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Idaho Guide Service |
888-734-3240 |
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| Section |
Swan Falls Dam to
Walter’s Ferry Bridge |
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Location |
Ada County, south of
Boise, southwest Idaho |
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Driving Time |
Boise—1 hour |
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Difficulty |
Class I-II |
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Trip Length |
16 miles (26 km) |
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Trip Options |
Oar raft; one day |
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Season |
April-June |
The Snake River’s Birds
of Prey Natural Area protects the nesting area of more than 700
pairs of raptors. Among the more frequently seen species are golden
eagles, red-tailed hawks, ferruginous hawks, northern harriers,
great horned owls, long-eared owls, Western screech owls, burring
owls, and prairie falcons. Rafting is an ideal way to see these
raptors and the impressive Snake River canyon scenery.
Other
than two Class II rapids near the Swan Falls Dam put-in, this
portion of the Snake is a very easy Class I float trip, providing
plenty of time to use binoculars, spotting scopes, and cameras.
Telephoto lenses are essential for photographing the birds of prey.
First-timers, seniors, families with young
children, and the disabled may enjoy this trip. The best time for
viewing raptors is from mid-March to mid-June. After June, the
canyon becomes quite hot and most raptors seek cooler, higher
elevations.
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