Mother and Daughter Near Petroglyphs

Special Theme River Trips

Twenty-five years ago, we realized that while every river trip we run is exceptional, “special trips” with a specific theme, guest, or place, appealed to many of our clientele. Today we run eight very unique trips with an added feature that enhances the experience.

Bluegrass on Whitewater (Learn More)

"Absolute magic flowed from the confluence of the river and the masterful musicians - Tom Rozum and Laurie Lewis."

- P. Asprey, Manteca, CA

Chairs in Elk Bar CampIt’s no wonder that many bluegrass lyrics mention rivers and streams; bluegrass and whitewater blend together so fluidly it becomes difficult to imagine one without the other. Some guests prefer to bring an instrument and play along while friends grab a chair and sit front row, watching Laurie Lewis’ fingers dance on the fiddle strings. Others enjoy playing cards, chatting with their friends, and sampling appetizers while the sweet sounds of bluegrass music blow in the wind.

Laurie Lewis and Tom Rozum’s musical talents compliments a river trip perfectly. Laurie and Tom have been teaming with ECHO to create the "Bluegrass on Whitewater" trips for thirteen years. This year they join us on a trip down the Middle Fork of the Salmon.

Mumm Wine Trip (Learn More)

"Man, do I love those wine trips!! It's the only time I get to drink wine that costs more than two bucks a bottle!!"

- Dick Linford, ECHO Owner

Wine on the RiverWine and beer are offered on all of our river trips, but for wine enthusiasts, the Wine and Whitewater trip takes wine tasting to a new level. Each evening the wine connoisseurs from Mumm Winery in Napa, CA, discuss topics about winemaking, wine varietals, and wine and food pairings, while they present an array of wines for tasting. Gourmet hors d’oeuvres and a delicious dinner are specially chosen to compliment the wines chosen for the evening.

The “tasting room” for Wine and Whitewater is the Federally designated Wild and Scenic Rogue River, a spectacular setting for a high-class river trip.

Salmon Supreme (Learn More)

Person on the Main SalmonThis spring, ECHO is offering a blast from the past: the very radical, very retro "Salmon Supreme." Many of ECHO's legendary stories come from these "Supreme" trips, where the Middle Fork and Main Salmon are combined for the first trip of the season. After a ten-year hiatus, the ultimate Salmon River rafting experience (aka, "The Supreme") is back. This trip is not for the faint-hearted, but adrenaline junkies and avid rafters will delight about rafting 160 miles in seven days when the weather is often the wettest and the rapids are the biggest.

After our nine day guide school last May at high water, the guides thought it would be fun to get an adventurous group of adults together, skip the training, and enjoy the thrills and non-stop action of the Middle Fork and Main Salmon in the spring. We will have ample time to explore the canyon, get our hands dirty, find warmth around the campfire, and tell stories while enjoying our favorite beverage(s).

Family Yoga with Dennis Eagan (Learn More)

Yoga on the Rogue RiverA vacation is not really a vacation without a little flexibility and
relaxation. Practicing yoga in the Wild and Scenic Rogue River canyon is the perfect way to relax and escape the stresses of everyday life. This year we are adding a twist to our annual Yoga trip: we invite you to bring the whole family!

Families will begin and end each day with yoga and meditation classes from instructor Dennis Eagan. Dennis specializes in yoga for kayakers and rafters, so his techniques will help stretch and strengthen the muscles you will be using to paddle. On the river, participants can choose between riding in an oar-powered raft, paddling with a crew in a paddle boat, or taking charge and self-guiding an inflatable kayak. In any of these crafts, the rapids are fun, the wildlife is incredible, and there will be ample time to soak in the splendor of the Rogue canyon.

River Guide Training (Learn More)

"My first experience with ECHO was their guide school on the Middle Fork and Main Salmon. Their dedication in making sure everyone was safe and comfortable made it a special experience."

- J. Bennett, Prescott Valley, AZ

Guide SchoolEver wonder what it would be like to spend a summer leading the glorious (but not glamorous) life of a river guide?

ECHO guides are incredibly talented at just about everything including rowing, cooking, storytelling, fishing, first aid, looking fabulous, tying knots, charming kids, rigging boats, setting up river camps and rain tarps, making fires, playing games, being modest, and grooving (you'll learn what that means later). Jealous yet? Learn all the skills to be a great multi-day river guide in ECHO's 2007 Guide "School."

Middle Fork Kayak Instruction (Learn More)

Kayaking the Middle Fork of the SalmonThe equation for the perfect kayak trip is simple: take exciting Class III and IV rapids, sweet play spots, awesome surf waves, and riverside hot springs. Add astounding scenery, great hiking, and beautiful campsites. Take away stress, traffic, work, and bills. Add great guides who row your gear down the river, set-up camp and your tent, and prepare three delectable meals a day. Add Phil and Mary DeRiemer, the incredibly talented, dynamic, and entertaining kayak instructor team who will help hone your paddling skills and show you all the best play spots on the river. Multiply that by six days and 100 miles, and voila, you have an ECHO Kayaking trip on the Middle Fork of the Salmon River.

ECHO makes it easy for kayakers. All you need is your boat and your clothes. If you can't get your boat to Idaho, we'll help find you one! On the river, your only concern is getting to camp in time for dinner. If you get there early, you will have time to hike, swim, read, relax, and talk about the amazing day you had.

Chile's Futaleufu River (Learn More)

Raft on the Futaleufu RiverThe Futaleufu (Foo-tah-lay-uh-foo) is considered one of the world's premier whitewater trips. This ten-day rafting and multi-sport adventure will appeal to adrenaline junkies and luxury vacationers alike. Turquoise water and breath-taking alpine scenery are the perfect finishing touches to some of the most exhilarating Class III to Class V rapids on the planet.

If the world-renowned whitewater is not enough to inspire a trip to the southern hemisphere, imagine feasting on gourmet meals, getting a relaxing massage, and unwinding at the end of the day in riverside stone hot springs. Daytime activities include rafting, horseback riding, hiking, or canyoneering. Evenings are spent in a deluxe camp by the river complete with bathrooms and showers– hardly "roughing it" by most standards.

What Next?

  • Call us at (800) 652-3246. We love to talk about our trips!
  • Email This Page to friends and family.
Copyright © 2008 ECHO River Trips. All Rights Reserved. FAQ | Site Map | Privacy Policy | Job Opportunities