HELLS CANYON RAFTING

Where is June | Hells Canyon

Our family was lucky enough to spend three days rafting the Snake River through Hells Canyon.  It is North America’s deepest river gorge at 7,993 feet.  Yes, that is deeper than the Grand Canyon.  It’s beauty is undeniable.   I found myself looking up with my mouth dropped open for much of our time on the river.

The 3 day trip through class 4 rapids and over 30 miles of river was a guided by experts from Mountain River Outfitters.  MRO gets 5 stars in every category.  Simply top notch.  We were joined by two other families-for a total of 6 adults and 6 kids ranging in age from 6 to 10.  [An extremely kind German couple booked the trip at the last minute and were a great addition to our group.  Lucky them, right?]  Just prior to our trip I was nervous about taking my young boys, especially my 46 pound little man.  Once we were through our first set of rapids, I knew I had worried for nothing and purely enjoyed the rest of our time on the river.

We arrived in Riggins, ID [population 424] the day before our trip.  After a sleepless night {for me} and an early wake up, we left the hotel at 6am. We had a four-hour drive [in a large passenger van] to the launch point just below Hells Canyon Dam.  The weather was amazing-hot and sunny!  Armed with sunscreen, a camera, our dry bags and courage…we pushed off.

Where is June | Hells Canyon

We witnessed a ton of white water, paddling and adrenalin!  Right away.

Where is June | Hells Canyon

Where is June | Hells Canyon

Our guides took exceptionally great care of us all day.  We were treated to gourmet meals, time to hike and explore, camp ready and waiting for us, and tons and tons of fishing!  The boys spent hours upon hours catching and releasing small mouth bass.  The guides set the bait and we reeled in a 7 foot white sturgeon long after dark.  Seeing it lit, only by headlamps and flashlights, was quite extraordinary!

Where is June | Hells Canyon

Where is June | Hells Canyon

Where is June | Hells Canyon

There was lots of slow floating and time to play on the river.  Floating the current, kayaking, paddle boarding or just laughing with friends!

Where is June | Hells Canyon

In the end, 3 days of uninterrupted time with my family surrounded by natural beauty was so much more than I could have ever imagined.

Where is June | Hells Canyon

Where is June | Hells Canyon

If you are the least bit adventurous [or even if you aren’t], put rafting the Snake River through Hells Canyon on your bucket list.

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8 Responses to “HELLS CANYON RAFTING”

  1. Blair says:

    Beautiful photos. I like this type of camping!

    • Where is June? says:

      Thanks, Blair. Me too! Camping is easy when the tent is ready and someone is in the camp kitchen cooking dinner. Our outfitters were amazing!

  2. Rhonda says:

    Looks awesome…these are adventures that I miss about the PNW. Love following you and hope you are doing well.

    Rhonda

    • Where is June? says:

      Rhonda, The northwest has many adventures to offer! Thanks so much for following-it means so much to me.

  3. JL. Schmedding says:

    Love the pictures Denise, you guys all look great. Keep up the good work!!

  4. Stacey says:

    This sounds like something soooo fun! I’ve had white water rafting on my “bucket list” with the kids for awhile. Thanks for all of the info. and pictures. It looks like you had a wonderful time! 🙂

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