Hughes River Expeditions

Hughes River Expeditions

Rafting Vacations in Idaho

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Happy New Year

January 1, 2018 by Colin Hughes

 View this email in your browser
 

With 2017 officially in the rear view, we look forward to the 2018 season!  As you contemplate your New Year’s resolution we ask that you consider joining us in simply making more time to enjoy our invaluable public lands!  If you are able to swing a trip in 2018 we would love to see you on the river.
ONLINE HUGHES STORE COMING SOON!

Another resolution we plan to come through on this year is making access to Hughes merchandise easier for you.  In an effort to do so we are excited to announce the launch of the the online Hughes Store. With the Hughes Store you will be able to purchase HRE apparel, river literature, stickers, and the coveted Hughes mug with just a few clicks!

Apparel available will include:

  • Zip-Up Hoodies
  • Womens T-Shirts
  • Mens T-Shirts
  • Fly-Fishing/Sun Shirts
  • Visors
  • Trucker Hats
Literature available will include:
  • River Maps
  • River Cook Books
  • River Guides
  • River History
Other items available will include:
  • Flying-H Stickers
  • Hughes Mugs
We will keep you updated on the stores launch date!  It should be in the next 3-5 weeks!
2018 SEASON AVAILABILITY UPDATE
MIDDLE FORK SALMON RIVER 
Dates Length Adult/Youth Availability
June 4-8 5 Days $2060/1950 15+
June 13-18 6 Days $2460/2350 FULL
June 22-27 6 Days $2460/2350 FULL
June 30-July 5 6 Days $2460/2350 1
July 8-13 6 Days $2460/2350 FULL
July 16-21 6 Days $2460/2350 1
July 24-29 6 Days $2460/2350 FULL
August 1-6 6 Days $2460/2350 FULL
August 9-14 6 Days $2460/2350 FULL
August 17-22 6 Days $2460/2350 9
August 25-29 5 Days $2060/1950 13
September 2-7** 6 Days $2460/2350 6
September 11-16 6 Days $2460/2350 12+
September 20-25+* 6 Days $2460/2350 12+
September 29-Oct 4+* 6 Days $2460/2350 12+

*Trips with the possibility to Charter for exclusivity!

** 2018 Jazz Trip will be September 2-7!!!

+ 2018 “Cast & Blast” Opportunities!

Book your Middle Fork Salmon River Trip
SALMON RIVER CANYONS
Dates Length Adult/Youth Availability
July 1-5 5 Days $1845/$1675 14
July 9-13 5 Days
$1845/$1675
15+
July 17-21* 5 Days
$1845/$1675
15+
July 25-29* 5 Days
$1845/$1675
15+
August 2-6 5 Days
$1845/$1675
FULL
August 10-14 5 Days
$1845/$1675
15+
August 18-22* 5 Days
$1845/$1675
15+
August 26-30* 5 Days
$1845/$1675
15+
September 3-7* 5 Days
$1845/$1675
15+
September 11-15* 5 Days
$1845/$1675
15+
September 19-23*+ 5 Days
$1845/$1675
15+
September 27-Oct 1*+ 5 Days
$1845/$1675
15+

*Trips with the possibility to Charter for exclusivity!

+ 2018 “Cast & Blast” Opportunities.

SALMON RIVER CANYONS 4-DAY OPTION

Call the HRE office about booking a 4 Day Salmon River Canyons Trip.                                                         All of the 5 Day trips have a 4 Day option.

Adult – $1540
Youth – $1400

Book your Salmon River Canyons Trip
OWYHEE CANYONLANDS 
Dates Length Adult/Youth Availability
April 27-May 1* 5 Days $1845/$1675 15
May 4-8 5 Days $1845/$1675 9
May 11-15* 5 Days $1845/$1675 15
May 18-22* 5 Days $1845/$1675 15

*Trips with the possibility to Charter for exclusivity!

– Call the HRE office for information about other dates for groups of 8 or more.

Book your Owyhee Canyonlands River Trip
WALLOWA-GRANDE RONDE 
– Call the HRE Office for information about dates for groups of 8 or more.
Book your Wallowa- Grande Ronde River Trip
CHEERS TO 2018!

From all of us at HRE we wish you the very best in 2018 and hope to see you on the river!

Our Very Best,

The Hughes Crew

 

Filed Under: Hughes River Expeditions News

2018 SEASON AVAILABILITY

October 23, 2017 by Colin Hughes

– Whitewater Rafting & Fly Fishing, Hiking, History & Hot Springs –

View this email in your browser

2018 SEASON AVAILABILITY
MIDDLE FORK SALMON RIVER 
Dates Length Adult/Youth Availability
June 4-8* 5 Days $2060/1950 15+
June 13-18 6 Days $2460/2350 FULL
June 22-27 6 Days $2460/2350 FULL
June 30-July 5 6 Days $2460/2350 1
July 8-13 6 Days $2460/2350 FULL
July 16-21 6 Days $2460/2350 FULL
July 24-29 6 Days $2460/2350 2
August 1-6 6 Days $2460/2350 FULL
August 9-14 6 Days $2460/2350 FULL
August 17-22 6 Days $2460/2350 11
August 25-29 5 Days $2060/1950 15+
September 2-7** 6 Days $2460/2350 15+
September 11-16* 6 Days $2460/2350 12+
September 20-25+* 6 Days $2460/2350 12+
September 29-Oct 4+* 6 Days $2460/2350 12+

*Trips with the possibility to Charter for exclusivity!

** 2018 Jazz Trip will be September 2-7!!!

+ 2018 “Cast & Blast” Opportunities!

Book your Middle Fork Salmon River Trip
SALMON RIVER CANYONS
Dates Length Adult/Youth Availability
July 1-5 5 Days $1845/$1675 14
July 9-13* 5 Days
$1845/$1675
15+
July 17-21* 5 Days
$1845/$1675
15+
July 25-29* 5 Days
$1845/$1675
15+
August 2-6 5 Days
$1845/$1675
FULL
August 10-14 5 Days
$1845/$1675
15+
August 18-22* 5 Days
$1845/$1675
15+
August 26-30* 5 Days
$1845/$1675
15+
September 3-7* 5 Days
$1845/$1675
15+
September 11-15* 5 Days
$1845/$1675
15+
September 19-23*+ 5 Days
$1845/$1675
15+
September 27-Oct 1*+ 5 Days
$1845/$1675
15+

*Trips with the possibility to Charter for exclusivity!

+ 2018 “Cast & Blast” Opportunities.

SALMON RIVER CANYONS 4-DAY OPTION

Call the HRE office about booking a 4 Day Salmon River Canyons Trip.  All of the 5 Day trips have a 4 Day option.

Adult – $1540
Youth – $1400

Book your Salmon River Canyons Trip
OWYHEE CANYONLANDS 
Dates Length Adult/Youth Availability
April 27-May 1* 5 Days $1845/$1675 15
May 4-8 5 Days $1845/$1675 9
May 11-15* 5 Days $1845/$1675 15
May 18-22* 5 Days $1845/$1675 15

*Trips with the possibility to Charter for exclusivity!

– Call the HRE office for information about other dates for groups of 8 or more.

Book your Owyhee Canyonlands River Trip
WALLOWA-GRANDE RONDE 
– Call the HRE Office for information about dates for groups of 8 or more.
Book your Wallowa- Grande Ronde River Trip
HUGHES RIVER EXPEDITIONS IN SOCIAL MEDIA
One of our guests from a couple of seasons ago submitted this excellent video on social media of her family’s trip with HRE down the Middle Fork of the Salmon River.  Click the button below to check it out!
Watch an HRE Guest’s Video from 2016

To learn more about HRE & our trips please follow the links below

MIDDLE FORK SALMON

SALMON RIVER CANYONS

OWYHEE CANYONLANDS 

WALLOWA-GRANDE RONDE

HRE FACEBOOK PAGE

OR
Give us a call at 800-262-1882.

We look forward to seeing you on the river!

Our Very Best,

The Hughes Crew

Filed Under: Hughes River Expeditions News

2017 SEASON AVAILABILITY & LAST-MINUTE OPENINGS

April 4, 2017 by Colin Hughes

– Whitewater Rafting & Fly Fishing, Hiking, History & Hot Springs –
2017 SEASON AVAILABILITY & LAST-MINUTE OPENINGS 
MIDDLE FORK SALMON RIVER 
Dates Length Adult/Youth Availability
June 4-8 5 Days $1775/$1600 12
June 13-18 6 Days $2330/$2215 15+
June 22-27 ——– ——– FULL
June 30-July 5* 6 Days $2330/$2215 9*
July 8-13 ——– ——– FULL
July 16-21 ——– ——– FULL
July 24-29* ——– ——– 2*
August 1-6 ——– ——– FULL
August 9-14* 6 Days $2330/$2215 1*
August 17-22 ——– ——– FULL
August 25-29 5 Days $1940/$1835 12
September 2-6 ——– ——– FULL
September 11-16** 6 Days $2330/$2215 15+**
September 20-25** 6 Days $2330/$2215 15+**

*Prime dates that just opened due to cancellation!
**Trips with the possibility to Charter for exclusivity!

Book your Middle Fork Salmon River Trip
SALMON RIVER CANYONS
Dates Length Adult/Youth Availability
July 9-13** 5 Days $1785/$1620 15+**
July 16-20** 5 Days $1785/$1620 15+**
July 23-27 5 Days $1785/$1620 15+
July 30- August 3 5 Days $1785/$1620 15+
August 6-10 ——- ——- FULL
August 12-16
August 15-18
——-
4 Days
——-
$1495/$1360
FULL
15
August 18-22 ——- ——- FULL
August 20-24* 5 Days $1785/$1620 7*
August 27-31** 5 Days $1785/$1620 15+**
September 3-7** 5 Days $1785/$1620 15+**
September 10-14 5 Days $1785/$1620 15+
September 17-21** 5 Days $1785/$1620 15+**

*HRE 2017 Salmon River Canyons Solar Eclipse Trip
**Trips with the possibility to Charter for exclusivity!

———————————————————————————————————

SALMON RIVER CANYONS 4 DAY OPTIONS

  1. We currently have a 4 Day trip available August 15-18.
  2. Salmon River Rafting 4 Day Trips launch every Thursday.
  3. All 5 Day Salmon River Canyon Trips have flexibility for participants to join on the 2nd day for the 4 Day option.

– Call the HRE office about booking your 4 Day Salmon River Canyons Trip!

Book your Salmon River Canyons Trip
WALLOWA-GRANDE RONDE 
Dates Length Adult/Youth Availability
May 23-26 4 Days $1350/$1225 15+
June 18-21 4 Days $1350/$1225 10+

– Call the HRE Office for information about other dates for groups of 8 or more.

Book your Wallowa- Grande Ronde River Trip
OWYHEE CANYONLANDS 
Dates Length Adult/Youth Availability
May 4-8 ——- ——- FULL

– Call the HRE office for information about other dates for groups of 8 or more.
– The 2017 Season is full but we are now accepting reservations for 2018.

Book your Owyhee Canyonlands River Trip
HUGHES RIVER EXPEDITIONS IN SOCIAL MEDIA
One of our guests from the 2016 season submitted this excellent video on social media of her family’s trip with HRE down the Middle Fork of the Salmon River.  Click the button below to check it out!
Watch an HRE Guest’s Video from 2016

To learn more about HRE & our trips please follow the links below

MIDDLE FORK SALMON

SALMON RIVER CANYONS

OWYHEE CANYONLANDS 

WALLOWA-GRANDE RONDE

HRE FACEBOOK PAGE

OR
Give us a call at 800-262-1882.

We look forward to seeing you on the river!

Our Very Best,

The Hughes Crew

Filed Under: Hughes River Expeditions News

The River Profiles – A Dedication Series: The Salmon River Canyons

February 7, 2017 by Colin Hughes

The River Profiles – A Dedication Series

SALMON RIVER CANYONS

“The Hidden Gem of the Northwest”

Beautiful view looking downstream from Confluence Camp
“The Hidden Gem of the Northwest”
– The Salmon River Canyons –

Join the Hughes Crew on Idaho’s Salmon River Canyons.  Green, Cougar, Snow Hole, and Blue Canyons are hidden Gems of the West.   The “River of No Return” provides exhilarating Class II-IV whitewater including Demon’s Drop, Pine Bar, Bodacious Bounce, Half & Half, Snow Hole, China, Wapshilla, Zig Zag, Slide, Sluice Box, Checkerboard, Eye of the Needle, and more.  Enjoy self-bailing oar rafts, paddle rafts, and inflatable kayaks.  The Salmon Canyons are a perfect multi-generational family vacation.

These river miles of the Salmon have also been called “the California Coast of Idaho”, or “Baja Idaho” in reference to the area’s vast, football field sized sandbars.  The exotic white sand beaches provide some of the most impressive river camps in the West.  Superb locations for volleyball, frisbee, washers, horseshoes, sand castles, and plain old romping around.

Whitewater, harsh basalt/rhyolite canyonlands, Native American cultural sites, Chinese Miner sites, exotic sandbar camps, temperate water for swimming, fishing for smallmouth bass, rainbow trout, and white sturgeon, and jumping rocks make this a “bucket list” river trip.  Don’t miss the Salmon River Canyons.

 
Kayaking through the Class III-IV rapid “Eye of the Needle”
There is Water in Those Hills!
The Central Idaho snow-pack is in the 100-120 percentile!  With water in the mountains we are sure to have a fantastic summer on the Salmon River Canyons!
Jerry Hughes entering the class IV rapid “The Slide” on high water with a paddle crew
SCHEDULE
                           
DATES:       AVAILIBITLY:                           LENGTH:
July 9-13                         15+                                 5 DAYS
July 16-20                                         15+                                 5 DAYS
July 23-27                                             15+                               5 DAYS
July 30-August 3         15+                                 5 DAYS
August 6-10                                    FULL                                5 DAYS
 August 13-17 15+                                  5 DAYS
August 20-24* 9                                   5 DAYS
August 27-31 15+                                   5 DAYS
September 3-7 15+                                   5 DAYS
September 10-14 10+                                      5 DAYS
September 17-21 15+                                     5 DAYS

August 20-24* features the 2017 Total Solar Eclipse on the second day.

Click dates above to BOOK NOW!!

Beautiful panoramic view of the Snow Hole Canyon from Half & Half Camp
RATES
  • $1785/ADULT
  • $1620/YOUTH
DEPOSIT:
  • $550/PERSON
A full charter group getting ready to push off “Geneva Beach Camp” for the last day of the trip.
THE CHARTER TRIP

This trip is our family favorite!  If you have 12 or more friends and family members who would like an all-inclusive, exclusive trip give us a call.  We are willing to do charter trips for groups of 12-23 people.   We still have some dates that we can arrange charters on.  These dates span July, August, & September.

  • Give us a call at 800-262-1882 for more information!
  • Call soon as dates are going fast!

Book online to take advantage of our Salmon River Canyons Charter Special!

  • If you book online in the next 30 Days with 15 or more people using the promo code: CHARTER5 you will get 5% off on a charter trip.
BOOK SALMON RIVER CANYONS NOW
Great Lighting on a peak in Snowhole Canyon from Half & Half Camp

To learn more about the company and the Salmon River Canyons check out our website by following the links below, and don’t forget to give us a like on Facebook!SALMON RIVER CANYONS WEBPAGE

HUGHES RIVER MAIN PAGE

HRE FACEBOOK PAGE

We look forward to seeing you on the river!

Our Very Best,

The Hughes Crew

Filed Under: Hughes River Expeditions News

The River Profiles – A Dedication Series: The Owyhee Canyonlands

February 1, 2017 by Colin Hughes

The River Profiles – A edication Series
OWYHEE CANYONLANDS

“The Grand Canyon of the Northwest”

Looking downstream from Greely Bar Hotsprings Camp
PRIME CONDITIONS IN 2017
The current snow pack in the Owyhee drainage is around 160% of normal.  This means that we are going to have a great 2017 Owyhee Canyonlands Season!!!

Join the Hughes Crew on a corridor of immense grandeur, astounding flora & fauna, rich history & pre-history, natural hot and cold springs, exciting whitewater, and incredible camping!

Corridors, Green Dragon Canyon from Cliffside Camp, Pruitts Castle
“The Grand Canyon of the Northwest”
– Green Dragon Canyon, Owyhee River –
We are fortunate to have this amazing resource only 2 hours from Boise, ID.  It has long been revered as one of the most primitive, sublime and well hidden corridors in the Northwest.

Comparisons between the Owyhee and the Colorado corridors have long been subjects discussed among Northwestern Boaters.

Both the Grand Canyon of the Colorado River and the Owhyee’s Green Dragon Canyon exhibit breathtaking canyonlands weaving through desert dunes and sheer red cliffs.  They both keep you on the edge of your seat as each bend of the river surpasses the beauty of the last view.

While both rivers exude flora & fauna similarities, comparable historical & pre-historical significance, stunning canyonlands and fun whitewater there are also some stark contrasts.  Unlike the dam-controlled Colorado River, flows on the Owyhee are controlled naturally based on snowpack and spring runoff.   The vast, desolate high-altitude Owyhee Plateau is one of the most remote regions in the Continental USA.  This region is also protected by a National Wild & Scenic River designation.  That designation creates a motor-free environment!

Another notable contrast between these two renowned corridors are the hot and cold natural springs scattered through the Owyhee Canyonlands.  With the opportunity to soak in classic “Northwest” geothermal pools while gazing over terrain much like the “Southern Utah/Northern Arizona” landscape makes you feel like you are experiencing both places at once.

We feel very confident that you will fall deeply in love with this incredible corridor for all of the reasons that we have over the years, and the Hughes Crew invites you to join us this Spring in the desert!

2017 OWYHEE SCHEDULE:

Dates Length Adult Youth
April 27-May 1 5 Days $1775 $1600
May 4-8 5 Days $1775 $1600
*Click the dates above to BOOK NOW!
Corridors, Petroglyphs, Horned Toad, Flowering Bitterroot
To learn more about the company and the Owyhee Canyonlands check out our website by following the links below, and don’t forget to give us a like on Facebook!

BOOK THE OWYHEE NOW

OWYHEE CANYONLANDS WEBPAGE 

HUGHES RIVER MAIN PAGE

HRE FACEBOOK PAGE

We look forward to seeing you on the river!

Our Very Best,

The Hughes Crew

Filed Under: Hughes River Expeditions News

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Guest Information

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Client Testimonials

My daughter and I had the most wonderful adventure… I can not thank you enough for the opportunity to live outdoors in comfort for the better part of a week in the wilderness. The entire crew was meticulous about the environment and care of the ‘guests’. I never worried about the safety of my 10 year old because all of the guides were cautious and capable. I also appreciated the fact that she could observe their concern for our natural surroundings.
C. Samuelson, Newton, MA (1996)
We are so grateful to you, Colin, Hughes Crew, and good companions for the memorable Owyhee float.  We expected an experience of a lifetime, and our wish came true!  The Owyhee River is not to be missed  (even if a 10 year wait for water  is necessary).   And we will also pass the word that this area is worthy of protection.
S. Miller, Idaho Falls, ID (2016)
We had a wonderful time in July on the Middle Fork. You had a great group of guides. We would like to go ahead and reserve the July 4th week of 2012 if it is not already taken. I will get you names of the participants as we get closer to the date.
J. Timberlake, Athens, GA (2010)
Just wanted to thank you and your crew for another incredible experience on the river. Everyone was unfailingly lovely and every detail was perfect (right down to the live music during cocktails!!! Many thanks.
T, Loughlin, New York, NY (2006)
I had to write as soon as we were back to let you know what an amazing time we just had. It was probably the most wonderful experience we have had as a family. Everyone loved every minute. The whole trip exceeded even our best expectations and created memories for us and the children that will last a lifetime. Buzz and Hugh were both absolutely fantastic, as guides, chefs, and cocktail mixers!! Thank you so much to everyone for creating just the most spectacular 4 days. We love the Salmon and it…
C. Randall, London, UK (2015)
This song was performed for the guides the last night on the river July 21, 2012. The way you wear your hat. The way you tied my fly, The memory of all that, No, no they can’t take that away from me. The way you run the rafts, The way you drink ’til 3, The way you serve our needs, No, no they can’t take that away from me. We may never, never meet again, On the bumpy river Salmon, Still I’ll always keep the memory of… The way you pitched our tents, The way you cooked our meal…
D. Felder, Norcross, GA. (2012)
Getting back to reality was hard after such a fantastic trip on the Middle Fork. I couldn’t have been more pleased with our trip. Your organization, the food, the crew… and especially having you there Jerry with your wonderful stories. Your organization is TOP NOTCH, and that beautiful river. I have talked and talked about it. Continued success and we’ll see you again.
K. Schweitzer, Jacksonville, FL (2011)
You guys did such a great job for us… George said last night, “so if I just said let’s turn around and go back, would you go?” Of course, I said YES!!! Thank you again for such a good time…
C. Reichhelm, West Port, CT (2011)
Want to thank you for the best river experience ever! The kind, knowledgeable guides and delicious food plus the scenery of the Middle Fork were all amazing. We plan to sign up for a 2017 trip down the Lower Salmon!
S. Jackson, Santa Barbara, CA (2015)
Nita and I loved the trip on the Middle Fork – Nita’s second trip with Hughes – my third. The guests and guides made it extra special. We enjoyed meeting Colin – he was great! We’d met Aaron and Ryan 4 years ago. Ryan’s hair was awesome. We spent a lot of time with Buzz – great guy who gave us some good book reading recommendations. Marshall and Barker are kicks! We are going to plan the Grande Ronde next summer.
C. Staresinich, Centreville, VA (2010)
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Middle Fork Salmon

Our Middle Fork of the Salmon rafting trip is a spectacular outdoor vacation! The Middle Fork is famous as America's best river rafting trip. From the put-in at Boundary Creek (elevation 5,700 ft.) to … More Info

Salmon River Canyons

Lower Salmon River Gorge - Idaho Roller coaster rapids, perfect swimming water, and wonderful canyonlands. The Salmon – River of No Return – drifts through quiet pools and surges into churning … More Info

Selway River Trip

Selway River Expedition

The Selway River Trip is a premier mountain wilderness, whitewater, camping, and fly fishing trip that flows through beautiful forested canyons.  It is easy to consider the Selway to be the ultimate

© 2019 Hughes River Expeditions
800-262-1882 • email us • PO Box 218 Lolo, MT 59847
Hughes River Expeditions, Inc. is operated under special use permits through the Bureau of Land a Management & United States Forest Service.
This institution is an equal opportunity provider.