Trip Expectations

On each Zoller’s Outdoor Odysseys whitewater vacation you can expect all aspects of your vacation to be of the finest quality.

Hell’s Canyon Cuisine: Expect hearty meals prepared with fresh ingredients and ample portions for all. Our culinary goal is to wow each guest as we prepare a wide variety of pallet pleasing cuisine. Be it on the BBQ, in the wok, or nestled in a dutch oven, each meal is carefully thought out to make you smile. This year’s menu includes the following: Dutch oven Pineapple Upside Down Cake, BBQ baked Salmon, teriyaki-honey-sesame dutch oven chicken, oven baked New York cheesecake, steak & lobster, Husum Fireman’s breakfast, morning late’ and mocha’s, ice cold smoothies, and so much more.

Whitewater: In whitewater terms, the Snake River is simply large volume. Flowing through six states and being fed volume from 40 rivers and thousands of creeks this 73 degree river is the largest tributary to the Mighty Columbia River, the second largest river in the U.S. As a large river, you can count on roller coaster style rapids perfect for river enthusiast of all levels. Rapids such as Wild Sheep and Granite are known world wide for the length and wave size. Zoller’s expert guides look forward to hearing your shouts of excitement and satisfaction. Looking for a little extra thrill in your ride…? Try out one of our single or tandem inflatable kayaks (duckies) for the ultimate whitewater rush. Duckies accompany every trip for shared use of the group.

Geology: From alum deposits exposed by land slides, to granite boulders the size of a Buick, the deepest canyon in North America offers up close and personal viewing of geologic wonders. Evidence of the eruption of Mt. Mazama (now know as Crater Lake) and of a series of canyon wide lakes existing during the post ice age creation of Hell’s Canyon are common. Hell’s Canyon geology is simply breath taking.

Cultural History: Over the centuries, Hell’s Canyon has become home to many peoples and life styles. Evidence in the canyon shows where they traveled & lived, how they communicated, and why this incredible wilderness was their friend, provider and sometimes enemy. As Zoller’s river guides explain and show the lifestyle workings of past inhabitants, you will be able to picture in your minds eye, how you might have fit into another culture of the past.

River Camp: Picture this… Spacious private tents, comfortable thick sleeping pads and bags, solar showers, relaxing camp chairs, crackling camp fires (season permitting) and all the little perks that make a person smile. Zoller’s river camps give you a comfy experience in a wilderness environment. Combine all of these amenities with some of the most breathtaking scenery on the globe and you won’t want to leave the canyon.

Weather: Outdoor adventure is ideal in Hell’s Canyon. Mid Summer day time temperatures are typically in the high 80s to low 90s while night time temperatures range from the mid 60s to 70s. On occasions we will get a thunder shower, and if so, everyone will be given rain jackets and pants if desired. Sun burn could easily make a guest uncomfortable, so you will hear your guides ask frequently about your application of sun block. With the arid climate of the canyon, the mosquitoes are not an issue. Water temperatures are pleasant on the Snake giving way to a good deal of swimming during the hot afternoon.

Wildlife: Wildlife of many varieties thrive in Hell’s Canyon as the environment offers unique protections from man, weather, and each other. It is not uncommon to view Big Horn Sheep, Mountain Goats, Mule Deer, Elk and many varieties of small game.

Fishing: Trout – Small Mouth Bass – Channel Cat. At no additional cost, Zoller’s will provide shared fishing poles and tackle for guest’s enjoyment. This equipment can be used in camp or on the river. If one of your goals is to fish heavily, it is best if you bring your own pole as to have its exclusive use. The Snake River is the boundary for Idaho and Oregon, so those fishing will need the proper license according to the state we are standing in. While fishing from the raft a license for either state will suffice. A three day license for either state is fairly inexpensive and can be purchased at a local store just prior to our launch.

Jet Boat Rides: Once we have completed our rafting adventure on the 3-day trips, powerful jet boats pick us up and we again challenge the rapids as we return to the point of original departure. The jet boat ride is an extraordinary finish to an extraordinary trip with Zoller’s. There is no additional fee for this transportation. On brief and specified occasions power boat service is limited by the United States Forest Service. On those few dates per year we will arrange for your vehicle to be transported to our take out point. On all 5-day adventures Zoller’s pays for your vehicle to be professionally shuttled to the take out. You pay the gas, we pay for the shuttle.