Trip Highlights
MEETING PLACE: Stagecoach Inn, Salmon Idaho
MEETING TIME: 7:00 PM Mountain Time
RIVER RATING: Class III+
TRIP MILES: 80 Miles
PUT-IN: Corn Creek Boat Ramp
TAKE-OUT: Carey Creek
RETURN TIME: Approximately 2:30 PM Mountain time at Shorts Bar near Riggins, or approximately 5:00 PM Pacific time back to the Hells Canyon Grand Hotel in Lewiston.
TRIP LENGTH: 6 days
AGE LIMIT: Minimum age is 7 (12 at high water)
BOAT TYPE: Paddle Raft, Oar Raft
TRIP INCLUDES: Services of our talented adventure consultants and professional guides, all meals/beverages as indicated in the itinerary (including beer and wine), all rafting/camping gear, and transportation to/from river meeting points.
DOES NOT INCLUDE: 6% Land and water access fee, Airfare/transportation beginning and ending points, shuttling your car (optional), gratuities for guides, travel protection plan, pre-& post-trip hotel, items of a personal nature.
Sample Itinerary
Day 0: Arrive in Salmon
Arrive in Salmon by 7:00 PM MST to meet ROW's team leader at the Stagecoach Inn for a one-hour orientation meeting. We'll answer any last-minute questions that you might have and hand out waterproof bags for you to pack your gear into. Dinner on your own in town.
- Accommodations: Stagecoach Inn (not included in tour price)
Day 1: Early Departure and Scenic Rafting Begins
The next morning, you’ll gather early at the Stagecoach Inn in Salmon for a 7:30 AM departure, ensuring you beat the crowds to the river. After a safety briefing, during which the guides will load your gear onto the rafts, we will head downstream in our Oar Rafts, Paddle Rafts or Inflatable Kayaks (IKs) until we stop for a scrumptious riverside lunch. We may visit the historic Frank Lance cabin, where you’ll learn about the history of the River of No Return. Experience the first rapids of the trip, and enjoy the stunning scenery that abounds the Main Salmon. After 10-15 miles of rafting, you will arrive at camp around 4:00 PM. Once you settle in, there will be time for hikes, reading, beach games, or relaxing. Hors d’oeuvres are served around 6:00 PM and dinner around 7:30 PM. After dinner, gather around a campfire to reminisce on the day and get to know your fellow travelers.
- Accommodations: Beach Camping
- Meals Included: Lunch, Dinner
Day 2: Native History, Exciting Rapids, and Barth Hot Springs
Day 2 starts with a hearty breakfast before setting out to explore the Devil’s Toe pictographs. Here we will learn more about the Native People whose lands we are visiting, including the Nimiipuu (Nez Perce) and Lemhi-Shoshone. More rapids make for an exciting day today including Salmon Falls, a relatively newly formed, and exciting, rapid on the Main Salmon. We may stop at Barth Hot Springs today for a soak. Natural hot springs set above the river with expansive views make for a magical riverside experience. Once again we will reach camp around 4:00 PM and ease into the evening activities.
- Accommodations: Beach Camping
- Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3: Thrilling Rapids, Campbell’s Ferry Homestead, and Wilderness Solitude
Today, you’ll navigate some of the most exhilarating rapids of the trip, including Bailey Rapid, Five Mile Rapid, Split Rock, and Big Mallard. The day also includes a visit to Campbell’s Ferry Homestead, where you’ll hear stories of the area’s rich history. Once we arrive at camp, tired and happy with sun kissed cheeks, we will enjoy a relaxing evening with our friends and river family. Now in the heart of Wilderness, you can truly embrace the solitude and magnanimity of an Idaho multi-day rafting experience.
- Accommodations: Beach Camping
- Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4: Discover Buckskin Bill’s Museum and the South Fork Confluence
After a freshly prepared breakfast at camp, you'll float downstream to 5 Mile Bar and Museum, also known as Buckskin Bill’s Museum, where you can explore the local history. And learn about one of the most infamous of Idaho’s “Loners”, hermits who made their homes in these remote river canyons. Sylvan Ambrose Hart, aka Buckskin Bill made his home on the Main Salmon from 1932, shaping the experience of many a river runner, until his death in 1980. We will most likely pass the confluence with the South Fork of the Salmon river this day, an important tributary threatened by mining interest in its headwaters.
- Accommodations: Beach Camping
- Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5: Historical Visit to Polly Bemis Ranch and Evening Celebrations
On Day 5, the journey continues with a visit to Polly Bemis Ranch, another historical stop rich with information about the area. A mellow day on the river is great for relaxing and enjoying the depths of the canyon. This evening, you can enjoy festivities, games, and more as we celebrate our time together on the river.
- Accommodations: Beach Camping
- Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6: Exciting Rapids and Takeout at Carey Creek
Today, we navigate several more exciting rapids before we reach our takeout at the Carey Creek Boat Ramp. We will enjoy one final riverside lunch before saying goodbye to the guide team and load the bus back to civilization.
- Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
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Accommodations: Hells Canyon Grand Hotel (not included in tour price)
Travel Arrangements
If you fly:
Fly into Boise, Idaho the day prior to your departure date. Arrive in Boise the day before the launch dates listed, arriving no later than 4-5 pm.
Take an air taxi from Boise to Salmon to Boise. The cost is roughly $300 including tax. Please call Gem Air at 208-756-7382 or Sawtooth Flying Service directly at 208-634-7774, to make these reservations.
We will transport you to the Hells Canyon Grand Hotel by 5:00 Pacific Time on the last day of the trip.
After your river adventure, we recommend that you plan to spend the night in Lewiston at the Hells Canyon Grand Hotel. It's best not to plan to fly home that night, as you'll be ready for rest and a hot shower. If your schedule requires that you fly home the same day the trip ends we'll return you to the hotel in Lewiston, from there you can get a taxi to the airport in Lewiston, which is about 15 minutes away. You should not plan on a flight departing any earlier than 7:00 pm. ROW will not be responsible if you miss a flight out the same evening a trip ends.
After the trip options are:
A) Fly out of the Lewiston Airport (Airport shuttle provided free by the Hells Canyon Grand Hotel). Lewiston is serviced by Delta and United Airlines.
B) Take a shuttle van/taxi to Spokane, Washington (two hours north) for other airline selections as Spokane has a much larger airport. If you choose to shuttle to Spokane you can arrange an Uber or use Michelle's Shuttle Service 208-305-5636. Be sure to clarify how many are in your party and how much luggage you may have when reserving with them.
Please contact Central Idaho River Shuttles at 208-507-1830 to make arrangements to have your vehicle shuttled from the Stagecoach Inn to Shorts Bar near Riggins Idaho; the Cost is approximately $600 per vehicle plus a fuel deposit. If you had your car shuttled from Salmon, it would be waiting for you at Shorts Bar near Riggins. Typically we will arrive at Short's Bar near Riggins around 2:30 pm Mountain Time.
Weather
We highly recommend checking the weather prior to your trip for an updated forecast and current conditions. We recommend the following websites.
Weather in Salmon Idaho - Weather Underground
When to go?
The Main Salmon River in Idaho offers a different experience depending on the time of year. Early summer (late June to early July) brings higher water levels as the snowmelt from the mountains peaks, creating exciting rapids perfect for those looking for a thrill. By mid-July, the river’s flow starts to mellow, making it ideal for novice rafters and families seeking a more relaxed adventure. As summer progresses into August and September, the water becomes crystal clear, offering serene beauty and fewer crowds. This late-season window is also prime for fishing, and the vibrant colors of the surrounding hills make for a truly unforgettable experience.
Getting Ready
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
Here at ROW Adventures, our first and foremost goal is for you to have an enjoyable and safe experience. While most of our trips are suitable for beginners, some of our trips are more active than others and it’s important that you understand the physical requirement of the trip you choose.
All of our multi-day rafting trips are active adventures that involve some level of physical exertion and possible exposure to the elements including but not limited to wind, rain, heat, sun, cold temperatures and cold water conditions. ROW Adventures is able to accommodate people with physical limitations, disabilities, and medical conditions; please speak with your Adventure Consultant if you think you will require any additional assistance while on the trip. We ask that you consult your doctor if you have health or medical conditions that could impact your ability to participate in an active and outdoor adventure. In general, all trip participants must be able to do the following:
- Wear all protective and safety equipment that is required by ROW Adventures and recommended/required by industry-wide standards.
- Load and unload, on their own or with the aid of a qualified companion, the bus and/or van providing transportation for ROW Adventures activities.
- Reach the river access points (put-in and take-out) on their own, or with the aid of a qualified companion.
- Enter and exit the raft, kayak and/or inflatable kayak on their own or with the aid of a qualified companion.
- Remain seated and balanced in a floating raft, canoe, kayak or inflatable kayak w/ the aid of adaptive equipment, if necessary.
- Perform all on water activities, including following instructions that like paddling commands from the guide in class I and higher whitewater on their own or with the assistance of a qualified companion.
- Float on their back when entering moving and still water. The participant must be capable of turning from face-down to face-up in the water with the aid of a Personal Floatation Device and must be able to hold their breath while underwater.
- Remain calm and keep breathing under control in the event of a whitewater swim.
- Get out from under a raft, whether the raft is up-right or capsized, in moving water.
- Climb into the raft, with the help of another person, should an involuntary swim happen at any point on the river.
- Make progress toward the shoreline or a raft by swimming in moving water and must be able to exit the river and ascend the shoreline once reached.
- Participate as an active paddler when instructed by the guide for the duration of the trip.
- Move about the campsite on their own or with the aid of a qualified companion on all trips that include overnight camping and/or lunch.
Packing List
Packing properly for a river trip is CRITICAL to your enjoyment while on the river. We recommend that you prepare yourself for three basic scenarios:
- A cool day on the river.
- A warm day on the river.
- Time spent lounging in camp.
Take care of these, and you are free to let the river and the canyon work their magic.
The weather in the northwest is unpredictable. You must come prepared for the cold/wet weather and hot/sunny weather – sometimes even on the same day! The following information will help you be prepared for the expected as well as the unexpected events of your trip. You may not use all of the gear listed below, but we recommend bringing it all!
DRYBAGS THAT ROW PROVIDES
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One large waterproof bag (16” in diameter x 33” tall) per person. This will contain your sleeping bag as well as your personal clothing and items. This bag is NOT accessible during the day as it goes ahead of the group with our cargo raft.
Note: This bag will also contain additional gear provided by ROW: A sleeping bag, flannel liner & pillow -
A small daypack (9” in diameter x 20” tall) for items you want to access during the day such as rain gear, sunscreen, camera, medications, etc.
WHAT YOU SHOULD PACK:
All of your personal items should be packed into a soft-sided duffle bag approximately 12” x 13” x 24” in size. Due to weight allowances and raft space, please limit your gear to 20-25 pounds. This bag will then go inside your large waterproof bag provided by ROW.
ITEMS FOR ON THE RIVER
- Two T-Shirts (1 quick dry and 1 cotton for a hot day).
- One light long-sleeved shirt for sun protection and cool evenings. Popular options are a rash guard or sunscreen shirts.
- Two pairs of shorts (nylon quick drying is always better than cotton).
- Light pants are great for sun protection or on a windy day. Lightweight zip-off pants work great.
- Swimsuit – two-piece suits are easier for women - tankinis with river shorts are also a great option.
- One pair of river sandals (must have a secure ankle strap, no flip-flops or crocs!) Velcro is okay if in good condition. Popular name brands include Chaco, Teva, Keen, Bedrock, or Merrells. Tennis shoes with polypro socks are a good option if your feet tend to get cold.
- One Cap, Sun Hat or Visor (ROW hats are available when you arrive).
ITEMS GOOD TO HAVE IN YOUR DRY BAG ON THE RIVER
- One rain suit, jacket & pants (windbreaker without cotton liner works well, but no cheap ponchos).
- Mid-weight to light-weight long underwear tops and bottoms. Best worn over a swimsuit and undershorts.
- One synthetic or wool mid-weight sweater for layering on the river on cool days.
- Sunglasses with retaining cord/device.
- Bee Sting kit for those allergic to bees.
- Biodegrable sunscreen (we highly recommend Stream2Sea as an all natural option)
- Lip balm with SPF 20-50
- Water bottle with carabiner
- Extra Cap, Sun Hat, or Visor
ITEMS FOR TIME AT CAMP
- Two short sleeve shirts (Enjoy clean and comfortable).
- One pair of pants (lightweight nylon, cotton or fleece).
- One pair of shorts
- One synthetic mid-weight sweaters for cool evenings
- Underwear and socks
- Flashlight or headlamp with extra bulb and batteries
- Skin lotion, lip balm, waterproof sunscreen, etc.
- Toilet kit - toothbrush and paste, soap ( biodegradable is best, no soaps can be used in the river), camp towel, washcloth, comb, handkerchief, a small pack of tissues, small mirror, moist towelettes, shaving stuff, feminine sanitary supplies, etc.
- Extra eyeglasses and/or contact lenses are strongly suggested. ALL glasses need a head strap!
- One pair of tennis shoes or walking shoes for cooler weather and hiking. (We don’t recommend you bring large hiking boots as they take up too much space and aren’t necessary.) Flip-flops/ crocs are also comfortable for easy walking on sandy beaches!
- Stocking Cap/ Beanie for cool nights
ADDITIONAL CLOTHES FOR COOL WEATHER (Early and late season – June & September)
- Two pairs of wool or polypro socks to wear on the river
- One additional set of synthetic light or midweight tops and bottoms (one set for the river and one for camp)
- Wool or poly gloves & wool or poly cap (like a skiing hat)
OPTIONAL ITEMS
- Camera – waterproof digital with extra batteries & memory card recommended. Many guests use smartphones (there is NOT cell service on the river). A waterproof case is also highly recommended for protection and ease of use.
- Paddling Gloves
- Sarong
- Sundress for camp
- One female urinary device (allows women to urinate standing up without removing clothing). Silicon or hard plastic ones work great. Popular name brands include Gogirl and Shewee.
- 2-3 Carabiners for clipping items to the boat
- Binoculars
- Plastic garbage bags (2-3 for separating dirty/wet clothes in your waterproof bag)
- Cards, games, books, musical instruments, journals
- Fishing gear and Idaho fishing license if you plan to fish - must be in a protective case & disassembled. Only catch-and-release fishing with single barbless hooks is allowed!
LAYERING FOR OUTDOOR COMFORT
Clothing layers are the thermostat of the wilderness. As you get ready for your river trip, think about dressing in layers. By adding and subtracting layers you can keep yourself perfectly comfortable. If you were to look into the dry bags of a well-prepared river guide you would see packing for three weather scenarios -- cold, wet days; hot, summer days; and cool evenings and mornings in camp. All of your on-river clothing should be made from synthetic fabrics with names like fleece, pile, polypropylene, Capilene™, or polyester. A cotton T-shirt is used occasionally on hot, sunny days, but cotton clothing is best saved for on-shore camp use.
- LAYER #1: The layer next to your skin should be close-fitting and thin. Start with a swimsuit and/or swim trunks and synthetic base layer tops and bottoms on cold trips. You do not want to wear cotton on the river on cool rainy days. The evaporation of water from a wet cotton layer will actually make you colder! Synthetic fibers maintain insulative properties when wet and "wick" moisture away from your skin.
- LAYER #2: The next layer should also be made of synthetic fiber, but should be a bit heavier in weight. If you get too warm you can always peel this layer off.
- LAYER #3: The outer layer is what is known as the "barrier" layer. This layer should be waterproof and loose-fitting enough to give you a good range of motion. The idea of this layer is to seal out water and seal in the warmth generated by you and insulated by layers # 1 and # 2. A good rain suit can do the job, or a good paddling jacket and pants. Not only will this protect you from rainstorms, but chilly water temperatures when running rapids as well!
WETSUITS
ROW provides Farmer John-style wetsuits for our cold-weather trips through July 6 (long legs, but no sleeves). A thin layer of synthetic material (like a swimsuit or polyester), merino wool, or silk could be worn under a wetsuit, but generally, the wetsuit is considered a base layer that goes next to your skin. Then for added warmth, you can add a layer of fleece or a mid-weight layer of wool over the wetsuit. The final layer should be waterproof. Wool or fleece socks can be worn with booties if your feet tend to get cold.
FISHING
If you plan to fish, please bring your own fishing gear (with a protective case), as we do not have any to loan. An IDAHO fishing license is required if you plan on fishing. You can pre-purchase a license by going to the website https://idfg.idaho.gov/license/purchase-options.
LIQUOR AND PREFERED BEVERAGES
ROW packs a moderate quantity of soft drinks as well as wine and beer for legal-age guests. If you bring liquor, please give it to your guide in a labeled plastic container (Nalgene, Platypus soft bottle). Beer should be in cans - No glass beer bottles, please. Bottled wine is fine. All liquors in IDAHO are sold in State Liquor Stores with limited hours. Please be aware we have limited space on our rafts therefore moderate quantities, please. If you are arriving after 7 pm BE SURE TO PURCHASE your liquor at home and bring it with you.
GRATUITIES:
Like anyone in the service business, river and outdoor adventure guides appreciate gratuities. Our guides are some of the best and most highly trained in the business. They not only guide your raft down the river but set up camp, cook and serve gourmet meals, provide interpretation of the natural and cultural history of the area and strive to provide the highest level of hospitality. Tipping is ultimately a personal decision, however, if you appreciate the service your guides provided, then as a guideline we suggest a gratuity of 10-20% of the trip price. Tips can be given to the ROW Team Leader at the end of the trip in the form of cash or personal check. The Team Leader distributes them equally among the guides and gives a portion to ROW’s behind-the-scenes, unsung heroes like our drivers and food shoppers.
Reading List
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Cadillac Desert: The American West and its Disappearing Water, by Marc Reisner (Penguin Books).
This is an enlightening and easy to read book about water politics in the West. It does not contain much about Idaho – but is still a must read – especially with the current debate over removing the four lower Snake River dams. Highly recommended. -
Children of Grace, by Bruce Hampton, Henry, Holt Publishers, 1994
(out of print as of March of 1998) – but in ROW founder, Peter Grubb’s opinion, one of the best! Look for it at used bookstores or try www.bibliofind.com. If you're only going to read book about the Nez Perce and the war of 1879, this is the one. Highly recommended. (Out of print, but available online). -
Idaho Chinese Lore, by Sister M. Alfreda Elsensoln (Idaho Corporation of Benedictine Sisters and printed by The Caxton Printers, Ltd. In Caldwell, 1970).
Try your local library. (Out of print, available online) -
Idaho for the Curious: A Guide, by Cort Conley (Backeddy Books).
This thick book is a great resource for the curious. Conley follows the roads and relates the natural and human history of the areas. It’s worth the money and the perfect companion in your car for your dog to read to you as you drive! -
Idaho Loners, by Cort Conley (Backeddy Books, 1994).
An in-depth look into the lives of the hermits, solitaries and individualists that shaped Idaho’s history. Fun, intriguing, biographical reading. -
Indians of Idaho, by Deward E. Walker Jr. (University Press of Idaho).
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Myths of the Idaho Indians, by Deward E. Walker Jr. (University Press of Idaho, 1982). (Out of print, but available online).
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Nez Perce Coyote Tales, by D. Walker (University of Oklahoma Press, 1994).
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Rivers of the West - A Guide to the Geology & History, by Elizabeth L. Orr & William N. Orr. (Out of print, but available online).
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Roadside Geology of Idaho, by David D. Alt and Donald W. Hyndman (Mountain Press Publishing Company, 1989).
Few states pack so many different rocks into such a small area as Idaho, the book covers this unique occurrence in an exciting geologic story. -
Roadside History of Idaho, by Betty Derig (Mountain Press Publishing Co., 1996).
“The best way to enjoy Idaho’s rich heritage is to visit the sites where history happened”. This book transports you to those places through well-researched, well-told text and vivid historical photographs. -
Salmon and His People, by Dan Landeen and Allen Pinkham. (Confluence Press, Lewis & Clark State College, 1999). Fish & Fishing in Nez Perce Culture, illustrated with 200 color photographs as well as dozens of historic images to chronicle the importance of fish and fishing to the Nez Perce people. This book gives you a real sense of how important the Salmon were and are to the Nez Perce. Highly recommended.
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Sources of the River, by Jack Nisbet (Sasquatch Books, 1994)
Jack re-creates the life and times of David Thompson – fur trader, explorer, surveyor, and mapmaker who blazed the way West before Lewis and Clark. As a result of adding his own observations Jack has created a fascinating story of two men discovering the Northwest Territory almost two hundred years apart. (Author Jack Nisbet lives in Spokane and has traveled on the Missouri River in 2000 as a ROW interpretive guest.) Highly recommended. (Out of print, available online) -
The Education of Little Tree, by Forrest Carter (University of New Mexico Press, 1976).
The true story of a Cherokee boy’s unique education in the 1930’s. A wonderful book that shows the stark contrast between the values, awareness and relationship with nature of the Indians versus those of white people. Highly recommended. -
The Lemhi: Sacajawea’s People, by Brigham D. Madsen (The Caxton Printers, Ltd., 1979).
A historical story of the Lemhi tribe being reunited with Sacajawea and their struggle to survive on a too small reservation. -
The River Reader, by John A. Murray (The Lyons Press, 1998).
A collection of writings that is composed of both classic selections and contemporary writings from twenty-two diverse writers that are devoted to a single environmental subject. -
The Weiser Indians: Shoshoni Peacemakers, by Hank Corless (The Caxton Printers, Ltd., 1996).
“This book documents Indian-white relations in the southwestern Idaho during the time of initial white encroachment onto Indian lands. It also offers a perspective on all native peoples of the northern Great Basin”. Besides that it illustrates the daily life and culture of an Idaho Indian tribe around the time of the first settlement of Idaho by white people. Highly recommended.. (Out of print, available online) -
Undaunted Courage, by Stephen Ambrose (Simon & Schuster, 1996). A must read! A poignant human drama of Meriwether Lewis, Thomas Jefferson, and the opening of the American West. This book is one of the main reasons so many people are intrigued by the Lewis and Clark story. Highly recommended.
Helpful Links
Watch - Camping with ROW Adventures
Watch - Bathroom Facilities on the River
Watch - Packing for a Day on the River
White Water Craft Guide - Types of crafts we utilize on river trips.
Understanding Leave No Trace on the River - Helpful ways to travel through river environments sustainably.
The 6 Best Wilderness Multi-Day Whitewater Rafting Trips in Idaho - Take a closer look at which trip might be best for you.
Feminine Hygiene Tips for River Trips - Helpful tips for women while on the river.
Know Before You Go - 10 Things You Might Encounter Multi-Day Rafting - Multi-day rafting 101!
Terms & Conditions
Please see our full Terms & Conditions HERE.