This was a unique opportunity to transit the entire middle Fork of the Salmon River, which is not always accessible due to seasonal water levels. The personal equipment, as well as the equipment supporting the entire tour, was of exceptional design, quality and maintenance. Meals cooked by the guides were creative, nutritious, and plentiful for hungry paddlers. The guides were extremely knowledgeable about the entire length of the river, which was greater than 100 miles. They know how to attack each obstacle to provide a high level of adventure while doing it safely. All of the staff were well educated and friendly. They all had an amazing general knowledge of botany, zoology, geography, and natural history. If an individual guide could not answer your question, they were quick to research it in their extensive library or consult other guides. This trip was a reunion for me in 17 of my West Point classmates. The guides did an amazing job of making it entertaining, enjoyable and memorable. read more

My 84yr old mom wanted to "do a big river trip" and booked a 5-day trip down the Snake River for us. The food was great, the views amazing, the cellphone-free environment much appreciated. The best part? The company. The oars staff were friendly, highly-capable, and were the most entertaining part of the trip. I've never talked so much my whole life, but these guys were a hoot. We saw a few people get drunk, beligerant, and not wearing PFDs across the river one day. Some of the other river guide companies do not operate a tight ship. I'm so glad we went with OARS because my stress level was zero other than the rapids. The 5-day down the Snake River was perfect as you really get into the groove of rafting that 3rd day. I just wish I could have stayed on the river longer! read more

OARS Dories - Day 1 on the Snake River, loading up by the dam. - Hiking Near Me - Lewiston, Idaho

I took my 3 nephews on a rafting trip down the Salmon River for 6 days and 5 nights June 6 - 7 using the O.A.R.S. Dories company for our guide. It was a terrific adventure, but what made it so great had a lot to do with our guides and their friendly, hard working and professional manner. The team leader was Caroline who was so impressively competent. All the other guides deferred to her easily and she made intelligent decisions to keep the trip safe from high and fast water as well as comfortable with well chosen camp sites and interesting hikes and things to see. While she took charge readily, she did it with a smile and a great sense of humor. I like to joke around a bit and Caroline was right there making me feel comfortable and joking right back with me. We shared some wonderful conversations that made the trip even more special and memorable. I probably will never see her again, but I will always remember how capable, kind and personable she is. Her 3 other guides were Caiden, Shane and a trainee John Evans. I was so impressed with how open and friendly they all were. We had lots of time to just talk and relax both on the river and in camp. They all joined in our group like they were one of us talking about their lives and things they liked when we asked. Always smiling and friendly. They didn't ever monopolize the conversation or become too opinionated. They just joined in and flowed with the group just like the river we were floating on. Every day they spent arduous time setting up camp and then breaking camp the next morning, cooking really tasty meals 3 times a day and tending to all of our questions and needs. They truly never complained. They would put us first when we needed something always with a no problem attitude. I never heard one of them complain or act in a way that was unbecoming of the job they were doing. For 6 straight days to do all that work with never a complaint was amazing to me. I believe they all love what they do and take the job as a treat to be out in the wilderness riding the rapids and sharing with people an amazing adventure in the wilderness. I'm 71. I may never do a trip like that again just because of my age and stage in life, but if I do, it will for sure be with the O.A.R.S. team and I hope I'm lucky enough to get to reconnect with any of those wonderful guides. read more

OARS Dories - John Evans, me, Caroline, Caiden, my 3 nephews and Sloan - Hiking Near Me - Lewiston, Idaho

We loved being completely 'unplugged' from the outside world and being 'present' with the other folks on the trip. I didn't plan on trying the inflatable kayak and was surprised how much I gravitated towards it - it was really a testament to how comfortable our guide Dylan A. made people feel as he led from the paddle boat. Main Salmon Wilderness Gourmet - The GA 5 read more

I can't speak highly enough about our trip on the Lower Salmon. It was spectacular. Beautiful scenery, awesome rapids and the best guides. The team was so knowledgeable and just a blast to be around. We saw big horned sheep, bald eagles and lot of different types of birds. We took this trip to celebrate my husbands 30th birthday so they threw him a party at camp. So sweet! The food was also top-notch. I'm a vegetarian and they were so accommodating. I was a little nervous going into the trip - this was my first white water trip and I wasn't sure what to expect in regards to the rapids. But the guides made me feel so safe and comfortable that I quickly got over the fear and just enjoyed being on the water. :) I highly, highly recommend OARS . They are legit. read more

See all

My 15 year old son and I went on the 4-day Snake River rafting trip. To the OARS crew/guides: thanks for everything! We appreciated and were impressed by their professionalism, courtesy, tenacity, teamwork, and knowledge of not just the landscape, but the history as well. The food was great - they also accommodated a couple of vegetarians in our larger group. Pictures and videos do the river no justice - it must be seen in person! read more

Our family group (ages 20-69) rafted the Lower Salmon in July. It was amazing! First I must mention the guides: Ethan, the trip leader, Georgia, Liza, Karen, Henry and Phil. They worked together to make our trip so fun, safe, and interesting. The food was great, and accommodated 3 of us gluten free guests. We did some fishing, hiking, swimming, water fights in 100 degree temps, and lots of hanging out making new friends. I still use the mug they provided every night here at home as it keeps ice water all night long! As a veteran rafter, for this trip, I recommend you put the tent aside and sleep out under the stars. I'll be packing a cloth napkin in my day bag next time, since there are, understandably, no napkins or paper towels to wipe the food off your face or the fajita juice running down your arm! Insulated water bottles are a must. I absolutely LOVE having teenagers on rafting trips. They are curious, helpful, adventurous and brave. If you are on the fence, please get off and book a trip. O.A.R.S. is a high quality company. read more

Not just Dories. The trip down the Main Salmon in the Franch Church Wilderness had a dorie, rafts you paddle, rafts you don't paddle and the option to use inflatible kayaks. All great fun. Great to get wet when the temps are in the 90s. Fantastic guides (good cooks with great food), great knowldge of the river, the camp sites, different boats, history and excursion options. They also know how to avoid poison ivy. Fantastic trip. read more

Just got back from a three day rafting trip down the Snake River. Had an awesome time. Our Guides (Andrew, Ben, Dan, Brodie, Caroline and Hannah) were amazing! They worked well together, super organized and the food was awesome! Can't wait to book another trip but this time will be for longer! read more

Outstanding. Simply amazing. I along with 7 other guys went rafting down the salmon river for our 4 day annual retreat. I had high expectations which they easily exceeded. Not only did the crew stun me with their food, they were hilarious and totally fun to raft with. Also, the equipment was in real good condition. The ONLY thing I would change is the tiny little pillow they gave us to sleep on which caused some slight issues. Nonetheless, I still give them a 5!!!!!!! read more

What an amazing trip!! Loved our 5 days rafting on the Snake River in Idaho!! Big thanks to Hillary from OARS for emailing me before the trip to get all the details about my food allergies and carefully planning so I was safe. Big thanks to our guides: Brighty, Dan, Mia and Robyn. They worked so VERY HARD waking up early, fixing amazing meals, tearing down camp, rowing for hours, then fixing more amazing meals and setting up camp again, day after day. In addition to their hard work, they all were wonderful at sharing information of the area, often asking if there is anything they can do, and personalities all outgoing, upbeat and friendly. There were lots of river options: as a group paddling a raft, riding a raft without paddling, and paddling alone in an inflatable kayak. We had stops for guided hikes to petroglyphs, and other historical sights. After camp was set up, good afternoon guided hikes were often offered. In addition to the fun rapids, the canyon geology was beautiful and full of wildlife (Bighorn Sheep, Mountain Sheep, White Tailed Deer, Eagles and Osprey, etc). 1 of our guests fished. She spent more time unhooking each fish than waiting for the next fish to bite. Incredible! The weather varied a lot (cold rain, hot sun, but mostly beautiful sunshine). Pack for everything because everything can happen. The gear that was provided and suggested packing list were perfect. Sign up and have a great trip! read more

Long time white water enthusiasts on our annual trip for 2018 when we "touched luck" and selected OARS to guide us down the Snake River, Hell's Canyon section. Every single detail taken care of, maximum fun with 100% attention to safety thruout. Guide staff (Lauren, Zach, Ulli, Kersten and Jake) couldn't have been more friendly and welcoming. OARS puts a lot of emphasis on small details that make a big difference when out of one's 'comfort zone'..our group of 4 will ABSOLUTELY seek out OARS for future adventures..thank you for an amazing 3 days on the river! read more

Fantastic experience. Great food, great crew, a lot of fun for the entire family. Eagles playing in the sky, bears along the river, the kids loved jumping off the dories and floating free in their life jackets. We will go again. read more

It's not called Hells Canyon for the great weather. The kids thought rafting in strong winds and pouring rain was EPIC and had a fantastic time. We were in a large group (about 20) with too many personalities and conflicting expectations but they did give us 4 very experienced guides who adapted well and did an outstanding job. Food was excellent. I'd bring my own sleeping bag next time. I'd also pack full foul weather clothes, I hate being cold and wet and it can happen. read more

Make sure you list your expectations of this trip and compare them to what's advertised. There were only two "challenging" rapids on this five day trip. Day one covered a massive 2 miles of river and then it was time to camp. I'd classify this trip as a camping trip with a little bit of white water rafting mixed in. read more

Took a 5 day wine tasting adventure down the Snake River. Our group of 7 all had a great time. OARs runs a very smooth and efficient operation. Camping was easy. Food and wine great. All the guides were people I would like to see again. They were skilled, pleasant, fun, knowledgeable, and concerned that you have a safe and enjoyable time. The rapids were great on first and second day s, third day a bit slower, last day slow. But a very interesting canyon and worth the trip. Just be prepared for intense heat in July/August. I highly recommend this comapny and trip. read more

We did the tour of the lower Salmon, and it was amazing. The guides were absolutely top notch - professional, kind, and able to balance fun, excitement, and safety. They were fantastic with all the kids on the trip, as well as the adults. We were able to raft, kayak, and ride in the dories, which provided wonderful variety. The food was incredible, and the guides were incredibly accommodating to my dietary needs as an insulin-dependent diabetic. The scenery was gorgeous. Do it!! read more