Explore the sculpted peaks of the craggy Lemhis and raft the Main Salmon River, an exceptional blend of whitewater, wildlife, and American frontier history. Your 28-day expedition starts with an 18-day wilderness hiking section.

Practical, hands-on learning is the way you'll develop solid technical skills. Photo: TC Rammelkamp

You’ll climb peaks and fish for trout as you learn to travel through rugged mountain terrain. Group management in steep terrain and map reading are two of the skills you’ll learn on your way to becoming competent backcountry travelers. Then you’ll swap backpacks for boats.

For 10 days you will navigate the Salmon’s whitewater in paddle rafts and oar rigs, learning strokes, commands, guiding basics, and advanced maneuvering. The Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness is home to abundant wildlife, including gray wolves, peregrine falcons, black bears, and bald eagles.

It is also full of human history and you will have the chance to stop at one or more of the old homesteads along the river. Following in the footsteps of mountain men like Buckskin Bill, you too will see great sights and learn skills for future exploration in the wilderness.

Salmon Backpacking and Rafting Features world-famous Orvis™ fly fishing curriculum and gear. Duration: 28 day Age: 16 and Older (Average age 19) Tuition: 2010: $5,190 2011: $5,335 Dates: July 16-August 12, 2010 July 1-28, 2011 July 17-August 13, 2011 College Credit: (Optional) 6 Semester Credit Hours 2 hours Environmental Ethics 2 hours Leadership Techniques 2 hours Skills Practicum Course start/end: Driggs, Idaho / Boise, Idaho Equipment Deposit: $250 Fly in/out: Idaho Falls, Idaho / Boise, Idaho Downloads Salmon River: Course Description (pdf) Equipment List (pdf)

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