Main Salmon

River Stats

For any family looking for one of the premier river adventures in the U.S. the Main Salmon should be on the list.  Big splashy class III and IV rapids, mixed with smaller whitewater and placid pools mean this trip has all the excitement one could want without having too much.  The camps are often large beaches with big eddies in front that make for great games of bocci and plenty of swimming.  The river canyon is full of trails to explore with many of them taking hikers to old abandoned homesteads where kids and parents alike can image what life must have been like for the hearty breed of humans who have made the canyon home decades ago. Finally, if you enjoy hot springs, the Main Salmon has one of the best hot springs of any river in the U.S.  Picture sitting in a chest deep tub, 150 feet up the hillside from the river in water not too hot and not too cold, but just right with a view up a canyon filled with vertical granite walls. There is simply nothing like it.

When one floats the Main Salmon River they typically spend 4-6 days journeying over 80 miles and essentially traveling across the entire state of Idaho, going from the eastern border in Salmon to the western border in Riggins.  In this journey rafters float through the heart of the largest wilderness area and the second deepest canyon in the United States, filled with wildlife from eagles, deer, and otters, to black bears, big horn sheep and even moose. So come explore one of the wildest places in the U.S. on one of the great family adventures, the Main Salmon River.

Outfitters

  • Yellow Jacket River Guides

    Whitewater Rafting Adventures in Idaho's Salmon River Wilderness

  • Mackay Wilderness River Trips, Inc.

    Mackay Wilderness River Trips, Inc.

    Fully outfitted 6 day rafting adventures on the Middle Fork of the Salmon and the Main Salmon. 

  • ROW Adventures

    ROW Adventures

    ROW Adventures has been Idaho's premier rafting outfitter since 1979

  • Hughes River Expeditions, Inc.

    Hughes River Expeditions, Inc.

    Hughes River Expeditions is a family owned and operated business that has been outfitting world-class river rafting and fly fishing trips on rivers in the West since 1976. You will find us on some of the Idaho's most spectacular whitewater and fishing rivers: Idaho's famous Middle Fork of the Salmon, Main Salmon-River of No Return, Salmon River Canyons & Selway Rivers.

  • Rocky Mountain River Tours

    Rocky Mountain River Tours has a rich history of amazing guides, award winning food and top-shelf customer service

  • Middle Fork River Expeditions

    Middle Fork River Expeditions

    Our mission is to allow river travellers the opportunity to unplug from modern society and reconnect to oneself, family, and friends through nature’s lens. This adventure allows you to have a digital detox from technology and reconnect to a more simple and fulfilling pace of life.   There is no Wi- Fi in the wilderness, but we promise you will find a much deeper and rewarding connection

  • Lewis & Clark Trail Adventures

    Lewis & Clark Trail Adventures

    Rafting vacations on the Salmon River of No Return and the Lochsa River. 

  • Canyons River Company

    Canyons River Company

    Our 6 or 12-day river adventures offer a unique, human-powered way to travel through the largest wilderness area in the lower 48 states. Whether you are traveling with family, friends or solo, are a newbie rafter or a Class V kayaker, are a bacon lover or a vegan, we provide you with your own personalized VACATION OF A LIFETIME inclusive to all.

  • River of No Return Wilderness Outfitters

    River of No Return Wilderness Outfitters

    Enjoy all-inclusive river trips on the Main Salmon River in Idaho. We cater to families, couples, and groups. Immerse yourself in the beautiful river canyon and free flowing mountain rivers while our amazing guides cater to your every need and guide you through the wilderness.

  • Orange Torpedo Trips

    Orange Torpedo Trips

    For over 50 years we have been helping active travelers and families explore rivers. We specialize in the more active traveler looking for an authentic experience.

  • Wet Planet Rafting and Kayaking

    Wet Planet Rafting and Kayaking

     Salmon River - Multi-day Rafting and Kayaking Adventures

  • Idaho River Adventures, Inc.

    Idaho River Adventures, Inc.

    Family owned and operated business offering Middle Fork and Main Salmon trips.

  • NOLS

    NOLS

    On the Main Salmon River, NOLS can offer you a participant driven expedition where you’ll learn techniques for river travel and gain leadership skills to last a lifetime. We offer trips for all ages in paddle rafts, oar rigs, kayaks, and canoes while traveling, living and learning in Idaho’s backcountry.

  • ARTA River Trips

    ARTA River Trips

    Non-profit and friendly since 1963.

  • Adventure Idaho

    Adventure Idaho

    Over 30 years of experience rafting on the Salmon and Snake Rivers. The best choice for family friendly whitewater rafting trips.

  • Idaho Adventures

    Idaho Adventures

    Day Rafting, Wilderness Trips, Charter Options. Since 1973.

  • Wilderness River Outfitters

    Wilderness River Outfitters

    Wilderness River Outfitters is a family-owned and operated business based in Salmon, Idaho, founded by Joe and Fran Tonsmeire in 1972. Almost half a century later, WRO is still providing quality outdoor adventures on some of the finest wilderness rivers in Idaho, from the rugged desert canyons of the Owyhee basin to the pristine mountain streams of the Frank Church. 

  • Momentum River Expeditions

    Momentum River Expeditions

    Join us for a Salmon River trip or a Snake River through Hells Canyon expedition with comfortable and innovative wilderness camping, local and organic meals, the attention to detail & hospitality we are known for, and one of the most experienced (and friendly) guide staff’s in the world. We also offer group and charter expeditions too. 

  • OARS

    OARS

    Join OARS for a wild & scenic river adventure in Idaho

  • Aggipah River Trips , LLC

    Aggipah River Trips , LLC

    We've known the Salmon River country for over 50 years, headwaters to mouth, mountain top to river, and look forward to sharing it with you. We specialize in first class trips featuring local, natural, and cultural history, camp-fire and dutch-oven meals, and top of the line equipment. Local, family owned and operated. Private, theme, and lodge trips available. 1-6 day trips.

  • Confluences River Expeditions

    Confluences River Expeditions

    Confluences River Expeditions has offered world-class rafting trips on the gorgeous River of No Return since 1982.  We give personal service from the first phone call to the last rapid and hooked fish.  Book your unforgettable Main Salmon River adventure today!

  • SOAR Northwest

    SOAR Northwest

    Our mission is to assure that your trips on the Selway River and the Salmon River results in your full enjoyment of the beauty and Wilderness values of this very special part of America. SOAR Northwest is run by and experienced team of river running professionals.