Rafting the Main Salmon River in Idaho

Sample Itinerary

Meet at the Stagecoach Inn in Salmon, Idaho at 8:30 p.m. (Mountain Time) the night before the trip begins. We’ll have a pre-trip orientation to get acquainted, address questions, and show you how to pack your waterproof gear bags.

Day 1:

Return to the Stagecoach Inn at 7:30 a.m. for the two-hour bus ride to the Corn Creek put-in. We’ll make one stop in North Fork, Idaho, approximately 45 minutes from Salmon. Pick up any last-minute items (fishing licenses, beer, sunscreen, etc.) at the North Fork Store. Once we launch at Corn Creek we are truly on the River of No Return! Paddleboarders will have the option to test themselves in rapids such as Killum, Gun Barrel, and Alder: all fun Class III wave trains. Others can choose to work as a team in the paddle raft, or opt for the lap of luxury on one of our oar rafts. Ply the waters for fish; even novice anglers should be able to hook a trout. Warm air and water temperatures make swimming pleasant, whether in a calm section of the river or in an eddy by our campsite. Eat your fill of Dutch oven treats, read by the river, listen to the guides sing and play guitar, and fall asleep watching for shooting stars.

Days 2–5:

So many things to see and so much time to see them! We’ll run more rapids: Black Creek, 5 Mile, Split Rock, Big Mallard, and Growler. Look for treasure at Jim Moore’s place, and explore Buckskin Bill’s homestead. Barth Hot Springs, the best hot spring in the Pacific Northwest, is a must-see. Visit with modern-day homesteaders and hear their stories of life in the wilderness. We’ll get in plenty of hiking in the numerous side canyons, including Indian Creek, where we’ll see rare 2,000-year-old yew trees. Get an eagle’s-eye view of the river and canyon by climbing up Chamberlain or Bargamin creeks, or up to Rabbit Point for amazing views.

Day 6:

Soak up the last of the river’s vibes as we float the final 5–10 miles to Carey Creek. Chittam and Vinegar Creek rapids will give us a good send off, and we’ll land at the take out at around 10 a.m. We’ll transport you and your gear to McCall, Idaho, where you can catch a flight back to Salmon or Boise with Sawtooth Flying Service. Flight cost is approximately $200.

For 5 day September trips:
Guests fly from Mackay Bar Ranch to Boise or Salmon, and start the trip at river mile 55 instead of mile 81. September brings much lower water levels and windy days on the river, making it more difficult to travel the necessary river miles each day. By shortening the river mileage, we ensure a leisurely trip with enough time to still experience the most scenic stretch of canyon. Flights are an additional $250/person.

As is true with all river trips, this is a sample itinerary subject to change based on environmental elements and campsites. Your guides will provide you with daily updates on what to expect on and off the river.