Main Fork of the Salmon River, Idaho

Main Fork of the Salmon River, Idaho at a Glance
Price
Class of Rapids	III-IV
Trip Miles	40 to 80 miles
Trip Duration	3 to 6 days
Season	June-October
Raft Type	Oar Raft, Paddle Raft, Inflatable Kayak, Dory
River Sections	Main
Nearby Towns	Riggins (ID), Salmon (ID), North Fork (ID), Stanley (ID)
Driving Times	Missoula (MT): 3 hours; Spokane (WA): 5 hours
Recommended For	Intermediate, Multi Day Trip, Families, Wildlife, Spring

The scenic Salmon River near Riggins, Idaho (courtesy, Idaho Department of Commerce)

Early explorers dubbed the Main Salmon the “River of No Return,” and today it flows through the largest contiguous area of protected wilderness in the continental United States, the 2.3-million-acre Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness Area. A trip down this river takes you into the heart of north-central Idaho’s forested hinterlands, encompassing the foothills of the Sawtooth and Bitterroot mountains, pristine sandy beaches, and possible sightings of deer, elk, bears, and bighorn sheep (especially during the animals' spring and fall migrations between their winter and summer ranges). As if all that wasn’t enough, you’ll be cutting through the second deepest gorge in North America, dropping over 1,000 feet through more than 40 Class III-IV rapids. Reservations are recommended for summer rafting trips. Family day trips, through 12 miles of fun but not overwhelming rapids, are also available on the Main Salmon near Stanley, Idaho, with great views of the Sawtooth Mountains.

Tour Operator Trips on the Main Fork of the Salmon River, Idaho

Price		Tour Operator
$1550 4 - 6 days	Whitewater Rafting on Idaho's Main Salmon River Rafting, Paddling in Idaho The famous "River of no Return" is your backdrop for relaxation and adventure as River Time Guide Service and...	River Time Guide Service
$1195 5 - 6 days	Main Salmon River Rafting Rafting in Idaho Enjoy an exhilarating trip in oar boats down the Salmon River, through the River of No Return Wilderness....	Holiday Expeditions
$3045 17 days	Full Salmon River Rafting Experience Rafting in Idaho No other river trip in the U.S. offers as much diversity in scenery, terrain and whitewater as the Full Salmon...	O.A.R.S
$3045 12 days	Idaho's Middle Fork & Main Salmon River Rafting Combo Rafting in Idaho Of all the rivers that flow through Idaho, perhaps the most spectacular is the Wild & Scenic Salmon River, the...	O.A.R.S
$1150 4 - 5 days	Idaho Family Rafting - Salmon River Canyons Rafting in Idaho Designed exclusively for families with children ages five and up, ROW's playfully orchestrated Family Magic...	ROW Adventures
$825 6 days	Family Rafting Vacations on the Salmon River Rafting in Idaho Charming guides will attend to your every need. Learn river skills, teamwork and history, while enjoying...	Sawtooth Adventure Company
$1099 4 - 6 days	Group Charter Trips on the Salmon River Rafting, Paddling in Idaho The Salmon River is a great place get to know your co-workers, family members, or wedding party. Many of our...	Sawtooth Adventure Company
$799 5 days	Salmon River Rafting Adventure - High Adventure Trip Rafting in Idaho Springtime on the River Of No Return means fast water, big rapids, abundant wildlife, and electric Green...	Sawtooth Adventure Company
$1390 7 days	Idaho River Rafting - Main Salmon River Rafting in Idaho Explore the largest road-less wilderness in the lower 48. Rich in scenic wonders and history, the Main Salmon...	Western River Expeditions
$1399 5 days	A Yoga Adventure on the Salmon River Rafting, Yoga in Idaho This trip is reserved for late summer when the water is clear, beaches are huge, and crowds are minimal....	Sawtooth Adventure Company
$85 1 day	One Day Rafting on the Salmon River of No Return Rafting in Idaho Join us at Riggins, the Whitewater Capital. Ride the waves in Time Zone, Tight Squeeze, Traps Creek and Black...	Hell's Canyon Raft Inc.
$425 2 days	Two Days of Rafting on the Salmon River of No Return Rafting in Idaho Add a new dimension to your whitewater adventure - like camping along the river on a beautiful sandy beach;...	Hell's Canyon Raft Inc.