River Rafting Trips in Idaho

Idaho’s rivers offer pine forests and steep, craggy mountains. Both the Middle Fork and the Main Stem of the Salmon River flow through the Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness, an expanse of undeveloped terrain encompassing more than two million acres.

These Idaho whitewater rafting trips are run by our affiliate Middle Fork River Expeditions. Holiday can arrange your Salmon River rafting experience and you will be in great hands with the folks at MFRE.

Crystal-clear water flows through canyons even deeper than Grand Canyon. Float within an incredibly varied landscape, past wooded hillsides and eroding ridge lines, buttressed peaks and rocky slides. Experience a landscape that hasn’t changed since Lewis and Clark wandered its contours.

These steep, mountain rivers boast continuous rapids—over 300 on the Middle Fork alone! Hike to historic cabins and archaeological sites, and round out the days with campfires or a soak in one of the famous hot springs. Salmon River rafting trips in Idaho are unforgettable!

Idaho River Trip Side Hike
Main Salmon Group Hot Springs

5–6 Day Main Salmon River

Starting Price: $2,699
Minimum Age: 6
Meeting Location: Stanley, ID

  • Class I-III rapids of crystal clear water thru canyons deeper than Grand Canyon
  • Blue-ribbon trout fishing and knowledgable guides on hand to help
  • Riverside hot springs and picturesque campsites
  • Choose your craft – oar-powered rafts, inflatable kayaks, paddle rafts & stand up paddle boards (SUP) available

Middle Fork Salmon River Paddle Boat Guide

6 Day Middle Fork of the Salmon River

Starting Price: $3,299
Minimum Age: 6
Meeting Location: Stanley, ID

  • Class II-III+ rapids on gin-clear water through canyons deeper than the Grand Canyon
  • Blue-ribbon trout fishing and riverside hot springs
  • Unspoiled, remote and pristine wilderness much as it was 100 years ago
  • Choose your craft – oar-powered rafts, inflatable kayaks & paddle rafts available


Rafting the Salmon River

Known as the “River of No Return”, the headwaters of the Main Salmon are found in the Sawtooth Mountains of Eastern Idaho, and it drops more than 7,000 over its 425 mile course to its confluence with the Snake River. The Main Salmon serves as the primary watershed for one of the least populated regions in the country and is the longest un-dammed river in the country.

The Middle Fork of the Salmon is the largest tributary to the Main. Its 104-mile course through the Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness Area is filled with over 300 whitewater rapids and many natural hot springs. 

Idaho Rafting trips
James ellsworth and Fred in the water

Holiday and Middle Fork River Expeditions

In 1993, James Ellsworth began guiding river trips with Holiday, and before long had developed a close relationship with our founder, Dee Holladay, discovering along the way that they were distantly related through marriage. After his time with Holiday, James went abroad and facilitated international river expeditions with Mountain Travel Sobek. Upon his return stateside, he realized a long-held dream to own a rafting company when he purchased Middle Fork River Expeditions.

Holiday operated its own branch in Idaho under the watchful eye of co-owner Frogg Stewart from 1979 until 2017. When Frogg decided to retire, it only made sense to partner with James and MFRE to continue offering our guests these amazing Idaho river rafting trips.