In 2020, Caldwell Transportation marked its 20th year of providing Middle Fork and Main Salmon River shuttle services from our Stanley, Idaho office to Boise. The bus option is a great way to get groups to and from the Main or Middle Fork, particularly from the Treasure Valley area. At this time, we do not provide individual vehicle shuttles for the Main Salmon River but would love to shuttle your individual vehicles for your Middle Fork trips.
We know many of our river rat passengers love a good adrenaline rush, but we want to leave action to the rapids; the shuttle bus ride to the river shouldn’t be scary! Caldwell Transportation drivers are CDL qualified and drug tested, so you can be confident that we will get you and your river raft safely to your Idaho river rafting adventure.
We continue to appreciate our relationships with all of the Middle Fork and Main Salmon outfitters who trust us with the responsibility of transporting their clients to and from the rivers on which they operate. We have developed and maintained wonderful friendships with all of our outfitters and their guides.
Call us anytime to reserve your individual vehicle shuttle, check river flows, and local weather, or arrange a bus shuttle for your group!
Stanley is one of Idaho’s premier destinations for outdoor enthusiasts and attracts a yearly crowd from all over the world. With world-class river sports, outdoor activities like camping and hiking, and great scenery, there is no questioning why people love it up there. Stanley boasts lots of whitewater rafting for river enthusiasts and offers experienced guides for those looking for a safe way down the river. With some of the world’s best whitewater, Stanley definitely has it all for those seeking a little excitement.
While Idaho, in general, is a pretty well-kept secret, we do want to share with you some fantastic rivers easily accessible from Boise. Here are some of the rivers and places that have guided raft trips:
Take a look at the "10 Must-Do Whitewater Rapids" before you decide!
Being prepared and safe on the river, no matter which you choose to raft is important! It makes all the difference in how your trip can go.
Spring, Summer, and Fall are all good times to go rafting, but for different reasons:
When searching for the right river to raft, you should:
Take a look at what a day on the river is like so you can know what to expect!
Additional Resources and Information: Essential whitewater rafting safety tips Whitewater safety 101
River experts use the International Scale of Difficulty when it comes to ranking different types of rapids. The rankings start at Class I and progress to a Class 6, which is almost impossible to finish and requires great skill. It is important that a person chooses the right classification number that is equal to both their skill and comfort level. It is part of being safe on the river and can save lives.
The different rapid classifications include:
Class I: Easy. This is just fast-moving water with a few small waves. It has a few obstructions, which are all obvious and easily missed with a little bit of training.
Class II: Novice. These are considered straightforward rapid that have clear channels that can be seen without scouting. There may be some occasional maneuvering required, but rocks and medium-sized waves are easily missed.
Class III: Intermediate. This is where the rapids start getting a little tricky. Class III rapids are classified as having moderate to irregular wave height and may be difficult to avoid. Complex maneuvers also may be in order in this rapid. Class IV: Advanced- Don’t enter a Class IV rapid without an experienced guide at the helm. The degree of difficulty has gone up substantially on a Class IV rapid and required some expert maneuvering. Scouting on these types of rapids may be necessary the first time down them.
Class V: Expert. Class V is the second to highest class you can strive for in the rafting community. It may also be the hardest rapid that is regularly doable, as anything higher is almost seen as impassable. These are very demanding rapids that should only be attempted by experts and are very long, obstructed, or violent.
Class VI: Extreme. These types of rapids are typically just to look at, as they are attempted very rarely. The consequences of error are quite dire, and rescue may be considered impossible. If these types of rapids must be tried, they should only be done by true professionals or a team of professionals.
If you have any further questions on the classification system or rapids, contact your local outfitter.
Your comfort and safety are a priority, so make sure you're in clothes that fit you well. Come in swimwear and flexible, securely-attached footwear (such as water shoes, sneakers, or river sandals). A hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses are always a must, even in the spring and fall.
For cooler times of the year, consider adding on:
If you're contracting with a commercial outfitter, your list of items to bring along will be short. Don't bring along heavy electronics that might be damaged or lost in the water, but be sure you're comfortable. With a commercial outfitter, food is often provided as well as all rafting equipment.
Here's a more detailed list of what you'll want to bring on your trip.
Most importantly, don't forget that we can get you to your destination! Contact us to get a ride organized.