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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.