Top 8 Things to do Good for Big Groups in Lewiston, Idaho (ID)

The deepest river gorge in North America, Hells Canyon is accessible by jet boat or raft. Those who explore this rugged wilderness will find ancient tribal carvings in the rocks, deserted ranches and closed-up gold mines.

Welcome to the Riviera of the West! A Salmon River rafting dreamland come true. This is the legendary Salmon River of No Return where beautiful white-sand beaches glisten in the warm sun. Where 70-degree water beckons swimmers of all ages and whitewater rapids splash and make everyone beam with big grins from ear to ear. No other rafting river in the West is such a perfect combination of fun, intermediate rapids, awe-inspiring western scenery and gigantic white sand beaches with idyllic camping conditions. Daytime temperatures are typically 85 to 95 degrees and this, coupled with the warm river water, make for a rafting vacation like no other.

Taste the amazing wines of the Lewis Clark AVA, tour the wineries in the area, and learn about the fascinating native culture and local history.

Experiencing a full day jet boat tour with Snake River Adventures will have you planning your return trip for the following year. All of our jet boat trips feature the canyon's prehistory, history, geology, flora and fauna in addition to its beauty and exciting whitewater. Come and visit North America's deepest gorge and a place of unsurpassed beauty which is Hells Canyon. From the Snake River you will view a cathedral of God's own creation, with lofty walls and spires reaching heights of 9,393 feet, surpassing even the Grand Canyon! If a full day tour isn't what your are looking for we also offer a half day tour that takes you to the Nez Perce Crossing and does included a lunch. This tour run from 10-4pm. We offer other tours such as fishing charters, group charters, "Wine on the Snake" and much much more.

Idaho River Trips With OARS Dories In 1972, Martin Litton sent a young dory guide to Lewiston to expand his fledgling river company, Grand Canyon Dories, into new territory. Since then, OARS Dories has been operating first-class Idaho river trips on the Snake River through Hells Canyon and on the Middle Fork of the Salmon, Main Salmon and the Gorges of the Lower Salmon River.

From Lewiston, Hells Canyon Raft operates SALMON RIVER CANYONS. This 4 and 5-day all-inclusive river trip boasts the longest remaining free flowing river system in the lower 48 states. An Ideal Family Vacation, the “Lower Salmon” offers huge white sand beaches, perfect for throwing the Frisbee, beach volleyball, a paddle boat water slide, or just lounging in the shade. The rapids are exciting yet family friendly, and the warm crystal clear water is perfect for swimming. Jump off the raft and float through a calm section or try your hand at an inflatable kayak. Double kayaks allow younger kids to ride with a parent through calmer water. The Canyon narrows in places forming the “Salmon River Canyons” where most of the rapids are held. After the canyons it opens into wide angle views of massive columnar basalt formation and grassy hillsides. Each day we take time to explore a Native American home site, or a 19th century Chinese mining camp.

Hells Gate lies on river bottom left over from the great ice age floods about 15,000 years ago. At the south end of the park are basaltic columns from the Pomona flows 14 million years ago. Hells Gate State Park was once the site of a Nez Perce Village. Little is left of the village, but depressions south of the campground are the remnants of pit houses used for years by the Nez Perce as they fished for lamprey near Asotin Creek.