six adult men and six boys, four of them younger, compared with two adult women and two girls. At times it felt like we were involuntarily crashing a boys' bonding trip. Next time, our daughter will be old enough for us to choose a trip with a 12+ or 13+ minimum age, or we'll stack the deck by bringing enough people we know to make up most of the group. "Catered camping" is exactly right: tents, sleep kits, chairs, and lots of guide support, but you're still carrying gear, setting up your tent, sleeping on a sandy beach, and packing up each morning. I'd bring an extra sleeping pad and a sleep mask next time. A few practical tips: bring flagging tape or bandanas to distinguish your dry bags from everyone else's, a LARGE water bottle with a sturdy handle and locking carabiner, and clothes with real zippered pockets. You'll wear a life jacket most of the day, so anything you want accessible needs to be secure. I lost sunscreen out of a Velcro pocket when I jumped, or fell, into the river. I'd also go a little earlier in the summer, still hot enough that jumping in the river feels wonderful, but hopefully ahead of peak wildfire-smoke season. Small caveats to an otherwise spectacular experience. The river was beautiful, the rafting was ridiculously fun, and we came home tired, sandy, happy, and very glad we did it. read more

My family (parents, adult children and spouses / partners) had an exceptional time rafting Hells Canyon with OARS Dories for 5 days / 4 nights in early June. Cannot say enough about the quality of the guides - Andrew, Ben, Bridey, Caroline, Dan and Hannah - and what a terrific experience they created for everyone in our party. They were totally attentive to our different interests, dietary (including gluten free) needs and safety; hugely knowledgable about the geology and history of the area; and above all, fun! The super organization during the trip made it obvious how much preparation went in ahead of time. Hells Canyon was beautiful and remote. The river offered whatever adventure each guest wanted. You could experience the thrill of Class IV (big) whitewater via the paddle raft or the (larger and more stable) dory or 18 foot supply rafts. Awesome rapids, great food, comfortable camping, good fishing, nice hikes. And super to meet and get to know the other people on the tour! Will look to do another river with OARS in the future and definitely recommend the Hells Canyon trip to others. read more

My family trip with OARS in August 2026 down the lower fork of the Salmon river was an absolute delight. A transformative and entirely memorable experience made especially wonderful by our guides, Caden, Benji, Willa, Gwen, and Kelly. I've had good experiences on guided trips prior to this, both domestically and abroad, but have never experienced the care, respect, and attentiveness that this team gave us. These guides, while much younger than myself, displayed a depth of hard skills and emotional intelligence that I found honestly inspiring -- each in their own way made me want to be a better human being. They communicated exceptionally well as a team, they worked incredibly hard from dawn to dusk, they engaged our entire group of disparate personalities with warmth, humor and respect, and they made the trip one we'll remember forever. The river was beautiful, the scenery was epic, the food was incredible, but the guides were the real delight. We (especially my child) will remember them forever. read more

We took a 6 day beginning kayak trip in August, that met up with a 5-day raft trip, on the lower Salmon. It was beyond expectations; guides were extremely knowledgeable, both in instruction and river running, with safety the primary concern; all in such a beautiful place. It is a bit aggressive if you have never kayaked before, but with duckies as alternatives it can still be enjoyable. It was challenging if you have some experience, and there are plenty of play spots. We loved the food and the people, who were from different parts of the country, and even Canada. With respect to food: We have one child with celiac that required special handling of food, prep and storage, with gluten free options for everything. I was concerned that this couldn't happen safely, but OARS coordinated everything and made it happen, better than most restaurants we've been to. We are so impressed with that, and so grateful. read more

Our family, ages 11 to 78, had a delightful 5 days rafting down the Lower Salmon in July. The trip exceeded our expectations with personable informed caring crew ( guiding, rowing, cooking and entertaining us all), fun rafting thru placid canyons, seeing eagles, otters and wonderful splashing rapids. Six of our 16 guest travelers were kids 7-11 who ran, jumped, swam, raced, paddled, laughed and got along with everyone until falling deeply asleep when the sun said to. Our fellow rafters from across the US were lively, congenial, interesting, funny and to a person acted as if they were on a really fun vacation. Well done Oars! read more

Awesome trip white water rafting on the Main Salmon and hiking! High water really kept us on our toes! Teamwork and expert guides made this trip happen. Couldn't have been in more capable hands! Thanks to Ashley and her crew! And Camelo a special thanks for keeping us all in line in the paddle boat! Great teamwork! The camping, hiking, and the eats were fantastic after time on the river each day. I maybe home now, however still enjoying memories and reflections of this trip! The beauty of Idaho is amazing! This was my 1st visit to Idaho and I seriously doubt it will be my last! read more

Took a 5 day wine tasting adventure down the Snake River. Our group of 7 all had a great time. OARs runs a very smooth and efficient operation. Camping was easy. Food and wine great. All the guides were people I would like to see again. They were skilled, pleasant, fun, knowledgeable, and concerned that you have a safe and enjoyable time. The rapids were great on first and second day s, third day a bit slower, last day slow. But a very interesting canyon and worth the trip. Just be prepared for intense heat in July/August. I highly recommend this comapny and trip. read more

We recently had the pleasure of rafting the Main Salmon River in Idaho with OARS, and it was truly unforgettable! From start to finish, everything exceeded our expectations. Our guides--Dylan, Nolan, Marena, and Sloan--were incredibly knowledgeable and skilled, making both my 10-year-old son and me feel completely safe on the water. The food was consistently fresh and delicious throughout the trip. The scenery was breathtaking and the rapids fun. Overall, it was a wonderful experience, and we will definitely go with OARS for any future rafting trips. read more

This was our first time to do a wilderness adventure as a couple and it was nothing short of spectacular! My wife has never done any camping or wilderness adventure and this was just what she needed to want more. She even commented that during our six day Main Salmon River trip that she thought it was the happiest she had ever seen me. The food was great, guides fun, wilderness majestic and overall experience first class! We will for sure return to unplug in the future...I cant say enough great things about or experience! read more

I am an outdoors person. Until this trip, I had never been river rafting for days, only day trips. This O.A.R.S. group is the best.! They were professional, relaxed, inspired confidence and leaders. I learned so much about nature, geology, Idaho and the pioneers. Not to mention the incredible food and guides . We did it all with sensitivity to the great outdoors. Their motto "leave no trace." A great organization. I look forward to my next trip with O.A.R.S. Thank you! read more

I have been on numerous OARS rafting trips and all have been memorable and fantastic. The Lower Salmon was no exception. Perfect for families.....some excitement but not "over the top". The guides were professional, experienced and caring. The food was great and there was plenty of it! It was a perfect trip to leave your cell phone, newspaper and all other connections behind and just enjoy yourself. Choose OARS if you are considering a rafting trip, they are A++++ read more

I went the last week in July on my 5 day 4 night trip. It was a great experience. I am 76 and was concerned there would be nobody my age. I was wrong we had a mic of ages from late 70's to late 20's . All the stafe brought something to the table in the way of skills, local information, cooking skills and much more. Read all the information they send you to be well prepared. read more

I went on the six-day trip down the main Salmon. Scenery was fabulous, crew was great, as was the food and equipment. Huge fun. I especially like OARS for its history and commitment to the environmental movement and preservation of rivers -- as a company, they have actually made a difference. This was my second trip with OARS and i look forward to more. read more

We LOVE these people! We've gone on two rafting trips with OARS, Middle Fork of the Salmon River and the Rogue River. Both trips were fantastic! The staff, the food, the experience, our safety, and comfort were all above and beyond our expectations. I would recommend OARS for anyone interested in the outdoors, adventure, and meeting new people. read more

This was my first ever rafting trip: a 4-day/3-night trip down the Lower Salmon River in Idaho. It was great, better than expected. The food was awesome, the guides were knowledgeable and funny...and I was not coerced into riding something I was not prepared for, like a kayak. I'm not a water person, but this was awesome! read more

Loved every aspect of this trip. OARS has guided rafting down to a science. This was my 2nd trip with them and I'll be back!!