The Salmon River is a river in the northwest United States, located in Idaho. It is also known as The River of No Return. The Salmon River flows 425 miles, through the vast Frank Church – River of No Return Wilderness and is the second deepest gorge on the American continent. Over 14,000 square miles and drops more than 7,000 vertical feet from its headwaters.
Natural and untamed, the Salmon River is protected by Congress as one of America’s first Wild and Scenic Rivers. It has shaped its course through a rugged and diverse landscape providing unique river trips you will only experience in Idaho. There are many fun and exciting trips you can take with your family, and friends this summer. Many centers offers a whitewater rafting expedition excellent with guides and wholesome fun. If this will be your first experience, we expect you’ll love your trip!
The Salmon River is divided by name into different sections, namely the Main Salmon, the Middle Fork of the Salmon River and the Lower Salmon. Each of these trips offers a very unique setting from one another. Any section of the Salmon River rafting is perfect for your family or group getaway with a great mixture of fun rapids, calm floats, great swimming and peaceful camping.
The Middle Fork of the Salmon River is truly a legend among the whitewater rivers of the world. This pure, clear, free-flowing river, flows untamed through a land so rugged that any attempts at settlement have failed, drops 3,000 feet over its 100 mile course through the remote and spectacular River of No Return Wilderness, the largest Wilderness in the lower 48 states.
Traces of man’s attempts to settle the area remain as dilapidated log cabins, while more ancient cultures left their marks in prehistoric cave paintings. You can enjoy more than 100 Idaho whitewater rafting rapids, fishing in clear alpine waters, relaxation in natural hot springs, hikes to magnificent waterfalls, and camping in gorgeous mountain meadows.
The Main Salmon River offers you blue-green waters warm up to very comfortable temperatures in July and August. You’ll enjoy sandy camping beaches backed up to pine forests and granite mountains. Calm sections and deep pools perfect for relaxing, swimming, and simply absorbing the country’s splendor.
Main Salmon River in Idaho offers a rich river experience including free-flowing Class III Idaho whitewater that’s great for any age and experience level. This Idaho rafting adventure includes big sandy beaches perfect for camping and playing, beautiful mountain scenery, abundant wildlife and a natural hot spring.
Rich in scenic wonders and history, here, wildlife abounds and rock paintings left by ancient inhabitants still exist. Homestead cabins dot the riverway, and some are still occupied today, made accessible by private jetboat and/or private plane.
Riding in an oar boat one day and a wooden dory the next, then challenging the whitewater hands-on in a paddle raft or inflatable kayak, ensures a diverse and exciting Idaho river adventure for each member of your party.
Or, you can explore the final miles of the Salmon River. The Lower Salmon River, covers 53 miles on the Salmon River plus another 21 miles on the Snake River. Soak up rich scenic wonder and history while splashing toward huge sandy camping beaches.
This is family rafting at it’s best! Between the whitewater, there is time to relax, enjoy the canyon’s wildlife and revel in the beauty of nature.
Just because they call it the “River of No Return” doesn’t mean you shouldn’t!