Idaho’s Salmon River, the Grand Canyon of Idaho, is one of the longest free flowing rivers in the United States and cuts through a vast area of incredibly rugged Rocky Mountain wilderness – the largest wilderness area in the Lower 48. The canyon it creates is the second deepest on the continent and it has a timelessness and mountain grandeur that is matched by few rivers anywhere. It is one of the last big mountain rivers remaining in the world that is undammed – and for 85 miles it is virtually untouched by modern civilization. It is a wilderness trip of a lifetime, a rafting trip with beach vacation afternoons, a multi-sport adventure, and one of the world’s premier wilderness rivers.

Known as the “River of No Return” by early explorers, the Salmon is a big mountain river. It has big water with spring flows rivaling that of Colorado’s Grand Canyon and big, fun, roller coaster style rapids; a big, incredibly beautiful, river corridor set in a massive wilderness with peaks rising over a mile above the river; huge sandy beaches shaded by towering pine and fir trees; big side creeks full of trout (creeks that would be called rivers in many parts of the world); a long history full of big personalities, characters, and stories; a ton of wildlife including Big Horn Sheep, Black Bear, and Bald Eagle; and most importantly it offers an authentic wilderness experience.

However, despite its size, history, remoteness, and ominous sounding nickname, the Salmon River is incredibly friendly and comfortable. It features warm summer days lasting until nearly 10 in the evening, cool nights perfect for sleeping under the stars, water perfect for swimming, natural hot springs to soak in, perhaps the best beach camping anywhere, world-class trout fishing, a ton of hiking, and whitewater that is exciting yet safe. People have said that it feels wild, untouched, and rugged but at the same time comfortable, forgiving, and almost luxurious – a journey that combines a perfect beach vacation with the solitude, beauty, vast wilderness, and excitement of a mountain whitewater river expedition.

The whitewater features big water wave trains punctuated by calm green pools. It is fun and exciting, but great for almost any age level. You have the choice of sitting in relaxing oar boats, participating in more exciting paddle boats, or navigating the whitewater in an inflatable kayak or a stand up paddle board (this adds a big level of excitement to the rapids).

The options for each day can turn the trips into a multi-sport adventure for those interested. The river is perfect for inflatable kayaking and stand up paddle boarding. There are both mellow and epic hiking options and there is world-class trout fishing. It is not uncommon to have a group leave together in the morning, split for hiking, fishing, or a stop at one of the historic wilderness homesteads, and then come back together as they float into the evenings camp to tell the stories of their day.

Our Idaho Salmon trips are done with Momentum’s signature style, attention to detail, and handcrafted quality. With comfortable and innovative wilderness camping, creative menus, personal service and hospitality, one of the most experienced (and friendly) guide staffs in the world, and with all the little details and touches we are known for.

The River of No Return is one of those rare river trips that is ideal for the seasoned whitewater connoisseur, someone wanting to make the jump from shorter wilderness trips like Oregon’s Rogue River, or for first-timers looking for their first river trip or an amazing vacation. The trip can be enjoyed by those wanting high adventure, those wanting a very active trip, and those just wanting a beautiful, lazy vacation. Our salmon trips range from groups of families to college buddies to chartered private trips and it is not uncommon to have trips enjoyed by three generations of family or friends.

Getting There and Away
The Main Salmon cuts through a vast wilderness area (the largest in the lower 48) so transportation logistics can be challenging. The beginning of the trip is near Salmon Idaho and the end is near Riggins Idaho and there is no “direct” route between the two. However, we have made it very convenient by starting and ending the trip in Boise, Idaho. Boise is a small city at the base of the foothills with easy access by either the Boise Airport or interstate 84.

Standard Trip Options:
The easiest (and usually the least expensive) thing to do is let us handle the transportation details and begin and end your trip in Boise. We will arrange a small plane flight over the Idaho Rockies (beautiful!) on the morning of your trip to the small town of Salmon. There you will meet the trip leader and head to the river. On the last day we will transport you back to Boise around 7pm. It is very simple and the flight is spectacular. We recommend this option for most people.

The Regular price includes all transportation to and from Boise including the flight.

Driving Option:
If you are on a road trip you may want to consider meeting us in Salmon Idaho instead. We will help you arrange to shuttle your car to McCall Idaho. The shuttle cost including gas is generally $350 to $400 per vehicle. At the end of the trip we will drop you off at your car in McCall.

The driving option includes transportation from Salmon Idaho at the beginning of the trip and to McCall Idaho at the end. It does not include your vehicle shuttle.

Please give us a call if you have any questions about transportation. We will send you very detailed travel options with your confirmation pack.

Please Note: Our Salmon River trips take place in the wonderfully unpredictable natural environment. Because of this our itineraries are always flexible to accommodate water levels, weather, and our guest’s needs and interests. We also do many custom itineraries. If you are on a custom trip it may be different from the ones below.

6-Day Idaho Salmon Rafting Trips:
The trip begins and ends in Boise and includes a scenic small plane flight to the river and five nights of camping along the river.

Overnight camping trips are an incredible way to fully experience the amazing qualities of the Salmon, nature as a whole, and the people you are with. Most are surprised by the quality of the food, the overall comfort, and the many intangibles that characterize extended time on the river. We are extremely proud of our comfortable camping in wilderness places. As with all our overnight trips the camping on the Salmon is deluxe and the food is excellent and served in a dining room where the sky is the ceiling.

The relaxed pace of the 6-day allows us to fully immerse ourselves in the experience, with time for activities such as hiking, swimming, fishing, beach games, and just lounging around. We spend the days floating down river, the evenings on large sandy beaches, and the nights under the stars. We fall asleep to the sound of the water gliding by and the anticipation of all that will come from the next day.

Day 1:
Our trip starts in Boise Idaho where we board a small plane for a scenic one hour plane flight over the Idaho Rockies to the little town of Salmon. There you will be met by one of the guides and we will drive a little over 2 hours to our “put-in” at Corn Creek. On the way we will stop at the North Fork Store for last minute necessities, fishing permits, personal drinks, etc. At Corn Creek we will meet the rest of the crew, have lunch by the river, do an orientation talk, and pack our dry bags. After loading our gear and ourselves into the boats we push off and head down the Salmon River and into the largest wilderness area in the Lower 48. For six days we will float the Salmon as it cuts a huge and beautiful canyon through the remote and wild Idaho Rockies. The canyon is home to abundant wildlife including bear, big horn sheep, river otter, dear, bald eagles, and osprey.

Days 2-5:
Each morning after a hearty breakfast and plenty of time for a second cup of coffee we will break camp and head down river. Days will include time on the water, a lunch stop, time on the beaches, time for optional side hikes (the hiking is world-class), fishing options (also world-class) and stops at side creeks, historic sites, and even natural hot springs. Each day also features sections of big, fun, roller coaster style rapids and views of the incredible beautiful and varied river canyon with peaks rising over a mile above the river. The exact itinerary and length of each day will depend on water levels, weather, and the interests of the group. There is an incredible amount to see and a ton of options – it is a true wilderness playground.

Day 6:
Morning comes once again with coffee, tea and the sound of birds in the canyon. Our last day includes one of the biggest rapids on the trip and a chance to experience the river for one last morning. We reach the end of our river trip around lunch, say goodbye to most of the guides and begin the drive back to Boise and civilization. We will take a quick break in the mountain town of McCall for a snack and a break, say goodbye to the trip leader, and then get back to Boise around 7 in the evening.