"When we got to the office in White Bird, there were 2 other parties filling out forms.  The phone was ringing and we thought it was going to take awhile.  When Michelle asked what our names were, we told her and she said she was expecting us. Our info was waiting.  She simply put our keys in the envelope, and our forms. Since we called in our credit card number earlier, all she did was give us our receipt and that was it!  We made it to Hammer Creek and a good thing too, because right after we got our gear out the other people who were filling out forms arrived.  There is only so much space on that ramp.  We were just so glad we did the online thing. Very smooth.  After our trip, our vehicles were there at Hellers Bar along with a note that said the trailer tire bearing was a little loose. We really appreciated that.. When Michelle called the next day and said she was calling to tell us about the bearing, I thanked her. It sure is nice to get good service. She asked if I would write a testimonial I told her I would be very happy to do it."

Kevin and Jill Weiland

We happen to believe that we are only as good as our

people.  We know that

without them, (our drivers), we would not be in business.  We pay our drivers more than the other service and that is only because they deserve it. Our drivers have had years of experience on trucks and

trailers.  We deliver your vehicles the day before you get out, so there is no rush in getting to the take out site.  We follow each other and look out for each other.

 

When considering a shuttle service - price is too an issue, but consider this - a legitimate outfit has to buy several licenses, insurance and reliable vehicles in order to serve you. Hiring drivers that are worth their salt means paying them what they are worth. Minimum wages get minimum wage results.   Serving the rafting community is what we do, and we want to continue to serve you,  we cannot compete with rogue or private individuals that shuttle your vehicle for way less money, but they cannot compete with us in terms of consumer protection. If they are pulled over for some reason and it is discovered they are doing a shuttle without proper licenses- your vehicle is immediately abandoned and the driver must walk away from the car.  There are laws for these kinds of things so buyer beware.  If you are shopping around and find a 'cheaper price' - remember the addage 'you get what you pay for'. 

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need the Invasive Species Sticker?    In Idaho, you must purchase an annual sticker if you have a boat or watercraft over 10'.   We do sell motorized and non motorized stickers.  They are checking the boats at the put in's and take out's.  There is a fine of 57.00 if you do not have them.  You can go to www.parksandrecreation.idaho.gov if you want to find out more about these mussels.

Do I need the Washington Discovery Day Pass?  A new law passed July 1st, 2011 by Washington State deems that you must purchase a Washington Fish and Wildlife requiring the purchase of a parking pass for certain lands, parks, water access sites etc....

Heller Bar is owned by Washington Fish and Wildlife and that location falls
within this law requiring the new parking pass. The fine is 99.00 if you do
not purchase this sticker.  The price is 35.00. This is the annual parking pass.  Please refer to the website below about cost, places to purchase, questions  etc... call Washington Fish & Wildlife if you have any questions, or to give them a piece of your mind - LOL.

You can pick one up at places they sell hunting and fishing lisences.

There is a day pass that is 11.50, but even if I deliver your vehicle the
day before as I customarily try to do, you are still looking at 2 day passes
at 23.00.   

 
I am very sorry,  due to possible scheduling conflicts it is impossible for
me to guarantee same day delivery as your take out date. In short, I cannot
be responsible for your fine if you get the day pass.

Please refer to the website below for more information.
http://discoverpass.wa.gov/
 

When Do You Deliver My Vehicle?  On the form, we ask that you provide a date of take out and a time.  We will deliver by that date and time, unless it is a mechanical failure.  If for some reason you come out of the water earlier than the time specified and you want your vehicle delivered, you may be charged extra for this, but generally I deliver the day before you come out of the water.

Do I have to come by the office on my way to hammer creek?   If you are the owner or driver of the vehicle to be shuttled you MUST come by the office, or call en route to make sure that your form and information is current.  We like to have the keys in our office, we like to meet the person who's rig we are shuttling, we like NOT to make mistakes.  When I have a key in the office in an envelope, it helps to insure this.

For those instances where there is no way you can come into my office (Pine Bar, Middle Fork, Selway, Main Salmon, etc) You must call me or email me while en route or before you leave.  At times I have people filling in the forms 8 months in advance. It always helps if you are proactive in your shuttle, reminders and assurances will most definately help.  We are human, we err and if You can be an active part of ensuring that you will be shuttled this will help out a lot.  I am only 3 miles from Hammer Creek.  It is an extra minute or two for you to stop by and personally tell me who you are and confirm your shuttle and give me your key and inform me of any changes.

What If I Want To Cancel? :  No problem.  All that we ask is that you give us a 24 hour notice. Send an e-mail is a great way to cancel.  If you do, you will not be charged.  If you wait and I have scheduled a driver to come in, we may charge a small fee, this fee will go to the driver for gas and time, etc. We understand emergencies, but please be considerate and cancel.

My Car Had No Dents In It When I Left It And Now It Does.  What Happens Next?: If there is visible damage to your car and you did not list it on the form, we will take a digital photo of the dent, along with the time and date that is stamped on it and pass it along to you. We cannot assume legal responsibility for any vehicle/trailer or personal articles, including fire, theft or vandalism that may take place while your vehicle is parked at a parking lot area or landing, any accidents or for time or cost arising from any indisposition or incident. We keep your rig at our lots to ensure safety when shuttling from Corn Creek or Riggins.  Hammer Creek is very safe as a put in.

My Vehicle Broke Down While En Route To The Take Out, What Will You Do?: As described on the form, we will either leave it parked where it is if it does not start and we cannot start it from a battery jump, or out of the way if on a highway, We will arrange towing to a safe place or we will tow it to a garage and spend the necessary money to get it going again if you have submitted your credit card information. If it is a minor repair we will bill you - if it is a major repair, we will follow your instructions as noted on the form.   WE WILL NOT LEAVE YOU STRANDED!!  We will contact your emergency number information as well and leave either a message or tell the contact what is going on. Please Read Agreement!

I Am Worried About My Car Being Left Alone In A Parking Lot!:  If you are leaving your rig at Spring Bar/Shorts Bar/Carey Creek/Vinegar Creek on the weekends, this is a little more out of our control.  It gets busier there on the weekends at times, so we will always get your rig the day or the day after you put in and leave it here so we can keep an eye out for it. Pine Bar and American Bar are out of the way places and are not monitored very much - if your trip is going to be more than 3 or 4 days we will get the vehicle and transport out of there to our place,  Heller Bar is a safe place as well, but you know....things happen.  It is out in the open, there are homes and a business right there too which helps. Be smart - do not leave  expensive equipment laying in the open that someone may be tempted to steal. We are not responsible for damage in a parking lot that is unattended. We will make every effort to insure the safety of your vehicle.

We did not stock up on groceries or get a fishing license, can we do that in White Bird:?   We suggest you buy your supplies in Grangeville if you are coming in from the North or Riggins if you are coming in from the South. There is now a small grocery store in White Bird, it is closed on Mondays, and it has a limited supply of things.  There is a liquor store in White Bird. Hours are Mon-Sat 8-5 pacific time. Grangeville is a good place to buy your supplies and they have a sporting goods store. Dry Ice and block ice is available at Cash and Carry.  If your coming from Boise, Riggins has a grocery store, but they close at 7pm Mountain Time.  You can buy dry ice in Grangeville.   Crushed Ice is only available in White Bird.  There is a gas station and auto shop in White Bird - Hoots Cafe and Auto, but a warning - they are about 30-40 cents more than Lewiston per gallon.  The cheapest gas coming from Lewiston is the Nez Perce Express at the Casino or the Flying J which is on the Hwy on the right about 3 miles before the casino. They usually are about the same price. There are many grocery stores in Lewiston, including a Costco (in Clarkston) and a sport shop - Black Sheep Sports, and there is NRS in Moscow for your rafting supplies.  Let us know if you need anything special. We sell the waterproof guidebooks for the lower salmon at our office and the invasive species sticker for Idaho. We highly recommend Hoots Auto in case of repairs.  Steve is VERY Cool, Very Fair, and a Very Good Mechanic!

Is there another put in spot other than Hammer Creek, sometimes it gets very busy there!:  YES.  There is the gravel pit, which is right off of the old highway. It's about 2 miles from hammer creek.  If you call us, or fill out the online form, just put gravel pit White Bird, so we know.

Do you provide showers for people? Yes at the Motel they can do that! And there is a laundromat!

Is there cell service in White Bird?  Yes, but you have to go to Mac's Supper Club (about 2 blocks down from us)  a But we do have a phone, so if you want to make a quick call, come by - it's free for our shuttle clients, and you can check your e-mail we have wifi If you go 17 miles north to Grangeville you can use your phone or the opposite way to Riggins - 27 miles - you will be in cell range.  We have heard that around Pine Bar area you will be in cell range as well, but it's not very long.

Are you fully insured and have all of your MC Numbers?:  Yes we are insured to the hilt as required by law and our federal authority are up to date. We follow all guidelines and are subject to audits and drug testing with very hefty fines if we do not comply with regulations. Our insured drivers are experienced.  Our drivers know vehicles,  understand the politics of driving and driving outfits with trailers and big rigs and if something sounds out of whack, they have mechanical abilities and will make a note for you if something is amiss or you if there is something to be aware about. They are respectful of your vehicle, they do not drink water or any other liquids or eat in your vehicle. We never want to give you a reason to complain so we are pretty strict about manners. There is no smoking in the vehicle or even around it. 

 

How Much Notice Do I Need For A Shuttle Or If We Add Or Delete A Rig?

A few hours is fine if adding a rig.  We have drivers so as long as you give us a heads us, preferably you will have filled out the online form - (it gets crazy in our office sometimes) that is fine or just come in to fill it out.  We are always glad to get your business and we are flexible, so no worries.  If there is someone who did not show up and you do not tell us beforehand and we schedule a driver,  you do not come in to tell me then you will get charged.  Leaving a note in your vehicle at any place will not cut it, sorry - you will get charged. If you call us ahead of time, send an e-mail, then you will not be charged. 

 

We Forgot Our Rafting Equipment, Can You Help?

Yuppers.  We got the connect on that.  Call us at 208-839-2308 and let's find you what you need.  We make no guarantees about what you can get, but we will assist you anyhow we can.

 

Is It Appropriate To Tip?

Everyone appreciates a tip.  Yes, whatever you feel like tipping is your business.  If you did not fill up your vehicle and want that done, we do not charge extra but highly recommend a tip. Everyone appreciates appreciation, whether it is in the form of money or a pat on the back. If you give us a tip for the driver, we give it to them after the successful shuttle.

 

I Only Have Liability Coverage On My Vehicle, Where Does That Leave Me?

There are some services that will not take your vehicle if that is the only coverage you have.  We will of course, but the bottom line is - you are lending us your vehicle and we are driving it to a pre determined destination.  Our contracted drivers are covered by insurance, but you are the primary if anything should happen to your rig and when you sign the agreement form, (or check yes on the online form - it is the same as your signature) you are agreeing to those terms.
"My wife - Ida Pacheco and I have been floating the Lower Salmon - Hammer Creek to Heller Bar since 1985.  This year - 2007 will do our 17th trip.  (We 'laid off' 5 years while building a retirement log home on the Hurricane creek at the foot of the Wallowa Mts.)  Over the tyears we have been fortunate in securing fine shuttle service from the following people - Diana Jensen (Hells Canyon Shuttles), Carveth Worth, and the folks at All Rivers Shuttle - John Collins and Michelle McNamee. Michelle and John have updated the shuttle reservation process by going on line.  A simple clear and reliable way to go.  We highly recommend their services." - The Pacheco's

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