HAGERMAN

Description

Class II and Class III rapids, bouncy roller coaster waves, mellow stretches, wildlife and canyon scenery in this seven-mile section of the Snake between Hagerman and Bliss draw lots of families, especially in the hot months.

 

There is a long rock garden below the rapids, then rafters have to watch out for large bridge abutments before the take-out ramp at the Bliss Bridge. Some rafters who want to avoid Slide take out at Idaho Power’s Relish Ramp, which is well upstream of the rapids and off River Road.

There are other exciting rapids, too.

 

The first, Prom Date, is a long stretch of large waves. The next, Captain Crunch, is near a giant stone left from a bridge. It has fast-moving water with a couple of big holes. Some rafters call it Pillar Rapids.

Chris’ Hole is next and has a steep elevation drop with a giant hole.

Another set is Frank Lloyd Wright Rapids, which is short with big drops. It’s near a home designed by the famous architect.

Idaho Power has several launch sites on the river. The Lower Salmon Falls Dam launch has a raft slide, large parking lot, vault toilet with changing room and big parking area. Another launch is at the confluence with the Malad River and has similar facilities.

The take-out below Bliss Bridge also has a toilet, ramp and parking area. For information, go to Idahopower.com and click on Our Environment, then Recreation, then Parks, then Hagerman Valley.