Wednesday, September 30th, 2026

I arrived at Connors at about 5:30am, we loaded his gear before heading to Dave’s house to grab him and his provisions. We were eventually on the road by 730am. We made the long drive with a couple stops on the way and eventually rendezvoused with the rest of the crew that included Rob, Dan, Harry, and John at the Hammer Creek put-in near White Bird, Idaho. After some time rigging the boats we eventually launched our rafts at about 1:30pm with river flows at White Bird around 3,600cfs. 

Just down river we met our first rapid, a class two wave train named Rollercoaster, just some big waves down the middle of the river for a little warm up. The skies were mostly overcast with temps in the low 70s. Unfortunately for us it didn’t take long for the wind to pick up forcing us to row downriver in order to make any progress. Despite hauling communal gear in the form of a 20 pound propane tank, 5 gallon water jug, blaster stove, wing, 4 pounds of coffee, creamer and percolator I made good progress. I kept the rest of my gear to a minimum to reduce the amount of work in camp and it paid off. I have never done an overnight trip out of my Super Duper Puma but it rowed like a dream, its narrow profile and 14 foot length meant it tracked well and kept me in the current with minimal effort. I eventually found myself a ways out front but with the lack of whitewater didn’t feel as though I was compromising the safety of the group. Eventually we reached Big Foot Island where we ran to the left side through fun waves. We passed several good camps in the first few miles but ultimately decided on Woodruff Gulch for our first night. With the late start we arrived at camp 5.8 miles below the put-in at about 3:30 in the afternoon. Once the rest of the group arrived we were all in agreement to make Woodruff Gulch aka Toads Beach our home for the night. 

We got to work derigging and unloading our provisions. The weather had improved a bit and a quick check of the forecast called for clear skies so I left the tent in the raft. Harry and I decided to share my sand mat, then got to work setting up cots and rolling out the sleeping bags. With camp set up we sat in the sun for about a half hour enjoying a few laughs before she slipped over the mountain. With the setting of the sun Dan got to work on dinner, and before we knew it pulled pork tacos were served with all the fixins including fresh tortillas, it was an amazing dinner after a long day of driving, rigging boats and rowing into the wind. After dinner we enjoyed a great fire and a bunch of laughs before eventually turning in for the night.

Thursday, October 1st, 2026

We woke up to scattered clouds and blue skies, tough to beat. Overnight condensation left my sleeping bag and pillow wet, even the beach sand held water. Coffee was my responsibility so I got to work firing up the Partner stove and getting the percolator on a burner. I prepare my coffee the night before by filling a sock filter about half full of coffee grounds then soaking in a full percolator of water overnight to steep, that way all you have to do is heat the water in the morning, which is much quicker and makes a stronger cup of joe. Dan was up again for breakfast and soon we were eating some delicious breakfast burritos before breaking camp and rigging the boats for the days run. Eventually all the boats were ready to go and we pushed into the current around 10.30am. 

A couple miles downstream we reached a 90 degree left turn in the river with a strong eddy where one could pull over to hike to the petroglyphs, we opted to not stop this trip. This turn also marked the entrance to Green Canyon, a stunning pool and drop section of river where the canyon walls go vertical. Fun rapids such as Wright Way, and Demons Drop add some exciting class three read and run. Once out of Green Canyon the landscape opened up and a couple miles downriver we ran Pine Bar Rapid down the right side of the river. After Pine Bar we had a few easy miles until we reached Graves Creek and the beginning of a tricky stretch of water. Just after a right hand bend in the river basalt lava flows find their way down to the rivers edge. Numerous large rocks sneak up on an unsuspected rafter lingering just below the surface but large enough to hang up a boat. After carefully picking my way downriver we eventually reached the crux of the rapid called The Maze, and a maze it is. I started out down the left side of the river as I approached Rice Creek Bridge before working my way back toward the middle of the river to avoid a shallow rocky area river left, but once clear of the rocks made my move back to the left side of the river through a small s-turn before settling in for a long left sided run below the bridge and into easy water. Just below the crux move I looked back up stream to see the entire group split in half with some going left and some going right, the main point is that we all made it unscathed, which is unusual, most of the time someone is hung up on a rock for a minute. Below Rice Creek Bridge we negotiated another shallow rapid on a left hand bend before settling in for a long stretch of easy river all the way into camp at Killer Goat, 13 miles from where we spent the night at Woodruff Gulch. 

I had never camped at Killer Goat due to it always being occupied by a guide service in the past. What a great camp, awesome landing with a big enough flat spot for a kitchen and fire pit gathering. Killer Goat also features an upper bench offering great views down river through Packer Creek Rapid. Harry and I took the flat spot on the upper bench for our cots. We had a lot of downtime at Killer Goat which featured a great swim spot, tons of sand and great views up and down river. My brother Connor was up for dinner tonight which consisted of spaghetti with meat sauce and french bread, so good! After dishes were done we settled in by the pop up pit for another fantastic fire, good music and great conversation before turning in for the night. 

Friday, October 2nd, 2026 White Water Day

We woke up to less condensation this morning, my pillow and sleeping bag were damp but not wet like the previous morning. I rolled out of my cot and got the coffee going while Connor got to work on breakfast. I helped him as much as I could, which was very little since most of the meal was pre-made. Eventually he turned out a scramble of tater tots, sausage, bacon, egg, and cheese all smothered in a country gravy, delish! After breakfast we did the dishes and broke camp. Today is the whitewater day featuring big rapids at Half and Half, Snowhole, and China Rapid just to name a few. We shoved off again around 10:30am after taking a little extra time to rig just in case of a flip. 

Just below camp we were met with big waves at Packer Creek Rapid. Below Packer Creek the river turns left as you enter Cougar Canyon. The next few miles were easy class two read and run until we got to Lornas Lulu Rapid, a left hand turn with a large protruding rock on river right that has flipped a couple kayaks on past trips, thankfully it was a non-issue today. A short ways down river we ran into the Bunghole Rapids, one of the wettest on the trip as the wave train here is epic, keep her straight! Once we passed Whithouse Bar we entered Snowhole Canyon, a ten mile stretch of river with few camps. We drifted through read and run water to Bodacious Bounce Rapid which at these lower flows takes on a Grand Canyonesque wave train. Eventually we found ourselves approaching Half and Half Rapid, named because half the time you make it and half the time you don’t. It’s easy to recognize due to large rocks that appear to block the entire left side of the river. There is plenty of room to scout river right due to the pool and drop entrance of the rapid if you choose to, but we just ran it. We all tightened up and ran by working tight along the right bank through the left hand turn to avoid shallow rocks before accelerating through big waves while pulling away from rocks on the bottom right of the rapid. There are huge rocks and holes that block the middle of this rapid so proceed with caution. 

About two miles below Half and Half we came upon the horizon line that is Snowhole Rapid, and the scout river left at a beach just above the class four drop. Snowhole has an easy scout which everyone took part in. I feel like when I first started running this rapid it was down the middle but overtime has become a center right to right sided run. We all took a quick peek and got back in the boats, I would be running sweep. We all entered right and everyone made it through the steep trashy drop over ledge holes to the bottom, fun run! After regrouping we continued downriver through a large oxbow and furthest most point north along the entire Salmon River. Near the end of the oxbow lies China Rapid on a blind left hand bend in the river. You can scout at the top from river left but we opted to read and run. I ran lead through China starting center left then pulling left through the left hand bend before entrance rocks forced me to drift a little to the right before pulling back hard to the left bank once again. I ran as close to the left bank as I could without bumping into shore and risking cartwheeling back out into the main current and over a boat flipping rock. I ran the tight left drop through chaotic waves to finish the rapid and everybody except Connor and John followed, they chose to run right of the rock on the bottom left of the rapid. With everyone through and few celebratory hoots all could relax. We rowed a few easy miles and coasted into Middle Billy Creek Camp for the night. 

Even with the boulders and gravel deposits over the last couple years I still love Middle Billy, it’s just a great camp. Plenty of room on the big sandy bench above camp for tents with a killer lower landing perfect for the kitchen and a small peninsula to put the fire pit on. This has been a great place to layover as of late but unfortunately we don’t have enough days to stay two nights in one camp on this trip. After I unloaded my raft I went for a swim then sat with my chair in the river to dry off in the sun. The weather was perfect, cloudless skies with temps in the low 80s! It was relaxing to only have to take care of myself on a rafting trip, usually someone from my family is here and im preoccupied with their needs as well, not to mention I didn’t have a meal this trip, so just being able to help the cooks if needed or doing dishes was a nice break. Harrison was on dinner tonight, which was a steak chili with all the toppings, and it was to die for, so good. After dinner we hung out by the fire and watched the sunset which was spectacular, followed by a star show for the ages. Eventually we ran out of wood and turned in for the night, just the end of another amazing day on the Salmon with some of my favorite people.

Saturday, October 3rd, 2026

We woke up to another beautiful morning, and no condensation to worry about. I rolled out of bed and put the coffee on as usual, Harry was on breakfast, and eventually got to reheating some breakfast burritos that really hit the spot. After breakfast we got to work breaking camp and preparing for the day. 

We launched again around 10:30 and about a mile downriver pulled over river left at Cottonwood Creek to scavenge firewood for tonight in camp. After the short stop we continued downriver a few miles to our first obstacle at China Creek Rapid, the Salmon River becomes a braided channel here where water runs out leaving boats high and dry if you pick the wrong way, the correct line is the far right channel which always has plenty of water to carry you through. Our next fun feature was Wapshilla Rapid, a massive wave train after a left hand bend in the river that pushes you hard into the left bank at the bottom requiring a strong pull to not hit the river bank. A few more miles downriver brought us to S-turn Rapid, another shallow rapid that can run out of water over gravel or lead you into a pile of rocks. I was running lead and cut right early following the deeper water through waves on the right bank, at higher flows you can run out further and cut right later beyond the pile of rocks, with everyone through, we entered Blue Canyon, the last canyon of the Salmon River. 

Blue Canyon is my favorite section of the lower Salmon River, its sheer vertical walls add an imposing presence with fun pool and drop rapids to end the trip. Just below what appears to be Cowhead Camp on the map we drifted directly into several large standing waves stacked on top of each other. Connor ran lead and had no problem with his large 15 foot raft, Rob ran second and entered the waves slightly left of center which caused his boat to veer left leaving the front right of his boat exposed as a giant wave that almost flipped his small 11 foot raft sending him cartwheeling port side into the river. Connor was quick to tie off to Rob’s raft to keep from losing it downstream. Rob was then able to find his way to Connors raft ladder to climb aboard his boat. Once out of the water Rob was able to find his bearings, albeit minus a hat and sunglasses which he lost in the swim, but safe nonetheless. After making his way back to his rowers seat Connor untied and we were able to continue downriver. Our next obstacle was the boulder garden at H-Hole Rapid and beyond that drifted through large waves at Sluicbox Rapid and more read and run fun at Checkerboard Rapid. For the grand finale we found large waves after threading the Eye of the Needle Rapid on our way to the Snake River. We were greeted by jet boats at the confluence as we turned our rafts downstream in the direction of Heller Bar. Just below the confluence we ran Salmon River Falls through large waves and passed strong eddy lines. After only three miles of the Snake River we found open sand at Lower Geneva Bar and pulled over finishing a 19 mile day. 

The Snake River for me this is always the end of the trip, it is referred to as “Snake Lake” for a reason, the lack of current, strong eddy lines, obscure boils that love to spin your raft, and constant headwind make for a miserable 16 miles of river, but we get to worry about that tomorrow. With boats tied off above the last highwater mark we were ready to unload. You always tie your boats off high on the beach when on the Snake due to the increase in river flows overnight from the dam upriver, it’s not uncommon to find all your boats floating in the river the next morning. Once unloaded we climbed the short but steep landing to a large flat sandy bench and set up camp. With camp set up we spent some time down by the boats enjoying each other’s company and a few good laughs as we slowly began to lose the sun on the opposite side of the canyon. From camp we had a great view of several big horn sheep as they grazed on vegetation clinging to the couloirs below the ridge on the other side of the river, cheap entertainment. Eventually it was time for dinner and John did it right, tri-tip steak over charcoal on the pop up pit with baked potato and it was excellent! Best meal of the trip hands down. With full bellies we enjoyed the last fire of the trip staying up till midnight before calling it quits to enjoy one last star show before dozing off. 

Sunday, October 4th, 2026

On the last morning we awoke to another glorious day. I failed to get the coffee ready the night before so quickly got to work doing a combo of the coffee sock and grounds on top of the percolator using the traditional method. We had to wait a little longer for the coffee to steep but it turned out delicious and I heard zero complaints. With the Snake running north to south we had sunlight in camp earlier than usual which was a nice surprise with temps dipping into the 40s overnight. I was able to ditch my down jacket and beanie hat much sooner today which was nice. Johnny was on breakfast and quickly turned out an impressive breakfast sandwich complete with hand formed sausage patties. After taking in a little sun and bullshitting we got to work breaking camp and rigging boats. Today would be a little different, we tied the rafts together in two groups with Dan, John, Rob, and Harry in one group and myself, Connor and Dave in the other. Dan and Connor were busy getting boat motors ready for the trip out which in my opinion is the only way to run the Snake, I’ve rowed out before and it sucks! With all of us ready to go Connor fired up the little 2 horse Evenrude and hit the gas. The loud little motor sputtered then hit its stride pushing us down river with speeds in the five mile an hour range. 

Motoring out can be tricky due to rapids and shallow rocks. Staying tied through rapids puts a lot of stress on gear as the boats crash violently into each other. We were able to stay tied up most of the way out. I would recommend untying when running Cochran Island, Wild Goose and Deer Head Rapids, but always be sure to make your own judgment call depending on your skill level. We made good time on the way out, Dan and crew slipped out of view shortly before the take out just as we ran out of gas. We rowed passed the mouth of the Grande Ronde river and several fishermen as we landed at the boulder strewn take out at Heller Bar. The take out is almost always a shit show, but at least we had it all to ourselves this time, a rare treat. It took us about an hour to derig and deflate to get ready for the drive home. Eventually we were all loaded up and on the way with the plan to meet at the scat machine in Asotin to dump the groover. Once at the skat machine we discovered that it was broken and we would have to use a traditional RV dump station to empty the tank, what a bummer. 

This was the end of the line for our trip as we all hugged each other and bid farewell till next time. The lower Salmon River is always a great trip if you can look passed the Snake, but if you’re prepared with a boat motor the ride out is always fun and full of comradery. We covered 72 total miles over 5 days, this is the least amount of time I would give myself to do it, 6 days is the sweet spot with 7 being too many, and 4 being just too much damn work. For more pictures from our trip click the link. Lower Salmon Rafting Photos