Kids in Kayaks: Celebrating the Free Flowing Salmon River
Editor’s Note: This blog was authored by Cadence Taylor, ICL’s Youth Engagement Organizer for High School Outreach.
The Salmon River is one of the largest free-flowing rivers in the contiguous United States, with 425 miles of clean, clear, and cold water. Youth Salmon Protectors (YSP) had the incredible opportunity to experience the Lower Salmon River during the Kids in Kayaks event. This event brought together seven Nimiipuu (Nez Perce) Youth Salmon Protectors, accompanied by YSP leadership, Idaho Conservation League staff, and educators from the University of Idaho. Our time on the river was spent observing the abundant plant and animal species, learning about the culture and history of the Nimiipuu Tribe, and building new connections with each other.
Over two days, we traveled 11 miles from Hammer Creek Recreation Site to Pine Bar. We began our journey early in the morning, by assembling our gear boats and packrafts, and started to descend down the river. Seeing the different animals on the river swim through the water and soar through the canyons made it clear how necessary clean rivers and free flowing waters are. We saw golden eagles, bald eagles, osprey, bull trout, and steelhead, and shared the river with countless other species that depend on this place to survive.
While we saw only a few of the species the river had to offer, there are so many more that rely on it. Chinook Salmon are one of the best examples. The Salmon River is named for these incredible salmon runs that once returned here each year to spawn. These fish depend on cold, free-flowing water to migrate upstream and spawn. As a keystone species, salmon sustain marine life, birds, mammals, and entire ecosystems. Meanwhile, downstream, the Columbia River and Snake River dams make it harder for salmon to migrate, and raise the water temperatures in the reservoirs. Water temperatures above 60°F can be deadly for coldwater fish like salmon and trout, making cold-water rivers like the Salmon River essential for their survival. We got to see firsthand how the Salmon River keeps cold and clean water that provides for the flora and fauna around us.
Our time on the river was full of excitement and wonder as we paddled through the river and down rapids. Time on the river passed quickly, and before we knew it, it was time to find a spot to set up camp for the night. The campsite we found was a sandy beach that provided beautiful views of the river and great areas to swim in. On shore, we spent time getting to know one another, watching and identifying birds and bugs, filming some Youth Salmon Protectors content, and sharing a delicious dinner together. When asked about a favorite part of the trip so far, many of our youth mentioned the rapids “Hopefully there's more rapids that we can ride, and places to swim tomorrow.” When the sun fell behind the hills we settled into our tents, getting the rest we would need for the next day.
The next morning, everyone woke up eager to get back on the water. After a quick breakfast and packing all of our gear back up, we said goodbye to the beach and continued downstream. We spent the morning chatting together and admiring the view until we were directed to pull off to a rocky shore. We then visited a site where pictographs left by Nimiipuu ancestors still remain. The deep red markings were so incredible to observe and gave us a glimpse into the lives of the people who have called this place home since time immemorial. We learned the importance of protecting these lands and just how much the Salmon River provided. “I don't want any of this land to get ruined, It's really beautiful and nice out here” Michelle Kipp, one of the youth on the trip shared.
We continued our way downstream taking swim and snack breaks anywhere possible. As we paddled through the last rapid of the trip we realized we would be getting off the river and leaving soon. There was a mix of excitement and disappointment as we approached Pine Bar. We unloaded our gear, deflated the rafts, and packed our things up before sharing one last lunch together. We said our goodbyes and shared favorite moments we had before separating to head home.
Our trip was so much fun and deeply educational. Passion for protecting the river swelled within us on the river and encouraged us to continue fighting for it. We left with a stronger connection to the river through the history and culture of the Nimipuu (Nez Perce), the beautiful wildlife and landscapes we experienced, and the new friendships we formed with each other.
The Salmon River inspires us with a model of an undammed river that sustains hundreds of species including our own. As young people who care about the future of wild salmon, we left the trip inspired to keep speaking up for the cold and clean rivers they depend on.
Every generation deserves to experience the Salmon River as it should be—with abundant wild salmon returning home to its waters. Take action today to protect wild salmon for future generations.