Teen River Running Expedition
Embark on the ultimate whitewater adventure with our 6-Day Teen River Running Expedition on the Main Salmon River. This raft-supported kayaking journey covers 80 miles of the wild and scenic River of No Return, giving teens an unparalleled opportunity to paddle, explore, and connect with nature in one of America’s most iconic river systems.
This expedition is designed for teens ready to challenge themselves, develop teamwork, and build confidence on the water. Over six days, participants will learn to read the river, scout rapids, and navigate safely while taking on both thrilling and manageable whitewater. Guided by experienced instructors, teens progress at their own pace, whether they are building river-running skills or refining advanced maneuvers. To ensure safety and a successful experience, participants are required to have completed our 7-Day Teen Kayaking Course or demonstrate a solid combat roll (success 2 out of 3 times) prior to the trip. Please reach out to discuss your teen’s readiness—we want to make sure every participant is prepared to thrive on the river.
Life on the river is an adventure in itself. Each night, campers sleep under the stars on pristine white sand beaches, sharing stories around the campfire and forming lasting friendships. Along the way, they’ll visit natural hot springs, explore scenic side channels, and learn to live in harmony with the river and wilderness. Every paddle stroke, every rapid run, and every evening under the night sky becomes part of a shared experience that is both empowering and unforgettable.
This expedition is more than a kayaking trip—it’s a chance to unplug from devices, step outside comfort zones, and experience the thrill of self-reliance, collaboration, and outdoor adventure in a truly wild setting. Teens leave with strengthened skills, resilience, and a profound sense of accomplishment, having run the river together and created memories that last a lifetime.
Highlights
- 6 Days of Adventure – Paddle exciting Class I–III rapids through Idaho’s wild and scenic River of No Return.
- More Than Rafting – Swim, hike to hot springs, and discover ancient pictographs along the way.
- Wilderness Camping – Sleep under starry skies and enjoy delicious riverside meals with great company.
- Off the Grid, Fully Connected – Unplug from screens and reconnect with nature—and each other—in true wilderness.
Day 1 Arrival & Base Camp
Students arrive at Salmon River Adventure Company between 1:30–3:30 PM and are welcomed to our riverfront base camp. The afternoon includes orientation, a comprehensive safety talk, gear fitting, and team-building activities designed to build trust and camaraderie before launching on the river. That evening, campers settle into SRAC Base Camp, share dinner together, and begin forming the friendships that will define the week ahead.
Days 2–5: River Running & Skill Development
The adventure begins as we launch onto the Wild and Scenic Main Salmon River. Each day is intentionally structured to balance skill-building, adventure, and fun. Students learn how to read the river, scout rapids, identify lines, and make confident decisions on the water. They’ll practice surfing river waves, mastering eddy turns, refining paddle strokes, and developing technical whitewater skills — all while journeying down one of the most iconic rivers in the country. Evenings bring time to relax and connect at camp with hikes, hot springs, watercolor art, bracelet making, wave surfing sessions, and campfires under the stars.
Day 7: Take Out Day
On the final morning, we take out at Carey Creek Boat Ramp, with students transported to McCall, Idaho for mid-day pick-up. For those flying home, flights out of Boise should be scheduled after 3:30 PM to allow adequate travel time.
The coaches are all experts with years of experience
I can’t say enough about this camp. We are not a kayaking family, but I have a 14 year old daughter who really wanted to learn white water kayaking. In one week she went from being a beginner, to becoming a confident, adventurous young kayaker who could take on some class IV rapids. The coaches are all experts with years of experience. She also said she enjoyed the good food and fun games every night. If you want to give your kids an amazing adventure and have them learn solid technical skills at the same time, this is an amazing summer camp.”– Carrie
it is his favorite time of the year with his favorite people in the World
There are not enough stars on this chart to show my appreciation and admiration for the Salmon River Adventure Co Team!!! My son has been a part of this River Family for 2 summers now; it is his favorite time of the year with his favorite people in the World!!! Thank you for guiding him, teaching him, mentoring him and providing him with the confidence and curiosity of river safety and a true passion and love for the outdoors!! To many many more adventures! – Kimberly
We will be back for certain
The crew at Salmon River Adventure Co were amazing, kind and knew their stuff. My children went for a weeklong summer camp and had a blast. We will be back for certain. It’s a perfect little spot along the river -pastoral and pristine. Our hosts Polly and Tommy were welcoming, kind and oh so generous. Deepest gratitude for a wonderful week on the river. See you next season”. – Gina
This place is a treasure, a true Wild West experience, and a dream in the making
My kids had an absolute blast and an adventure they will never forget. This place is a treasure, a true Wild West experience, and a dream in the making… A lifetime of adventure surrounds this place. Hot springs, adventurous mountain bike rides, kayaking, backpacking, you name it. I can’t say enough. We are full of gratitude for the bold dreams and hard work of the Hilleke family, the heartfelt dedication from the staff, and also the heroic efforts of the firefighters to spare this place as the Moose fire burned through.
Thank you! – Sam
His passion for kayaking was bolstered greatly
My son fully enjoyed his experience with Salmon River Adventures. His passion for kayaking was bolstered greatly. SRAC is an amazing company, and if you are looking to learn how to kayak, this is the place!” – Jeannine
Want to Learn More about this Trip?
Download a Detailed Itinerary! Complete with descriptions of each day, tips on travel arrangements, regional highlights and more, it’s the perfect tool to plan your trip. You can easily share it with friends too!
What’s Included:
- ✓ Professional, experienced trip leaders and river guides
- ✓ Transportation from SRAC base camp to the put-in at Corn Creek
- ✓ Transportation from the take out, Carey Creek, to McCall, ID
- ✓ All meals from dinner on Day 1 through lunch on Day 7
- ✓ Snacks and drinks between meals
- ✓ Camping equipment – shared 2-3 person tent, cushy sleeping pad, camp chair, and all necessary eating utensils
- ✓ Private guided tours at Pictographs, historic sites, and other select attractions along the river
- ✓ Kayaking equipment – Personal floatation device (PFD), helmet, splash top, spray skirt, kayak, and paddle
- ✓ One large dry Bag for personal gear and one small dry bag for on river essentials.
Not included:
Need something else for the trip? Please reach out. We rent sleeping bags, inflatable kayaks, SUPs, hardshell kayaks, and much more!
- ✗ Guide gratuities
- ✗ Sleeping bag
- ✗ Transportation to Salmon
- ✗ Transportation from McCall
