Trip Overview

Explore the beautiful outdoors of Idaho AdventureWomen style! Whether it be hiking, mountain biking, kayaking or river rafting, you’ll experience everything this beautiful landscape has to offer. All this while enjoying comfortable cabin-style living on the banks of the Clearwater River.

You’ll begin your adventure with a scenic drive to the River Dance Lodge from the airport in Lewiston, Idaho. Along the way, stop at the Nez Perce National Historical Park Museum which is home to the Nez Perce Visitor Center and Museum and several historical sites including remnants of the Spalding Mission, the cemetery where Henry & Eliza Spalding are buried, and archeological remains of the community. This is a great way to set the stage for the rest of your time in the Northwest! Once you arrive at the River Dance Lodge, you can settle in and relax in the comfort of your deluxe handcrafted log cabin. Decompress and enjoy life off the grid before relishing a welcome dinner of healthy Northwest-style cuisine and some famous homemade huckleberry pie!

Start off the first of many active days with an easy to moderate hike along the Canyon Creek Trail. Enjoy an outdoor lunch along the way, so you can take in the lush, green scenery that surrounds you. After dinner, take the rest of the evening to explore all that the grounds of the River Dance Lodge have to offer.

What better way to start off the day than an invigorating hike? You can choose to hike 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 “clothing optional” soaking pools. If you’re looking for a different adventure, you can instead choose to hike along part of the Lochsa Historical Trail where you’ll take in beautiful forest views on your way up to Snowshoe Falls. Revel in the majestic sight of the Bitterroot National Forest once you reach the top. Everyone will meet back at the Lodge for lunch and then you’ll all head out on a tour of the area where you’ll learn about the history and culture of the area before enjoying dinner back at the lodge later that evening.

We saved the best for last with a full day of rafting or kayaking on the Middle Fork of the Clearwater River. The Clearwater is a Class II, big water river with a gentle current, so previous whitewater rafting experience is not required. You’ll just need a willingness to try paddling and learn how to steer the boat as a paddling team, following your rafting guide’s commands! Enjoy a riverside lunch as well as the current and adventure! After your day on the river, join the group for a delicious farewell dinner where you’ll enjoy a celebratory toast and some more bonding time with your AdventureWomen friends and companions.

 

Main Attractions

  • Experience the beauty of Northern Idaho during two hikes
  • Learn about the history and culture of the area including the Nez Perce and early pioneers
  • Choose to indulge in either the relaxation of Jerry Johnson Hot Springs or the majesty of Snowshoe Falls after a morning hike
  • Enjoy a full day of rafting on the Middle Fork of the Clearwater River with experienced rafting guides

What You'll See and Do

  • Anthropology
  • Archaeology
  • Birding
  • Hiking
  • Historical Sites
  • Hot Springs
  • Kayaking
  • National Parks
  • Natural History
  • Natural Hot Springs
  • Whitewater Rafting
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If you're curious about this trip, we would be happy to answer any questions you might have.

Call us ~ 1.800.804.8686
Email Us
Browse Detailed Itinerary

Download Extended Itinerary

Browse Detailed Itinerary

Download Extended Itinerary

Trip Itinerary

Day 1

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

Day 2

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

Day 3

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

Day 4

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

Day 5

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.

If you're curious about this trip, we would be happy to answer any questions you might have.

Call us ~ 1.800.804.8686
Email Us
Browse Detailed Itinerary

Download Extended Itinerary

Traveling to Idaho



Arrival and Departure Information

July 25th Departure:

Arrive: Arrive at the Lewiston, Idaho Airport (LWS) on July 25, 2021 before 2:00pm.

Depart: Depart Lewiston, Idaho (LWS) on July 29, 2021 after 2:00pm.

 

We are happy to help you make your flight and travel arrangements.

Note: The recent trend in travel is for travelers to finalize their plans much closer to departure time than was customary in the past. While we try to be as flexible as possible booking last-minute registrants, we must release hotel rooms two to three months prior to departure! Please keep this in mind when making your travel plans.

Activity Level

We rate this trip as Active. Our Active adventures get you on your feet. You should be in good physical condition and be prepared to hike for up to five hours, multiple days in a row, on uneven surfaces with some steep ascents and descents. Please note that this is a general description of what you might encounter; for specific details about your trip, please consult the itinerary.

We recommend training before your trip (with your doctor’s permission!) to make the most of your adventure. We have a partnership with FitForTrips, a company that will design an individualized fitness plan for you with this itinerary in mind. Best of all, AdventureWomen guests get a 25% discount with the code FITWOMEN. Learn more on the FitForTrips website.

You should come with a flexible, adventurous, and enthusiastic spirit, and a wonderful sense of humor that adventure travel requires.

How to Register

Call the AdventureWomen office at (800) 804-8686 to determine space availability and register for this trip. We can complete your registration, including taking your credit card deposit over the phone.

If you prefer, you can register online by clicking “Sign Up for this Trip” on the trip page.

Please be sure to read the AdventureWomen policies as well as our Book With Confidence COVID Policies before registering!

Preparation and Packing

Once you register for your adventure, we will send you a comprehensive preparation guide including weather information, gratuity suggestions, and a packing list.

Forms and Final Payment

The deposit for this trip is $800, and is nonrefundable and nontransferable. Once you book, you will need to fill out and return to AdventureWomen:

  • Information Form
  • Booking Conditions Form
  • Copy of Flight Information
  • Supplemental Release for COVID

Final payment is due to AdventureWomen in a cash form (check, money order, or wire transfer). A maximum of $1,500 per person can be put on a credit card, which includes your deposit.

July 25th Departure Final Payment Due Date: April 25, 2021

If you're curious about this trip, we would be happy to answer any questions you might have.

Call us ~ 1.800.804.8686
Email Us
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What's Included

Included

  • Accommodations as per itinerary based on single occupancy
  • All meals as listed in the itinerary
  • All ground transportation
  • One group transfer on arrival and departure
  • Activities as indicated in the itinerary
  • One AdventureWomen Ambassador

Not Included

  • Airfare to and from Idaho
  • Meals not specified in the itinerary
  • Alcoholic beverages (unless otherwise specified)
  • Fees for travel insurance
  • Cost of hospitalization or evacuation
  • Items of a personal nature
  • Gratuities

If you're curious about this trip, we would be happy to answer any questions you might have.

Call us ~ 1.800.804.8686
Email Us
Browse Detailed Itinerary

Download Extended Itinerary

Accommodations

River Dance Lodge
Built on 5 acres of land on the banks of the Middle Fork in the Clearwater River with dead-standing lodgepole pine, the River Dance Lodge is your home base for outdoor adventure. Explorers Lewis and Clark passed through nearby over 2 centuries ago, and you, too, can venture out and experience the beauty of the area by hiking, driving, walking, rafting, or kayaking along or nearby the Clearwater River. Enjoy your stay in one of the large duplex cabins that feature a small gas fireplace, a convenience kitchen, and a large outdoor deck with a hot tub. Your cabin will come with standard toiletries (shampoo/conditioner, soap, hair dryer). There is limited Wifi at the café, but no Wifi in the cabins, and there is no cell phone reception on the property.

If you're curious about this trip, we would be happy to answer any questions you might have.

Call us ~ 1.800.804.8686
Email Us
Browse Detailed Itinerary

Download Extended Itinerary