Question 1

How are rapids rated?

Accepted Answer

Class I (easy) to Class VI (extreme). We guide up to Class IV+.

Question 2

What is your safety record?

Accepted Answer

30+ years with no serious whitewater accidents; strict protocols and trained guides.

Question 3

Lifejacket policy?

Accepted Answer

USCG-approved PFDs required for everyone at all times; inspected if you bring your own.

Question 4

Do I need to swim?

Accepted Answer

No. Lifejackets are mandatory; non-swimmers welcome on mellower sections.

Question 5

Do rafts flip?

Accepted Answer

Rare on most sections; more likely at spring high water and on Murtaugh. Guides right boats fast.

Question 6

Helmets required?

Accepted Answer

Yes on high water, duckies, and Murtaugh; optional otherwise.

Question 7

High/low water plan?

Accepted Answer

High water: reschedule or switch sections. Low water: trips usually run (Salmon & Hagerman flow well).

Question 8

How many per raft?

Accepted Answer

~8 guests + 1 guide in standard rafts; Mammoths 2–4; duckies available.

Question 9

Duckies available?

Accepted Answer

Yes—single or tandem, with safety briefing; comfortable swimming recommended.

Question 10

Do I have to paddle?

Accepted Answer

Yes in paddle boats; oar/gear boats are a relaxed ride.

Question 11

What rivers do you run?

Accepted Answer

Salmon (day to 5-day) and Snake (Hagerman, Murtaugh). Multi-day: 5D Main, 4D Lower, 3D Base, 2D Overnighter.

Question 12

Which trip is best?

Accepted Answer

Main: wilderness beaches/hot springs. Lower: warm water & huge beaches. Riggins Daily: rapid-dense. Murtaugh: biggest whitewater.

Question 13

Waivers

Accepted Answer

Digital link after booking; all guests must sign (parents for minors).

Question 14

Time zone

Accepted Answer

All trips run on Mountain Time; set phones to MT near the river.

Question 15

Footwear

Accepted Answer

Secure shoes only: river sandals/water shoes/sneakers (no flip-flops/Crocs/cowboy boots).

Question 16

Dry bags

Accepted Answer

Yes—small for day trips, large for multi-day; highly water-resistant.

Question 17

Shuttles

Accepted Answer

Riggins daily uses vans. Lower returns by jet boat. Main uses vehicle shuttles/jet boat/air per conditions.

Question 18

Gratuity

Accepted Answer

Optional, typically 10–20% of trip cost; cash or Venmo shared with crew.

Question 19

Snacks/Drinks

Accepted Answer

Snacks & soft drinks welcome; bring a reusable water bottle.

Question 20

Dietary needs

Accepted Answer

Allergies accommodated; preferences (vegetarian/vegan/keto) not guaranteed—bring extras.

Question 21

Alcohol

Accepted Answer

No alcohol before/during rafting; OK at camp. BYO; coolers available.

Question 22

Group discounts

Accepted Answer

Yes; High Adventure Base handles very large groups.

Question 23

Bathrooms

Accepted Answer

Day trips: facilities at launch/take-out. Multi-day: portable wilderness toilet system.

Question 24

Water temps

Accepted Answer

Spring 40–55°F (wetsuits provided); summer 70–75°F; fall ~60°F.

Question 25

Tents

Accepted Answer

Guides set up on 2D/4D/5D; BYO on Base/BSA Middle Fork.

Question 26

Leave No Trace

Accepted Answer

Fire pans/ash cans, strain dishwater, pack out waste, smooth sand, no soap in hot springs.

Question 27

Salmon River flows

Accepted Answer

Peak 40–60k cfs; record ~130k (1974). Summer ideal; even 3k cfs runs great.

Question 28

What is CFS?

Accepted Answer

Flow per second; 1 cfs = 7.48 gallons.

Question 29

Cancellation

Accepted Answer

20% nonrefundable deposit; transferable with 14 days’ notice; balance due 7 days prior.

Question 30

Private charters

Accepted Answer

Yes—custom trips for families, corporate, church, and youth groups.

Question 31

Rentals

Accepted Answer

Yes—rafts, duckies, kitchen gear, groovers; experience and safe conditions required.

Question 32

Wetsuits

Accepted Answer

Provided during high water (May–early June).

Question 33

Vehicle shuttles

Accepted Answer

We don’t shuttle personal vehicles; we recommend trusted partners.

Question 34

Best time to raft

Accepted Answer

May–Jun: high-water thrills. Jul–Aug: warm beaches. Sep: mild, fewer crowds, good fishing.

Question 35

Wildfire smoke

Accepted Answer

Rare cancellations; only for unsafe conditions or closures.

Question 36

Fishing license

Accepted Answer

Required for anglers 14+; bring your own gear; sunglasses around hooks.

Question 37

Wildlife/Bears

Accepted Answer

Expect eagles, ospreys, bighorn sheep, deer; bears are rare and shy.

Frequently Asked Questions

What rivers do you offer?

How long have you been doing this?

I rafted the Middle Fork as a Boy Scout. Is this the same company?

How do I apply to work here?

How experienced are your guides?

Are you licensed and insured?

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