Hells Canyon Raft
Hells Canyon Raft
5
8:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Monday
8:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Tuesday
8:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Wednesday
8:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Thursday
8:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Friday
8:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Saturday
8:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Sunday
8:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Full view
About
Since 1982 we have outfitted river trips solely in Idaho. From our home and office on the canyon rim we are pleased to tailor a trip to your interests. Hells Canyon Raft offers 3-6 day professionally outfitted rafting and fishing trips. We challenge the myth that adventure travel has to be dangerous and uncomfortable. Instead, we create an ultra comfortable river trip in one of the most beautiful settings in the world. Hells Canyon Raft offers 3-6 day trips on the majestic Snake River through Hells Canyon, and the beautiful Lower Salmon River gorge.
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5.0
102 reviews
Excellent
99
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2
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Michael K
Novato, CA72 contributions
Aug 2022
We did the 4 day trip down the Salmon and had an amazing time. Our guides (Arden, Cam and Gus) were the best and made the trip super fun. Not only were they knowledgeable and fun, they busted their butts for 4 days making great meals, setting up and breaking down camp each day and making sure we hit the best spot of every rapid. We cannot recommend this trip and this company more.
Written August 17, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
snowseekerWA
washington106 contributions
Aug 2020
What a fantastic trip. I am writing this from the perspective of an adventure seeking parents with younger (age 6 and 8) kids. We did a 4 day (3 night) trip down the lower Salmon River. This trip was so perfect. There was just enough exciting whitewater with the option of running the rapids in an inflatable kayak to keep things interesting for me as a somewhat experienced whitewater rafter. At the same time, I didn't feel like anything was potentially too unsafe for my younger kids who were on very stable/sturdy oar boats. My kids had a blast and didn't feel unsafe or overwhelmed, but had enough excitement to keep them going. Each night we had postcard perfect camps on beautiful white sand beaches with safe swimming and play options for the kids and/or the ability to hike up the canyon walls. All of this is more of a statement in support of rafting the Lower Salmon. Hells Canyon Raft was a wonderful outfitter to show us the way. The guides were all very experienced, personable and fun while always having safety in mind. They had a great number of ways to keep everyone interested through various activities along the way (swimming, cliff jumping, raft sliding, fishing, games at camp, etc...). They set up a well equipped camp so that it was all ready to go when we arrived. Tents were spacious and sleeping pads luxurious. I can't say enough about the food. I would expect less from a good restaurant, let alone being miles from the closest actual kitchen. There were outstanding appetizers and wonderful main courses. Desserts to die for. There was constant availability of whatever snack or beverage you could imagine (sunup to sundown). They even "surprised" the kids with various treats every day. They did all this for me (standard omnivore), but also for vegan and vegetarian members of our group. Everyone was very pleased with the food. We brought some of our own liquor and wine, but they had enough beverages that we didn't need to get into our own stash if we didn't want to. There was plenty of ice to keep things cold despite the rather warm (90's) temperatures. I almost forgot to mention the equally fantastic breakfasts and lunch was more simple (mostly sandwiches) but definitely hit the spot. The taco salad (nacho) lunch was truly outstanding. Lastly they did all this in the face of COVID restrictions. At no time did we feel unsafe from a rafting perspective, but we also felt safe from a food handling and COVID exposure perspective (and many of us on the trip are health care providers). I could easily go on and on, all the gear was great and comfortable, they allowed us to participate and "guide" like we were in charge of the boat, or just sit and relax, they tolerated relentless questions from the 8 kids on the trip, but suffice it to say that I've been on a number of outfitted backcountry trips and these guys knocked it out of the park. No I haven't rafted with other outfitters in this particular region, but I wouldn't bother as I am confident you cannot improve on this perfect experience.
Written September 10, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
CJ Ericson
5 contributions
Aug 2022
What an amazing trip! Went on the 3 day Snake River trip and loved every minute of it! I just can't say enough great things about this trip. From start to finish we had the very best time.
The food was amazing... baked brie, lemon ricotta pancakes and perfectly cooked steaks were just the highlights. Sitting by the river, having an amazing meal prepared for me, was just the best. It was a true vacation!
The crew took amazing care of us on the water and we had the best time in the rapids and just floating in the river. We saw bears, big horn sheep, goats and more eagles than we could count. We learned a lot about the area and the homesteaders on our hikes.
I can't thank Katherine, Cam, Arden, Gabby and Hailey enough for the 3 amazing days on the river. They all were so much fun and we could tell they loved being out on the river.
You should book this trip and I know you will have the time of your life!
The food was amazing... baked brie, lemon ricotta pancakes and perfectly cooked steaks were just the highlights. Sitting by the river, having an amazing meal prepared for me, was just the best. It was a true vacation!
The crew took amazing care of us on the water and we had the best time in the rapids and just floating in the river. We saw bears, big horn sheep, goats and more eagles than we could count. We learned a lot about the area and the homesteaders on our hikes.
I can't thank Katherine, Cam, Arden, Gabby and Hailey enough for the 3 amazing days on the river. They all were so much fun and we could tell they loved being out on the river.
You should book this trip and I know you will have the time of your life!
Written August 11, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
John B
1 contribution
Jun 2021
just did a 3 d 2 n trip in hells canyon. i would reccomend this company. the guides were very nice the food was very good the rapids very fun. besides the rafts we had 3 kayaks if you wanted to ride the rapids solo. i had never done that despite rafting in the past, was a blast. our group was mostly recently retired people we were a family of 4 w 2 teens.
hells canyon was very hot but the river temp was in the mid 60 s.
hells canyon a pretty remote place fyi. a long trip to put in and then get out. but its worth it!
hells canyon was very hot but the river temp was in the mid 60 s.
hells canyon a pretty remote place fyi. a long trip to put in and then get out. but its worth it!
Written July 1, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
GlobeTrotting801625
53 contributions
Jul 2022
Gus was our excellent raft captain and explained every rapid and Category along the way as well as lots of points of interest. Meals were prepared by the crew and were excellent with wine, beer, hors d'oeuvres, desserts, fresh trout with sauces, salads and everything included for a complete gourmet dinner along the river. Crew does everything for you including setting up the tents for everyone. First Class operation with First Class operators. Thank you for a wonder and safe rafting trip through Hells Canyon on the Snake River in beautiful Idaho!!! We left a big tip with the trip leader assuming he shared with the entire crew. At least we hope so.
Written July 18, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jonathan B
Raleigh, NC5 contributions
Jun 2022 • Friends
Easily in my top 3 vacations. It was way better than expected and Kurt and Heidi way undersold just how amazing their guides were. The four day Snake River trip could not have been better.
Our guides ensured everything was taken care of and we had both a relaxing and adventurous time. This is a family business not a big corporate outfit and it shows. Arden, Shane, Gabby, Quinn, and Robinson rock!
Book this trip and you will not regret it. We hit some big rapids (do that in the Paddle boat - be part of it!), went kayaking, fishing, hiking, great stories, camping and so much more. They provided everything you need (bring the right footwear). We had a group of friends and gelled with the other group on our trip. It would also be cool to do with my family.
The views were spectacular!
Oh, and the food redefined camp food for us. I mean, who has baked brie as an appetizer? Steaks and Dutch oven corn bread? I ate better on this vacation than I have at any hotel.
I'll be back!
Our guides ensured everything was taken care of and we had both a relaxing and adventurous time. This is a family business not a big corporate outfit and it shows. Arden, Shane, Gabby, Quinn, and Robinson rock!
Book this trip and you will not regret it. We hit some big rapids (do that in the Paddle boat - be part of it!), went kayaking, fishing, hiking, great stories, camping and so much more. They provided everything you need (bring the right footwear). We had a group of friends and gelled with the other group on our trip. It would also be cool to do with my family.
The views were spectacular!
Oh, and the food redefined camp food for us. I mean, who has baked brie as an appetizer? Steaks and Dutch oven corn bread? I ate better on this vacation than I have at any hotel.
I'll be back!
Written June 18, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Karl B
2 contributions
Jul 2020
Fabulous trip. Gorgeous scenery. Beautiful river. Our hosts were wonderful people that we loved being around. The food was top notch along with the organization of the trip. Everything went as planned. For those who wanted a little more adventure we were able to go in the kayaks next to the big rafts. We enjoyed stopping and hiking to historical sites along the river with our knowledgeable guides. I think if I were to do it again I would do a four or five day trip instead of 3. I was just getting relaxed and into things when we had to leave.
Written July 15, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Brent B
Talkeetna, AK16 contributions
May 2022 • Family
What a great trip for our family!
This trip will be one of your favorite memories. Guides put your safety first but are so nice too. Food is better than restaurant quality. The scenery of the canyon is as good as it gets. Thanks Kurt and Heidi for our best outdoor adventure ever.
This trip will be one of your favorite memories. Guides put your safety first but are so nice too. Food is better than restaurant quality. The scenery of the canyon is as good as it gets. Thanks Kurt and Heidi for our best outdoor adventure ever.
Written May 30, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Joshua S
1 contribution
Jun 2022 • Couples
Without a doubt, a top 5 vacation! Hells Canyon is amazingly beautiful. The rapids were a ton of fun, we saw a bear, bald eagles, rams and mountain goats and the off boat trips to see the old homesteads and polygraphs were surreal. Though, I have to say that the guides were the ones that made this trip so special. They truly want everyone to have an amazing experience and work their tails off to make that happen. Not only did they paddle down the river all day, but; they set up camp, guided hikes, cooked breakfast, lunch and dinner, and took care of any needed or request that was asked. Plus, they were just fun to have conversations with! I wouldn’t choose anyone else to go rafting down the snake or salmon river with, than Hells Canyon Rafting!
Written June 29, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
KevinGui
San Diego, CA1 contribution
Aug 2017 • Family
Last summer my family and I went on a 5 day trip down the Salmon River. The boats floated and the food was decent. That is about the extent of what was good. I'm not sure where all the good reviews come from. On almost every advertised item they fell short. There was only one day hike, the gear boat never went ahead and set up camp, instead my son and I had to ride on the gear boat with gear poking in our back. There were no beach games like bocce ball, volley ball or horseshoes like advertised. When we asked about it the guides almost flippantly replied that they hadn't packed them. The guides also never brought “the river library” or inflatable paddle board. The only entertainment was two fishing poles, one guide’s ukulele and a couple dice and card games my family brought with us.
Each day on the water was relatively short. Generally we rode/floated straight through with only a short stop for lunch. I believe this was so the guides could get to camp, set up, stop working and start drinking. The camps were set on small areas with little or no room to hike or explore.
After the trip I wrote a similar review to the one above. Kurt (one of the owners) contacted me and explained how negative review could adversely impact them and asked for the opportunity to make it right. He assured me that our negative experience was the exception and not the rule. At his request and in a show of good faith I removed the negative review while we tried to work it out. After speaking to his guides he came to the same conclusion that they had in multiple ways failed to meet expectations and deliver the trip as advertised. The only thing he didn't confirm was the excessive drinking of his guides both on and off the river. According to Kurt the guides had denied drinking while piloting the rafts.
In an effort to make it right he offered us a free trip. I explained that I was appreciative of the gesture but a free trip still cost us a lot of money in airfare, hotel accommodations, dog sitting, etc. He said he understood. We agreed on an amount for a partial refund. Shortly afterwards he cut off communications. He stopped returning phone calls or emails. When I finally did get him on the phone he was loud and rude and said that what I was doing was extortion. I explained that all I did was write an honest review and had taken it down at his request while he tried to find out what happened and make it right. I was only requesting what we had already was fair. He refused and told me that he would not be sending a check as stated (in an email) and hung up the phone.
I wrote our credit card company to dispute the charge (of the partial refund) that he agreed to. I provided them with documentation supporting our claim both from emails exchanged between us and from their website. The credit card company refunded us the entire amount requested.
A full service rafting trip can certainly be a great family experience and in all likelihood we will do it again, just not with Hells Canyon Raft. In my experience they advertise a good time but don’t deliver and lack integrity. I wonder if they had other negative reviews removed by calling the reviewer and making false promises or bullying them into removing it.
I recommend spending your hard earned money on another company.
Kevin
Each day on the water was relatively short. Generally we rode/floated straight through with only a short stop for lunch. I believe this was so the guides could get to camp, set up, stop working and start drinking. The camps were set on small areas with little or no room to hike or explore.
After the trip I wrote a similar review to the one above. Kurt (one of the owners) contacted me and explained how negative review could adversely impact them and asked for the opportunity to make it right. He assured me that our negative experience was the exception and not the rule. At his request and in a show of good faith I removed the negative review while we tried to work it out. After speaking to his guides he came to the same conclusion that they had in multiple ways failed to meet expectations and deliver the trip as advertised. The only thing he didn't confirm was the excessive drinking of his guides both on and off the river. According to Kurt the guides had denied drinking while piloting the rafts.
In an effort to make it right he offered us a free trip. I explained that I was appreciative of the gesture but a free trip still cost us a lot of money in airfare, hotel accommodations, dog sitting, etc. He said he understood. We agreed on an amount for a partial refund. Shortly afterwards he cut off communications. He stopped returning phone calls or emails. When I finally did get him on the phone he was loud and rude and said that what I was doing was extortion. I explained that all I did was write an honest review and had taken it down at his request while he tried to find out what happened and make it right. I was only requesting what we had already was fair. He refused and told me that he would not be sending a check as stated (in an email) and hung up the phone.
I wrote our credit card company to dispute the charge (of the partial refund) that he agreed to. I provided them with documentation supporting our claim both from emails exchanged between us and from their website. The credit card company refunded us the entire amount requested.
A full service rafting trip can certainly be a great family experience and in all likelihood we will do it again, just not with Hells Canyon Raft. In my experience they advertise a good time but don’t deliver and lack integrity. I wonder if they had other negative reviews removed by calling the reviewer and making false promises or bullying them into removing it.
I recommend spending your hard earned money on another company.
Kevin
Written January 31, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We are deeply disappointed in the content of this review. After investigating the particulars of your trip, we were surprised to learn that you felt your river trip fell short of your expectations. Our veteran guides could not believe that you had a bad experience, as there was not a moment during the trip when any bad feelings were registered or expressed. To the contrary, there seemed to be lots of very happy photographs of everyone who was on that trip, and you tipped the guides generously.
And we are truly sorry for the absence of bocce ball. We love bocce too! The set was something that should have been packed, and we have taken steps to make sure it will never be forgotten on future trips. Other items, such as the paddle board, and inflatable kayaks were available.
Regarding integrity, it was actually your description of events that was not an accurate reflection of what actually happened. We are confident that our moral compass is strong. We are a small, family-owned business and take great pride in delivering safe, family-friendly and quality trips. It is something we have done with great success for over 30 years and is something that we are honored to have reflected in countless other positive customer reviews.
Your charge of guides drinking while on duty is unfounded. Your version of the events that unfolded after you returned from the trip is another example of this. The other people on the trip support the fact that we maintain the highest standard of safety on our trips, with a zero-tolerance policy for something like this.
We absolutely love what we do. We love the river and want to share that experience with as many other people as we can. We value the feedback and will continue to make families like yours our number-one priority in everything we do. Finally, our veteran guide plays the mandolin, not the ukulele. We also never heard from your credit card company before about any refunds.
Kurt and Heidi Hells Canyon Raft
Written February 13, 2018
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
David M
10 contributions
Hi, David. What would you like to know about this attraction? was there a full moon during the trip?
Emma B
Belton, MO298 contributions
What is the cost of the Raft tour
Do you pick up from hotels in McCall
Is this a white water river raft or gray water
Do you get wet.
Lenght of trip.
HCRHCR
McCall, ID7 contributions
Thanks for contacting us and great questions! Our Snake River trips originate from Cambridge, about 1 hour drive from McCall. Salmon River trips from Lewiston. This is a whitewater trip, riding in rubber rafts and you will get wet. we offer 3-6 days trips and have been in business for 21 years. Please check out our website for a ton of info and pictures
or feel free to call me with any questions.
Hells Canyon Raft (McCall) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
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