WHY TAKE A "FAMILY TRIP"?
A family trip is a chance for you to get to know your children in a friendly, uncomplicated, and simple environment and, although it may not be immediately apparent, a chance for them to do the same with you. Whether your family is you and one child, (or grandchild), or you and a horde of children, (they all don't even have to be yours), these trips are unforgettable experiences. They are also incredible bargains! We offer an additional 12 to 20 percent discount off of our already low youth rates for any children ages 7 to 17 - this is one part of the trip that won't soak you!
OUR PHILOSOPHY ABOUT FAMILIES AND RIVERS
These special trips come from our belief that a river trip provides a unique opportunity for families to spend time together as well as our hope that both children and the environment can benefit from interacting with one another. The emphasis is on enjoying the wilderness as a family and while the most noticeable aspect is pure fun, the less obvious bonding and growing that goes on are equally important.
SPECIAL ITINERARIES
These trips are different! Our itinerary is adjusted to allow for water fights, rock-skipping lessons, wildlife viewing and other essential activities and the menu is supplemented with extra peanut butter, pancakes, and marshmallows. Because of the wonderful and unpredictable nature of kids, our plans are kept quite flexible; on some days we may designate a "kid's boat", or have a "no-talent show", or have an "Unbirthday Party", on other days we may do all three! The only sure thing is that we will enjoy every moment.
 STAFF
Family trips are staffed with a very special group of guides - individuals who love kids and who understand the word "vacation". Their job is to make sure that you go home fully relaxed and that your kids go home totally exhausted! With many years of experience in whitewater navigation, as well as many trips with children, our guides are fully capable of providing your family with a relaxing and memorable journey.
THE RIVERS:
SOUTH FORK AMERICAN:
2 days; Every Thursday, May through September
The South Fork of the American River is a playful river with plenty of beginner level whitewater and a few intermediate rapids to grab our attention. It is a very popular trip, particularly on weekends, but during the week it offers a wonderful escape from the stress, heat, and tension of city life. Our unique "wilderness" campsite, complete with a canopy of trees, the privacy of nature and no hot tubs, videos, or souvenir stores, allows you and your family to spend time together in a peaceful setting.
MEETING PLACE: Camp Lotus, CA (near Placerville)
4 days; July 30, August 20
The Green River through Lodore Canyon is a magical place of intricately carved rocks, Native American artifacts, exciting rapids and dramatic vistas. Our family trip here takes advantage of the history and geology of this special canyon and we will take extra time to explore, and to try to grasp the meaning of "one-million years". The rapids are fun, but the focus of the trip is on the mysteries and grandeur of the canyon.
MEETING PLACE: Vernal, UT
4 days; June 25, July 20, August 10
5 days; August 21
The Rogue is a gentle river that flows through a lush, remote canyon in Southern Oregon. It boasts an abundance of wildlife, (deer, otter, bear, and numerous birds), and beautiful side streams with swimming holes and natural rock slides. The campsites are big, sandy beaches, usually near a side stream and offering great hiking and star-gazing opportunities. The rapids are exciting, but also forgiving; perfect for paddle rafts and inflatable canoes as well as for swimming!
MEETING PLACE: Grants Pass, OR
5 days; July 6
The river is undammed, the rapids are friendly, the campsites are sublime, and the scenery is so majestic and surreal your neck and jaw will be sore. Your family will enjoy the many offerings of this beautiful river canyon. Explore fossils, caves, pictographs and many exhibits of history and time.
MEETING PLACE: Vernal, UT
5 days; June 30
6 days; August 9
The Main has all the ingredients for a perfect Family Trip - a remote canyon, warm water, incredible beaches, lots of wildlife, fun rapids, great hiking, hot springs and a chance to float through Idaho for six days. Our diverse flotilla of paddle rafts, inflatable canoes and oar rafts allows for a variety of "thrill levels" - from tame to insane - and insures that everyone in the family gets the most out of the trip. Big, sandy beaches are perfect for frisbees and sand castles and the hotsprings are ideal for soaking away the worries of the "artificial" world.
MEETING PLACE: Salmon, ID
6 days; August 3
The Middle Fork of the Salmon is our contribution to the age old tradition of families fishing together, (as well as floating, camping, laughing, hiking, playing, swimming and sunning together!). For 80 miles through the heart of the Idaho backcountry, the Middle Fork meanders past cascading side streams, towering pines, open meadows and impressive cliffs. The rapids are fun and lively and the itinerary is packed with hikes, hotsprings, swims, and stories of the Middle Fork's colorful history. Families will enjoy the relaxed pace of the trip and will long remember the scenery, whitewater and starry Idaho sky.
MEETING PLACE: Stanley, ID
7 days; July 15
Desolation Canyon is a vast, mysterious, and seductive playground, for young and old alike. There are winding side-canyons, giant sand beaches, unique campsites, clear and refreshing side streams, and endless grand vistas. The pace of our Family Trip will be slow and relaxing, with short hikes, camp games and leisurely afternoons, allowing for plenty of time together. In July, the weather is hot, the water is warm and the river is very calm, making this trip appropriate for kids as young as 6. An unforgettable week.
MEETING PLACE: Green River, UT |
