HELL'S CANYON
SNAKE RIVER RAFTING

One of the advantages of a river trip is the flexibility of the daily itinerary. It can vary widely from one trip to the next based on group desires, Mother Nature and courtesy for other groups on the river. This typical itinerary illustrates a 3-day Hell's Canyon trip. Our 5-day trip follows the same itinerary as outlined below, with the exception of the last two days. Both trips begin at Hell's Canyon dam; the 3-day trip ends at Pittsburgh Landing and we drive back to Boise. On the 5-day trip we leave the river at Heller Bar and fly to Boise via the Lewiston airport.

SAMPLE 3-DAY ITINERARY

Day 1: Meet group at the Best Western Vista Inn in Boise, Idaho for a scenic 4-hour ride to the Snake River. En route, we stop in Cambridge, Idaho for any last-minute supplies such as fishing licenses, lures, beer, wine and liquor. After launching the trip at Hell's Canyon Dam, float to Battle Creek and hike to the Barton Cabin to explore the area. This day contains several exciting rapids.

Day 2: Face the biggest rapids of Hell's Canyon including Wild Sheep, Granite Creek, Rush Creek, and Waterspout to name a few. Optional short walk to McGaffee Cabin at Bernard Creek where the family's custom magazine-page wallpaper remains a vestige of another time.

Day 3: Run several smaller rapids and visit to Kirkwood Bar. At Kirkwood the Forest Service has preserved the old Kirkwood Ranch as a wilderness museum. Our three-day trip ends at Pittsburgh Landing, a few miles downstream from Kirkwood. There is a 4 1/2 hour bus ride back to Boise, Idaho, and lunch will be eaten en route.

We meet for your trip in Boise, Idaho at the Best Western Vista Inn, 7:00 a.m. (Mountain Time) the morning your trip begins. If you are driving, your car can be left at the hotel, while on your river trip. It is important that you attend our pre-trip orientation the night before your trip.

If you are flying, you can fly into Boise, Idaho the day before your trip begins. If you have made arrangements to stay at the Best Western Vista Inn, the hotel van will pick you up at the airport. If you need assistance with your travel arrangements, please ask your Holiday Expedition reservation agent.

When you arrive in Boise the day before your trip, there will be a pre-trip orientation meeting at the Best Western Vista Inn at 8:00 p.m. (Mountain Time). A Holiday representative will give you a short orientation on all aspects of river travel. At this time we will issue your waterproof bags, and answer any questions you may have.

Lodging before and after your trip can be booked at:

Best Western Vista Inn 800-727-5006 (free shuttle service to and from the airport, continental breakfast, indoor pool, *discount for H.E. guests). This should be your first choice because we meet for your trip here. www.bestwestern.com

Best Western Airport Inn 800-727-5004 (free shuttle service to and from the airport, continental breakfast, outdoor pool). www.bestwestern.com

Sleep Inn 800-321-4661 (free shuttle service to and from the airport, continental breakfast).

*When you call to make advance reservations at the Best Western Vista Inn, mention that you are on a Holiday Expedition trip and you will be extended a discounted rate on your room.

BE SURE TO MAKE ADVANCE RESERVATIONS!

If you are camping out, there are two campgrounds in Boise: The Americana campground (208-344-5733), and the Mountain View RV Park (208-345-4141).

If you have any questions prior to leaving for your trip, we welcome you to call our Salt Lake City office Monday through Friday at 800-624-6323 (outside Utah), or 801-266-2087 (inside Utah). We're happy to take the time to answer your questions. You may also contact us by e-mail at holiday@bikeraft.com.

IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS THE NIGHT BEFORE THE TRIP, OUR IDAHO HEADQUARTERS NUMBER IS 208-983-1518 (OR) LEAVE A MESSAGE AT THE BEST WESTERN VISTA INN'S FRONT DESK.

Beginning of the trip: On the morning of your trip, plan to arrive promptly at 7:00 a.m. (Mountain Time). We will then take a 4-hour van ride to the embarkation point at Hell's Canyon dam.

After the trip: We will return you to Boise via ground transportation from the take-out point after our 3-day trip, or by charter plane from Lewiston, Idaho after our 5-day trip. Anticipated time of arrival back to Boise is approximately 6:00 p.m., but unexpected events could delay us. We recommend you stay another night in Boise and fly out the next day to avoid complications in flight connections after the trip. Car shuttles can be arranged upon request from Cambridge, Idaho.

Fishing: You will need an Idaho fishing license. A nonresident license is approximately $11.50 for the first day and $5.00 for each additional day. Junior fishing licenses are also available for children 14-17 years of age ($13.75/season). Fishing is good for trout, bass and sturgeon. You will have the opportunity to purchase a fishing license in Boise, or Cambridge en route to the Snake River. If you would like to obtain more information or secure your license in advance contact: Idaho Fish and Game, 800-554-8685.

Snake River weather: In May, early June and September, temperatures average between 55 and 80 degrees during the day and 40 to 60 degrees at night. In late June, July and August, daytime temperatures are 80 to 100 degrees, with nighttime temperatures 50 to 70 degrees. A thunderstorm or rainy day can happen and can cool temperatures considerably. With this in mind we recommend you have a rain suit, polypropylene underwear, (fleece top and pants are nice in cool weather too) and a light tent. If you reserved a rental unit with us when you booked your river trip, we will have a tent and rain gear for you.

Bugs, snakes, etc. are generally no problem. In fact, the lack of pesky insects is one of the reasons wilderness camping on the river is so pleasant. Any river trip, however, is subject to a localized insect hatch. Sometimes bees will be about, so make sure you have appropriate allergy medications with you. We rarely see any snakes, but if the thought of them bothers you, try sleeping on the beaches or in a tent instead of rocky or bushy areas.

Hiking is a highlight of the trip, however, it is strictly an optional activity. There are many interesting short hikes available. Hiking can be done in durable sneakers or light weight hiking boots. Remember that hiking and other activities vary widely pending time, and what other plans are ahead for the day on the river.

Medical Emergencies: Our guides are trained in first-aid and carry first aid supplies only. REMEMBER to bring your own prescription medicines. ALERT our guides to any medical problems you might have such as diabetes or allergic reactions. Wilderness expeditions are a long way from hospitals, doctors, and pain-relieving medicines. Evacuations to modern medical care are uncertain, and protracted. In case of evacuation and/or medical treatment beyond first aid, expenses incurred are the responsibility of the participant.

Cancellation Policy: If cancellations are made prior to 90 days before the trip, monies will be refunded less a $50.00 service charge per person. If cancellations are made within 90 days and outside of 45 days of the trip date monies will be refunded less a $100.00 service charge per person. Cancellations made within 45 days of the trip date are non refundable. Prior to 45 days to the trip date we will transfer reservations to another trip in the same year with a $25.00 service charge per person. All policies will be enforced and we strongly recommend trip cancellation insurance. Cancellation of a trip is very unlikely, but we reserve the right to cancel any trip due to river or weather conditions or the lack of sufficient reservations. A full refund will be made if such is the case.

Insurance: Medical and cancellation insurance on a vacation plan can be obtained from numerous insurance companies. We offer plans underwritten by TRAVEL GUARD that cover accident, baggage and cancellation claims. An application should be enclosed with this information package. We encourage all to take advantage of this coverage. This is available to American and Canadian citizens, as well as citizens of another country as long as you have a U.S. address. If you have any questions please give us a call. Also, if you are bringing expensive cameras, binoculars, or other items we suggest you have insurance coverage for them (commonly available through Homeowners Policies). In the event of a loss our insurance will not cover those items.

Tipping the guides: Many guests ask us if tipping is appropriate after the trip. If you feel the the guides have been instrumental in your enjoyment of the trip, you may choose to direct a gratuity to the trip leader. He/She will then distribute it evenly to the other crewmembers. Of those that choose to tip, the average contribution amount ranges between $10.00 and $20.00 per guest, per day. However, the decision to tip is left to your sole discretion.

Beverages: We provide ice water, lemonade, fruit juices, two sodas per day per person and ample cooler space. If you choose to bring any specialty sodas and/or alcoholic beverages, we have no problem taking whatever you want to bring - within reason. We will make a stop in Cambridge, where you will have the opportunity to purchase beer, wine and liquor. You cannot buy liquor, however, on Sunday departures. Don't bring beer, wine coolers or sodas in glass containers. Wine packaged in a box is ideal. Mark beverages that you bring so they are packed on your boat.

Things to see in the area: Basque Museum and Cultural Center, Canyon Country Historical Museum, Deer Flat National Wildlife Refuge, Eagle Island State Park, Idaho Botanical Garden, Idaho Historical Museum, Julia Davis Park, Lake Lowell, Lucy Peaks State Park, Silver City, Snake River Birds of Prey, Warm Springs Resort.

Reading material you may enjoy:

Snake River of Hell's Canyon Carrey & Conley $16.95