DURATION
6 NIGHTS
DISTANCE
81 MILES
SEASON
JUN-AUG
FROM
$2,000
With stunning views through more than 2 million acres of pure wilderness, impressive natural history, big water class III-IV rapids, abundant wildlife, and large bright skies, a trip down the Main Salmon River is the wilderness tonic you and your family are looking for.
Spend a week beneath these stars.
Sample Itinerary & Trip Highlights
This river flows freely through the second-deepest canyon on the continent through over 2 million acres of remote wilderness. It trickles from the Sawtooth Mountains all the way to the ocean, creating the stage for one of the most classic Wild and Scenic river trips in America.
Day One ➜
After your first night's stay at the lodge and a trip orientation given by your guides, we'l launch from the lodge beach—headed into the wilderness for an great introductory day on the water. It's a special feeling to let the world melt away behind you as we float deeper into the canyon.
We might take a stop at Lantz Bar to explore the historic homestead and orchards planted long ago. Next, we'll enjoy a delicious lunch, prepared and served by your guides while you relax or swim along the sandy beach.
The afternoon will take us to our first camp. Your guides will unload all of your luggage and give you an orientation to camp. Appetizers and beach games are yours for the taking until dinner and dessert are served!
Day Two ➜
You'll wake to fresh coffee and soon, a breakfast buffet to start your day. As the sun rises in the canyon we'll prepare to hit the river, packing our things and preparing for our first stop: impressive pictographs left by natives long ago.
We'll float through a spectacular canyon composed of granite and gneiss featuring one of the trip's most exciting rapid that formed just in the past 10 years.
Shortly after the Black Creek rapid, you'll be rewarded with lunch and hot springs with a view! Nestled into the cliffside enjoying a beverage, soak in the natural waters and enjoy the serenity around you.
Once again, we'll float into camp for another night of enjoyment.
Day Three ➜
You might notice some excitement in the air this morning as your guides are preparing breakfast — it's a big whitewater day and they no doubt can't wait to get you on the river!
This day is a highlight as we'll splash through some of the most well-known rapids like Elkhorn, Split Rock, and Big Mallard. You'll feel that the previous two days have prepared you for these incredibly fun and rewarding rapids.
We'll remind you to look around at the scenery today in-between rapids as it's also a gorgeous part of the trip. At camp, perhaps explore a side creek or take it easy. You will have deserved it! In case you were wondering, dessert will be served again tonight... and every night.
Day Four ➜
Today features one of the most unique rapids on the river, Elkhorn. This rapid weaves around a boulder garden of giants for one whole gorgeous mile of river.
Another long-awaited moment happens today on the trip: a stop at Buckskin Bill's homestead. You'll have the opportunity to wander through the museum of relics and climb atop the lookout tour built buy the lone frontiersman.
Kids will enjoy the opportunity to hula hoop on the lawn and grab some ice cream while adults can indulge in their famous Root Beer Float made with a Stout.
Now it's a nice, relaxing float to your next camp — another night under a starry sky.
Day Five ➜
This morning marks a special moment. You're about to experience a peaceful day amongst the second-deepest canyon in the country (even deeper than the infamous Grand Canyon). The calm water that flows through impressive section of river allows us to take a breath and take in the expansive wilderness surrounding us. Close your eyes and drift or scan the cliff-sides for mountain sheep and soaring eagles. Shake off the heat by jumping in for a swim...extra points if you can drag a guide in with you!
Tonight at camp is the culmination of everything you've experienced on the river during your journey. We'll share a memorable group meal and celebrate our last night as a group together!
Day Six ➜
There won't be too much time to feel sad about your last day because exciting rapids still await downstream! Enjoy your final breakfast and take a moment to reflect on the time you've had without life's screens and distractions.
Vinegar rapid will be one of the wildest rides you've had yet, the big finale before we reach the takeout. Once we reach Carey Creek in the late afternoon, our guides will prepare lunch and deliver your original luggage bag to you so that you can begin swapping your belongings.
From there, it's time to say goodbye and jump on the shuttle bus for the scenic 5-hour drive to the Boise Airport where it all began.
An experience you won't find anywhere else.
What To Expect When You Book With Us
Every trip on the Main Salmon River is full of spectacular wilderness. Steep granite cliffs strike up from the water’s edge—in some places, a mile deep. Songbirds are often heard and birds of prey often seen. Black bears and mountain goats roam the mountainsides, and wildflowers grow amongst tall ponderosa pines and mountain mahogany.
We're passionate about creating a rafting and camping experience that matches the quality of our surroundings.
Our practiced and certified guides are committed to inclusive fun, education and storytelling, and most importantly—your safety and care. Not only are our guides selected for their experience and professionalism on the river, they are chosen for their attitudes of care and kindness for others. Your enjoyment and well-being is always our top priority. When you journey down the river with our crew, you’re family.
I’m here out in the wilderness, looking at all the mountains. It’s been an experience for sure. People like us (from the city) aren’t accustomed to what we see here — the mountains, the river, and everything. This has been the greatest experience.
— Sandi Walker
Select Dates & Book Your Trip
$2200 Adults | $2000 Youth
All launches on the Main Salmon require an additional fee of $24 per person as per the US Forest Service Recreational Enhancement Act.
Select your trip dates and add the number of people in your group. Upon checkout, a $500 deposit per person will be required to secure your spot.
What's Included When You Book
The Main Salmon River trip includes all meals, housing, and transportation from Salmon, Idaho at the beginning of your trip and to Boise, Idaho at the end of your trip. This allows folks to make the decision whether to save time and fly or save money and drive. Click to view our Main Salmon Travel Guide for all the details about how to plan your journey.
Once you arrive at the lodge, our guides will help you transfer your luggage into a 60L personal dry bag that we will provide for you. Anything that you left behind at the lodge will be securely stored until the end of your trip when we will transport to the take-out for you to retrieve. Click to view our Main Salmon Packing Guide for more details and a comprehensive checklist!
Frequently Asked Questions
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It is possible to book your flight into Boise the same day as your Gem Air flight to Salmon—however, we recommend flying into the Boise Airport the day before you plan to arrive at the lodge to avoid missing your connection.
There are plenty of options for hotels near the airport with shuttles to and from the airport available.
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Flights from Boise to Salmon are $240 per person, one-way. Flights from McCall to Salmon are $200 per person, one-way.
Details about Gem Air flight pricing (including round-trip information) can be found here on their website.
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To book your flight to Salmon, contact Gem Air at:
(208) 756-7382
flying@gemairflights.comAll the information about where to check-in for your flight and more can be found on their website right here.
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Once you arrive in Salmon, we will arrange for a shuttle to pick you up from the airport and take you to the lodge.
For information and pricing of the shuttle, send us an email at info@salmonriverlodge.com
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Cars can be parked at the Corn Creek campground for free. You’ll be able to see the lodge from where you’re parked—that’s how close you’ll be!
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Yes! The jet boat shuttle from where you park your car to the lodge, across the river, is included in every booking.
Talk to someone who's been there.
Contact Us
Send us an email directly or send us a message using the form below.