Murtaugh Rafting - Snake River
Big Water Rafting Near Twin Falls, Idaho
Murtaugh at 3,500 CFS. The rapids change significantly at different water levels!
Murtaugh Rafting: The Grand Canyon in a Day
The legendary Murtaugh section of the Snake River is the biggest, wildest ride we offer. This Twin Falls rafting adventure is among the best in the whitewater state! Experience Grand Canyon-sized whitewater thrills just minutes from Shoshone Falls. With 20 major rapids, this Class IV run is one of the most exhilarating and challenging river experiences in the whitewater state.
Closest Class IV rafting to Salt Lake City
This run delivers an intense whitewater experience just 3 hours from Salt Lake City or 2 hours from Boise.
Shoshone Falls: The Niagara of the West
Shoshone Falls, one of the most stunning natural landmarks in Idaho, towers at 212 feet—higher than Niagara Falls! Located just 8 minutes from the Twin Falls Reservoir takeout, this iconic waterfall is a must-see before or after your rafting adventure.
Here’s the best part: If Shoshone Falls is flowing, so is the Murtaugh. The same water powering this natural wonder fuels the thrilling rapids upstream. View the falls and experience the power of the mighty Snake River!
Why Choose Adventure Idaho?
With decades of experience guiding trips on Idaho’s most famous rivers, Adventure Idaho has earned the company reputation for excellence, safety, and fun. The Murtaugh section is one of the biggest challenges we tackle, requiring only the most skilled guides and the best equipment.
-
Highly Experienced Guides: Our team of expert guides know the Murtaugh like the back of their hand.
-
Top-Notch Safety: We prioritize your safety with the best gear, thorough briefings, and clear communication.
-
Local Knowledge: As locals who live and breathe Idaho rivers, we know the best lines and the hidden gems
Prepare to Tackle The Rapids:
-
Troll
-
Knuckles
-
Maybelline
-
Dishwater
-
Neil's Nemesis
-
Elevator
-
Misty
-
Junkyard
-
Horseshoe
-
Pair of Dice (Portage)
-
Hooker's Bar
-
Let's Make A Deal
-
Redshank
-
Duckblind
-
The Connection
-
The Murtaugh has many unnamed class III and IV rapids!
-
A Dynamic River Experience
Often referred to as "three rivers in one," the Murtaugh transforms dramatically with changing water levels.
-
High Water: Massive rapids reminiscent of the Grand Canyon.
-
Mid-Level Flows: Powerful rapids with extended recovery pools.
-
Low Water: A sub channel emerges, creating steep, technical drops.
Trip Details:
-
Meeting Location/Take Out: Twin Falls Reservoir Boat Ramp
-
Put In: Murtaugh Bridge
-
Trip Length: 13 Miles (3-6 Hours)
-
Rapids: Class III to IV+
-
Portages: 1 - You will portage around Pair of Dice, Class V
-
What to Bring: Detailed packing list will be provided.
-
Physical Requirements: Review our Essential Physical Requirements
-
Weight Limit: 250 lbs
-
Ages: Minimum 16+
-
Older participants should carefully consider the risks associated with cold water exposure and physical demands before joining.
-
Youth group participants must raft the Hagerman or Salmon with us first.
-
-
Rate: $149 per person (Can vary with season and availability, check for latest rates)
-
Group discounts available!
This Experience is NOT for Everyone!
The Murtaugh demands strong swimming skills, aggressive paddling, and the ability to navigate rocky terrain on foot. Raft flips are more common here than on any other trip we run. If you fall out and find yourself terrified, you may never want to go rafting ever again. High spring flows bring wet, cold conditions, adding to the challenge.
If you’re new to rafting, start with the Hagerman section of the Snake River for a more beginner-friendly introduction before tackling the Murtaugh.
Water Levels and Availability
The Murtaugh often runs dry, so be sure to check water levels before inquiring about a trip.
CFS (Cubic Feet Per Second) Guidelines:
Min: 2,000 CFS
Max: 12,000 CFS
Exceptions may be made for experienced groups, based on our expert judgment.
No water?
The Hagerman section of the Snake River is always running!
Follow us to stay in the loop! With a short season, we expect these trips to fill quickly.
Quagga Mussel Update
To address the recent discovery of invasive quagga mussels in the Snake River, we have introduced a new, dedicated fleet of rafts. These rafts, identifiable by their grey color, green ropes, and our logo, will be exclusively used for Snake River trips.
This change ensures that our Twin Falls operations remain distinct from our trips on other rivers across the state. By maintaining separate fleets and following regulations, we are committed to taking proactive measures, including cleaning and drying boats, to prevent the spread of quagga mussels to other waterways.
What's Included:
-
River gear - PFD, helmet, paddle.
-
Wetsuit & Splash Jacket
-
Rafts holding 4 to 8 passengers each.
-
Professional Guides
-
Van Shuttle
Not Included:
-
Lunch - We may provide this at lower water levels with longer times on the river. Coordinate with us.
-
Gratuities - Our guides greatly appreciate your generosity, especially if you feel they did an excellent job!
"Set up a company raft trip and couldn’t be more pleased with our decision to do it with these guys!!!! Their guides were all so personable and entertaining, felt safe the entire time and can’t wait to go again!!!!"
Payton
"LOVED rafting with them!! Super organized and fun activity. Was not put in danger but still was able to get out of my comfort zone."
"Abby Robinson is an absolute legend! She turned our rafting trip into an epic adventure, nailing every monster line on the river. Non-stop thrills, non-stop fun—she’s the guide you want if you’re craving the ultimate adrenaline rush! 🌊🔥"