In celebration of the   International Year of Planet Earth.

Geology of the Middle Fork of the Salmon River, Idaho

29 August – 4 September 2008 (7 days)

This trip has been rescheduled for 2009.

Trip Overview

This seven-day trip is a fully outfitted expedition on the Middle Fork of the Salmon River traveling through the Impassable Canyon in the largest wilderness in the lower 48 states. The Middle Fork is considered a class 4 river and offers adventurers a great opportunity to experience the thrill of river rafting while learning about the geology of this secluded region.

Scientific Program

The trip will focus on the geomorphology and hydrology of the Middle Fork of the Salmon River as they relate to historical and current geologic events. A brief overview of the long-term geologic history and bedrock geology of the region will provide a contextual background for the trip. Topics such as glacial, incision, and landslide history, fluvial deposition, terrace formation, sedimentation, and bedrock composition will be covered at one to two study sites each day that will provide participants an opportunity for discussion and interpretation of the landscape. [ full trip itinerary ]

LEADERS

Matt Leidecker Matt has been guiding on the Middle Fork of the Salmon River since 1991.  He and Grant Meyer studied the fluvial terraces along the Middle Fork in 1996/97.  (Meyer, G.A., and Leidecker, M.E., 1999, (Fluvial terraces along the Middle Fork Salmon River, Idaho, and their relation to glaciation, landslide dams, and incision rates: A preliminary analysis and river-mile guide, in Hughes, S.S., and Thackray, G.D., eds., Guidebook to the Geology of Eastern Idaho)  Since 1997 Leidecker has observed, and photographed a series of landslide events that have altered the river channel.

Grant Meyer Grant is an Associate Professor in the Earth and Planetary Sciences Department at the University of New Mexico and the recipient of GSA's 1997 Kirk Bryan Award. His research and academic interests include the geomorphology of hill slopes and fluvial systems, climatic, tectonic, and environmental geomorphology, Quaternary geology, and ecosystems processes. Recently, Meyer has been researching climate change and the effects of Holocene fire regimes on geomorphology in central Idaho.

Trip Costs

US $2350 per person for GSA Member and Spouse.
Non-member: US $2450 per person. 

A US$600 deposit is due by 1 July.
The remaining balance is due by 15 July.   Not a GSA member? Join Today!

Please Note: See cancellation & refund policy below. Please do not purchase flight tickets until GSA confirms the tour will run.

More Information

Included in the Tour Package and Registration Fee

• Van transfer from Boise, ID Airport to Stanley, ID.
• First night hotel stay at Mountain Village Lodge in Stanley, ID
• Crew of professional guides that row the boats, set up camp, and do all of the cooking.
• All sleeping gear and tents
• Water proof bags to pack personal items
• All meals and beverages
• Van transfer from river take out point to Boise, ID
• Guidebook/Field Notes
• View Daily Itinerary

Not Included in Tour Package

• Airfare to/from Boise, ID
• Dinner first night (August 29)
• Last night hotel room (A block of rooms has been reserved at a discounted rate at the Best Western Vista Inn near the Boise airport. Ask for the room block under GSA Geoventures. Individuals will need to make their own reservations and arrange payment.)
• After the trip, if you wish to fly from Salmon, ID to Boise ID instead of riding the van, you can book a flight with Arnold Aviation, 1-877-382-3941. A one-way ticket from Salmon to Boise is US$190. PLEASE BOOK EARLY.

Accessibility

Please contact Adventure Guides river outfitter for any special needs that you may require. GSA is committed to making this program accessible to all people interested in attending. For more information on accessibility and Adventure Guides, please visit www.riveradventureguides.com/.

Cancellation / Refund Policy

Your deposit and any additional payments will be refunded if registered before May 27 or if GSA must cancel the trip.

For more information on this exciting trip, please contact Eric Nocerino .  303-357-1060

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Travel & Tours for Geoscience Enthusiasts

 2008 GeoVentures

• Geology of the Canadian Rockies
  30 August - 6 September
• Geology of the Salmon River, Idaho - River Trip
  29 August - 4 September