Tips for Applying for 2024 River Permits

Boundary Creek Boat launch at Middle Fork of the Salmon

NOTE: This post has been updated for the 2024 river trip application season. It’s nearly past time to apply for 2024 river permits (most of the lotteries closed on January 31). But if you blew it, don’t fret. You might be able to score a cancellation. Here’s a complete guide to applying for river trips—including … Read more

How to Wash Dishes in River Camp

Two women washing dishes in metal buckets on river trip

Washing dishes on a river trip can bring you great joy, if not life-changing magic. With good friends at your side and a terrific canyon view in your sights, the time passes quickly. Here are time-tested tips for how to set up your dishwashing operation in river camp, a list of essential camp dishwashing gear, … Read more

Planning an Upper Colorado River Trip

Blue raft floating through red rock canyon with evergreen pine trees on Upper Colorado River

The Upper Colorado is a wonderland of whitewater well known to many paddlers in Colorado. But if you’ve avoided this stretch because you’ve heard it’s crowded, consider giving it a shot. The Upper C has many options for both hardcore paddlers and families looking for a low-hassle overnighter relatively close to Denver. Here’s a guide … Read more

Best Coffee Presses for River Camping

Scone and Yeti coffee mug on red tea towel near river

Sipping a well-brewed cup of java while the sun rises over the canyon on a river trip is a singular pleasure. That experience requires that you don’t run out of coffee and you have the right equipment to make a good cup. The best camping coffee maker for a river trip is a thermal coffee … Read more

Guide to Floating the Smith River in Montana

Man gazing at canyon on Smith River in Montana at Sunset Cliff camp

For most people, the Smith River in Montana brings fish to mind. Lots of big, beautiful trout. But I think of wildflowers: Fields and fields of wildflowers. Pristine water, limestone canyon walls. Although I know someone who has run the Smith 25+ times (he’s lived in Montana a long time), the Smith is an exceedingly … Read more

17 Essential Personal Hygiene Tips for River Camping

Hand under spray from solar shower

Part of the joy of being on a multi-day river trip and camping out every night is leaving fussy things like bubble baths and wardrobe changes behind. But some modicum of cleanliness is good for your personal relations with other river trippers and keeps rashes, chafing, and cracked skin at bay. Plus, good camping hygiene … Read more