Hughes River Expeditions

River Equipment

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We offer a superb selection of quality river equipment. We do our best to match the boats to your particular interests, so be sure to let us know your preferences. Guests often plan to rotate between the various types of craft during the trip. All rafts and inflatable kayaks are self-bailing.

Entering Upper Cliffside Rapids

Oar Rafts

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The traditional craft, comfortable and exciting to ride, a fine fishing platform, controlled by your guide. We run 13-17 foot oar rafts in our fleet.

Paddle raft on the salmon river

Paddle Rafts

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Participate in all the action! Your guide captains the paddle team and explains the route through each rapid.

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Inflatable Kayaks

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Solo and tandem kayaks are used for selected portions of our trips. Great fun!

MFS 23 Fly Fishing Boat Hooked Up

Fishing Rafts

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Two anglers and one guide to each fishing raft.  Our fishing rafts are customized for our unique multi-day whitewater infused fly fishing excursions.  We use 13′ & 13.5′ Hyside Rafts with custom frames that include a front lean bar with a stripping basket and a rear swivel seat for 2 anglers per boat. Rods, reels and tackle provided.

Gear boat on the salmon river

Supply Boats

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Custom-designed boats carry the camp gear, duffle, and extra ice chests on the Middle Fork, Main Salmon and Salmon River Canyons trips. Supply boats allow us to offer guest boats that are comfortable, uncluttered, and especially maneuverable. Each day the supply boater floats ahead to prepare the evening’s camp. When you arrive, your duffle is already unloaded into camp, the tents are pitched, and the kitchen is organized.

Guest Experiences

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  • C & J Nichols, Manhattan Beach, CA (2005)

    The boys worked so very hard to make our river experience a truly memorable one!!…I didn’t feel we were able to give them a proper good-bye! This being my only regret of a near-perfect trip; you have a great group working for you and we can’t wait to join you again soon.

  • R. Quinly (2019)

    Our guides were all exceptional!  …treated Tom and me like family members.  They celebrated Tom’s birthday with pancakes in the morning and a Dutch oven cake with candles for dessert that evening.  Thank you for an amazing family vacation.

  • Moodey, Anaheim, CA (2021)

    Thank you for making our Salmon River trip so memorable.  Your company is the best there is.

  • Holgate, Boise, ID (2021)

    Thank you for the incredible experience you provided Stoltz on the river.  We were impressed with your impeccable service, capable (and FUN) guides, beautiful meals, and spectacular camps.  We are still reminiscing…..  Stoltz is forever grateful for the amazing trip and hope to do more with Hughes in the coming years!!

  • C. & R. Gore, Wilsonville, OR (2021)

    Thank both you and your crew for the Great Trip we just experienced on the Middle Fork.

  • Johnson, Pacific Palisades, CA (2021)

    Hi all!  The trip was great!  Thank you!

  • M. Penton, Leviadia, CA (2021)

    Up in the air with an incredible view,
    Then down to the river for an adventure that’s new…
    Proud evergreens, polished stones, bald eagle sightings;
    Emerald moving water with rapids so exciting!
    ……..
    We’re so happy to be part of this adventure!  It’s true
    that it’s because of the work of the great guides and you!

  • Gannett, Salt Lake City, UT (2021)

    Once again had a great trip….  Be safe and we’ll schedule another trip soon.

  • DeZarn, Eugene, OR (2021)

    What a fantastic trip!  Hughes river guides killed it for us all!  Thanks for a ton of fun!

  • Kaelson, Dallas, TX (2021)

    Thanks for an incredible trip your staff was amazing.

Hughes River Expeditions Provides:

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  • All meals beginning with lunch the 1st day and ending with lunch the last day of the trip
  • Coast Guard approved whitewater life jackets
  • Farmer John wet suits for spring & early summer trips
  • Freshly laundered sleeping bags and camp pillows
  • Deluxe sleeping pad
  • Tent for every two guests, or a tent for singles
  • Ground tarps
  • Camp Chairs and Tables complete w/ table cloths and REAL plates and silverware.
  • Waterproof Bags for your personal gear
  • Day Bags
  • Camera Boxes
  • First Aid Supplies
  • Eating Utensils (cups, silver, plates)
  • A limited complimentary supply of beverages which includes soda, beer, fruit juice and wine
  • Plenty of Ice for Beverages

We’re here to answer any and all of your questions!

406-540-4450

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