Explore Snake River

Embark on a multi-day river trip down the Snake River with Earthjustice staff and members of the Nez Perce Tribe to learn about our effort to restore Pacific salmon habitat.

Our goal is to remove four dams on the lower Snake, which, if successful, would be the largest river restoration project in the world and bring salmon back from the brink of extinction — a critically important species for Native American tribes and fishing communities.

Over six days, you'll meet with local partners in town and embark on a camping trip down the Snake River, rafting through Class III rapids alongside Earthjustice staff, expert guides, and a member from the Nez Perce Tribe.

Watch a short video from a recent journey to the Snake River with Earthjustice Travel Specialist Matt Horst.

Raft the Snake

Raft 31 miles down the Snake River as you navigate rapids, fish, hike, and explore the surrounding landscape. Joined by expert OARS guides, Earthjustice staff, and a member of the Nez Perce Tribe, you’ll be immersed in the steep canyon walls and witness what our coalition is fighting to protect.

Nez Perce Tribal Partners

We developed this trip in partnership with Stacia Morfin from Nez Perce Tourism, LLC, which focuses on creating a platform for Nimíipuu people to share their own narrative of the past, present, and future. Joining you throughout your trip, members of the Nez Perce Tribe will offer cultural learnings and share stories grounded in their own voices and the Nimíipuu side of history.

Brian Plonka for Earthjustice

Never Rest™ Fun Fact

A central goal of Earthjustice’s Never Rest™ campaign is to increase our institutional capacity and competence to take on more cases with and on behalf of tribal and Indigenous communities through the creation of our Tribal Partnerships Program. Earthjustice currently represents more than 70 U.S. tribes and Indigenous communities in more than 50 legal cases.

Sunday, June 8 – Friday, June 13, 2025

6 Days, 5 Nights

DAY  1

Welcome

Sunday, June 8

Overnight

Hells Canyon Grand Hotel

Fly into the Lewiston-Nez Perce County Regional Airport (LWS) where your Iconic Trip Leader will meet you at baggage claim. You will be transferred by private shuttle to Hells Canyon Grand Hotel, our base for the next two nights. Relax and unpack before meeting the group for a welcome reception. We’ll receive an overview of the coming days and go through a round of introductions, including our Earthjustice hosts and fellow travelers.

© Neil Ever Osborne / Save Our Wild Salmon / iLCP

DAY  2

Nez Perce Tour of the Dworshak Dam & Reservoir and Fish Hatchery

Monday, June 9

Overnight

Hells Canyon Grand Hotel

Today, we are meeting with members of the Nez Perce Tribe as we travel to the Dworshak Dam & Reservoir and Dworshak National Fish Hatchery, which the Nez Perce Government Body recently acquired co-management rights to. Members will give us a comprehensive tour, explaining the four dams on the Lower Snake’s role in the destruction of critical Pacific salmon habitat and the importance to take them down.

Earthjustice worked in a coalition of tribal governments, federal and state agencies, and local organizations to secure a groundbreaking initiative to save salmon from the brink of extinction.

Brian Plonka for Earthjustice

Following tours of the facilities, we’ll head back to the hotel for some downtime. This evening after dinner, we’ll be joined by OARS river guides for an overview of the coming days and instructions on how to best pack your bags for the river trip. Waterproof bags will be provided, and you can leave any extra luggage at the hotel.

Edwin Remsberg / Getty Images

DAYS  3  &  4

Rafting Down the Snake River

Tuesday, June 10 & Wednesday, June 11

Overnight

Camping on the Snake River

Pack your bags as we meet our guides at the hotel for our three-day, two-night river trip down the Snake River. After a short prop-plane flyover and drive to designated starting point, we’ll receive a safety orientation and begin our journey! Over the coming days, you’ll raft 31 miles down the river on a fully outfitted canoe trip accompanied by experienced guides, Earthjustice staff, and a member of the Nez Perce Tribe.

Paolo Sartori / Getty Images

With expert guides leading the way, we’ll navigate through Class III rapids with a variety of boat options will be available to choose from, including: a standard raft for active paddling and rafting, a dory, and larger rafts that you can ride down the river on. You will have the chance to switch boats and also try kayaking down rapids, if interested.

Jeff Foott / Getty Images Chris Jordan-Bloch / Earthjustice Klaus Vedfelt / Getty Images

A typical day on the river includes opportunities for fishing, wildlife viewing, and hiking to Indigenous sites and settler homesteads while learning about the cultural and environmental significance of the surrounding region. As we make camp each night, the guides will prepare delicious meals as the group pitches tents on the riverbed, enjoy leisurely drinks and activities, and settle in around the campfire for discussions and stargazing.

Cavan Images / Getty Images

DAY  5

Exiting the Snake River

Thursday, June 12

Overnight

Hells Canyon Grand Hotel

Relish your last breakfast in the wild before packing up camp and enjoying the final float down the river as we head to the takeout point.

crbellette / Getty Images

We’ll return to Hells Canyon Grand Hotel for the final evening. You’ll find our luggage in your (new) room and can take the afternoon to soothe your muscles in the hot tub, enjoy a refreshing shower, and rest.

This evening, we’ll reflect on a wonderful week and toast to those memories over a group dinner at Sauté on 6th, a local restaurant co-owned by a member of the Nez Perce Tribe.

Chris Jordan-Bloch / Earthjustice

DAY  6

Departures

Friday, June 13

While it will be hard to say goodbye, today marks the end of our journey together. Breakfast will be available at the hotel this morning. Airport transfers will then be coordinated based on flight times.

Brian Plonka for Earthjustice

• Dates: Sunday, June 8, 2025 – Friday, June 13, 2025
• Group Size: 12–13 Guests
• Minimum Age: Guests must be at least 7 years old

Package Rate

• Double occupancy $6,850 per person
• Single occupancy: $7,240 per person

Julie Kinamore  |  Iconic Adventures

An invoice for your deposit will be sent within 24 business hours of registering. For more information about the trip, please contact Julie Kinamore from Iconic Adventures at concierge@iconicadventures.com or (877) 941-9412.

CST#2104024

Matt Horst  |  Earthjustice

If you have Earthjustice-related questions, please contact our travel team at travel@earthjustice.org or (312) 800-8308.

At Earthjustice, we go to court for the future of our planet. But we are more than just lawyers in a courtroom: our litigation, advocacy, and communications work lead to real change on the ground.

As a valued Justice Partner and Evergreen Council member, you’re invited to travel with us to experience firsthand how our legal wins matter profoundly for people and the environment.

Each trip is intentionally customized to explore major environmental and public health fights alongside Earthjustice attorneys, local experts, and community advocates. Pairing a behind-the-scenes look at our regional work with comfort and adventure, your experience will color the stories you tell friends and families for years to come while building relationships with the magnificent places we fight for.

Our trips are priced only to cover expenses and are not intended to help fund our organization. In partnership with renowned tour operator Iconic Adventures, we offer these trips to you as an opportunity to connect with our shared mission.

All 2025 Explores Trips

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