About
About Rapid River Shuttles
Built by River People. Trusted by River People.
There’s nothing worse than finishing an incredible day—or week—on the river and realizing your vehicle is miles away.
Rapid River Shuttles exists to make sure that never happens.
We’re a family-run vehicle shuttle service providing safe, reliable transportation for rafters, boaters, and backcountry travelers throughout the Pacific Northwest and beyond. Our job is simple: handle the logistics so you can focus on the adventure.
Experience You Can Count On — Even When Things Get Interesting
While Rapid River Shuttles may be a newer name, our experience runs deep.
Our team brings over 28 years of professional driving and transport experience, with extensive time on shuttle routes across the Owyhee, Salmon, Selway, Snake, and John Day river systems. We know the roads, the access points, the timing—and what to do when conditions aren’t perfect.
Last summer, one of our primary drivers—an adult daughter of the owner based in rural Oregon—was completing a Boundary drive as part of a Salmon River shuttle. Boundary isn’t just another launch point—it’s one of the most iconic starts on the Salmon River, with trips often ending at Cache, Corn Creek, or beyond.
By pure small-world coincidence, the vehicle she was shuttling belonged to her own teenage daughter’s favorite teacher. Even wilder? That same teacher happened to be standing at the Boundary boat launch as part of the rafting party that day.
That’s the reality of river communities: small worlds, shared trust, and reputations that matter. We take that responsibility seriously.
When the Plan Changes, We Adapt
Shuttle work doesn’t always go according to plan—and that’s where experience matters most.
On a Bitterroot River shuttle, a snapped leaf spring on a trailer could have ended a long-anticipated father-daughter river trip with a tow, backtracking, and days of repairs. Instead, four women from our crew handled the roadside repair, got the truck and trailer safely back on the road, and ensured everything made it to the take-out as planned.
While the work was getting done, the crew was surrounded by clouds of butterflies—one of those unexpected, only-on-the-road moments that remind you why we do this in the first place. Even when plans change, we stay calm, solve the problem, and keep moving forward.
No panic. No excuses. Just problem-solving—so the trip could end the way it should.
Family-Run, Start to Finish
Rapid River Shuttles is proudly family-operated. Several adult family members serve as primary drivers, which means every vehicle is handled by someone fully invested in the safety, reputation, and reliability of the service.
This isn’t a side hustle or an anonymous operation. It’s personal. When you book with us, your vehicle is trusted to people who care deeply about doing the job right.
Real People. Real Adventures.
Not everyone who uses Rapid River Shuttles is a rafter — but everyone trusts us to get them where they need to go.
One customer used our shuttle service two years in a row while exploring the Salmon River and surrounding wilderness. Traveling solo and heading deep into remote country, he relied on our team for dependable transportation, local knowledge, and a smooth start to each adventure.
Service, Safety & Respect
Founded by a lifelong outdoors enthusiast, educator, and spouse of a retired decorated Navy Chief, Rapid River Shuttles was built on values of responsibility, preparedness, and service.
We treat every vehicle as if it were our own and every customer with respect. Clear communication, careful driving, and dependable follow-through aren’t optional—they’re the standard.
Giving Back
We’re proud to offer discounts for military veterans, first responders, and educators as a small way to say thank you for your service.
Our Promise
Our motto says it all:
“You take the river. We’ll take the road.”
From Idaho and Oregon to Washington and Montana, Rapid River Shuttles provides dependable river shuttle services so when you reach the take-out, your vehicle is already waiting.
Let’s Work Together
Reach out below and let's get your shuttle journey started.