River of Return Retreat

This isn’t just a river trip—it’s a purpose-driven experience designed for women who want more from their time outdoors. In partnership with Yellow Jacket River Guides and Wild Hearts Idaho, this multi-day journey down the Main Salmon River blends whitewater adventure with ecological exploration and deep connection.

We won’t just raft—we’ll come to understand the ecology of the Salmon River corridor, diving into keystone species, interconnected ecosystems, and the role rivers play in shaping both landscape and lifestyle. And we’ll offer insight into how outdoor adventure can be used as a tool for growth, confidence-building, and community impact.

Whether you’re here to build skills, connect with other women, or explore a more meaningful relationship with rivers, this trip is designed to leave you more capable, more connected, and inspired to carry the experience forward.

• Pre-Trip Logistics

  Retreat Kick-Off Logistics & Communications:
  Expect a Kick-Off Email with all trip logistics about 2 weeks prior to the departure date of the retreat

  • This email will include YJRG waivers, departure & return information, and any other considerations WHI want’s our participants to know.

  Virtual Pre-Trip Meeting:
  WHI will be hosting a virtual Pre-Trip Meeting before departure. This meeting will be held on June 15th at 7 PM.

  • A Google Meets link will be shared in the Retreat Kick-Off Email.

  Transportation:

  Transportation to Carey Creek and our initial campsite will not be provided. Wild Hearts is excited to coordinate a carpooling and caravan plan during our Virtual Pre-Trip Meeting.

  If you will need transportation assistance, please reach out to Programs@wildheartsidaho.org upon registration!

  Other Pre-Trip Resources:

  • Frequently Asked Questions

  • Yellow Jacket River Guides Site

• General Itinerary

  Trip length: 4 days, 3 nights  | June 23rd - June 26th, 2027

  Wednesday, June 23rd

  • 1:00 PM | Meet at the Wild Hearts gear shed

  • 1:30 PM | Depart for the Salmon River

  • 5:30 PM | Arrive at initial campsite

  • 7:00 PM | Dinner riverside & sleep under the stars

  Thursday, June 24th

  • 7:00 | Rise & Shine

  • 8:00 AM | Arrive at Carey Creek, load a jet boat, & head upstream

  • 11:00 - 1:00 PM | Arrive at Buckskin Bills, meet the YJRG guides, & lunch

  • Head down river! :)

  • Dinner & camp at our first river campsite

  Friday, June 25th

  • Enjoy a FULL day in the Salmon River Corridor :)

  • Camp at our second river campsite

  Saturday, June 26th

  • Enjoy another HALF day in the Salmon River Corridor!

  • Lunch riverside

  • 1:00 - 2:00 PM | Depart for home

  • 5:00 - 6:00 PM | Arrive back at the gear shed & squeeze our good-byes

• Packing List

  What Should I Bring?

  Summer weather in Idaho can be extremely variable. Most trips can plan for a combination of gorgeous, sunny weather and some cloudy days with a chance of rain. These weather changes are often a highlight of the trip, as long as one has the right equipment.

  Each day, you will need to be prepared for temperatures ranging from ninety degrees to forty degrees. This rarely happens, but being prepared is the difference between discomfort and enjoying the river in a wide spectrum of conditions.

  What to Wear?

  We usually enjoy leisurely mornings in camp, so that we don't get on the water until the day has warmed up. On nice days, we recommend a bathing suit, quick dry shorts, a sun hat, and a sun shirt.

  Each boat will have a space available for "day" items that will be easily accessible. Keep a long underwear top and bottom and a warm hat accessible in case the weather gets cool, and have rain gear always handy in case a quick summer shower rolls in.

  Unless the weather is really hot and dry, wear synthetic fabrics on the river, because they are quick drying and are reasonably warm even when wet.

  In camp, it is always nice to slip into cotton shorts, sweats, or a light blouse and skirt.

  Yellow Jackets will Supply:

  • One Personal Waterproof River Bag (65 liter capacity)
    It will fit all the clothing items on the list, not easily accessible during the day.

  • One small "day bag" (~25 liters) or a comparable dry, easily accessible space on each boat for rain gear, hiking shoes, and other bulky items that you may need throughout the day.

  • One Waterproof Sleep Kit Bag
    It will contain your sleeping bag, not easily accessible during the day. You will not receive this bag until our first night on the river.

  • A Tent
    Plan on two people per tent, you can request a solo tent if preferred.

  Recommended Clothing:

  • Protective sun shirts

  • 2 or 3 pairs quick-dry (nylon) shorts

  • 1 or 2 bathing suits

  • Protective Sun Hat

  • Quality waterproof rain gear with hood (top and bottom)

  • Warm synthetic (fleece/pile) jacket and pants

  • 1 set (top and bottom) of midweight synthetic long underwear

  • Warm hat that covers ears

  • Warm gloves

  • One set warm clothing for in camp (flannel shirt and sweats, or a wool sweater, etc.)

  • 2 or 3 T-shirts, one long sleeve is nice

  • 2 pairs of shorts or pants

  • Sandals (Teva, Chaco, Nike, etc.)

  • Lightweight hiking shoes

  • Several pairs of wool or synthetic socks

  Other:

  • Sunglasses

  • 2 One quart water bottles

  • Sunscreen

  • Lip protection (chapstick)

  • Headlamp or flashlight with spare batteries

  • Toothbrush and toothpaste

  • Medications + one spare set for first aid kit

  • Biodegradable soap for bathing

  • Personal hygiene items

  • Insulated travel mug with lid

  You may also want…

  • Journal and pen

  • Camera and film

  • Reading material

  • Fishing rod

  • Small towel

  • One or two locking carabiners

  • One light skirt or dress for warm evenings in camp

  • A festive (or even silly) shirt or dress (be creative: leisure suits, evening gowns, superhero costumes encouraged)

  • Specialty Beverages: Canned Juices, Soda, Beer (cans only please!), Wine, Liquor, Mixers, or Mocktails

Retreat Registration

Please fill out the registration form below:

Open Registration Form

Retreat Deposit & Donation

Your investment of $1,700 for this retreat helps ensure that Wild Hearts Idaho’s Youth Adventures remain accessible to all and that our programs can continue to grow and thrive.

Trip price includes: Rafting and camping equipment, fees and taxes, meals, guide and camp services. It does NOT include transportation, specialty beverages (liquor), or gratuities.

Quick View

'27 River of Return Retreat Deposit

$1,700.00

This retreat may be purchased with the one-time payment of $1700, covering the full cost of the retreat, or in 4 monthly installments of $425.

If this deposit appears to be sold out, the retreat has filled. Regardless, you are welcome to submit the registration form to be placed on the waitlist and, later, notified if a spot becomes available.

View Options

An additional tax-deductible donation will provide this same transformative experience for a teen girl.

Thank you for investing in outdoor adventure and helping more girls experience the confidence, connection, and joy that come from time outside!

Cancelation Policy

Due to the limited space available on our Salmon River Adventure, all payments will be forfeited for cancellations made within 90 days of the launch date.

If YJRG cancels your trip due, but not limited, to water, weather, fire, epidemic or other environmental or safety conditions, no refunds will be given.

YJRG & WHI STRONGLY RECOMMENDS TRIP INSURANCE TO PROTECT YOUR INVESTMENT.

Yellow Jacket River Guides is bonded, insured and is an equal opportunity provider.
Licensed by the State of Idaho,Yellow Jacket River Guides is operated under special use permit with the Salmon-Challis National Forest and a Proud Member of the Idaho Outfitter and Guides Association and America Outdoors.