Salmon River Rafting Trips

Rafting the Salmon River

Salmon River rafting trips in Idaho are something special. Find yourself in a place that has changed little since Lewis and Clark first explored these forests and mountains. Wildlife such as elk, bears, moose, otters, beavers, and even wolves roam the surrounding hills.

Whether you choose a rafting trip on the Main Salmon River, the longest undammed river in the United States, or opt for the 100-mile Middle Fork trip, you can expect impossibly clear water and exhilarating Class III and IV rapids.

Salmon River rafting trips take you through the Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness and into deep, rocky canyons. Fishermen enjoy plying the crystal-clear water of both rivers. Swim in clear, calm eddies, and soak in natural hot springs. Sleep under the bright, starry sky or put up your tent beneath a grove of fragrant, cool pines.

While Holiday offered Idaho river trips in the past, we have since sold that part of the operation and now parter with Middle Fork River Expeditions to help get people on these amazing rivers.

Salmon River rafting trips
Main Salmon River Rafting Kids Playing Sand Beach Family Camping

6 Day Main Salmon River

Starting Price: Inquire
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

Book This Trip More Information
Middle Fork Idaho Family Rafting with Guide

6 Day Middle Fork of the Salmon River

Starting Price: Inquire
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

Book This Trip More Information

Whitewater Rafting on the Salmon River

The area around the Middle Fork Salmon River is the largest, most remote, roadless and unspoiled Wilderness Area in the US. It also incises through America’s third deepest river canyon and is the headwaters of the longest free flowing river in the US, the Main Stem of the Salmon. The Middle Fork offers 100 miles of Wild and Scenic free-flowing river and over 350 rapids, class I-IV.

The Main Stem of the Salmon River is not only the longest undammed river in the U.S., it also boasts the second deepest canyon. The Main Stem of the Salmon River offers free-flowing Class III whitewater rapids that are great for any age and experience level, huge sandy beaches perfect for camping and playing, beautiful mountain scenery, diverse wildlife, and a natural hot spring. Although it was dubbed the “River of No Return” by early river runners, the Main Stem of the Salmon is in fact a trip you’ll want to relive again and again.

Salmon River Rafting
James ellsworth and Fred in the water

About Holiday and Middle Fork River Expeditions

In 1979, long-time guide Frogg Stewart started the Idaho branch of Holiday, bringing the Main Salmon and Middle Fork trips into our offerings. Frogg owned and managed that part of the company for many years, until 2017 when he decided to retire. However, Holiday still wanted to offer these trips to our guests. That’s where James Ellsworth and Middle Fork River Expeditions comes in.

James guided for Holiday from 1993 until 1997, when he moved on to a facilitate international river expeditions. He had a deep personal connection with Dee and cemented a memorable reputation in Holiday lore due to his pet monkey, Fred. James took over MFRE in 2007, and when Frogg decided to hang up his lifejacket, partnering with James was a natural decision.

Despite leading river trips all over the world, James has found his heart belongs to the rivers of Idaho, and he runs his company with a similar ethos and ethic as Holiday.

Check out this blog to learn more about James and our partnership (as well as to read a story about his pet monkey!).