Ditch the Device & Take an Adventure

I must admit....though I own/operate a wilderness adventure company, like everyone else I am always connected.  My Iphone is never far away and I think the Ipad might be the coolest toy since full suspension mountain bikes.  During the winter I find myself digesting digital media equal to the big business guy plugged into the stock market. Against my better judgments and with Christmas on the horizon, the desire for more digital screens, devices and apps only grows.

I  pride myself on being an active and involved family man.  I strive to rage against the machine, but admittedly family time can still deteriorate into our own screens.  When I think about how much of our lives will be absorbed into our digital devices it makes me sad. In this busy world of productivity, volatile markets, tweets, status updates and breaking news it is only getting harder to pull ourselves away from the screen.  

As parents in the midst of the daily grind it takes a conscious effort to log-off .....and connect with what matters. I cherish the chats on the chairlift with my daughter during a cold, snowy powder day.  Or the uninterrupted, warm & sunny beach walks with my wife.    I look forward to spending a spring weekend surrounded by redrocks and the desert stars.  Though mostly, without question.......I look forward to our annual family river trips.  For my family it happens every year, sometimes twice, but it never loses its magic.    Those five days where I watch fellow parents fully engage with their kids.... their laughter... their anxiety's.... their successes and their failures.  I watch the parent-child relationship evolve through the daily discovery of the unknown.  Those that have experienced the Salmon River know exactly what I am talking about.  

So in an effort to ditch the device I will keep exploring, seeking out moments to disconnect.  In this crazy world of  trends, soundbites, bipartisan politics and digi-devices......more than ever, we to truly and completely need an escape. So if in your journeys you find a better opportunity than the Salmon River and The Frank Church Wilderness to reconnect with the fam, let me know......

Happy Holidays, 

Jared 

Thanks for an amazing summer of Idaho Rafting

The leaves are changing, there is snow in the forecast and rumors of la nina returning with a vengeance. Before we completely forget about the warm Idaho sun, crystal clear waters of the Salmon River and the silence of the Frank Church Wilderness....we want to thank you.

2011 Annual Kids Trip

The SAC crew would like to thank all of the new friends we made during the 2011 rafting season. All in all.......it was the most successful summer, ever!

THANK YOU!

Experience Idaho's Amazing Wild Salmon Up Close & Personal

As the 2011 Rafting season winds down on the Upper Salmon we are treated to an amazing once-a-year experience. We get to share the Upper Salmon for 5 days with the threatened Idaho Wild Salmon!

Idaho's wild Salmon are unlike any other in the world! They migrate from their birthplace in the Upper Salmon 900 miles to the ocean. Spend 2 to 3 years gorging on the pacific's ocean nutrients before traveling 900 miles up stream, over 6500 ft to their original birthplace. These amazing fish travel higher and longer than any other species in the world to spawn within meters of where they were born.

Between August 29th thru September 2nd Sawtooth Adventure Company offers Salmon education & awareness trips down the Upper Salmon. During this final week of the rafting season we accommodate these amazing fish by portaging around critical spawning areas. SAC guests will whitness these enormous fish spawing in thier natural habitat. Guests will be educated about the pressures, politics and economics affecting these amazing fish & the free-flowing rivers that support them.

Daily half day trips available. Give us a call or book online and spend a day on the Salmon with these amazing & threatened river monsters!

1-866-774-4644

Click Here to Book Online

Summer's almost over...Book a Family Raft & Kayak trip on the Salmon and SAVE!

SAC is wrapping up the 2011 Family Raft & Kayak season on September 2nd.

To celebrate another great summer on the Salmon we are offering 20% off our popular 1/2 Day Raft Trip with Lunch when you book ONLINE!

Use Promo Code: endofsummer

Discount available for online reservations only

2011 Annual Kids Trip- Idaho's Main Salmon River

Its Official...

the 2011 Annual Kids trip has set the standard!

A great mixture of families consisting of 14 kids & 12 adults from Maryland, California, Tennessee, Washington and Utah joined the SAC crew for a 5 day unforgettable family adventure on Idaho's Salmon River of No Return.

Every summer Sawtooth Adventure Company designates its July 29th Main Salmon Trip to families with kids. All SAC Main Salmon trips are family friendly, but this trip is different. During the Annual Kids Trip our young adventurers are the focus of our attention. We bring a variety of beach games, sand toys, lots of kayaks, Stand Up Paddle boards and more to make sure every moment is full of fun. We adjust the menu, schedule, and activities guaranteeing our little adventurous a trip of a lifetime.

On day 1 some of the parents were apprehensive about camping for 4 nights in the largest wilderness in the US. Following the first night of comfortable camping, appetizers, great food and cold beverages they coined the phrase "Glam-ping" and all apprehensions floated down stream.

After 5 days with tons of giggles, lots of laughter, fun rapids, great wildlife, new friends, and amazing food.......it was unanimous, the SAC kids trip was a screaming success

The popularity of SAC's ultimate family adventure has caught like wildfire. Families are already making reservations for the 2012 trip and space is limited. Book now to reserve your families adventure of a lifetime

Call 1-866-774-4644

Why SAC?.....The difference is in the details

One of the most common questions we receive from inquiring guests is.....

"Why Sawtooth Adventure Company?"

Obviously we think SAC is the best in the business, but then again......we own the operation. There is a fine line between tooting our own horn and explaining why Sawtooth Adventure Company is the best decision for your Family Rafting Adventure. In the end when choosing a commercial outfitter the devil is in the details.

A few facts to help with your decision:

• #1 in Idaho- The fact that TripAdvisor ranked Sawtooth Adventure Company as the #1 tour in Idaho under Top-Rated things to do in Idaho.... speaks loudly.
• Experience: On our Sun Valley Rafting Trips in Stanley- SAC has been in business for 11 summers, longer than the competitiion. While they claim 25+ years, the reality is their name is 25 years old, but all the owners/managers are new in the last 7 years.
• We are what we do....Family Rafting Trips- raising a young rafter (10 years old) we completely understand what is necessary to make it a fun, safe and enjoyable experience for your kids as well as parents.
• Safety- Our number #1 concern. SAC has safely hosted 20,000 kids and adults down Idaho's Salmon River. All SAC guides have experience in wilderness travel, wilderness emergency medicine and swiftwater rescue. SAC guides live to run the Class IV High Adventure Trips and when the water is running high and the rapids are pumping.....nothing replaces experience.
• Guides -SAC guides are professionals. They consist of college grads, school teachers, master students and collegiate athletes. They are required to participate in an annual, week-long wilderness river training trip as well as a 3-day training for our Sun Valley Rafting Trips.
• Quality Equipment: When running wilderness river trips quality equipment is paramount. SAC replaces its equipment on a regular basis. This ensures all the gear required to keep you safe and having fun is in top-notch shape.
• Reputation: SAC has a reputation of a professionally ran, top quality service. This reputation began years ago when SAC owners graduated with a degree in Commercial Recreation Management. Today this reputation continues through our great guides, safe trips, huge number of return clientele and unmatched customer service.

Whether its your first experience on a wild river, or your 50th....give Sawtooth Adventure a try and we guarantee you'll be back for more.

An amazing adventure awaits......

Jared, Roni and Maya

Sun Valley Rafting.....essential to the Sun Valley Vacation

Experience the Sawtooth Adventure Company......Sun Valley Idaho tradition.

Since 2001 SAC has created high end family rafting trips to parallel the Sun Valley tradition. Sun Valley guests can expect top quality equipment, vehicles, food and most importantly professional guides

SAC has the annual opportunity to host a number of family reunions, corporate retreats and traveling families visiting the magical Sun Valley Resort.

An amazing adventure awaits...........

Call 1-866-774-4644

Big Water = Big Savings on the Salmon

Book last minute with Sawtooth Adventure Company on our Class IV High Adventure Trip and receive 2 for 1 thru June 19th. Book your trip within 48 hours to receive discount. Availability limited.

Call 1.866.774.4644

The New Black Canyon Rapid on The Main Salmon

Mother Nature threw us a curve ball last month with a big blow-out of Black Canyon Creek creating a new rapid on our Main Salmon Trips. The SAC crew is excited to run the rapid and witness how mother nature chooses to carve this new river feature with the spring run-off.

Idaho's wilderness is a wild and amazing place that continually evolves and changes with the seasons. Join our Main Salmon Rafting Trips to experience first-hand this amazing canyon!

Mother Nature threw us a curve ball last month with a blow-out at Black Canyon Creek creating a new rapid on our Main Salmon Trips. Now she gets to sculpt it with the spring run-off.

SAC's Annual Raft & Camp Gear Sale

Join us on May 7, 2011 from 9 AM to 1 PM at 2602 Spring Haven Dr (3780 S) in SLC Utah for Sawtooth Adventure Company's Annual Gear Sale.

For Sale...

Aire Puma Raft

Aire Super Puma Raft

Aire Super Duper Puma Raft

Aire Lynx II Inflatable kayak

Sierre Design Tents

Sleeping Bags

Paco Pads

Whitewater Kayaks and equipment

Lots of raft and camping equipment

Cash and Credit Card Accepted

2011 Idaho River Levels & Salmon River Snowpack

Wow the winter of two-thousand and heaven just keeps on coming. As of April 19, 2011 the Snowpack for the entire Salmon River basin is 110% of normal. The snowpack for the headwaters of the Salmon River near Stanley Idaho is 104% of normal. The difference between this average water year and previous years is the ammount of snow still on the ground and in the mountains. Take a look at the graph below. Notice today's stream flow compared to the 30 year average?

What does all of this information mean?

If mother nature continues to cooperate with consistent moisture and gradual warming temps we are in for a long summer of whitewater rafting in Idaho with optimum river conditions.

Get ready to raft!

Amazing Story on the Iconic Sawtooth Valley Salmon

The Greatest Migration from EP Films on Vimeo.

SAC History: 11 years of Family Rafting in Stanley & Sun Valley Idaho

2001-Sawtooth Adventure Company opens its doors. Roni and Jared's Commercial Recreation Degree pays off! Maya, our first child is born June 9th, just to add a little spice to our first season. I almost forgot, the Salmon river had its lowest water year in 50 years. We end the season with 5 employees.

2002- With a year of parenting and baptism-by-fire small business ownership under our belts we open for the season with optimistic goals, but with a post 911 shadow. To our astonishment we experience an amazing growth over our 1st season. It seemed like every customer that went with us in year one returned in year two. Thanks!

2003-Get ready because her it comes! Big water ahead. Largest snow pack in 5 years mixed with 90 degree June weather. This is the year we decide the small red boats are simply more fun. Sawtooth Adventure experiences 127% growth over 02' and adds Float Fishing Trips to the mix. Oh' I almost forgot, we never thought that running a business and managing a 2-year old could ever be so hard.

2004- We hit our stride. Healthy business growth and a building clientele have us looking at expansion. Average water year, great group of guides.

2005- A lot happened in 2005. We buy the Stanley Property, build the oh-so-needed boat house and begin to remodel the cabin all in the month of May, thanks for good friends. Jared and Erich Hamm create a partnership and began actively looking for a Multi-day Main Salmon Permit. We purchase Echo's Main Salmon Operation in December, and Sawtooth Adventure Main Salmon is born.

2006- Sometimes we bite off more than we can chew. With the Stanley operation in somewhat cruise-control we are able to focus on expanding. .Combine the cabin remodel, debut of the Idaho Adventure Center and the Main Salmon and our 6th season is over in a flash. We add a Main Salmon warehouse in town, and the crew grows to 14 employees. Maya turns 5 years old and floats the whitewater section for her first time, she already thinks she's a pro.

2007- The 07' season will be remembered as the year of the fire(s). Wildfire's made things interesting, but overall 07 was a great year. We had the best crew in SAC history, hosted the largest Group Trip in the history-of the upper Salmon with 358 guests, and grew the new Main Salmon operation by %100+. Maya runs the class III's more times than a 6 year old can count and is ready to try the Inflatable kayak.

2008- A huge snowpack and cool spring has given us the best rafting conditions we have seen in a decade. With Roni back in action and all of our guides returning for another summer, 2008 is sure to be the best year yet. We hope to see you in Stanley for a great day on the Salmon River.

2009 - Better than average snowpack and a 100% employee return offsets the doom & gloom of the national economy. Our 1st Annual Kids trip on the Main Salmon is a huge success & topples Disneyland as Maya's favorite vacation. Thanks to a huge number of familiar faces (return clients) on our 1-day rafting trips and 2009 exceeds expectations.

2010- Wow 10 Years! Thats right.....this season marks 1 decade of family raft trips on Idaho's famous Salmon River of No Return. We start the season out with a bang on a snowy, highwater, 175 mile guide training trip on the Middle Fork & Main Salmon. Our 2nd Annual Kids Trip on the Main sells out, and more families join us on our Salmon River multi-day trip than ever before. The economy seems to have bounced and we host more Sun Valley Corporate rafting groups than the past 2 years combined! Blessed with an amazing guide crew and beautiful fall weather we have the best fall fishing, rafting and biking season on record. Maya continues to cherish her summers in Stanley and rafts the Class III day trips more times than dad can keep track. She learns to Inflatable Kayak and masters the scenic float & soak section. Her love for wild rivers and wilderness is undeniable.

Spring 2011- aptly nicknamed "two thousand and heaven" due to the abundant snowpack. All indicators look like another great summer in Stanley and on the Salmon River. Maya turns 10 years old this summer, the perfect age for all of our raft, kayak, bike and fishing adventures. Combine the amazing snowpack, rebounding economy, growing interest in the Main Salmon trips, and a great guide crew returning and 2011 looks prime. SAC expands to Latin America offering an amazing Nicaragua Vacation Rental on the Pacific. We continue to explore this amazing comer of the world and make plans to offer a combination of cultural and active adventures in 2012.

2011- San Jan Del Sur, Nicaragua

Hope to see you this summer in Idaho!

Jared, Roni & Maya

Corporate Adventures with TMN Events and The Sun Valley Lodge

Every summer Sawtooth Adventure Company has the opportunity to team up with TMN Events and offer Adventure Excursions to groups holding meetings at the Sun Vally Lodge.

Not in Sun Valley? No problem.... Sawtooth Adventure Company offers group adventures for reunions, weddings and parties visiting Stanley, Redfish Lake and the Sawtooth Mountains.

We offer custom guided mt. bike trips in the Sawtooths and group rafting, inflatable kayaking and fly fishing trips on the Salmon River.

An amazing adventure awaits......

1-866-774-4644

info@sawtoothadventure.com

Sawtooth Adventure Company needs you......

How does a summer of living and working on the Salmon River sound?

Meet life long friends and make life time memories while working and playing in Stanley Idaho, on the Salmon River and in the Sawtooth Mountains. Please send a resume, references and picture of yourself doing something you love to info@sawtoothadventure.com

4th Annual Kids Trip on the Main Salmon

"The moment you push down river you disconnect from life....and like magic... you reconnect with your kids. Our Annual Kids Trip is special.... its made for families. The giant sandy beaches mixed with 70 miles of fun and safe rapids make the Salmon River a perfect playground for families. So good..... it has become our own annual tradition. Join us for a week of good company, great food, fun games, lots of kids, tons of laughter on one of America's most pristine rivers"

- Jared Hopkinson, Father & SAC owner

4th Annual Kids Trip

Idaho's Salmon River

July 29- August 2nd, 2011

Trip includes food, beverage, camp gear, raft equipment and scenic flight over Idaho's vast wilderness. Family discounts available.

Call 1.866.774.4644 or email info@sawtoothadventure.com for details