The Essential Hells Canyon Rafting Reading List

Interested in learning more about Hells Canyon? Here are some great books with information spanning geology, stories, to the beginning of Hells Canyon rafting.

2 rafts in Hells canyon on a 3 day whitewater rafting trip

Home Below Hells Canyon | By Grace Jordan

This easy read is a great book about the Jordan family living and sheep herding in Hells Canyon during the Great Depression.

Snake River of Hells Canyon | Johnny Carrey, Cort Conley, and Ace Barton

This is the bible of Hells Canyon. Detailed stories of Hells Canyon’s full history. Read along with the river flow for mile by mile of almost forgotten history.

River Tales of Idaho | Darcy Williams

A variety of short stories about Idaho’s rivers.Native American tales through the homesteading years of the 19th century to modern stories.

Roadside Geology of Idaho | David Alt and Donald Hyndman

Dive deep into Idaho’s vast geology. Learn about ow Idaho was formed or follow the book while on an Idaho road trip to check out the geology mile by mile.

Island and Rapids: The Geologic Story of Hells Canyon | Trace Vallier

More in depth geology about how Hells Canyon was formed and shaped until it looks like it does today.

Hells Canyon has so much history and stories of courageous people who tried to tame it. We recommend reading these books then jumping on a Hells Canyon Rafting Trip to experience the full history: pictographs, homestead remains and the remnants of Hells Canyon’s incredible past.

Joseph Duggan

September 5, 2023.

I just returned from a 5 day and 4 night rafting experience It couldn’t have been any better Americas Rafting Company delivered excellence in all aspects of the trip the food was amazing, the rafting guides were expertly prepared , safety is a high priority with Americas Rafting Company. There was a nice balance of class 3 and class 4 rapids that kept the trip exciting and not overwhelming. The wildlife was amazing I saw 4 cinnamon bears on the riverbank as well as seeing multiple bald eagles perched in trees and big horn sheep and mountain goats and deer and elk grazing on the river banks

Wick Wickliffe

September 2, 2023.

There are no words to convey this trip other than to say "Well Done"! Well Done Lauren! Well Done Jarrett! Well Done Melissa! Well Done Bob! Everything was Well Done - obviously the guides, but also the food, OMG the food, the service, the sense of safety. And the scenery, my vocabulary cannot describe it beyond breathtaking, every bend in the river is amazingly different. I also paid Oregon to fish but I did little of it since the entire time I was catching! Was hoping for a sturgeon, but next time. Thank you ARC, bucket list item.

Lynn Halterman

September 1, 2023.

This is the ONE! Best team of people you could ever ask for. No disappointments! If you want to raft the Snake River highly recommend these guys. Super NICE!

David Doty

August 28, 2023.

Fantastic experience! Lauren and Jarrett run a tight ship. Well organized all around. Food was amazing. Comfortable and full of adventure, highly recommend

Rod Burkett

August 26, 2023.

I took two of my son’s on a 3 day white water trip. All I can say is it couldn’t have been better the meals were way above what I was expecting. They were great !! And are two captains were what made the trip special. They went way over what I would have expected to make sure we were comfortable and having a good time. They were very friendly and just great people. I would highly recommend this trip to anyone including families. The water wasn’t that rough and the scenery was fantastic we saw mountain goats and all kinds of birds including bald eagles. If you do decide to go stay at the Frontier Hotel across the street. It’s a very small town and the people treat you like family. Oh try Mr LI’s Chinese food its something special. Hope you go. Rod

Jill Meadows

August 18, 2023.

If you are trying to decide which rafting company to use for your adventure through Hells Canyon, look no further. Your search can stop here. Lauren and Jarrett run an amazing operation and put so much time, effort, and thought into making sure their guests have a wonderful trip. My husband and I did the 4 day trip through Hells Canyon and it was the perfect balance of adventure and relaxation. The guides were kind and friendly and the food was always five star worthy. Thank you ARC for an amazing trip and memories that will last a lifetime!

James Waldrop

June 28, 2023.

First I will say I didn't know what to expect because I have never done any white water rafting. However I feel after going on a trip with America's Rafting Company I am ruined forever. First and foremost is safety they explain things clearly and prepare you for the trip. Second the guides are knowledgeable and very fun to be around. I think the things we couldn't get over is how awesome the food is and how hard the crew worked for us the whole trip. We had rain for 2 days but to me that didn't ruin the fun at all. I don't think you can find anyone on our trip that had any complaints or negative things to say. If you want to have a good time go with this awesome company. Did I mention how good the food is?

Max McClorey

June 6, 2023.

Lauren put together some food packs for us for a private trip, and they were superb! Great meals, clear organization, easy-to-follow instructions. Couldn't have been better