Before You Go
Middle Fork of the Salmon River (Early-Mid Season)
Overview
Trip Snapshot
We pride ourselves in running a relaxed and flexible schedule. Every trip is different depending upon the group, other trips on the water, and sometimes the weather. Please refer to your confirmation letter for the exact dates of your trip.
| MEETING PLACE: | Mountain Village Resort, 3 Eva Falls Avenue, Stanley, ID 83278 |
| MEETING TIME: | 7 PM, the evening before your trip |
| RETURN TIME: | Approximately 4:00-6:00 PM to Stagecoach Inn, Salmon, ID |
| RIVER RATING: | Class III-IV |
| RIVER MILES: | 70 from Indian Creek (95 from Boundary Creek) |
| PUT-IN: | Indian Creek (Certain water levels may allow us to start our trip from Boundary Creek upstream from the Indian Creek put-in.) |
| TAKE-OUT: | Confluence of the Middle Fork and Main Salmon |
| TRIP LENGTH: | 6 days/5 nights |
| BOAT OPTIONS: | Oar raft, inflatable kayak, paddle raft (requires 11 or more trip guests) |
Itinerary at a Glance
The Day Before Your Trip
Meet at 7 PM at the Mountain Village Resort in Stanley, ID for a pre-trip meeting. This is an opportunity to meet your fellow travelers and trip leader and ask any last-minute questions. Your trip leader will give you a thorough trip orientation, pass out waterproof river bags so you can pack your belongings that evening, and confirm the meeting time for the following morning.
Day 1
We’ll take a scenic flight to our put-in at Indian Creek, where your boats and crew await. (At certain water levels, we may be lucky enough to put in further upstream at Boundary Creek, which we access by ground shuttle. The trip will start there whenever possible.) After an informative safety talk and raft/inflatable kayak instruction, we take to the pure waters of the breathtaking Middle Fork.
Days 2 – 5
Travel downriver. Refer to the trip page for a more detailed sample itinerary.
The Last Day of Your Trip
After lunch on Day 6, we reach our take-out at the confluence with the Main Salmon for your transport back to The Stagecoach Inn in Salmon between 4 and 6 PM. We highly recommend you overnight in Salmon and depart the following day.
Included in Your Trip Cost
- Skilled professional guide service
- Catered camping: All meals from lunch on day 1 through lunch on the last day with limited beer and wine with dinner
- 1 large waterproof bag to hold your personal gear for the trip (approximate sealed size: 13” diameter x 25” tall; 3318 cu in; 54.4 L)
- 1 small waterproof bag for a camera and other small items you’ll want during the day (approximate sealed size: 17” tall x 9” diameter; 1081 cu in; 17.7 L)
- 2-person tents, based on double occupancy. Solo travelers and odd numbers on the booking will have their own tent (no additional cost) and will not need to share. Extra tents can be rented for $30 each.
- Sleep kit—consisting of a sleeping bag, deluxe 3-inch thick sleeping pad, ground tarp, pillow, and pillowcase packed in a large waterproof bag, which will be provided upon your arrival in camp on night one
- Personal flotation device (PFD), which must be worn at all times on the river in compliance with safety regulations
- 12-ounce insulated mug to keep drinks hot (or cold) in camp. NOTE: This will not suffice as your water bottle
- Camp chairs
- Eating utensils and plates
- Highest-quality inflatable rafts and related equipment
- Transfers from Stanley to the river and from the river to Salmon
- Wetsuit–weather dependent (does not include footwear of any kind, including wetsuit booties). For clients with a high interest in using the inflatable kayaks, we will bring a limited supply of wetsuits. If you have your own, please feel free to bring it with you.
Not Included in Your Trip Cost
- Transportation to Stanley and back from Salmon
- Pre- and post-trip accommodations and meals
- Insurance of any kind, including a travel protection plan
- Items of a personal nature (see suggested packing list below)
- Gratuities
Available for Rent
- Extra Tent: Can be rented for $30 per tent.
Getting Ready
Pre-Trip Checklist
☐ Consider Purchasing Travel Protection: Learn more about the plan we highly recommend and get a quote.
☐ Trip Forms: Each participant will need to complete the required trip forms within two weeks of making a booking. Refer to your confirmation email for the link to the online forms. If you prefer to fill out paper forms, please let us know right away. If you are reserving within 60 days of departure, your forms must be completed immediately to ensure we can properly plan for your trip.
☐ Reserve flights, shuttles, and lodging: Verify with your adventure consultant that your trip has met minimum numbers prior to booking flights and/or reserving overnight lodging for the night before and after your trip, if applicable. It is important to make reservations early as rooms may be limited during peak travel periods.
☐ Whitewater Orientation: To increase your safety, we expect everyone to watch our Whitewater Orientation video before joining us.
☐ Physical Requirements: Your outdoor adventure will be an active participatory trip. Please inform us of any physical limitations you may have as soon as possible. If you exceed 260 pounds, please give us a call. Make sure you are exercising frequently in the months leading up to your trip and can meet our Essential Eligibility Criteria.
☐ Payments: Final payment is due in our office 60 days before your trip (refer to your invoice for final payment date). Please let us know if you would like us to automatically charge your credit card on file when final payment is due.
River Runners’ Responsibility Code
1. Read the pre-trip literature and arrive at the meeting place on time.
2. Understand the risks: your safety is ultimately your responsibility.
3. Treat your fellow guests and guides with respect and courtesy; harassment of any kind will not be tolerated.
4. Wear clothing and personal protective equipment suitable for the current conditions.
5. Listen to and follow the guides’ instructions.
6. Abide by the managing agency’s rules.
7. No drugs or alcohol prior to, or during, your trip.; alcohol is allowed in moderation in camp on overnight trips.
8. Minimize your impact on the environment.
9. Wear the OARS-issued and properly–fitted Personal Flotation Device (PFD) at all times when in the boats or swimming. Wear a helmet when required.
10. Your children are your responsibility!
Travel Arrangements
GETTING TO STANLEY, ID
By Air
We recommend flying into Boise, ID (BOI), which is served by several commercial airlines including United, Delta, Alaska, Southwest, Allegiant, and US Airways. From Boise, you can rent a car or arrange for a charter flight to your meeting location.
Charter Flights
Gem Air offers a round-trip air shuttle package to and from Boise for approximately $450*.
*Some of these flights do require a 3-seat minimum to receive the per-seat rate. Usually, they do not have a problem filling the seats, but we do want to make sure you are aware. Prices are subject to change.
When booking your flights, be sure you arrive in Stanley the day before your trip starts. You will need to arrive in Boise no later than 3 PM as the last flight from Boise to Stanley generally departs at 4:30 PM. When your trip ends, OARS will provide land transportation back to the town of Salmon, with arrival between 4 and 6 PM. Plan to spend that night in Salmon. Gem Air will begin return flights to Boise the next morning. For your connecting flight home, we recommend booking your departure from Boise at 1 PM or later. To arrange your flights, please contact Gem Air at (208) 756-7382 or email [email protected]. Please mention you are an OARS guest when making your reservation.
If you experience a delay on the way to Boise, please call Gem Air at (208) 756-7382. You may also call this number if there is no one at the check-in desk in Boise when you arrive.
For transportation from the airstrip in Stanley to the Mountain Village Resort, please call Mountain Village Resort at (800) 843-5475, and a complimentary shuttle will come and pick you up.
The Stagecoach Inn in Salmon, where you will be dropped off at the end of your trip, also provides a complimentary shuttle from their motel to the airstrip in Salmon. Please let the reception desk know when you check in that you will need a shuttle the next morning to the airstrip.
BY CAR
If you drive, you will need your car transferred from the meeting point in Stanley to the endpoint in Salmon. The car shuttle is arranged through River Shuttles, please make your online shuttle reservation well in advance of your trip. There is a kiosk at the Mountain Village Resort where you can leave your keys, River Shuttles will deliver your car to the Stagecoach Inn in Salmon to wait for your return. The cost of the shuttle is approximately $175.
By Van Charter
- Sawtooth Transportation offers van charter services around central Idaho. Check online or contact them at (208) 869-6049 for additional information on pricing and availability.
After Your Trip
On the final day of your river adventure, you will be dropped off in Salmon, Idaho at the Stagecoach Inn. You should arrive between 4 and 6 PM. We highly recommend you overnight in Salmon and depart the following day.
Pre- and Post-Trip Accommodations
We recommend that you make reservations well in advance in order to guarantee lodging. (Pre- and post-trip lodging is not included in the trip cost). Mountain Village Resort allows OARS guests to book between October 15th and December 31st before they allow the general public to reserve rooms. The hotel does sell out. It is imperative you book early as there are very few other lodging options.
In Stanley (before the trip)
- Mountain Village Resort* (208) 774-3661 or (800) 843-5475
In Salmon (after the trip)
- Stagecoach Inn* (208) 756-2919
*Many of the lodges we work with offer special rates for OARS travelers, so be sure to mention you are an OARS guest when making your reservation.
Useful Information
DIETARY RESTRICTIONS
Beyond our standard menu, we can provide options for vegetarian, vegan, and many allergy-restricted diets without applying a fee. However, we cannot always provide the same diversity or sophistication for restricted diets as we do for our regular menu. Similarly, certain allergen-free snack foods are difficult or impossible to source in our locations, so feel free to bring your own favorite snacks to supplement our provisions. Please let your Adventure Consultant know if you intend to do so.
BEVERAGES/WATER
Our drinking water comes from the river and is filtered through a purification system we provide. (No iodine is used in the purification process.) We store the purified water in large containers that are accessible in camp, at lunchtime, and before hikes for filling personal water bottles.
If this trip requires a flight or other logistical changes, we discourage passengers from bringing alcohol. We provide lemonade, electrolyte mix, and a limited supply of soft drinks, beer, and wine at camp. You are welcome to bring your own favorite beverages, alcoholic or non-alcoholic, in non-glass containers. If you choose to bring additional drinks or alcoholic beverages, please let us know in advance. For those planning to buy hard liquor in Idaho, State Liquor Store hours vary. Selection is likely to be limited. For your safety and the safety of others, the consumption of alcoholic beverages is limited to camp.
BATHING
Bathing is not allowed in the river or in any of the side streams that feed into the rivers. You may want to bring a solar shower or you can borrow a bailing bucket from one of the rafts to rinse off after soaping up. Both are to be used at least 200 feet away from the water source in an area that will absorb the runoff.
We recommend using a liquid, eco-friendly soap such as Campsuds or Dr. Bronner’s which can be purchased in most stores that have a camping section and can also be used to wash clothes. Bathing wipes (pre-moistened disposable towels, preferably biodegradable) are also good alternatives to submersion in the river and are especially convenient during cooler weather trips.
WILDFIRES & SMOKE
Fire activity can impact the air quality on our trips, and occasionally wildfires may be present in the immediate vicinity of where we’re traveling. In general, we will not cancel a trip on account of smoky conditions, except in cases of clear danger to life or property. Learn more about rafting during wildfire season with OARS, including info about some of our protocols and travel protection recommendations.
HIKING/SIDE CREEK EXPLORATION
The opportunity to explore the area will depend on several variables, such as the amount of time spent in the boats (often 4-6 hours per day), the time it may take to break camp in the morning and to reach our next camp in the afternoon, other groups in the area, weather and more. We make every effort to provide guided excursions to nearby points of interest, some of which are brief walks while others are long hikes requiring more planning. The trip leader must consider the overall ability of the group when deciding what hikes to offer. In anticipation of doing some side exploration during your trip, remember to bring a water bottle and lightweight shoes that are comfortable for walking on uneven terrain. All hikes are optional so you can choose to relax by the boats or in camp instead. If you are an avid hiker, please let your Adventure Consultant know prior to your trip so the trip leader is aware.
FISHING
The Middle Fork is renowned for its trout fishery. To protect the resource, all fishing is limited to catch and release, with single barbless hooks. No bait is allowed. Our guides will be happy to explain proper handling techniques for catch-and-release fishing if you are not already familiar with them. You can also fish for smallmouth bass and, in the fall, steelhead. You’ll need to bring your own gear. We recommend collapsible poles for ease in packing, light spinning tackle with 4- to 6-pound test, and an assortment of spinning lures such as Mepps, Rooster tails, and Super-dupers. Please bring your rod protected in a hard case. Fly anglers do quite well, especially in major tributaries.
Non-residents of Idaho can buy a short-term fishing license by calling 1-800-554-8685 or you can purchase online through the Idaho Department of Fish & Game. Additionally, licenses are available in Stanley at the Mountain Village Mercantile or The Stanley Fly Shop. Remember to purchase licenses by the night before your trip begins, because there is no time to do so the following morning.
Anyone 14 years and over needs to have a fishing license. Children under 14 do not need to buy a license, but they must be accompanied by an adult from their party with a valid license.
TRAVELING AT HIGH ALTITUDE
Your trip will visit areas ranging from 6,000 – 8,400 feet above sea level, therefore you may experience symptoms associated with altitude illness. We recommend the following measures to help prevent altitude illness: arrive ahead of your scheduled departure to allow for acclimatization; drink 3-4 quarts of water every day; make sure about 70% of your calories come from carbs; only use alcohol, tobacco or sleeping aid medications in moderation or not at all. Please familiarize yourself with symptoms, treatment, and more about altitude illness at the CDC.
Click on the links below for additional information on the following topics:
- Electronics & Technology
- Cameras
- CPAP Machine
- Power Sources
- Communication
- Portable Toilet
- Smoking, Vaping & Cannabis
- Firearms
Weather
We recommend checking Weather Underground one week before your trip for an up-to-date weather forecast for Stanley and Salmon, ID. Being properly prepared for weather variations is an important factor in fully enjoying your trip.
Average Air & Water Temperatures
| Air (Day)°F | Air (Night)°F | Water Temp °F | |
| May | 40-70 | 25-55 | 40-45 |
| June | 45-90 | 30-60 | 40-55 |
| July | 60-100 | 55-70 | 55-65 |
| August | 70-100+ | 55-70 | 65-68 |
| September | 50-95 | 35-60 | 55-65 |
Packing for Your Trip
For more helpful information about what to wear and how to pack for a river expedition or to view our packing video, please visit our packing essentials page.
We want you to be prepared and comfortable for your trip. Below you’ll find some general tips for how to dress and what to pack and a comprehensive packing checklist. The need for warm weather or cold weather items should be based on a reliable weather forecast leading up to your trip.
Clothing
During the day—Start with a swimsuit and/or swim trunks and a synthetic or Merino wool shirt as a base layer. Additional layers for sun protection or insulation can be added and subtracted depending on the weather, temperature, and how wet you’re getting in the rapids.
In camp—When the weather is warm, lightweight cotton pants/shorts and shirts make great camp wear. Anytime the forecast calls for cool evenings and cold nights, a dry set of long underwear is the perfect base layer under long pants and a fleece sweater.
Footwear
During the day—The best choice is an amphibious shoe that drains water, protects your toes, and won’t come off in swirling currents. A retired pair of athletic shoes can work well, too. Sport sandals with a heel strap are a good option. Find professional-grade options made by Chaco®, the official footwear sponsor of OARS guides.
In camp—We recommend wearing shoes in camp due to the risk of kicking a rock buried in the sand or stepping on a sharp stick. The athletic shoes or light hikers you bring for hiking can double as your camp shoes. It’s nice to put on dry socks and shoes after a day on the water. Flip-flops or slip-on sandals are OK for wearing in camp only.
If you buy new shoes or sandals for the trip, make sure you break them in first! See our guide to footcare on river trips for more helpful tips.
Headwear
During the day—Wide-brimmed hats are a good choice for sun protection. Ball caps are also useful since they fit under helmets, which are required attire when paddling our whitewater rivers.
In camp—When the weather is cool or cold, you’ll want a non-cotton beanie-style hat to wear in camp. They are the perfect remedy for bed-head as you rise from your sleeping bag to secure your morning cup of coffee or tea, or for retaining warmth in the evening hours after the sun sets.
Hot Weather Trips
During the summer months, conditions on the river may be hot and sunny. These trips require less gear than spring or fall trips, but thoughtful packing is still required. Protection from the sun and heat will be critical to your enjoyment and health while on the river and during side hikes. To protect yourself from the sun’s rays, consider bringing long-sleeved shirts and pants.
A good way to keep cool is with long-sleeved cotton shirts. Old collared dress shirts work well. They can be soaked in the water and worn in the raft or carried on a hike for later use. This method of evaporative cooling is very effective. Bandanas are another useful item that can be used in this manner.
Camp-wear should be made of cotton and be loose-fitting. A combination of shorts/skirt and a lightweight top is ideal for staying cool on hot afternoons.
To Avoid Being Cold
Synthetic or Merino wool long underwear is a must-have on river trips. It can be worn under shorts, rain gear, T-shirts, etc., then stripped off when the chill of the morning has worn off. It keeps you warm even if it’s wet (which can happen easily), dries quickly, and it’s compact enough to be stuffed into your small waterproof bag or daypack after you take it off. It can be layered under your waterproof rain jacket and pants. In cooler weather a rain jacket and pants work better than a wetsuit because the jacket and pants can be put on when it’s cold, or when you’re going through whitewater, then easily taken off when the sun comes out and it’s hot. Some folks find that wetsuits don’t work as well as they are tedious to put on and take off. During early season or high-water trips, we do provide wetsuits for paddlers. Be aware that cotton items, once wet, do not insulate; only synthetic and wool materials will keep you warm during cool, wet weather.
Something warm for your top & bottom: You need to be prepared for inclement weather. Bring a good fleece or wool top and bottom, along with a warm hat and gloves. You’ll want to double up on your base layers so that you’ll have a set to wear in the boat and a set of warm, dry clothes for camp.
Late May, June, and September Trips: These are surely some of the most beautiful months to be on the Middle Fork of the Salmon River, but they can also produce some surprisingly chilly times. During the fall, the sun is not far enough north in the sky for its warming rays to reach down into the river canyon for as many hours a day as it does in the summer. This means more shady areas, fewer sunny ones. Therefore, when you are splashed (drenched) going through the rapids and you’re in a shady area, you will get very cold unless you are prepared.
Rain Gear
Rain gear protects you from rain, wind, and the splash of the rapids. It is one of the essential items that all guests should have no matter what time of year you are traveling. Look for jackets and pants that are 100% waterproof, not just water resistant. A hooded jacket is recommended as well as good secure closures around your head, neck, wrists, and ankles. Do not bring a rain poncho as it cannot be worn under your PFD.
Sun Protection
Protecting yourself from the sun should be taken very seriously! In many cases, a long-sleeve shirt is the best method for preventing sunburn on your upper body. Lightweight long pants may also be appropriate to protect your legs. A hat, sunscreen, lip balm, and sunglasses are also a must.
Bugs & Mosquitoes
Bugs and mosquitoes vary depending on location and time of year. It’s a good idea to come prepared with insect repellent. Long-sleeved shirts and pants may be desirable at times. Often yellow jackets and wasps can be a nuisance. We recommend a eucalyptus and lemongrass repellent. If you have moderate to severe allergies, you are required to bring two personal epi-pens.
MENSTRUAL CYCLE
Even if you aren’t anticipating your menstrual period, come prepared for it. We recommend you bring some sandwich-size zip-close bags. These bags can store products during the day while you are on the river. Used pads or tampons can be disposed of in the trash at lunch or at camp. We provide some menstrual products on most trips for emergencies. See our guide to feminine hygiene on the river for more helpful tips.
Sleeping Gear
We supply a professionally laundered sleeping bag with liner, a pillow with a freshly laundered pillowcase, a sleeping pad, a ground tarp as well as a shared tent. The complete customized sleep kit that we provide is designed for your comfort and maximizes available luggage space. Our sleeping bags are degree-rated depending on the season and are 33” x 84,” which is longer than the normal 80”.
Packing List
Equipment and Personal Items
☐ One 1-liter water bottle: durable and reusable, insulated bottles recommended for trips in hot climates to prevent water from becoming too hot to drink
☐ Hand sanitizer
☐ Headlamp or flashlight (consider bringing extra batteries)
☐ Polarized sunglasses with securing strap (consider bringing a spare)
☐ Quick-drying towel (such as those made by Rumpl)
☐ Toiletries, including biodegradable soap (such as Campsuds or Dr. Bronner’s)
☐ Sunscreen and lip protection: waterproof & SPF 30 or higher (aerosol sprays not recommended)
☐ Moisturizing lotion or cream
☐ Insect repellent
☐ Personal first-aid kit (Band-aids, antibiotic ointment, ibuprofen, moleskin, eye drops, etc.)
☐ Spare pair of glasses and/or contacts
☐ Cash for gratuities
Footwear
☐ River shoes or sandals with a heel strap (such as those made by Chaco®); “Aqua socks” strongly discouraged
☐ Athletic shoes or light hikers
☐ Hiking socks
Clothing
☐ Long-sleeved shirt: lightweight and light color for sun protection (old dress shirts work well)
☐ Long pants: lightweight and light color for sun protection
☐ Shade hat or visor with securing strap–flexible enough to fit under your helmet
☐ Rain jacket & pants: waterproof (not water resistant). A hooded jacket with secure closures is recommended
☐ Swimwear: tankinis and board shorts are a great option
☐ Underwear
☐ Shorts: 1 pair
☐ T-shirts/tops: 1-2
☐ Synthetic or Merino wool long underwear top & bottom: 1 set light to mid-weight
☐ Jacket: fleece or down/synthetic fill puffy (depending on the time of year, weather, and location)
☐ Camp clothes: comfortable and appropriate for the season. Cotton is recommended for hot weather trips. Some guests may prefer an athletic skirt or dress.
Additional Essentials for Early Season Trips
☐ Extra pair of dry footwear for camp
☐ Wetsuit booties and/or neoprene socks
☐ Fleece top & bottom
☐ Warm hat and gloves: synthetic or wool
☐ Extra set of synthetic or Merino wool long underwear top and bottom
Optional Items
☐ Camera and accessories
☐ Fishing gear
☐ Lightweight, packable blanket (such as those made by Rumpl)
☐ Sarong: useful for sun protection, evaporative cooling, changing clothes, etc.
☐ Small day pack, waist pack, or hydration pack for side hikes
☐ Bathing wipes: pre-moistened disposable cleansing towels
☐ Small bags: stuff sacks, zip-close bags, or similar for organizing items in your dry bag
☐ Large empty bag: laundry bag, pillow case, or similar for putting clothes into after your trip
☐ Earplugs
☐ Binoculars
☐ Splash jacket and pants
☐ Lightweight cord and clothespins for drying clothes
☐ Sketchbook, notebook and pen, paperback book
☐ Bandana
☐ Stand-up urination device
*Some of the links above are affiliate links and OARS will receive a small commission if you decide to make a purchase based on our recommendations.
Packing Your Gear
At the pre-trip meeting, each person will be given one large waterproof bag (approximate sealed size: 13” diameter x 25” tall; 3318 cu in; 54.4 L) for their clothing and personal items. A second bag for your sleeping gear (sleeping bag, sleeping pad, ground tarp, sheet, and pillow) will be packed and waiting for you. Tents are stowed separately.
We also provide a small waterproof bag per person for day use, where you can keep items such as rain gear, camera, sunscreen, lip balm, etc. (approximate sealed size: 17” tall x 9” diameter; 1081 cu in; 17.7 L). The bags are cylindrical in shape and pack from the top. Please pack light, and keep in mind that river attire is casual: comfort, convenience, and boat space take precedence over style. At the end of the trip, you will be shuttled to Salmon with your waterproof bags, where you will be able to unpack your gear before your trip home.
Important! If your trip flies from Stanley to Indian Creek, you are limited by Gem Air to 35 pounds of baggage per person.
Extra Luggage
If you have extra luggage it should be locked in your car. You can also choose to bring your gear in a soft-sided duffle, which can then be put at the bottom of your waterproof bag.
Valuables
We recommend that you leave your valuables at home. For personal items like wallets, purses, and cell phones, we recommend putting them in a zip-close bag at the bottom of your waterproof bag with your clothing.
HELPFUL LINKS
- Visit our Trip Resources page for more info on the use of drones, electronics, cannabis, CPAP Machines, firearms, and more.
- Find all the gear you need for your trip online at REI
- Recommended Books: The Essential Idaho Reading List
Reminders
GRATUITIES
Tipping is appreciated by our staff. If you are wondering how much to tip, you may consider that we operate in a service industry with a host of behind-the-scenes contributors in addition to the guides on your trip. In general, we suggest a gratuity based on 10 – 15% of the trip cost. It is customary on OARS trips for gratuities to be given to the Trip Leader, in the form of cash or a personal check, who will then distribute appropriately amongst all the guides and support staff.
SOMETHING VOLUNTARY
In reviewing your statement, you’ll note a $1/person/day donation to Idaho Rivers United, a non-profit conservation organization dedicated to defending Idaho’s free-flowing rivers. One hundred percent of these funds go directly to the river protection work of IRU, and your contribution is tax-deductible. Please notify our office if you would prefer to delete the donation from your balance.
Terms & Conditions
Reservations and Payments
An $800/person deposit is required at the time of booking with final payment due 90 days before departure. Accounts on which final payment has not been received 80 days before the departure date will be canceled.
Payments can be made by check, money order, eCheck, wire transfer, Visa, MasterCard, American Express, or Discover. Prices are in US Dollars, and all payments must be made in US Dollars. Payment of the deposit establishes your acceptance of our complete Terms and Conditions. Individual departures and trip capacity are strictly limited by the managing agency. Your payment is fully refundable for 7 days, less a 3% processing fee, after making a reservation when you reserve a trip 7 days or more prior to the final payment due date.
Cancellations and Refunds
Canceling your trip after your deposit is processed will incur cancellation fees because OARS has absorbed costs on your behalf and will turn others away who would like to book the spaces we’re holding for you. If you must cancel your reservation after the rescission period described above, your cancellation fee will be determined according to the schedule below.
We regret that we cannot make exceptions to the cancellation policy for any reason, including foul weather, poor air quality, wildfire activity, acts of terrorism, civil unrest, or personal emergencies. For these reasons, we strongly urge you to consider purchasing a travel protection plan.
| DATE OF CANCELLATION | CANCELLATION FEE |
| 180 or more days before your trip | $100/person |
| 179 – 120 days before your trip | $200/person |
| 119 – 90 days before your trip | $400/person. The remainder of your payment can be transferred to another trip within the same year (or to a credit account for the following year). No refund. |
| 89 days or less before your trip | Full fare |
Please note that different deposit/cancellation policies may apply for charter groups. Refer to the group organizer’s confirmation email for details.
Canceled Trips
OARS reserves the right to cancel any trip due to insufficient registration or other factors that make the trip impractical to operate. In such instances, we will inform you at least 45 days prior to departure. Do not make non-refundable travel arrangements until you have verified with OARS that your trip is confirmed.
If a trip must be canceled or postponed due to force majeure (factors outside the control of OARS), OARS will provide full credit for payments made toward future travel, or a refund less the initial deposit amount and any non-refundable payments made on your behalf to 3rd-party suppliers. OARS will make good faith efforts to recover deposits made on your behalf to 3rd-party suppliers, however, we cannot guarantee recovery of any or all of the advance payments made. OARS is not responsible for expenses incurred by participants in preparation for a canceled trip.
Transfers
If you need to move your reservation to a different trip during the same season or to a credit account for the following year, there is a $50/person fee up until 120 days before departure for a one-time transfer of your payment. Transfer requests made 119 days or less before departure will be treated like a cancellation according to the schedule above.
Medical
Under most circumstances, if you are of an adventurous spirit and in reasonably good health, you should have no problem enjoying an OARS trip. People with medical conditions, including pregnancy, should have a physician’s approval before taking an adventure travel trip.
Travel Protection
Because there are costs that you will incur if you cancel the spaces on this trip that we’re now holding for you, or in the event you need to be evacuated during the trip due to an unforeseen illness or injury, we strongly encourage our guests to purchase an optional travel protection plan. A travel protection plan may help reimburse the cost of your pre-paid, non-refundable payments in the event you are prevented from taking your trip for a covered reason. Trip participants must understand that in the event of an illness or injury on a wilderness trip, evacuation can be prolonged, difficult, and expensive. Learn more about the plan we recommend.
Please note: To be eligible for coverage for pre-existing medical conditions, you must purchase the plan within 21 days of your initial trip payment and you must be medically fit to travel at the time you pay for the plan.
Emergency Medical Evacuation coverage can be purchased as stand-alone coverage, independent of a comprehensive travel protection plan. You can get a quote for this type of policy by entering a Trip Cost amount of $0 when getting a quote.
Please note: By entering a Trip Cost amount of $0, the plan will not include Trip Cancellation coverage and you may not be eligible for Emergency Medical Expense benefits relating to any pre-existing conditions.
Liability Release / Assumption of Risk
Everyone is required to sign a standard liability release / assumption of risk form before the trip, confirming awareness that there are inherent risks associated with the trip. Due to the nature of the activities, a condition of your participation is that you will sign this form and return it to our office before the trip begins. Anyone who refuses to sign the form will not be allowed to participate, and consistent with OARS cancellation policy, there will be no refund of the trip fees at that time.
Responsibility – An Important Notice
O.A.R.S. West, Inc. and cooperating agencies act only in the capacity of agent for the participants in all matters relating to transportation and/or all other related travel services and assume no responsibility however caused for injury, loss, or damage to person or property in connection with any service, including but not limited to that resulting directly or indirectly from acts of God, detention, annoyance, delays and expenses arising from quarantine, pandemics, strikes, theft, pilferage, force majeure, failure of any means of conveyance to arrive or depart as scheduled, civil disturbances, government restrictions or regulations, and discrepancies or change in transit over which it has no control. Reasonable changes in the itinerary may be made where deemed advisable for the comfort and wellbeing of the participants, including cancellation due to water fluctuation, insufficient bookings (this trip requires a minimum of 4 guests – 6 for gourmet, craft beer, and wine trips), and other factors. There is risk in whitewater rafting, particularly during high-water conditions. Rafts, dories, and kayaks do capsize. You could be swept overboard. Your guide will make every attempt to assist, but you must be strong and agile enough to “self-help” and “float-it-out” without further endangering yourself or others. We reserve the right not to accept guests weighing more than 260 pounds or with a waist/chest size exceeding 56 inches. We may decide, at any time, to exclude any person or group for any reason we feel is related to the safety of our trips. We are experienced in accommodating people with various disabilities. Please give us an opportunity to make you feel welcome. We need to discuss any special requirements ahead of time.
OARS trips occur in areas where unpredictable environmental conditions are to be expected. To moderate dangerous situations for our guests and guides, all travelers must obey the rules and regulations as determined by the managing agencies and the Trip Leader and demonstrate reasonable consideration for other guests and OARS employees. We reserve the right to remove any guest from a trip if, in our opinion, that guest’s actions or behaviors pose a threat to the safety of her/himself or others, or if those actions or behaviors compromise the enjoyment of the trip for others. Should a guest be asked to leave a trip, there will be no refund for the unused portion, nor will OARS be responsible for additional expenses incurred by the guest for accommodations, return transport, change fees, etc. Prices subject to change without notice. Upon advancement of deposit, the depositor agrees to be bound by the above-recited terms and conditions. OARS is an equal opportunity provider.
