hughes river expeditions
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SNAKE
MIDDLE FORK OFTHE SALMON
SALMON
WALLOWA-GRANDE RONDE
H U G H E SRiver Expeditions, Inc.
We invite you to join us for a unique vacation. Hughes River Expeditions,
Inc. is a small, owner-operator business. We are pleased to tailor a trip to your
interests.
The rivers we run are among the most beautiful and challenging in the West.
Flowing through isolated backcountry, they offer striking natural beauty, white
water, history, and a diversity of wildlife. We are committed to ecologically sound
camping, and our appreciation for this country is matched by the care we show
for it.
There is time for fishing, hiking, exploring long abandoned cabins, mines, and
Indian sites, or for simply enjoying a comfortable riverside camp.
The guides who work with us are professionals with exceptional river skills and
years of experience. Each is an expert outdoor cook, and their diverse backgrounds
and personalities will enhance your trip. The trips and crew have a casual style,
reflecting the best of Western warmth and hospitality.
Fantastic meals feature fresh fruits and vegetables, fresh meats, pasta dishes,
evening hors d‘oeuvres, a variety of lunch and dinner salads, and Dutch oven
baking. We always have plenty of food and ice for the entire trip.
A selection of river equipment allows us to provide boats to fit your interests.
Self-bailing oar rafts, paddle rafts, and inflatable kayaks are available. The trips
are supported by big, custom-designed supply pontoons that carry your duffle,
extra ice chests, tents, camp chairs, and a deluxe kitchen outfit. All the camping
gear is furnished, including tents, sleeping pads, freshly-laundered sleeping bags,
waterproof duffles, and camera boxes.
We invite you to join us ”on the river“, and we promise spectacular rivers,
expert professional guides, delicious meals, excellent equipment, and first-class
service.
Jerry Hughes & Carole Finley
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Hughes River Expeditions, Inc.P.O. Box 217Cambridge, Idaho 83610(208) 257-3477800-262-1882info@hughesriver.comwww.hughesriver.comwww.snakerafting.com
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In Hells Canyon, the Snake River separates Idaho
and Oregon by cutting America’s deepest canyon. The
staggering 8,000 foot drop from He Devil Mountain
to the Snake River creates one of nature’s most
breathtaking gorges.
Nez Perce Indian legend claims ”Coyote“ dug Hells
Canyon with a big stick to protect their ancestors in
Oregon‘s Blue Mountains from the ”seven devils“
across the gorge in what is now Idaho. Eons of uplift,
erosion, and volcanic activity have created the rich
geologic mosaic found in Hells Canyon. When Lake
Bonneville overflowed some 15,000 years ago, a massive
flood scoured the area and shaped the present Canyon.
The country is amazing. Rugged walls rise from the
river. Grassy hillsides are green in spring and golden
in late summer. River-polished boulders shine along
the banks. Tributary grottos are deliciously cool, and
wildflowers and cacti bloom extravagantly. Ponderosa
pines are scattered throughout the landscape, and
conifer forests blanket the Canyon rims.
We explore aboriginal sites, including pictographs,
petroglyphs, rock shelters, and house pits. The Canyon‘s
archaeology reveals more than 7,800 years of
habitation.
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SNAKE RIVER THROUGH HELLS CANYONSNAKE RIVER THROUGH HELLS CANYON
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3 or 4 DAY EXPEDITION3 Days/2 Nights, or 4 Days/3 Nights. 32 River Miles. Meet in
Cambridge, Idaho. We provide transportation to put-in at Hells
Canyon Cr. and from Pittsburg Landing take-out back to Cambridge.
5 or 6 DAY EXPEDITIONGroups can arrange 5 Day or 6 Day Trips from Hells
Canyon Cr. to Heller Bar. 79 River Miles. Check for details.
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Abandoned homesteads reflect the recent past.
Tales of the Deep Creek Massacre, sternwheel
steamers, the Nez Perce Crossing, and unsolved
murders are part of Hells Canyon lore. At Kirkwood
Bar Historic Ranch, the Forest Service has preserved
and displayed remnants of the Canyon‘s rich history.
Rafting the Snake is challenging fun! Wild Sheep,
Granite, Bernard, No Name, Waterspout, and Rush
Creek rapids are the most powerful white water in
the Northwest. Between rapids, there is time to enjoy
the scenery of a magnificent canyon.
Fishing in Hells Canyon is unique. Any cast may
bring in a smallmouth bass, rainbow trout, or channel
catfish. Remarkably, all these species live in the Snake
River along with steelhead (ocean-run rainbow trout),
and huge white sturgeon, which can reach 10 feet
or more in length. Regulations require ”catch &
release“ fishing for wild steelhead and sturgeon.
Wildlife includes Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep,
mountain goat, mule deer, elk, cougar, black bear,
beaver, otter, and more. Songbirds, owls, hawks,
eagles, chukar partridge, and forest grouse dot the
ecosystem.
Hells Canyon is one of the most rugged roadless
areas in the U.S. Our only contacts during the trip
are hikers, horsemen, and other river parties, including
jetboats. The Snake/Hells Canyon is protected by
Congress as a “Wild & Scenic River,” and is inside the
spectacular Hells Canyon National Recreation Area,
Wallowa-Whitman National Forest.
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TThe crystal clear Middle Fork is Idaho‘s most
famous wilderness, white water, and mountain river.
From the put-in at Boundary Creek (elevation 5,700
ft.) to the take-out at Cache Bar, 100 miles
downstream, the Middle Fork descends 2,700 feet.
We float through dense forests, along sage and
mountain mahogany covered hillsides, and finally
between the sheer granite cliffs of Impassable Canyon.
There are plenty of rapids. Velvet Falls, Powerhouse,
Pistol Creek, Tappan Falls, Haystack, Porcupine,
Redside, Rubber, Hancock, and many more make the
Middle Fork a first-class white water run. At the put-
in, the river is small, steep, rocky, and tricky. Tributaries
gradually quadruple the Middle Fork’s volume. As
the stream transforms into a major river, quiet pools
and calm stretches alternate with the rapids. The last
day, the Middle Fork‘s full force is focused into the
white water of Impassable Canyon.
Fishing is excellent. The Middle Fork is a ”blue
ribbon“ Westslope Cutthroat trout fishery, and a
spectacular dry fly fishing stream. Regulations are
”catch & release“ with single, barbless hooks.
(Fishermen can arrange fishing boats with 2
fishermen/boat & guide service. Check for rates and
details.)
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MIDDLE FORK OF THE SALMONMIDDLE FORK OF THE SALMON
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5 or 6 DAY EXPEDITION5 Days/4 Nights or 6 Days/5 Nights. 75 or 100 River Miles. Meet in
the picturesque mountain town of Stanley, Idaho, the evening before
the trip. Depending on water and road conditions, put-in is either
Boundary Cr. (100 river miles) or Indian Cr. Airfield (75 river miles).
We provide van transportation for trips beginning at Boundary Cr.
For other trips, we fly to the river with bush pilots the morning of
the first day. Cost of these flights, when required, is not included in
the price of your trip. (See schedule for flight cost.) We provide van
transportation back to Stanley from the Cache Bar take-out.
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The area offers an incredible variety of wildlife,
including Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep,
mountain goat, mule deer, elk, cougar, black
bear, otter, coyote, osprey, eagle, forest grouse,
chukar partridge, and kingfisher.
We stop to enjoy hot springs and to investigate
Sheepeater Indian (Mountain Shoshoni)
pictographs, hunting blinds, and tepee rings.
Camps are beautiful. You can plan a morning or
evening hike directly from camp. Other highlights
include visits to the White Goat Mine, "Set
Trigger" Purcell's grave, Rattlesnake Cave,
Waterfall Creek, Cathedral Cave, and the cabins
and ladders of "the hermit of Impassable
Canyon" – Earl Parrott.
The Middle Fork was protected by Congress
in 1968 as one of the original National Wild
Rivers. We float inside the Salmon–Challis
National Forest and the huge Frank
Church–”River of No Return“ Wilderness (the
largest mountain wilderness in the continental
U.S. – 2.361 million acres).
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Enjoy long summer days, warm swimming water,
the largest pure white sand bar camps in the West,
roller coaster rapids, and wonderful canyonlands.
Grass covered mountains alternate with volcanic cliffs
that rise from the river's edge. Ponderosa pines accent
the landscape. A scenic highlight on the last day is
the graceful confluence of the Salmon and Snake
rivers.
The ”River of No Return“ drifts through quiet pools
and surges into churning white water. The Salmon
Canyon is an ideal place to enjoy paddle rafts and
inflatable kayaks. Green, Cougar, Snow Hole, and
Blue canyons offer many of the Salmon’s best rapids,
including Demons Drop, Pine Bar, Bodacious Bounce,
Half & Half, Snow Hole, China, Zig Zag, Slide,
Sluicebox, Checkerboard, Eye of the Needle, and
more.
Camping on the Salmon’s huge sand beaches is
unforgettable. As the largest undammed river in the
lower 48 states, the Salmon provides a unique
opportunity to enjoy pristine sand bars and natural
riparian areas. The camps are perfect for swimming,
frisbee, volleyball, or making a sand castle.
Many species of cold and warm water fish live in
the Salmon River, including rainbow trout, smallmouth
bass, catfish, white sturgeon, steelhead, and salmon.
Summer trips offer fly and spin casting for bass and
trout, and "catch & release" fishing for white
sturgeon.
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SALMON RIVER CANYONSALMON RIVER CANYON
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The backcountry history of the Salmon Canyon is
intriguing. The Nez Perce War touched this region,
and stories of the Billy Creek Crossing and the Battle
of White Bird are remarkable chapters of Salmon
River history. We stop to inspect Chinese rock houses,
abandoned mines, and Indian pictograph sites.
The Salmon Canyon provides habitat to a wide
variety of wildlife. The area's birds include canyon
wren, water ouzel, kingfisher, chukar partridge,
Canada geese, merganser, heron, and many more.
These canyons feature one of the world's highest
concentrations of raptors. Golden eagle, red-tailed
hawk, northern harrier, American kestrel, nighthawk,
and osprey all frequent the Canyon. You can hear
coyotes howl and spot beaver, otter, or mink. Mule
deer and white-tailed deer are often seen during the
summer. Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep, elk, cougar,
and bobcat are common but rarely spotted.
The Salmon River Canyon winds through lonely
Natural Resource Lands managed by the Cottonwood
Resource Area of the Bureau of Land Management.
4 or 5 DAY EXPEDITION4 Days/3 Nights or 5 Days/4 Nights. 62 or 73 River Miles (the final
20 miles are on the Snake River). Meet in Lewiston, Idaho, the
evening before your trip. We provide round trip transportation to
the river and back.
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The Wallowa and Grande Ronde are two of Oregon’s
most beautiful backcountry streams. Rugged canyon
walls of basalt rise to 4,000 feet above river level.
Dense forest alternates with lush grassland.
The rivers race past rocks and boulders in swift Class
II-III white water. Minam Roller, Redrock Rapids, Blind
Falls, Sheep Creek, and Martin’s Misery are great fun
in inflatable kayaks, paddle rafts, and oar rafts.
Grassy camps with towering Ponderosa Pine and
Douglas Fir are among the best in the West. Tributary
streams tumble into the main river at Sheep, Clear,
Meadow, Alder, Bear, Elbow, Grossman, Sickfoot, Cabin,
and Wildcat Creeks.
Rainbow trout and steelhead fishing are available
“in season”. Serious fishermen can arrange McKenzie
drift boats. Check for drift boat rates & fishing
information. The area also provides habitat for elk,
mule deer, white-tailed deer, Rocky Mountain bighorn
sheep, waterfowl, golden eagle, bald eagle and osprey.
The Grande Ronde is designated by Congress as a
Wild & Scenic River, and the Wallowa and Grande
Ronde are protected as Oregon Scenic Waterways.
The rivers are co-managed by the Bureau of Land
Management, Vale District, and the Umatilla National
Forest.
WALLOWA-GRANDE RONDEWALLOWA-GRANDE RONDE
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3 DAY EXPEDITION3 Days/2 Nights. 38 River Miles (10 miles on Wallowa, 28 miles on
Grande Ronde). Put-in is Minam, Oregon, and take-out is Powwatka
Bridge. We provide round trip van service from Lewiston, Idaho.
Groups can meet us in Minam, and have cars shuttled to take-out.
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HUGHES RIVER EXPEDITIONS , Inc. offers asuperb selection of quality river equipment. Wedo our best to match the boats to your particularinterests. Let us know your preferences. Guestsoften plan to rotate between the various typesof craft during the trip. All oar rafts, paddle rafts,and inflatable kayaks are self-bailing.
OAR RAFTSThe traditional craft, comfortable and exciting to ride, a fine fishing platform,controlled by your guide. 15-17 foot oar rafts are available.
PADDLE RAFTSParticipate in all the action! Your guide captains the paddle team and explainsthe route through each rapid.
INFLATABLE KAYAKSSolo or tandem boats used for selected portions of a trip. Great fun!
FISHING BOATSSmall oar rafts or McKenzie drift boats depending on your choice of river andwater conditions. Two fishermen/boat and guide. Rods, reels, and tackleprovided. Check for rates and details.
SUPPLY PONTOONSCustom-designed pontoons carry the camp gear, duffle, and extra ice chests.Supply pontoons allow us to offer guest boats that are comfortable, uncluttered,and especially maneuverable. Each day the supply boatman floats ahead toprepare the evening’s camp. When you arrive, your duffle is unloaded intocamp, the tents are pitched, and the kitchen is organized.
13 EQUIPMENT VARIETY
EQUIPMENT VARIETYEQUIPMENT VARIETY
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OWYHEE & BRUNEAU CANYONLANDS4 to 7 Day Trips on the Owyhee and Bruneau Rivers. Bruneauand Owyhee trips are outfitted by Associate Outfitter, BarkerRiver Expeditions. Barker River Expeditions is a permittee ofVale and Boise Districts of the BLM. Check with our officefor details, or contact Jon Barker at 208-836-5551.
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L e w i s t o n
B a ke r C a m b r i d g e
M o u n t a i n H o m e
S u n Va l l e y
Po c a t e l l o
Tw i n Fa l l s
Snake R ive rBruneau Canyon landsBruneau R iver
Owyhee R ive rOwyhee Canyon lands
Sa lmon R iverRiver of No Return Wi ldernessMidd le Fork
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Yel lowstone Nat iona l ParkTeton Nat iona l Park
Craters of the Moon NationalMonument
Sa lmon R iver
He l l s Canyon Nat iona lRecreat ion AreaSnake R ive r
Wal lowa-GrandeRonde
State Boundar iesR iversS t re tches o f r i ve r desc r ibed inbrochure.
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Glac ie r Nat iona l Park
M i s s o u l a
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M i n a m
S a l t L a ke C i t y
Hughes River Expeditions isowned and operated by Jerry Hughes & Carole Finley
Licensed & Bonded Outfitters & Guides
Members of:Idaho Outfitters & Guides Association
Outfitter/Guide Permittees of:Salmon-Challis National ForestCottonwood Resource Area, BLMUmatilla National ForestBaker Resource Area, BLM
Outfitter/Guide Authorization from:Hells Canyon National Recreation AreaWallowa-Whitman National Forest
Hughes River Expeditions, Inc.P.O. Box 217Cambridge, Idaho 83610(208) 257-3477800-262-1882info@hughesriver.comwww.hughesriver.comwww.snakerafting.com
Brochure Design: Temel, Inc.
Photo Credits:Steve Bly, Chad Case, Glenn Oakley,Phil Schofield