Salmon River

  The Pounds and the Chapins gathered together in Walla Walla to begin an adventure to collect a group of memories to be held for a lifetime.  Our first day we packed up in Walla Walla, headed to Hammer Creek to rig the boats.  We launched in late afternoon arriving in camp at mile 49 just above Big Foot Island in time to set camp, make dinner, and create the willow club houses. 

On Day 2, we traveled through Green Canyon stopping for yummy lunch and sand hill play.  Heading on down for a total of 19 miles to our camp near Cliff Rapids in Cougar Canyon.

   Day 3 held our big 3 rapids, Half and Half - Class III, Snow Hole - Class IV, and China - Class III.  In addition we rounded the big oxbow.  We camped that night just above Billy Creek Rapid where we had all afternoon to swim the rapids, practice throwing ropes and play in the sand.

 Day 4 morning brought a nice quick thunderstorm while we were packing the boats and a favorite moment, the penguin huddle.  Pushing off rather early, we were able to stop for lunch, columnar basalt and a awesome rock bar with an easy loop swim.  That night in Blue Canyon was our first shady camp and a wonderful set of Rock Shops. 

 Morning of Day 5 came and brought the sun for a sweaty pack up.  We all cooled down with a white water swim past camp and into the eddy channel.  Heading on down Blue Canyon past the confluence with the Snake River, we stopped at Cherry Creek for lunch, a waterfall hike and wonderful wildlife sightings. Moving down stream past the beginnings of civilization to a quiet camp at Jim Creek with blackberries and a evening circle of favorite moments. 

 Our last day gave way to the “Snake Lake,” a long section of mostly flat water rowing and and ever widening view.  The Grande Ronde joined the snake just above our take-out at Heller Bar.  Packing up, we returned to Walla Walla to de-rig with a collection of memories to take home.