Nols Teton Valley

Rafters in an inflatable raft on a desert river

New Expeditions for Summer 2021

New this summer: Salmon River Rafting Adventure for ages 14-15, and Alaska Women’s Backpacking for adults 23+ (now with a 14-day option!)

four NOLS participants gather around to examine a map laid out on the forest floor

How Outdoor Adventures Set Teens up for Life Success

Mistakes aren't fun. But they might be just what teens need to succeed! NOLS courses offer an opportunity to make mistakes productively and learn key ...

Group of four people smiling and wearing touring skis with mountains in the background

Meeting the Experts: NOLS Winter Instructor Kate Koons

Skiing and winter camping are the bread and butter of NOLS winter instructor Kate Koons

Educator Expedition: Family Time Rafting on the Middle Fork

A NOLS instructor applies his teaching skills to a river expedition with his family on the Salmon River.

Educator Expedition: Family Time Rafting on the Middle Fork

Four family members paddle a raft on whitewater in the Salmon River — Photo by Will Stubblefield

We arrived at Velvet Falls, one of the first notable rapids of this family trip down the Middle Fork of the Salmon River.

After scouting the rapid, my family looked at me curiously and settled into the raft with a bit of resignation to our fate. I reassured them that everything would be great and repeated, “were just going to go down the middle, punch the hole…no problem, uhhh…definitely hold on!”