Choosing one or the other is exactly what we did, depending on the day, during our week’s stay at Twin Peaks Ranch, 18 miles south of Salmon, Idaho. Total immersion in Dude Ranch 101 is just what we wanted and got at this 2900-acre working ranch in the northern Rockies.

This well-appointed dude ranch delivers adrenalin-laced adventure from the saddle to the paddle. Offering the expected pasture-full of sleek mounts for high country riding, Twin Peaks Ranch also ensures you a wet and woolly river experience either in rafts or duckies (inflatable kayaks), down the rated Salmon River, commonly referred to as “The River of No Return.”

Bolstered with some of the most outstanding meals we have ever eaten, we found our inner cowgirl with the discovery of every new trail. The experienced and jovial staff ensures rides are suitable for the group and always fresh. One day featured a long ride up into the high country of the North Basin for an overnight with cookout at a tent camp. The crisp mountain air and exquisite scenery soothed away the stress of city life, like sun fading an old pair of saddle-chaffed denim jeans.

White water rafting fills the calendar of events on two occasions during the week’s stay. From a scenic float to challenging rapids, skills are tested under sunny skies beckoning quick “cool-offs” in the Salmon.

Scenes from old westerns reeled through my mind as we saddled up for the Saturday morning cattle drive. Young and old alike drove those doggies to the pen and shared a sense of satisfaction as we raised our hats to the wind. As if we weren’t already winners, team penning and barrel racing filled the rest of the morning. At a dude ranch, a lot is accomplished before noon!

Skeet shooting and target practice, fishing an alpine lake, playing water volleyball in the ever-inviting pool, lassoing a dummy steer, pitching horseshoes, learning line dancing with the local dance group ... the activities beg for a longer day and the guests beg for a longer stay.