River Adventures
River Adventures
5
4WD, ATV & Off-Road ToursBoat ToursFishing Charters & ToursNature & Wildlife ToursSelf-Guided Tours & Rentals
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About
We specialize in exciting jet boat adventures in scenic Hells Canyon and The Salmon River ("River of No Return"). Join Rich as he takes you through the ruggedness of Hells Canyon. His knowledge of the history, where his grandparents lived their entire working lives. We also specialize in Fishing Charters. Whether your looking to catch a 10 foot sturgeon (yes we said 10 foot!!!) or a Steelhead Trout, along with many other species of fish, River Adventures is the fishing trip for you! Our charters are private and exclusive to your group. Our USCG fishing vessels have a perfect safety record and are perfect for small groups and larger groups up to 10 people. We also offer Off-Road rentals. As your ultimate gateway to adventure, our signature rides showcase the unrivaled beauty of this extraordinary region. prepare to embark on a mesmerizing journey through the rugged mountains, uncovering captivating historical landmarks and scenery. We can't wait to see you for your trip of a lifetime!
Riggins, Idaho
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Travelers' Choice
2024
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
5.0
576 reviews
Excellent
560
Very good
14
Average
2
Poor
0
Terrible
0
Smokey & Coyote
4 contributions
Aug 2020
We took the River Adventures Hells Canyon jet boat trip. My wife suggested this trip but was initially a little anxious, that was soon left behind. Our captain was highly experienced and knew the river phenomenally well. He had been running jet boats in races since he was a very young man well into the last century. His boat handling totally set us at ease. He is a third generation riverman on the Snake. His grandparents homesteaded way up in the canyon where they ran a sheep ranch. The personal stories & area history he is able to share greatly enhanced the experience.
The canyon is gorgeous and we were able to view wildlife such as Mountain Sheep (one full curl ram posed for us) and eagles. The great views were punctuated by awesome white water rapids. On the trip home we had gotten pretty warm during our lunch break. When the captain plunged the bow of the boat into one of the big rollers and the water came in through the skylight opening we all cheered. We were rewarded with a 180 degree turn and a trip back through the same rapids. More cheers brought on another circuit back through the white water again. We never expected that and I must say it was going above and beyond.
The booking experience was excellent also. We originally booked a trip with them on the Salmon. Because of Covid we were the only ones on the trip. We got a personal call offering to bump us up to the Snake River at no additional cost. We couldn't pass that up. Thanks Megan.
W recommend this outfitter without hesitation. There are others offering trips but don't waste your time. Just book with River Adventures.
The canyon is gorgeous and we were able to view wildlife such as Mountain Sheep (one full curl ram posed for us) and eagles. The great views were punctuated by awesome white water rapids. On the trip home we had gotten pretty warm during our lunch break. When the captain plunged the bow of the boat into one of the big rollers and the water came in through the skylight opening we all cheered. We were rewarded with a 180 degree turn and a trip back through the same rapids. More cheers brought on another circuit back through the white water again. We never expected that and I must say it was going above and beyond.
The booking experience was excellent also. We originally booked a trip with them on the Salmon. Because of Covid we were the only ones on the trip. We got a personal call offering to bump us up to the Snake River at no additional cost. We couldn't pass that up. Thanks Megan.
W recommend this outfitter without hesitation. There are others offering trips but don't waste your time. Just book with River Adventures.
Written September 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.
William S
Lake Mary, FL1 contribution
Jun 2020
The guide, Rich Friend was very cool, third generation to live in and around the venue gave us a great history of the area. Fished in a few locations and immediately started to catch fish, we then went on to catch a 6’6” sturgeon, WOW was that wild. He also recommended and made our reservation at a nice spot on the salmon river. Would go again, he pointed and stopped to view all kinds of wild animals and birds. Great adventure
Written June 14, 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.
nowork825
1 contribution
Aug 2021
We had a great time. The jet boat ride was a new thrill, coming from an avid boater it was a very unique experience. The boat driver (sorry I don't remember his name) was great, he gave us all some very interesting personal history of his family and himself and the times they had in Hells canyon. For me it made it all that much better. The weather was cool so we lucked out. I highly recommend River Adventures to anyone wanting to do this experience, they wont be disappointed.
Written August 11, 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.
Jennifer H
1 contribution
Jul 2021
Our Jet Boat tour up the Salmon River was perfect. Our guide, Mike, expertly captained our boat, stopping to share interesting historical facts and stories about the region. He was quite knowledgeable, having lived in Riggins most of his life. The stops at Polly Bemus' ranch, the "lunch" beach, the caves and tunnels, made for an excellent adventure. We saw sheep and eagles. The entire day was pleasant and enjoyable. We were particularly impressed with the care Megan showed regarding the potential for low visibility due to the fires. She was very concerned about giving us a good day. We're so happy we chose River Adventures and would recommend the trip, the company, Mike and Megan, to anyone. So much fun!
Written July 30, 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.
Pam R
Boise, ID3 contributions
Mar 2020
We own our own jet boat and fish the rivers a lot but this was THE BEST girls weekend!!
We had a fantastic crew that did everything they could to get us in front of the fish! They baited the hook, grabbed the pole when we got hung up and handed us another one so we could keep fishing, and joined our laughter all day long. Many thanks to River Adventures for putting together great captains and crews. We already booked next year!
We had a fantastic crew that did everything they could to get us in front of the fish! They baited the hook, grabbed the pole when we got hung up and handed us another one so we could keep fishing, and joined our laughter all day long. Many thanks to River Adventures for putting together great captains and crews. We already booked next year!
Written March 9, 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.
calvin m
1 contribution
Jun 2022
This is my third jet boat trip to Hell’s Canyon. By far the best. We had 7 of my family members on this trip. The guide and Captain Rick’s personal family history recounted during the day was a very nice touch.
Becky was extremely attentive to customer needs was very engaging and a real delight. My father is 85 and his wife although younger does not get around as well. Becky made certain that they had all the extra help they needed at each stage of the trip without them feeling self conscious.
Captain Rick had the best boat handling skills of any of the three commercial trips that I have taken. He was also more courteous to others on the river and worked hard to not take away from their experience on the water. I highly recommend River Adventures if you are looking into a trip up Hell’s Canyon. Next time we will try the lower Salmon.
Becky was extremely attentive to customer needs was very engaging and a real delight. My father is 85 and his wife although younger does not get around as well. Becky made certain that they had all the extra help they needed at each stage of the trip without them feeling self conscious.
Captain Rick had the best boat handling skills of any of the three commercial trips that I have taken. He was also more courteous to others on the river and worked hard to not take away from their experience on the water. I highly recommend River Adventures if you are looking into a trip up Hell’s Canyon. Next time we will try the lower Salmon.
Written June 5, 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.
What an awesome review! I am so happy to hear you had an amazing trip! Becky and Rich definitely are great. I will share your experience and words with them. I really enjoyed meeting your family, I am sorry I didn’t get to meet you, maybe some other time! Thanks for the recommendation, see you again I hope!
Written June 10, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
awkward3
Spirit Lake, ID1 contribution
Sep 2021 • Family
I would give it 10 stars if I could. Fantastic tour! The captain was very informative and is a generational resident of the area. He was able to bring the canyon to life with personal stories and deep truths about his family and the residents near the turn of the century. We will definitely do this again. By far River Adventures is the premier jet boat company operating on the river today. You definitely want to book this tour.
Written September 5, 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.
Boise000
Boise, ID15 contributions
Sep 2020
After rafting the Lower Salmon River, we were picked up by River Adventures gorgeous jet-boat "The Prouty", at the confluence of the Salmon and Snake Rivers. We loaded a mountain of gear [including five boats and frames], and ten people on board. The ride up the Snake 30 miles to Pittsburg Landing was thrilling and wonderfully scenic. The Jet-Boat Driver was awesomely skilled, and handled the huge 1350 HP boat like a race car.
We liked everything about our experience, and will certainly use River Adventures again without hesitation.
We liked everything about our experience, and will certainly use River Adventures again without hesitation.
Written September 28, 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.
Chet W
McCall, ID2 contributions
Jun 2021 • Friends
We were guests of old friends who always wanted to “catch a sturgeon”. The entire river experience was amazing and this fishing trip epic. We have fished and hunted with numerous guides thru the years and our guide Mike Estrada was among the very best . An excellent boat captain, experienced fishing guide and and teacher. We had them supply lunches, which were just right, but follow their guidelines and you will have a most memorable time.
Written June 15, 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.
Janetinbuhl
Ely, NV105 contributions
Jul 2021 • Family
We had a wonderful time on our Salmon River trip. Our guide Mike was very knowledgeable about the history along the river and was fun as well. Despite heavy rafting traffic (necessitating the boat to slow down), he got us to our turn around point and back to the take-out right on time. Our lunch was delicious. I can’t say enough about River Adventures. Try it for yourself!
Written July 2, 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.
Autio
Kingston, New Hampshire
How wet do you get on this trip and do you need rain gear?
Written August 11, 2017
Only as wet as you wanna get. If you sit in the back you get soaked. Under the cover not so much.tgey also stopped breaks and for people to swim if they want. SO FUN
Written March 9, 2018
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