Into the woods river retreat
June 3-7, 2025
MIDDLEFORK OF THE SALMON RIVER
The Middle Fork in late May is spectacular. This trip stands out as our most active and exhilarating experience. The IRJ crew takes full advantage of the daylight hours and explores some of the most incredible sites along the river. Wildflowers are in full bloom, numerous crystal-clear hot springs to soak in, breathtaking waterfalls tumbling in from the spring melt, and ample time to hike or simply enjoy disconnecting at camp. With an intimate guest-to-guide ratio, you'll forge a sense of camaraderie and shared adventure with both the crew and your fellow travelers.
Some of my favorite features:
Hot springs. So many hot springs!
Waterfalls
The clearest water of any river I’ve been on. This is the headwaters, the source of the salmon river stretch that goes all the way to the ocean.
A TOP NOTCH company, each guide averaging 8 years of technical and intense river experience.
A gorgeous flight that takes us over the sawtooth mountain range and gets us to the put in for the river.
Delicious food, beaches, mellow rapids, all-levels movement, wellness tools, day hikes, and ‘Rachelle-style’ meditation.
Every day is full of new opportunities for adventure, stillness, great food, and new friendships that tend to last for years after the trip. Overall it’s really about the disconnect from the daily anxieties, no cell service, and a connection back to ourselves.
By the end of the a 5-day trip down the river, our reflection staring back at us from the water is usually one that’s got more laugh lines, calmer eyes, and a rekindled zest for life.
I’ve never met a person that hasn’t been completely changed by this river trip. I hope you’ll join us.
TOtal cost:
$2,965.00
Deposit of $750.00
DEADLINE:
April 15th, 2025
Trip breakdown
The retreat is a 5 day river trip beginning in one of my favorite little towns, Stanley, ID. From Stanley, you will be shuttled around the Sawtooth Mountain Range, where you’ll meet the guide crew and hop on a boat, ditch cell service, and see some of the most remote and gorgeous stretches of water.
If you’ve never done a multi-day river trip, get ready for your newest love affair. The river flows through Idaho and is one of the most beautiful places I've ever been.
Every day is spent rafting, eating good food on sandy beaches, exploring the mountains nearby and then I add the yoga/wellness component - meditations, mindful movement, and other tools to grow and expand in self. We use writing, breathing, and all sorts of other tricks to feel connected to mind and body.
This year's theme is: TBD
After a traumatizing years of distance, isolation, and overall disconnectedness from each other, I cannot WAIT to gather by the fire, share stories, food, songs, and overall remember what it feels like to be a part of a community. To belong.
The river is, simply, magic. The guides cook and set up camp for you every day (it feels way more like 'glamping' to be honest).
A regular day looks like this:
Wake up next to the river on a comfy cot either in a tent or not (depending on your preference).
A bit of gentle movement/meditation/intentional practice. Warm, delicious breakfast.
Gear up the boats and hit the river.
Rapids!
We will usually stop for hikes, hot springs (my favorite) and other cool little hidden gems that are tucked away along the way.
Set up camp - usually under some big ponderosa pines.
Music and movement - wellness tools
Dinner
Guided meditation
Sleep next to the river under the stars (or in a tent).
Each day is slightly different with different stops and quirks of the river - hot springs, hikes, ranch/mountain man towns, etc.
We end back in Salmon, ID. I often recommend staying in Salmon for at least a night before traveling home. But there are many who head straight home and carpool options will be available for both options.
Testimonials
“There’s a magic that happens on the river with Rachelle - a deep connection with nature, self, and other beautiful humans. It’s a vibrant and soulful experience that brings clarity and a desire to integrate all the beautiful things back into one’s daily life.”
“I have nothing but amazing things to say. This is my second river retreat with Rachelle that I’ve attended. They are so healing, welcoming, fun, and there’s so much space for letting go and regaining a feeling of self. There’s no expectations to perform or to be ANYONE but yourself. There’s a reason I keep coming back and I plan to keep coming back. There’s something special about the magic that is created there.”
J. G.
Sarah S.
“This trip was literally life altering. I would not use that term unless it applied completely and unconditionally. Rachelle is MAGIC. Words fail to express my gratitude to you (Rachelle), the river, and the beautiful souls on the journey.”
S. Krug