Idaho Family Getaways
Great Family Fun Rafting in Idaho
Great Family Fun Rafting in Idaho
(Published in Treasure Valley Journal, April, 2007)
By Lisa Kleiman
Cricket Adventures
Folks, don't miss out on one of Idaho's most exciting and memorable outdoor activities available just out our back door - whitewater rafting.
Whitewater rafting is a popular activity for famlies, providing a perfect combination of exciting outdoor adventures, relaxation and enriching and healthy experiences.
Cascade Raft Company for example, provide family oriented raft trips. Located just 45 minutes from Boise, Cascade offers half and full-day guided trips with a focus on safety and fun. "July and Auguest are the best time for families with young children when the water levels have stabilized and the weather is more consistent," said Ann Long of Cascade Raft Company. "Families enjoy swimming, paddling, water fights and just hanging out," said Ann.
Hughes River Expeditions Inc., based out of Cambridge, Idaho offers family full-service whitewater rafting expeditions trips on the Salmon and Snake River. Hughes has provided family oriented trips for over 31 years with safety as their first concern. "Family trips make up 60% of our annual business," said Jerry Hughes, owner of Hughes River Expeditions Inc. "Kids love fishing, rafting the roller coaster rapids and exploring Indian and Pioneer sites," said Jerry.
Whether you are planning a family half-day whitewater tour or a summer rafting vacation, the following suggestions may be helpful:
1. Understand the Class of River you will be going on. The International Scale or River Difficulty breaks down into six different tiers to classes ranging from Class 1 the easiest to Class V1 the most difficult.
2. Ask how long the tour operator has been in business and how many years of experience their guides have. All river gudes are required to be licensed in Idaho and many recieve additonal river rescue, medical and other related training.
3. Find out what kind of equipment is being used by the tour operator. How old is the raft? Will extra paddles be available? Is there a first aid kit?
4. Find out about your family's safety. Will your family be briefed about safety before going out? Are helmuts required or provided if asked?
5. Understand how well the tour operator accommodates families. Does the trip fit with your family's interests and needs? What experiences can your family expect from the trip? Will there be stops and opportunities for exploration and seeing points of interests, swimming, lunch, snacks, etc.
6. Pack and plan wisely. Basic packing items include hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, change of clothes, quick drying clothes such as those made of nylon, towel and a water proof camera to capture the fun and beauty. Know what items are needed for long trips.
Most whitewater rafting tour operators will be very happy to help and provide any information upon request. Happy rafting!
For more information about family rafting trips in Idaho contact:
1. www.cricketadventures.com Directory and guide of family adventure trips around the world
2. www.idfamilygetaways.com Directory and guide of family adventure trips in Idaho.
3. www.hughesriver.com Rafting trips in Idaho
4. www.cascaderaft.com Rafting trips in Idaho
(Published in Treasure Valley Journal, April, 2007)
By Lisa Kleiman
Cricket Adventures
Folks, don't miss out on one of Idaho's most exciting and memorable outdoor activities available just out our back door - whitewater rafting.
Whitewater rafting is a popular activity for famlies, providing a perfect combination of exciting outdoor adventures, relaxation and enriching and healthy experiences.
Cascade Raft Company for example, provide family oriented raft trips. Located just 45 minutes from Boise, Cascade offers half and full-day guided trips with a focus on safety and fun. "July and Auguest are the best time for families with young children when the water levels have stabilized and the weather is more consistent," said Ann Long of Cascade Raft Company. "Families enjoy swimming, paddling, water fights and just hanging out," said Ann.
Hughes River Expeditions Inc., based out of Cambridge, Idaho offers family full-service whitewater rafting expeditions trips on the Salmon and Snake River. Hughes has provided family oriented trips for over 31 years with safety as their first concern. "Family trips make up 60% of our annual business," said Jerry Hughes, owner of Hughes River Expeditions Inc. "Kids love fishing, rafting the roller coaster rapids and exploring Indian and Pioneer sites," said Jerry.
Whether you are planning a family half-day whitewater tour or a summer rafting vacation, the following suggestions may be helpful:
1. Understand the Class of River you will be going on. The International Scale or River Difficulty breaks down into six different tiers to classes ranging from Class 1 the easiest to Class V1 the most difficult.
2. Ask how long the tour operator has been in business and how many years of experience their guides have. All river gudes are required to be licensed in Idaho and many recieve additonal river rescue, medical and other related training.
3. Find out what kind of equipment is being used by the tour operator. How old is the raft? Will extra paddles be available? Is there a first aid kit?
4. Find out about your family's safety. Will your family be briefed about safety before going out? Are helmuts required or provided if asked?
5. Understand how well the tour operator accommodates families. Does the trip fit with your family's interests and needs? What experiences can your family expect from the trip? Will there be stops and opportunities for exploration and seeing points of interests, swimming, lunch, snacks, etc.
6. Pack and plan wisely. Basic packing items include hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, change of clothes, quick drying clothes such as those made of nylon, towel and a water proof camera to capture the fun and beauty. Know what items are needed for long trips.
Most whitewater rafting tour operators will be very happy to help and provide any information upon request. Happy rafting!
For more information about family rafting trips in Idaho contact:
1. www.cricketadventures.com Directory and guide of family adventure trips around the world
2. www.idfamilygetaways.com Directory and guide of family adventure trips in Idaho.
3. www.hughesriver.com Rafting trips in Idaho
4. www.cascaderaft.com Rafting trips in Idaho
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