Idaho's Idyllic Quintessential Western River Trip

Main Salmon River Rafting & Meditation Retreat

Begins: July 7th, 2026

Join us for 6 days and 5 nights on the magnificent Main Salmon River in Idaho, named the “Best Guided Outdoor Trip" by Sunset Magazine. We'll partner with OARS, the premier outdoor travel company since 1969, as they guide and support us for an unbeatable wilderness adventure.

Journeying over 81 miles on the free flowing Wild & Scenic Main Salmon River, we'll navigate fun, approachable Class III whitewater suitable for everyone. This stunning protected wilderness includes beautiful mountain scenery, abundant wildlife, a natural hot spring, and big pristine sandy beaches perfect for camping, playing, and hanging out.

SCHEDULE
July 7 - 12, 2026
Tuesday to Sunday
Main Salmon
Begin & End in McCall, ID

River Rafting & Hiking – Meditation & Movement – Delicious Meals – Peace & Quiet

Drawing on the perspectives of contemplative practice, secular mindfulness, and the wisdom of the natural world, each day begins in peaceful silence with early morning movement and meditation before breakfast. After savoring breakfast in silence, we'll gather up camp, get back on the river for a day of exciting rafting, quiet hiking, delicious meals, all in good company.

At the end of each day we'll relax and camp on a beautiful beaches, enjoy a fabulous meal, then gather beside the river for a talk and meditation before we settle back into silence for the night.

Experiencing intentional silence in the wilderness is a rare and special opportunity that supports the letting go of the natural stresses of everyday life.

Join us for an incredible wilderness adventure, accessible and relevant contemplative practice, and deep peace as you strengthen your connection with the yourself, each other, and the natural world. This retreat is suitable for both new and seasoned practitioners. All you need is your curiosity, enthusiasm, and love of the natural world. 

Check out this OARS interview with Heidi for a little more about this special trip: There's Power in Silence on the River.

Come experience the beauty of the Main Salmon, the magnificence of this ancient land, and extended time in the wilderness!

In support of our contemplative practice and our time together, this trip will be free from alcohol and drugs and includes extended periods of silence from the end of the evening through breakfast the next day.

DETAILS

Trip Fee: from $2,959
$3,109 includes optional Sleep Kit
Deposit: $500 to hold your spot

To Register: Contact Caitlin Levitz at OARS or 209.753.4800

Required Reading:
Before You Go! - including the full trip details & itinerary, complete packing list, cancelation policy and much more.
Trip begins at 6pm the evening of Monday, July 6th with a required pre-trip meeting and retreat orientation at OARS Warehouse in McCall, Idaho. We'll get on the water Tuesday morning and our trip ends on Sunday, September 12th arriving back in McCall by mid afternoon. Please make your travel plans accordingly.

For Other Questions: contact Heidi Bourne at 707.498.5562

Heidi Bourne is a meditation teacher in the Insight Meditation tradition and is the founder and guiding teacher of Pacific Mindfulness. She has been teaching since 2005 offering classes, series courses, nature retreats, trauma-informed/sensitive and resiliency-focused professional programs, and teaches regularly for Spirit Rock Meditation Center. Heidi is especially interested in the integration of the common sense, accessible and timeless teachings of awareness, ethics, and compassion into the complexity of our everyday lives. She is known for her grounded, down-to-earth humor and presence.

Heidi holds certification in mindfulness facilitation, trauma resiliency, and Trauma Sensitive Mindfulness. She has a background in nursing and over 35 years in small business leadership.

"I have done many river trips in the past, but this was my first coupled with yoga and meditation. It was sublime. The trip was carefully crafted with consideration of all aspects - adventure, excitement, exploration and relaxation in equal proportions." - J.B.

"I would like to give my great appreciation to Heidi and OARS for making this retreat possible. It was superb." - K.M.

"I'm still feeling waves of happiness remembering every moment of this phenomenal experience. Being in a such a secluded, natural environment is always spiritual, but this particular trip provided our group with a deeply reverential experience. I highly recommend this life-affirming trip!" - N.K.

"There are times in your life you say am I really doing this? This rafting adventure is beyond words. I recommend this trip and hope to go again as life is too short to not live the life you love and love the life you live." - J.O.