University of Rochester Alumni Raft Trips

Enjoy a wilderness rafting vacation and support the U of R Alumni Association at the same time! Relax with family and friends while rafting through the largest wilderness in the lower 48 states. Explore Idaho's legendary Salmon River canyon with Silver Cloud Expeditions, owned by Chris Swersey (class of '86) and his family. 

“We highly recommend Chris and Silver Cloud Expeditions. After our experiences on the river and camping with Chris and his staff, we can only say how challenging, educational and FUN that week was! It was incredible, and we felt safe and comfortable. Not only is Chris a master outdoorsman, guide and fisherman, he is also a wellspring of historical information and local folklore. His knowledge about Lewis and Clark, Idaho and the Pacific Northwest is as good as that of any Elderhostel docent or lecturer out there. We enjoyed great camaraderie, reminiscing about campus life, including the Blotter, Record Archive and our favorite places to eat wings.”

- Sue Weiss (U of R ’76) and Jake Mueller, Chicago IL

U of R alumni can join any of our regularly scheduled trips to allow maximum flexibility when planning your vacation. As in years past if you choose to make a donation to the U of R Alumni Association, Silver Cloud Expeditions will match up to $100. This is a great way to make your donation go twice as far and enjoy a great vacation at the same time! Be sure to let us know that you would like to participate in the U of R Alumni trip program.

Silver Cloud Expeditions' guides will lead you on an adventure through the pristine Frank Church - River of No Return Wilderness. We'll traverse 80 miles of primitive river canyon, stopping each afternoon to set comfortable camps. Get away from it all and relax with the easy flow of "river time". Visit Native American pictograph sites and historic homesteads, hike the canyon, try some fishing or just kick back in camp. 

Silver Cloud's friendly professional guides will interpret river history, geology, and wildlife as well as they maneuver exciting Class III rapids. Enjoy mouth-watering Dutch oven meals while camping on beautiful sand beaches surrounded by towering canyon walls. Try your hand at paddling an inflatable kayak - solo or with a partner. It's our version of continuing education, we'll give you a lesson!

Contact us any time for more information or to request a brochure. Call us toll free at 877-756-6215 - we answer the phone personally at our home office and love to talk about our trips and visit with fellow alumni. Or, send us an email request.

U of R Alumni Raft Trip Travel Packages:
Idaho is a large, remote state, and we make it easy for you to get around! Our convenient, practical travel packages include all local air and ground charters as indicated, and we make all arrangements. Fares are subject to Idaho State sales tax and federal user fees.

Silver Cloud's trip packages include: state of the art camping gear, waterproof duffels, elegant meals with beverages, all rafting gear, and the best crew on the Salmon! See our Summer Raft Trips page for more background on our rafting vacations.

Alumni Raft Trip Info (150k .pdf)

Alumni Raft Trip Reservation Form (150k .pdf)

Campfire and Morning Coffee
(Steve Bly Photo)

BOISE TO BOISE: $1495
~ Includes Round Trip Air Charter To And From The River Out Of Boise ~
Our most popular option, for alumni who are flying to Idaho or starting their trip in Boise. Alumni are flown from the Boise Airport to Salmon on the afternoon prior to your trip launch date. Alumni are flown back to Boise from McCall at the conclusion of your trip.

SALMON TO SALMON: $1325
~ Includes Return Flight To Salmon At Trip's End ~
For alumni driving to the area from the east, the Yellowstone area, Salt Lake City, Stanley, or Ketchum. You provide your own transportation to Salmon on the afternoon prior to your launch date. Charter planes return you from McCall back to Salmon at the conclusion of your trip.

McCALL TO McCALL: $1325
~ Includes Flight From McCall To Salmon Before Trip ~
For alumni driving to the area from the west, flying into Spokane or starting their trip in McCall. You provide your own transportation to the airport in McCall, Idaho on the afternoon prior to your launch date. That afternoon, charter planes bring you to Salmon where you spend the night and join our trip. We will return you to your vehicle in McCall at the conclusion of your trip. 

SALMON TO McCALL: $1195
~ We'll Arrange A Vehicle Shuttle For You ~
Alumni drive to Salmon, Idaho on the afternoon prior to your trip launch date. Your vehicles are transferred to McCall, Idaho on or before the last trip day. You are returned to their vehicles at the McCall Airport at the conclusion of the trip. Please add $275 per vehicle shuttled.

Call us toll free for information about our alumni raft trips at .

Salmon River Wilderness Beauty
(Steve Bly Photo)

Salmon river Rafting in Idaho
(Steve Bly Photo)