Celebrating 25 years in Stanley, Idaho and on the Salmon River

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Call or text to book your trip today!    (208) 721-8772

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FAQ | Policies

  • Safety is Sawtooth Adventure Company’s #1 priority at all times. 
  • All of our guides are licensed with the State of Idaho and undergo safety checks. Prior to getting on the water our guides will walk your group through a safety talk where you’ll learn important techniques and what to do in the boat to maximize fun, confidence, and safety on the river. 
  • All of our guests and guides wear Coast-Guard approved life jackets at all times on the river. 
  • Our guides are there for your safety and comfort so if you have any questions before, during, or after your trip they would be more than willing to help you out. Meet some of our guides here!

No! Whether you’ve never been rafting before or this is your 100th time down a river, our trips provide a fun and exciting adventure for all. Our guides begin each trip with a safety talk that gives you all the necessary information you need to have a safe and enjoyable trip. Our guides are there to answer any questions you might have during the trip as well. 

  • 4 years old is our recommended minimum age for our Classic Whitewater trips
  • We find that the river is no different than the rest of life and that kids end up having the most fun on our trips. Whitewater rafting is an excellent way to develop confidence and teamwork in kids. 
  • Thrill Seeker (Class IV) trips require participants to be at least 13 years old. 
  • Any age is appropriate for Scenic Floats.

While swimming ability is helpful, it’s not required. All guests wear Coast Guard-approved life jackets throughout the trip, and our guides are trained in swiftwater rescue. We recommend letting your guide know if you’re not a strong swimmer.

That depends on who your guide is 😉

We run trips rain or shine! We provide wetsuits and splash gear to keep you comfortable in all conditions. In cases of lightning or dangerous weather, we’ll reschedule your trip or provide a full refund.

Absolutely! We provide waterproof dry bags for your valuables. We recommend using a waterproof case or GoPro for photos on the river. Be aware that electronics can get wet despite precautions.

Wear a bathing suit as your base layer, with sturdy water shoes or sandals with heel straps (no flip-flops). Quick dry materials are recommended such as a sun shirt and shorts. Bring along a fleece, hoody or jacket.  We provide wetsuits, splash jackets, and all necessary river gear. 

We suggest bringing sun protection such as sunscreen, hat, sun shirt and sunglasses (we sell Chums at the shop to keep your sunglasses safe). We also recommend you bring a water bottle and a warm fleece if you get chilled easily!

  • Lunch is included with all 11:00am trips. Our riverside feast includes a taco salad bar, fruit, grain salad, kid-friendly options and famous Dutch oven-cooked dessert.
  • Our lunch can accommodate all food allergies and dietary restrictions- gluten free, dairy free, nut free, vegetarian and vegan. Please inform us of any allergens or dietary restrictions ahead of time (208) 721-8772
  • We provide a variety of non-alcoholic drinks on all our trips
  • Morning and afternoon trips do not include lunch, but feel free to bring snacks, lunch and beverages.

We do not recommend whitewater rafting for pregnant women. Our Scenic Float may be suitable—please consult your doctor.

Our Classic Rafting and Scenic Float trips are suitable for most fitness levels. The Thrill Seeker and Kayak trips require moderate fitness as you’ll be actively paddling. Let us know if you have any physical concerns.

Meet at Sawtooth Adventure Company headquarters at 710 Ace of Diamonds Ave. in Stanley. Transportation to and from the river is included in all trips. We’re located in downtown Stanley—easy to find!

  • Rivers are graded according to an international whitewater classification system that evaluates the difficulty, scale, and technical challenges of rapids. In Idaho, this system ranks rapids from Class I to Class VI.
  • To learn more about rapid classifications and choose the trip that best fits your experience level, click here.

You’re welcome to bring alcoholic beverages (BYOB) to enjoy responsibly during lunch breaks or scenic portions of the trip. However, participants must not be intoxicated at the start of the trip. Our guides reserve the right to refuse participation to anyone who appears unsafe or unable to follow instructions. No glass containers—cans or plastic only.

General Deposits

All tours require a 50% credit card deposit at the time of booking.

 

SAC Day Trips

  • 50% deposit due at booking
  • Remaining balance automatically charged 48 hours prior to the trip
  • Cancellations made within 48 hours of departure will incur a $25 per person cancellation fee

 

SAC Group Trips (12+ Guests)

  • Groups may be placed on a soft hold for up to 7 days
  • 50% deposit required to confirm the reservation
  • Remaining balance due 48 hours prior to departure.
  • Final bill, including add-ons and gratuity, will be issued following the trip
  • Group size may increase without penalty until 6:00 PM the evening before departure
  • Cancellations within 48 hours of departure will incur a $25 per person cancellation fee

 

SAC Private Day Trips

  • 50% non-refundable deposit required at the time of reservation
  • Remaining balance due on the day of the trip

 

Dinner Trips

  • 50% non-refundable deposit required at the time of reservation
  • Remaining balance due on the day of the trip

 

Fishing Trips

  • 50% deposit due at booking
  • Remaining balance automatically charged 48 hours prior to the trip
  • Cancellations made within 48 hours will receive trip credit only

 

Weather Policy

If SAC determines that weather conditions are unsafe and cancels the scheduled trip, participants will receive a full refund of all amounts paid for the trip. The decision to cancel due to weather is made at the sole discretion of SAC in the interest of participant safety.

Safety 

At Sawtooth Adventure Company, safety is our top priority. Our expert guides are highly trained and dedicated to keeping you comfortable and safe during every moment of your river rafting adventure.

 

Age Restrictions

  • Classic Whitewater & Scenic Float: Ages 4+
  • Thrill Seeker (Class IV): Ages 13+
  • High Adventure Combo: Ages 14+
  • All minors must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian

 

Physical Requirements

Participants must be able to hold onto the raft and follow guide instructions. We accommodate most fitness levels, but whitewater rafting involves physical activity. Please inform us of any medical conditions, injuries, or concerns.
Pregnancy: We do not recommend whitewater rafting for pregnant women. Scenic floats may be suitable—please consult your doctor.

 

Alcohol Policy

You’re welcome to bring alcoholic beverages (BYOB) to enjoy responsibly during lunch breaks or scenic portions of the trip. However, participants must not be intoxicated at the start of the trip. Our guides reserve the right to refuse participation to anyone who appears unsafe or unable to follow instructions. No glass containers—cans or plastic only.

All Trips Include:

  • Expert professional guides
  • All safety equipment (life jackets, helmets, paddles)
  • Wetsuits, splash jackets, and river booties (weather dependent)
  • Transportation to/from the river
  • Dry bags for personal items
  • Riverside lunch (11am trips only)

 

Not Included:

  • Gratuity for guides (20% recommended)
  • Personal items (sunscreen, water bottles, snacks)
  • Alcoholic beverages (BYOB welcome—no glass)
  • Photos (available for purchase after trip)

Arrival Time

Please arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled departure time for check-in, gear fitting, and safety briefing.
Late Arrivals: Trips depart on time to ensure the best river experience. Late arrivals may not be able to join the trip and will be subject to our cancellation policy.

 

Meeting Location

Sawtooth Adventure Company Headquarters, 710 Ace of Diamonds Ave
 Stanley, ID 83278

 

Parking

Free parking available on-site.

We Run Rain or Shine. Our trips operate in most weather conditions. We provide all necessary gear to keep you warm and dry.

 

Unsafe Conditions 

If river levels are too high/low or weather conditions are dangerous (lightning, severe storms), we reserve the right to cancel or modify trips for safety. You’ll be contacted as early as possible and offered a full refund or reschedule.
Temperature & Gear: Idaho mountain weather can be unpredictable. We provide wetsuits when water/air temperatures are cold. Dress in layers and bring sun protection.

Group Bookings (12+ people)

Contact us directly for group rates and coordination. Special arrangements available for corporate events, weddings, and large family groups. Group trips with 10 or more guests, reservations can be placed on a soft hold for up to seven days. To confirm the reservation, a 50% deposit is required, and the remaining balance must be paid 48 hours before departure. After the trip, a final bill will be issued that includes any add-ons and gratuity. Group sizes can increase without penalty until 6:00 PM the evening before departure. If cancellations occur within 48 hours of the trip, a $25 per person cancellation fee will apply.

 

Private Trips

Any trip can be made private for an additional fee. Private trips give your group exclusive use of rafts and guides. Contact us for pricing and availability. A 50% non-refundable deposit is required at the time of booking, and the remaining balance is due on the day of the trip.