Idaho: Hiking, Rafting, and Hot Springs

Lewiston to the Clearwater River
You will be picked up from the Lewiston-Nez Perce County Regional Airport and begin the two-hour scenic drive along the Clearwater River to River Dance Lodge. On the way, you will stop at the Nez Perce National Historical Park Museum in Lapwai which is the home of several historical sites which will set the stage for the rest of your adventure.

Check into your room and relax before dinner.

Enjoy a lively welcome dinner at the Syringa Cafe as you get to know your fellow travelers this evening. Share stories and learn about why each woman in your trip is excited to explore Idaho! After dinner enjoy your free time strolling along the river, sitting by a camp fire, or enjoying the quiet from the front porch of your cabin.
Dinner

Overnight: River Dance Lodge

Clearwater River
Hiking along the Canyon Creek Trail is a great way to get out and explore the beauty of the lush forest surroundings, as ferns and moss drape the rock wall on one side of the narrow canyon. After a brief stop at the former site of a WWII Japanese Internment Camp, you’ll start continue your hike at about 2,400′ before driving for 30 minutes back to the Lodge. Enjoy a picnic lunch along the way during your hike.

Return to the comfort of your cabin and get ready for dinner.

Join your fellow travelers in Syringa Cafe for dinner and then enjoy time on your own to explore the Lodge grounds.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Overnight: River Dance Lodge

Clearwater River
In the morning you will choose between hiking to a local hot spring for a warm soak or hiking part of the Lochsa Historical Trail up to Snowshoe Falls.

Warm Springs Trail: After a 45-minute drive, hike about 1.5 miles along the Warm Springs Trail to Jerry Johnson Hot Springs, one of Idaho’s most popular hot springs with three hot pool sources each with their own soaking pools. Some of these pools are lined with rock walls and have clear sand bottoms, while others are a bit silty. You may encounter other guests at the pools with varying levels of clothing as these are “clothing optional” pools. After a relaxing soak, make your way back along the same trail where your van will take you back to River Dance Lodge.

Lochsa Historical Trail: Hike along part of the Lochsa Historical Trail up to Snowshoe Falls where you’ll take in beautiful views of the surrounding forest. The first section of the trail is a short, steep climb up to the Lochsa River Trail, then it levels out as you head west to Snowshoe Falls. The top of this trail provides majestic views into the Bitterroot National Forest, and the trail continues if you would like to extend your hike. Your van will meet you after your 3-mile roundtrip hike for the 45-minute drive back to the River Dance Lodge.

Meet back at the River Dance Lodge for a deli lunch.

After lunch, depart for a van-based tour with short walks focused on the local history of the area including the Nez Perce and early pioneers. After exploring the small town of Kooskia and the nearby Nez Perce site of Clear Creek, you’ll visit Heart of the Monster where, according to Nez Perce tradition, the Nez Perce people were created. You’ll see a number of other sites in Kamiah, Idaho where you’ll learn about the rich culture of the Nez Perce and stories of early homestead days in the area.

After your tour, return to the Lodge for some down time before dinner.

Enjoy dinner along with your fellow travelers tonight in Syringa Cafe.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Overnight: River Dance Lodge

Clearwater River
Today’s activity is a full day of rafting or kayaking on the Middle Fork of the Clearwater River, which is about a 45 minute drive from the Lodge. One of the eight rivers designated as Wild & Scenic by Congress in 1968, the Clearwater is ideal for first-time river rafters and kayakers. The Clearwater is a Class II, big water river with a gentle current where you’ll float between 10-15 miles with your experienced rafting guide. Enjoy your picnic lunch alongside the river during the afternoon.

After returning to the Lodge and relaxing a bit, join your fellow AdventureWomen travelers for a farewell dinner to celebrate your adventures.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Overnight: River Dance Lodge

Clearwater River to Lewiston
Say goodbye to your new AdventureWomen friends as you transfer to the airport for your flights home.

After checking out at 10AM, you’ll begin the two-hour drive back to Lewiston, Idaho for your return flight home.
Breakfast

Please note: AdventureWomen will attempt to adhere to the itinerary as much as possible. However, certain conditions (political, climatic, environmental, and cultural) may necessitate changes in the itinerary. AdventureWomen reserves the right to alter any itinerary at any time, if necessary. We will attempt to notify participants of changes as far in advance as possible. Costs incurred by such changes will be the responsibility of the participants.