Portland Food Adventures brings
Lyf Gildersleeve along with
chef Erik Englund
to Hells Canyon

August 13-17
4 days off the grid, fishing, rafting and camping with Portland's premiere fishmonger.

This is the best adventure you could possibly plan this summer! Back by popular demand for the third year, an exciting adventure in Hells Canyon whitewater rafting on the Snake River will be something you’ll remember forever. Spend 4 days on the deepest naturally carved river canyon exploring, relaxing and making new friends. Fish with Lyf and Erik, and enjoy some of the best fish from Portland’s Flying Fish along the way, and they and Tributary will even prepare what you caught!! Tributary will take you deep into the history of the Snake River (and plains) with stories from the Oregon Trail, Lewis and Clark Expedition, Nez Perce and Shoshone Native American tribes and inhabitants dating back over 11,000 years.

Trip Itinerary

Sunday, August 13 – Arrive Halfway/Overnight at Pine Valley Lodge (book your room at Pine Valley Lodge by calling (541) 742-2027).  It’s about a 6-7 hour scenic trip from Portland.  You will want to allow time to stop and take in the beauty of the Columbia Gorge and the beautiful drive along route 86 between I-84 and Halfway

Arrive in Halfway between 3 and 5pm.  Check in  to your room at Pine Valley Lodge.  We’ll meet for a delicious dinner in Halfway at Tributary’s headquarters, where you’ll meet your hosts and adventure mates for the next four days while enjoying some treats Lyf and Erik have brought for you to whet your appetite for what’s ahead.

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Monday, August 14 – Continental breakfast at the Lodge, then then you’ll have the option of getting a ride from Halfway with Tributary down to Hells Canyon Dam or making the beautiful one-hour drive to the Idaho side of the river to Hells Canyon Dam in your own vehicle, arriving at approx 10am (we will confirm this time the evening before at dinner). We will launch, and start casually down river, catching your lunch – plenty of bass. (If you choose not to fish, that’s OK. Lyf and the rest of the crew will pick up the slack!)

Then we will rest and take up camp at our first campsite along the Snake River. Dinner on the river, and sleep in your tent that will have been set up for you. Marvel at the stars! We will be on the tail end of the peak Perseid Meteor Showers in mid-August, so you may get quite a show!

Tuesday, August 15 – Breakfast, launch down the river, where we will stop at a few sites to take in some history of the area, then lunch along the way, and continue to our second campsite to relax, and dinner on the river. Perhaps play some games, have some drinks (this trip is BYOB. Tributary will transport your beverages).

Wednesday, August 16 – A hearty breakfast, then launch down the river, and on this day will make the most progress, and we’ll fish for sturgeon. Lunch on the river, then we’ll head down and enjoy the beauty of the Canyon, and stop at our third campsite for our last night on the river, where Chef Erik and Lyf will prepare a Flying Fish Feast as a finale dinner.

Thursday, August 17 – After breakfast, we’ll have a casual short float down to Kirkwood Ranch, where we will enjoy a relaxing lunch, and have the opportunity to explore the museum containing relics and stories of this remote area’s history, Then we’ll be picked up on a jetboat and retrace our previous 30+ mile journey in faster time, heading upriver towards our launch spot, Hells Canyon Dam, where your car awaits you. Adios Amigos and Amigas!!

what to bring

Participants packing list:

ITEMS FOR ON RIVER 

  • re-usable water bottle – 32oz or more
  • shoes/sandals with heel strap (no flip flops, you can bring these for at camp)
  • sunscreen 
  • sunglasses (with a strap)
  • full sun hat or baseball hat
  • camera or cell phone (there is no cell reception, but you are welcome to bring your phone to take photos)
  • binoculars
  • fishing license
 

ITEMS FOR CAMP 

We suggest you pack your personal gear in a duffel bag (or similar type bag) that can easily be packed into a large dry bag while on the river. Your sleeping bag and pillow do not need to be in a separate bag. 

  • BYOB – you are welcome to bring you own alcoholic beverages (and mixers), we will safely transport these down the river for you
  • sleeping bag
  • pillow
  • change of clothes (2-3 outfits for day/evening)
  • sweatshirt/light jacket
  • towel
  • flashlight/headlamp
  • spare glasses/contacts
  • toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, soap, chapstick)*

*Please be sure to bring only eco-friendly soaps and substances on the river

PLEASE DO NOT BRING:

  • Expensive jewelry

Included with this trip:

  • 3 nights luxury riverside camping (tents and sleeping pads set up before you arrive at camp)
  • Meet & greet dinner the evening before your trip begins
  • 10 “on river” meals
    • Day 1 – lunch & dinner
    • Day 2 – breakfast, lunch & dinner
    • Day 3 – breakfast, lunch & dinner
    • Day 4 – breakfast & lunch
  • non-alcoholic beverages
  • Professional, experienced, knowledgeable local guides sharing their passion with you
  • Jet boat trip on day 4

Gear Provided with this trip:

  • PFD (Personal floatation device / aka life jacket)
  • Helmet
  • Small dry bag for your smaller personal gear – for day use/access
  • Large dry bag for your overnight gear (duffel of clothes etc) – for access @ camp 
  • Fishing gear 
  • Top of the line camping equipment (tent and sleeping pad)

Where To go

Pine Valley Lodge

For Sunday evening accommodations, we have a secured set of rooms set aside, please be sure to contact them at (541) 742-2027 to make a reservation. be sure to mention you are with the Portland Food Adventures Trip, this is not included with the trip. Breakfast Monday morning is included with your stay. 

Tributary Outpost

For Sunday evening meet & greet dinner – meeting @ 6:00pm 

For rafting Monday morning – meet 9:00am river ready with all gear packed

Cancellation Policy – All deposits and final payments are non-refundable.  We highly recommend travel insurance that would reimburse you and cover unforeseen circumstances that might prevent you from attending after booking.
 

About Tributary Whitewater

Tributary Whitewater has been a family owned and operated business since 1978. We run white water adventures in California & Oregon for all ages and walks of life. We believe river trips bring a special opportunity to connect with nature. Rivers can be both mild and wild and we offer experiences to unwind and re-wild.