Idaho's Salmon River Near Riggins

Overview

The Salmon River in Idaho is the longest free-flowing river in the contiguous United States. Spend three days floating near Riggins, Idaho, where the Salmon River meanders through the largest wilderness area in the lower 48. This trip is a great introduction to white water rafting and the scenery, excitement and fun of the Salmon River will quickly turn you into a whitewater junkie.

   

• Trip Duration: 3 Days
• Trip Length: 40 miles
• Intensity: Easy/Intermediate, Class II-IV
• Season: June-September
• Minimum Age: 5 (8 during high water)
• Begins in: Riggins, Idaho
• Ends in: Riggins, Idaho
• Closest Airport: Lewiston or Boise, Idaho or Spokane, Wash.
• Cultural History: White sandy beaches, wilderness hot springs, exciting rapids.
• Highlights: Wildlife viewing, cultural history sites, excellent fishing.

Details

The Salmon River near Riggins is one of three trips on the Salmon River operated by ROW Adventures. The Salmon River flows unimpeded through 425 miles of Central Idaho before its waters join the Snake River and journey to the Pacific Ocean. The free-flowing Salmon has incredible white sand beaches, diverse scenery, no mosquitoes, warm water and exciting rapids. This trip on the scenic Salmon is an excellent introduction to whitewater rafting and to Idaho's diverse wilderness and wild rivers.

Our three-day Salmon River Rafting Near Riggins trips run from late June to mid-July (or by request), when water levels are ideal for this section of the river. Beginners and veteran rafters alike will find plenty of excitement on this stretch of whitewater. Salmon River rafting vacations near Riggins float roughly 40 miles, starting about 25 miles east of the town of Riggins, Idaho, known as the "Whitewater Capital of the Universe."

Highlights of this trip on the Salmon include a hike to a mountain hot spring, plenty of rambunctious whitewater rapids and stunning mountain scenery. Lake Creek, Ruby, Time Zone, Lightning Creek and Trap Creek are just a few of the exciting Class II-IV rapids you'll encounter. These rapids are known as "pool and drop" and are perfect for paddle rafts and inflatable kayaks, or "Daring Duckies" as we call them. Between rapids you float along in the warm water, snapping a few pictures or just soaking up the sun and scenery.

Weather in late June and early July is usually hot and sunny (80-90 degrees during the day) with water temperatures in the low to mid 60's. We camp on beautiful and expansive white sand beaches that are perfect for Frisbee, volleyball and sunbathing. Fishing and hiking are also popular campsite pursuits. Evening temperatures are mild (60-70 degrees), the sky is free from light pollution and there are no mosquitoes. This Salmon River offers idyllic camping.

While we travel on the river, our guides talk about the history of the Salmon River - the native peoples that lived along its banks, the white men that settled here and the first settlers to brave the Salmon's whitewater. There are also a few old mining sites that we'll stop to investigate. These were worked by Chinese miners from about 1850 to 1890. You'll learn about their culture and marvel at the rock houses that remain. These are some of the best-preserved examples of Chinese rock dwellings in the world outside of China. We hope that through hikes, stories and interpretation you'll gain an appreciation of the wild and historic treasures that dot the shores of Idaho's Salmon River.

FAQ

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Also visit our Whitewater Resources page for additional information.