HUGHES River Expeditions, Inc.
SNAKE
MIDDLE FORK OF THE SALMON
SALMON
WALLOWA-GRANDE RONDE 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.
Hughes River Expeditions, Inc. P.O. Box 217 Jerry Hughes & Carole Finley Cambridge, Idaho 83610 (208) 257-3477 800-262-1882 [email protected] www.hughesriver.com 1 www.snakerafting.com SNAKE RIVERTHROUGHHELLSCANYON SNAKE RIVERTHROUGHHELLSCANYON 800-262-1882 habitation. archaeology revealsmorethan7,800yearsof petroglyphs, rockshelters,andhousepits.TheCanyon‘s conifer forestsblankettheCanyonrims. pines arescatteredthroughoutthelandscape,and wildflowers andcactibloomextravagantly. Ponderosa the banks.Tributary grottosaredeliciouslycool,and in latesummer. River-polished bouldersshinealong river. Grassyhillsidesaregreeninspringandgolden flood scouredtheareaandshapedpresentCanyon. Bonneville overflowedsome15,000yearsago,amassive geologic mosaicfoundinHellsCanyon.WhenLake erosion, andvolcanicactivityhavecreatedtherich across thegorgeinwhatisnowIdaho.Eonsofuplift, Oregon‘s BlueMountainsfromthe”sevendevils“ Canyon withabigsticktoprotecttheirancestorsin breathtaking gorges. to theSnakeRivercreatesoneofnature’s most staggering 8,000footdropfromHeDevilMountain and OregonbycuttingAmerica’s deepestcanyon.The We exploreaboriginalsites,including pictographs, The countryisamazing.Ruggedwallsrisefromthe Nez PerceIndianlegendclaims”Coyote“dugHells In HellsCanyon,theSnakeRiverseparatesIdaho
2 SNAKE RIVER 3 or 4 DAY EXPEDITION 5 or 6 DAY EXPEDITION 3 Days/2 Nights, or 4 Days/3 Nights. 32 River Miles. Meet in Groups can arrange 5 Day or 6 Day Trips from Hells Cambridge, Idaho. We provide transportation to put-in at Hells Canyon Cr. to Heller Bar. 79 River Miles. Check for details. Canyon Cr. and from Pittsburg Landing take-out back to Cambridge.
3 SNAKE RIVER 800-262-1882 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 SNAKE RIVER 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.
800-262-1882 4 MIDDLE FORK OF THE SALMON
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.)
5 MIDDLE FORK 800-262-1882 800-262-1882
6 MIDDLE FORK 5 or 6 DAY EXPEDITION 5 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.
7 MIDDLE FORK 800-262-1882 800-262-1882 U.S. –2.361millionacres). largest mountainwildernessinthecontinental Church–”River ofNoReturn“Wilderness(the National ForestandthehugeFrank Rivers. We floatinsidetheSalmon–Challis in 1968asoneoftheoriginalNationalWild Canyon" –EarlParrott. and laddersof"thehermitImpassable Waterfall Creek,CathedralCave,andthecabins Trigger" Purcell'sgrave,RattlesnakeCave, include visitstotheWhiteGoatMine,"Set evening hikedirectlyfromcamp.Otherhighlights Camps arebeautiful.You canplanamorningor pictographs, huntingblinds,andtepeerings. Sheepeater Indian(MountainShoshoni) chukar partridge,andkingfisher. bear, otter, coyote,osprey, eagle,forestgrouse, mountain goat,muledeer, elk,cougar, black including RockyMountainbighornsheep, The MiddleForkwasprotectedbyCongress We stoptoenjoyhotspringsandinvestigate The areaoffers anincrediblevarietyofwildlife, MIDDLE FORK
8 MIDDLE FORK SALMON RIVER CANYON
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.
9 SALMON RIVER CANYON 800-262-1882 800-262-1882 the riverandback. evening before your trip.We provide round triptransportationto 20 milesare onthe SnakeRiver).MeetinLewiston,Idaho,the 4 Days/3Nightsor5Days/4Nights.6273RiverMiles(thefinal 4 or5DAY EXPEDITION Resource AreaoftheBureauLandManagement. Natural ResourceLandsmanagedbytheCottonwood and bobcatarecommonbutrarelyspotted. summer. RockyMountainbighornsheep,elk,cougar, deer andwhite-tailedareoftenseenduringthe coyotes howlandspotbeaver, otter, ormink.Mule and ospreyallfrequenttheCanyon.You canhear hawk, northernharrier, Americankestrel, nighthawk, concentrations ofraptors.Goldeneagle,red-tailed These canyonsfeatureoneoftheworld'shighest Canada geese,merganser, heron,and many more. wren, waterouzel,kingfisher, chukar partridge, variety ofwildlife.Thearea'sbirdsincludecanyon abandoned mines,andIndianpictographsites. River history. We stoptoinspectChineserockhouses, of WhiteBirdareremarkablechaptersSalmon and storiesoftheBillyCreekCrossingBattle intriguing. TheNezPerceWar touchedthisregion, The SalmonRiverCanyonwindsthroughlonely The SalmonCanyonprovideshabitattoawide The backcountryhistoryoftheSalmonCanyonis SALMON RIVERCANYON
10 SALMON RIVER CANYON WALLOWA-GRANDE RONDE
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.
11 WALLOWA-GRANDE RONDE 800-262-1882 WALLOWA-GRANDE RONDE WALLOWA-GRANDE
3 DAY EXPEDITION 3 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.
800-262-1882 WALLOWA-GRANDE RONDE 12 EQUIPMENT VARIETY
HUGHES RIVER EXPEDITIONS, Inc. offers a superb selection of quality river equipment. We do our best to match the boats to your particular interests. Let us know your preferences. Guests often plan to rotate between the various types of craft during the trip. All oar rafts, paddle rafts, and inflatable kayaks are self-bailing.
OAR RAFTS The traditional craft, comfortable and exciting to ride, a fine fishing platform, controlled by your guide. 15-17 foot oar rafts are available.
PADDLE RAFTS Participate in all the action! Your guide captains the paddle team and explains the route through each rapid.
INFLATABLE KAYAKS Solo or tandem boats used for selected portions of a trip. Great fun! FISHING BOATS Small oar rafts or McKenzie drift boats depending on your choice of river and water conditions. Two fishermen/boat and guide. Rods, reels, and tackle provided. Check for rates and details. SUPPLY PONTOONS Custom-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 to prepare the evening’s camp. When you arrive, your duffle is unloaded into camp, the tents are pitched, and the kitchen is organized.
13 EQUIPMENT VARIETY 800-262-1882 800-262-1882 for details,orcontact JonBarkerat208-836-5551. Vale andBoise Districts oftheBLM.Checkwithouroffice River Expeditions.BarkerExpeditions isapermitteeof and Owyheetripsareoutfittedby AssociateOutfitter, Barker 4 to7DayTrips onthe OwyheeandBruneauRivers. OWYHEE & BRUNEAUCANYONLANDS
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Hughes River Expeditions is owned and operated by Jerry Hughes & Carole Finley
Licensed & Bonded Outfitters & Guides Glacier National Park
Coeur d'Alene Members of: Spokane Idaho Outfitters & Guides Association MONTANA
Outfitter/Guide Permittees of: Missoula Salmon-Challis National Forest State Boundaries Rivers Cottonwood Resource Area, BLM Stretches of river described in Umatilla National Forest brochure. Baker Resource Area, BLM Lewiston Salmon River Salmon River Outfitter/Guide Authorization from: WASHINGTON Hells Canyon National River of No Return Wilderness Hells Canyon National Recreation Area Recreation Area Snake River Middle Fork Wallowa-Whitman National Forest
Wallowa-Grande Ronde Minam McCall Yellowstone National Park Salmon Teton National Park Hughes River Expeditions, Inc. Craters of the Moon National Monument P.O. Box 217 Cambridge, Idaho 83610 Baker Cambridge (208) 257-3477 800-262-1882 Stanley [email protected] Boise Sun Valley www.hughesriver.com IDAHO www.snakerafting.com Mountain Home Jordan Valley Pocatello OREGON Twin Falls
Brochure Design: Temel, Inc.
Photo Credits: Owyhee River Steve Bly, Chad Case, Glenn Oakley, Owyhee Canyonlands Snake River
Bruneau Canyonlands WYOMING Phil Schofield Bruneau River
Salt Lake City NEVADA UTAH