Enjoy peak waves at the 19th annual Big Water Blowout River Festival held Saturday, June 3, in Riggins, Idaho. This day-long event allows visitors to experience class III and IV rapids along the Salmon River. Grab your raft or kayak to surf some of the best whitewater in the Pacific Northwest and the second deepest river gorge in North America, or, if you don’t own a boat, outfitters and guides will be onsite offering discounted trips. If whitewater isn’t your thing, there’s plenty to do while staying dry. Watch the action from the shore or bridge or enjoy live music and a Dutch oven cook-off in Riggins City Park. Cooking begins 4-5 p.m., and judging starts promptly at 7 p.m. Sample plates are $5. In addition to world-class whitewater, Riggins boasts some great local hiking spots, including the Wind River Trail located 23 miles east of Riggins up the scenic Salmon River. The Wind River Trail is 9.5 miles and has an elevation gain of 2,500 feet, although hikers can turn around at any point along the trail, making it suitable for families. For more information about the Big Water Blowout River Festival and outdoor recreation opportunities in the Riggins area, visit Bigwaterblowout.com or Rigginsidaho.com. //
