Main Salmon River Rafting Trips
Trip Highlights:
- Paddle thrilling rapids and swim tranquil pools
- Enjoy natural hot springs and scenic riverside hikes
- Camp on white-sand beaches under starry skies
- Discover historic cabins and Idaho's rich heritage
- Connect with the land and legacy of the Nimi’ipuu (Nez Perce) people
- Learn from local expert guides
- Dine on delicious riverside meals
Idaho's Main Salmon
Where the Middle Fork of the salmon ends, trips on the Main Salmon River begin and travel some 80 miles from east to west across the state of Idaho with magnificent wilderness areas on each side.
This is the land of the Nimi’ipuu, or Nez Perce, who lived here for generations, and this journey is a chance to honor their legacy, their lives, and their homelands.
Early fur trappers, miners, and homesteaders came in the latter part of the 19th century and starting in the late 1800s, a few pioneer boatmen ran wooden scows the length of the Main Salmon. We stop along our journey to learn about the human history and, the plants and animals of the river canyon. With luck we’ll see big horn sheep, river otter and deer.
Hot summer days are common and camping is ideal, with some camps set up on big, white-sand beaches, while on others we nestle our tents beneath towering ponderosa pines. The rapids are splashy and fun and are interspersed with long pools perfect for swimming, watching eagles and hawks soar above, and gazing upon a majestic mountain landscape. Part of the federal Wild & Scenic Rivers System, the Main Salmon is a National treasure, protected for generations to come.
Images & Videos
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Dates & Rates
| Dates | Adult (USD) | Child (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | ||
| Jun 13, 2026 to Jun 17, 2026 5-day Adult only trip | $2,190£0€0$0$0 | $2,190£0€0$0$0 |
| Jun 21, 2026 to Jun 26, 2026 Adult only trip | $2,470£0€0$0$0 | $2,470£0€0$0$0 |
| Jun 29, 2026 to Jul 04, 2026 | $2,470£0€0$0$0 | $2,370£0€0$0$0 |
| Jul 07, 2026 to Jul 12, 2026 | $2,470£0€0$0$0 | $2,370£0€0$0$0 |
| Jul 15, 2026 to Jul 20, 2026 | $2,470£0€0$0$0 | $2,370£0€0$0$0 |
| Jul 23, 2026 to Jul 28, 2026 Family Magic departure | $2,470£0€0$0$0 | $2,370£0€0$0$0 |
| Jul 31, 2026 to Aug 05, 2026 Family Magic departure | $2,470£0€0$0$0 | $2,370£0€0$0$0 |
| Aug 08, 2026 to Aug 13, 2026 | $2,470£0€0$0$0 | $2,370£0€0$0$0 |
| Aug 16, 2026 to Aug 21, 2026 | $2,470£0€0$0$0 | $2,370£0€0$0$0 |
| Aug 24, 2026 to Aug 29, 2026 Advocates for the West departure | $2,470£0€0$0$0 | $2,370£0€0$0$0 |
| Sep 01, 2026 to Sep 06, 2026 Adult only trip | $2,470£0€0$0$0 | $2,470£0€0$0$0 |
Supplementary Information
Main Salmon Private and Chartered Trips
ROW offers private and chartered Main Salmon trips in Idaho, perfect for groups of 1-24 guests. For pricing details, see below or contact an Adventure Consultant for a custom quote tailored to your group’s needs. Please call for available dates.
2026 Private Charter Rates:
- 5-Day trip: $45,990 for up to 24 guests (Pay for 21 and get the 22nd, 23rd, and 24th seat free)
- 6-Day trip: $51,870 for up to 24 guests (Pay for 21 and get the 22nd, 23rd, and 24th seat free)
TRIP INCLUDES:
- Services of our talented adventure consultants and professional guides
- Hand-crafted itinerary
- All meals/beverages as indicated in the itinerary (including beer and wine)
- Clean drinking water is available at all times
- All rafting/camping gear
- Specialized equipment needed for activities such as helmets, paddles, personal flotation devices, etc.
- Private pre-tour orientation meeting
- Transportation to/from river meeting points
DOES NOT INCLUDE:
- 6% Land and water access fee
- Airfare/transportation to the beginning and endpoints
- Shuttling your car
- Gratuities for guides
- Travel protection plan
- Pre-& post-trip hotel reservations
- Items of a personal nature
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Reviews
I plan on going an another river trip in the future for sure.
My friend convinced me to do a 6 day rafting trip down the Main Salmon and I'm so glad she did! So many amazing pieces of history to see in person along the river, beautiful views, and a fantastic crew to make it all happen. Big thanks to Niq with a Q, Dakota, Julliana, Mathew, Steve, and Nick! They did a fabulous job keeping us all safe and entertained, setting up and taking down camp, and ,most importantly (to me anyway), making so many great meals!!! I plan on going an another river trip in the future for sure.
Amazing Family Adventure on the Main Salmon
This trip on the Main Salmon totally exceeded my expectations. Our entire 10 family members enjoyed every moment of this incredible experience. The guides were professional, entertaining and so much FUN! To be in the wilderness experiencing nature at it's finest for 6 days was amazing. Excellent food choices, beautiful camping beaches and endless activities made for memories we will cherish forever. My absolute favorite part was NO cell phones! Highly recommend this quality adventure of a lifetime.
Main Salmon July
Can’t say enough about our trip! The ROW guides went out of their way to make our experience exceptional. The variety of food at each meal, all the Dutch oven desserts, and their hard work preparing and cleaning up was impressive! Each day had new experiences from hiking up to a water fall, visiting homesteads, hiking, swimming, and fun rapids. Each day ended with fun games, song, and cheers! We will definitely do this again!
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