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Writer's pictureAdventure Idaho

Murtaugh Rafting: Local Company Brings Whitewater Adventures Back Home to Twin Falls

Adventure Idaho is expanding its operations to include the exhilarating Murtaugh section of the Snake River. This move brings the company back home to its roots in Twin Falls, Idaho, where owners Alan and Geana Davis, along with General Manager Justin Smith, have deep local ties.

Knuckles rapid on the Murtaugh section of the Snake River
Dropping into Knuckles Rapid

Not Your Normal Rafting Trip

The Murtaugh section, often dubbed the "Grand Canyon in a Day," offers an unmatched whitewater experience. Spanning 13 miles from the Murtaugh Bridge to the Twin Falls Reservoir, this legendary stretch features over 20 major rapids with exciting names like Troll, Knuckles, Misty, and Let’s Make a Deal, as well as numerous unnamed Class III and IV rapids. It’s a thrilling adventure that’s sure to attract adventure enthusiasts from Boise, Salt Lake City, and beyond.

Arch at Misty rapid on the Murtaugh section of the Snake River
Exploring an arch along the way.

Not only can visitors view Shoshone Falls, but they can now experience the power of the Snake River just upriver from the falls. The sight of dozens of waterfalls cascading over the canyon rim adds an impressive aspect to this adrenaline-pumping trip.

Murtaugh section of the Snake River.
Waterfalls and Rapids on the Murtaugh

Local Expertise Meets 5-Star Experiences Justin Smith, who grew up in Kimberly, Idaho, recalls spending afternoons kayaking this stretch of the Snake River after high school. His intimate knowledge of the river, combined with Adventure Idaho’s proven track record of guiding thousands of guests each summer, ensures a top-tier experience. With a strong commitment to safety and guest satisfaction, Adventure Idaho consistently delivers 5-star adventures.

Who’s Ready for the Murtaugh? The Murtaugh section is typically runnable in the spring when Shoshone Falls is flowing, as most of the year the river runs dry due to irrigation demands. This section isn’t for the faint of heart—participants must be at least 16 years old, able to swim aggressively, paddle hard, and navigate rocky terrain. For those seeking a more relaxed or family-friendly trip, Adventure Idaho offers exciting whitewater adventures on the Hagerman section of the Snake River.

High water whitewater on the Murtaugh - Snake River
Brady Smith on the Murtaugh during unusually high water in 2017.

The Bigger Picture: A Vision for River Management Adventure Idaho dreams of a future where the Snake River is managed to benefit all, inspired by policies at Niagara Falls. There, water flows are reduced at night to conserve resources and enhanced during the day to maximize benefits for tourism, hydropower, and navigation. A similar approach on the Snake River could prioritize irrigation while saving large water releases for weekends or summer months. Such staggered flows would boost tourism, improve viewing at Shoshone Falls, and we’re confident the fish would appreciate the river not drying out all summer.

Duckblind Rapid - Murtaugh section of the Sanke River
Sunset at Duckblind Rapid

Explore Adventure Idaho In addition to the Murtaugh section, Adventure Idaho specializes in multi-day and 1/2 day trips on the Salmon River, perfect for youth groups, family reunions, and friends seeking unforgettable adventures.

To learn more about rafting the Murtaugh section or to book your next adventure, visit www.adventureidahorafting.com/murtaugh

Experience the thrill of big water rafting in your own backyard with Adventure Idaho—where local roots meet unparalleled adventure.

Rafting the Main Salmon with Adventure Idaho
5 Day Rafting Trip on the Main Salmon

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