FAQ

Absolutely! In fact we take more kids than adults down the river. We offer trips for ages 4 and up. Children can be timid about trying new things, so the guides have some tricks up their sleeves. Oar boat can be a great option, where the guide does all the work and maneuvering leaving adults free to supervise children. Guides often let children “help” guide the boat through flat water sections on paddle rafts to build confidence and friendship with children.

Yes, our rafting trips are very popular with bus tour groups. In addition, seniors joining their families on the trip have the option to paddle or just ride along in the raft.

Yes, in fact, 50% of our guests have never rafted before, even on our Class IV/ high adventure and kayak trips.

Absolutely! The Salmon River is a diverse recreation mecca offering trips for all ages and skill levels. Most adults enjoy the “paddle raft,” this is active and engaging and everyone works as a team to navigate down the river together. Many teenagers and adventurous adults also enjoy our inflatable kayaks, a challenging yet fun one-on-one experience with the Salmon River.

Glad you asked! Our early season/Class IV trip is action-packed and built for adrenaline junkies, this trip offers the biggest rapids. At normal water flows, inflatable kayaks are the way to go and offer the challenge of guiding your own small boat while you follow our guides. These trips are for 12 and up.

On occasion, less than one percent of our guests become a member of the “Salmon River Swim Team.”

If you have reservations about rafting due to medical conditions please consult your doctor. If you and your doctor determine rafting is a safe activity we will make every effort to accommodate your needs.

Enjoy the ride! Most guests who fall in only take a short swim and on a hot day find it refreshing! Before your trip starts we give all guests a safety speech so you will know what to do. Find assurance knowing you are wearing the highest quality gear and have a professional guide. Remember, swimming is fun!

Yes, we often see eagles, ducks, fish, deer, and elk on our rafting trips. If you’re lucky and the timing is right you might see otters and even a bear!

Stanley, Idaho is high dessert which means the weather can change quickly especially in May and June. Early season, make sure to bring plenty of clothing, just in case. In July and August, bathing suits, t-shirts, sandals, sunglasses, and sunscreen are recommended. During the summer it’s generally very warm outside so you will dry off very quickly. Please stay away from cotton socks and cotton pants, they make you cold, reduce your comfort and ultimately reduce the enjoyment of your trip.

We have you covered! We provide wetsuits, splash tops and booties, at no additional cost to you. In additional we provide these items in all sizes from small children to large adults. All of our gear is quality, new, and washed daily for your use. Please don’t hesitate to ask for these items upon check-in. Helmets are also available.

We provide an-in house photographer that takes pictures of your trip; you can view and download these pictures and the end of your trip. You can bring your on camera, however, a waterproof camera is recommended. We also provide ziplocks for you to use and stow your camera in your guide’s drybag.

The question is what’s not for lunch? You will be pleasantly surprise at the variety and quality of food provide on our trip. Typically we provide a chicken entree, fresh fruit, several vegetarian sides, appetizers, homemade dessert, and several drink options. Finicky kids, special dietary needs and special requests are all welcome. Please let us know prior to your trip and we can customize your menu!

No worries! We have multiple bathrooms at our office bathrooms. In addition, there are restrooms at the put-in, our private lunch camp, and at the end of the trip as well.

Trips begin at our WhiteCloud Rafting Headquarters which is located in Stanley, Idaho. From there we provide transportation to the boat ramp (15 min) away. WhiteCloud Rafting is located one hour from Sun Valley, Ketchum, and Challis and is about three hours from Boise.

All of our trips are inclusive from start to finish, meaning your trip will end back at our office location in Stanley.

Our most popular trips last about 3.5 to 4.5 hours without a meal, with a meal, about  5 to 6 hours. Our trip times are approximate and are variable based on water conditions. Times are based on when you leave and return to WhiteCloud Rafting Headquarters. High water trips are 14 miles, midseason trips are 9 miles and late season trips are 7 miles.

We generally have ample parking at our office. We will ask for your keys and store them safely for you while you’re on the river so don’t lose them.

No problem, let us know prior to your trip and we will add an inflatable kayak along with your raft.

We use the industry best equipment. Some outfitters try and “stretch” their equipment for years after its prime. However, we feel it is extremely important to provide the highest quality equipment to our guests, so we rollover our boats every few years. We use paddle rafts, oar boats and inflatable kayaks to provide a variety of activity and adventure levels to our guests. Paddle rafts are great for families, kids, and adults. Our boats are a good option for seniors and small children because the guide does all the work and maneuvering. Inflatable kayaks serve as an independent self-guided adventure vessel that tags along with the rafts.

Great question! Usually 5-6 guests per boat. However, we try to keep groups separate and in their own rafts whenever possible. Meaning we will never split your group up to be in another raft, instead, we will add another raft and guide so your group will have the best experience available.

Yes, and they are extremely fun! We limit this activity to guest ages 12 and up and must be in good physical condition. Kayaking is very popular in July and August. We offer wetsuits and splash-tops booties and helmets are required. Kayakers accompany our guided rafts and everyone goes down the river together. Kayaking is one of our most challenging trips we offer. The Salmon River provides an excellent opportunity for beginners. No experience necessary, you just need an adventurous attitude!

All trips are run on the Salmon River just out Stanley, Idaho near Sun Valley and Ketchum, Idaho.

The rapids on the Salmon River vary dramatically based on location in the river system. However, our most popular trips include Class 3 rapids and provide great excitement for the most guest. High Adventures are Class 3-4 and Scenic Trips are Class 1. The Salmon River provides an outdoor adventure experience for all!

Great question! Depends….in the riffles it may only be a foot deep and can be up to 20 feet deep in the pools. The depth varies tremendously based water levels and location. In general the water is crystal clear and you can see all the way to the bottom.

Cold, but you also enjoy cold ice cream on a hot day, right? Truth is on a hot summer it’s about 60 degrees and is very refreshing. Earlier in the season, the water is colder, however, we have all the top-notch equipment to ensure your comfort.

The Salmon River is the longest free flowing river in the lower 48 states. At 425 of undamed river miles the Salmon River is also the longest flow river within one state.