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5 DAY OR 6 DAY SALMON RIVER RAFTING TRIPS

Raft and relax on pristine sandy beaches with family, kids, big groups, or friends!

TRIP HIGHLIGHTS

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Class II, III, and IV whitewater rafting
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Freshly made river meals and camping on the beach
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Pristine white sandy beaches, beautiful Salmon River Canyon and wildlife
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Native American Indian pictograph and historic pioneer homestead site viewing
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Optional hiking, fishing and kayaking
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Appropriate for ages 7 and up
Located in gorgeous central Idaho

Overview

Itinerary

Trip Prices

What to Pack

Food Menu

Calendar

SALMON RIVER TRIP OVERVIEW

Flowing unencumbered from high in the mountains of central Idaho to its confluence with the Snake River, the Salmon River offers a unique and exhilarating experience to adventurers.

The Salmon is one of the last major North American rivers to not have been dammed, which means its pristine environment and ecosystems remain intact. Untouched wilderness is punctuated by huge sandy beaches refreshed each year by spring floods. Salmon, steelhead, trout, and small-mouth bass all thrive in these waters.

Quiet pools glisten between canyon walls only interrupted by the thunderous roar of powerful class III and IV rapids.  Each of the river’s three canyons (Green, Cougar and Blue) provide stunning scenery as we navigate rapids like Bodacious Bounce, Snowhole, Devil’s Tooth, Slide, Checkerboard and Eye of the Needle. After floating through Blue Canyon, the last of the Salmon River canyons, we’ll enter the powerful confluence of the Salmon and Snake Rivers.

Our Salmon River camp sites are set on beautiful white sandy beaches nestled among the massive canyon walls. Quiet river pools provide perfect swimming holes to cool off on a hot summer day. There’s plenty of time to enjoy a game of beach bocce ball or a hike among numerous ancient Indian petroglyphs while our guides prepare a delicious three course meal. Relaxing beneath the glistening Idaho sky and roasting marshmallows are the perfect ways to end a peaceful and exciting day on the Salmon River.

Explore the wilderness and scout for wildlife like mountain goats, bald eagles, bighorn sheep, otters, deer, elk, brown bears, and more

Restaurant quality meals made from scratch in our full-service riverside kitchen

Learn about Idaho’s history through pictographs, petroglyphs, and rock shelters dating back thousands of years ago

Relax during slow-paced afternoons of beach games, fishing, reading, and more

62 miles of splashy Class II-IV whitewater rafting in oar boats, paddle boats or inflatable kayaks

Hike to view some of Idaho’s historical landmarks (optional; all hikes are rated easy)

Sleep on thick sleeping pads beneath the starry night sky

Fish for trout, sturgeon, catfish, and small-mouth bass

We take care of everything–all you need to do is enjoy your vacation

  • 62 miles of splashy Class II-IV whitewater rafting
  • Fun rapids in oar boats, paddle boats or inflatable kayaks
  • Restaurant quality meals made from scratch in our full-service riverside kitchen
  • Hike to view some of Idaho’s historical landmarks (optional; all hikes are rated easy)
  • Explore the wilderness and scout for wildlife like mountain goats, bald eagles, bighorn sheep, otters, deer, elk, brown bears, and more
  • Fish for trout, sturgeon, catfish, and small-mouth bass
  • Learn about Idaho’s history through pictographs, petroglyphs, and rock shelters dating back thousands of years ago
  • Relax during slow-paced afternoons of beach games, fishing, reading, and more
  • We take care of everything–all you need to do is enjoy your vacation
  • Sleep on thick sleeping pads beneath the starry night sky
  • Trip starts in Cambridge, ID and ends in Lewiston, ID

Difficulty Rating:

Our Salmon River trips are rated EASY and considered appropriate for any physical ability, including children ages 7 and up. Most physical activities are optional. The trip may require walking on uneven terrain for short distances. From relaxing on the beaches to hiking steep terrain, the choice is yours on how to enjoy the Salmon River in a way that suits you best.

The Salmon River has Class II, III & IV whitewater rapids: mostly Class III’s with a few Class IV’s. It is a big volume, drop pool river. While most rapids are not technically difficult, they’re a lot of fun with a big ride and big waves.

Take a look at the types of boats to choose from on this trip.

 

Itinerary

Trips start in Cambridge, ID and end in Lewiston, ID.

Evening before Departure: Enjoy a stay in the quaint town of Cambridge, ID and we will meet for a pre-trip meeting, provide dry bags for packing and answer any questions.

Day 1: Prepare for an early morning departure. We will drive north through Indian Valley, the quaint river town of Riggins, ID and arrive at Hammer Creek Boat Launch. The guides and boats will be ready to push off into a day filled with whitewater rapids, swimming, fishing and relaxation. Lunch will be served riverside followed by more floating and rapids. Arriving at a beautifully sandy camp in the afternoon, your tents will be ready and waiting. Feel free to spend the evening relaxing in camp, fishing, swimming, hiking and playing beach games. Each night a delicious gourmet meal will be prepared from our river kitchen: appetizers, delicious entrées, salads, fresh baked Dutch Oven breads and decadent desserts.

Days 2-3: After sleeping under a starry Idaho night sky, you will wake in the morning to the enticing aroma of hot coffee. After a scrumptious hot breakfast, phenomenal whitewater follows with calm swimming pools, great fishing holes, rich history, tasty food, and fun. This is when the magic of a river trip happens: no clocks, no cell phones, no computers; just you, the group and your beautiful surroundings. The evenings will be similar to the previous nights at a camp further down river.

Day 4: We arrive at the take-out in the early afternoon and head back to civilization. You can plan on arriving back to Cambridge, ID around 7:00 pm.  If you have any time constrictions, please let us know when you book the trip and we can adjust accordingly.

Note for booking departing flights after the trip: There’s a lot of travel time on the last day. We do not recommend flying out on the final day of a river trip. Please call us with questions about appropriate flight times and airport choices: 208-347-3862.

Sample Food Menu

Day 1

Breakfast

  • Freshly baked muffins and scones
  • Fruit
  • Yogurt and homemade granola
  • Coffee, tea, and hot cocoa

Lunch

  • Chicken Salad Sandwiches on croissants
  • Mediterranean Orzo Salad with feta, black olives and lemon vinaigrette
  • Chips
  • Chocolate Chip Cookies
  • Idaho Peaches

Dinner

  • Appetizer: Spinach Artichoke Dip with Toasted Baguette
  • Main: Grilled BBQ chicken, rice pilaf, grilled onions, pineapple and peppers, Sesame Coleslaw, Blue Cornbread
  • Dessert: Strawberry and Peach Shortcake with Whipped Cream
Day 2

Breakfast

  • Fresh Biscuits and Sausage Gravy
  • Eggs to Order
  • Idaho Cantaloupe
  • Yogurt and Granola
  • Coffee, tea, and hot cocoa

Lunch

  • Chicken and Bacon Sandwiches with housemade honey mustard
  • Sweet Pickled Jalapenos
  • Roasted Sweet Potato Lentil Salad
  • Local Fruit
  • Lemon Crinkle Cookies

Dinner

  • Appetizer: Baked Brie with crackers and grapes
  • Main: Grilled Tri Tip, Asparagus, Couscous, Candied Walnut, Apples Gorgonzola Salad with Poppyseed Dressing, Irish Soda Bread
  • Dessert: S’mores Bars
Day 3

Breakfast

  • Banana Bread French Toast
  • Scrambled Eggs
  • Bacon
  • Farm fresh Melon
  • Yogurt and Granola
  • Coffee, tea, and hot cocoa

Lunch

  • Chicken Caesar Salad Wraps
  • Italian Herbed Potato Salad
  • Chips
  • Peanut Butter Cookies
  • Watermelon

Dinner

  • Appetizer: Pepper Jelly & Cream Cheese with crackers, Pimento Cheese & Pretzel Rods
  • Main: Grilled Honey Dijon Pork Tenderloin, Apple Sauce, Baked Potato Casserole, Glazed Carrots, Watermelon Salad with arugula, feta and orange shallot vinaigrette, Rosemary Beer Bread
  • Dessert: Chocolate Zucchini Cake with Whipped Cream
Day 4

Breakfast

  • Huevos Rancheros with homemade salsa verde
  • Eggs to order
  • Potato Hash
  • Man Bacon
  • Fruit Salad
  • Yogurt and Granola
  • Coffee, tea, and hot cocoa

Lunch

  • Deli Sandwiches
  • Southwest Quinoa Salad with grilled corn, black beans and sweet pickled jalapenos
  • Chips
  • White Chocolate Chip and Hazelnut Cookies
  • Oranges
Day 5

Breakfast

  • Huevos Rancheros with homemade salsa verde
  • Eggs to order
  • Potato Hash
  • Man Bacon
  • Fruit Salad
  • Yogurt and Granola
  • Coffee, tea, and hot cocoa

Lunch

  • Deli Sandwiches
  • Southwest Quinoa Salad with grilled corn, black beans and sweet pickled jalapenos
  • Chips
  • White Chocolate Chip and Hazelnut Cookies
  • Oranges

WHAT TO PACK

For Summer Rafting

Stay prepared during your 5 or 6-day Salmon River trip. It is usually hot and dry in the summer. Average highs are in the 90’s with some weeks exceeding 100F. The nights usually cool off with average lows in 60’s to 70’s. Bathing suits, quick dry shorts/pants, and long/short sleeve shirts are recommended for the day. Although cotton is not usually recommended on most river trips, it is appropriate and cooling during the hot days. A light rain jacket is useful for the off chance of rain or splashy rapids, especially in the early mornings or late afternoons. Protection from the sun is highly recommended. Sun hats, sun glasses, sunscreen, and long and light layers are excellent. While in the raft or kayak you should wear sturdy shoes that will stay on your feet and should be comfortable when wet. There are many appropriate varieties of boat shoes: Teva’s, Chaco’s, Keen’s, Aqua Socks, or even old tennis shoes (although they will get wet and stay wet for the whole trip) are a few options. Flip flops are not appropriate in the boats. Packing another pair of shoes specifically for camp is highly recommended. These could be flip flops, sneakers, hiking shoes/boots or galoshes. Pick shoes that will be comfortable and match your level of activity. A separate outfit for camp is also advisable.

Check out our packing list for more details!

How to Pack

Included in this overnightrafting trip is 1 large overnight dry bag and a smaller day dry bag per person given out during the pre-trip meeting the evening before the trip.

The large dry-bag comes packed with your sleeping gear: bag, pillow, and fitted sheet. It’s able to fit the contents of a good-sized duffle bag. Small duffle bags or backpacks can be packed right into the dry bag and large sized bags may need to be repacked directly into the dry-bag. This large dry-bag will be packed away during the day and should contain only items that you will need at camp.

The smaller dry bag is used to hold everything you’ll want during the day: sun hats, extra clothes, sunscreen, chapstick, etc. This bag will stay you all day.

If the dry-bags are packed and sealed correctly they will stay dry under most conditions, but they are not guaranteed to be completely waterproof.  In order to protect important items such as cameras, medications, etc., they should be packed in dry-bags or boxes inside of the dry-bags. Less valuable items like books, playing cards, etc. can be placed in zip-lock bags inside your dry-bag to keep excess moisture out.

If planning on bringing a nice camera, there are dry boxes availble to borrow for the trip.

Fishing the Lower Salmon River

The Salmon River features excellent fishing. You’ll be able to fish from the boats throughout the day, from the bank during lunch, and in the evenings at camp. You will need to obtain a valid Idaho fishing license.

Fly fishing recommended gear: 

  • 5-6 weight fly rod
  • 5-6 weight floating line with medium to fast sinking tip. Bass flies: varies
  • Try purple, green, and white poppers.  Streamer patterns.
  • Trout flies: Caddis patterns, midges.

Spinning Gear recommended:

  • Average sized trout rod with light tackle, or an ultralight rod
  • 2-4 pound test line
  • Lures: spinners, meps, spoons, jigs
Books about the Salmon River
  • Indian Creek Chronicles Pete Fromm
  • River Tales of Idaho Darcy Williams
  • Water – The Fate of Our Most Precious Resource Marq De Villiers
  • Roadside Geology of Idaho David Alt
  • Myths of Idaho Indians Deward Walker Jr.

Salmon River:

  • River of No Return Johnny Carrey and Cort Conley
  • Spirits of the Salmon River Kathy Deinhart Hill
  • Last of the Mountain Men Harold Peterson and Sylvan Hart
  • The Lower Salmon Sourcebook: A Guide’s Guide Caroline Tan

TRIP PRICES

 

5 Day Salmon River Rafting Trip

  • $1825 per person

OR

  • Private Raft: $7300 for up to 4 people (Guaranteed private raft for just your group. Additional 5th and 6th person can be added at per person rate)

6 Day Salmon River Rafting Trip

  • $2075 per person

OR

  • Private Raft: $8300 for up to 4 people (Guaranteed private raft for just your group. Additional 5th and 6th person can be added at per person rate)

WHAT’S INCLUDED?

  • All rafting gear: PFD’s (life jackets), rafts, dry bags to pack in, etc.
  • Camping gear: spacious tents, thick cushy sleeping pads, freshly laundered sleeping bags, pillows, and fitted sheets
  • Shuttle to the river from Cambridge, ID (and safe place to park while on the trip)
  • Shuttle from the end of the trip to Lewiston, ID
  • Professional, knowledgeable, and friendly guides
  • Delicious from scratch meals from breakfast on the first morning to lunch on the last day. We take care or everything: all cooking, cleaning & dishes!
  • Beverages: water, coffee, tea, sodas, sparkling water, juices and local selection of craft beers
  • Fishing gear: the Lower Salmon River has good fishing that both kids and adults enjoy. Bring your own fishing gear if you’d like or use ours!

WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED?

  • Transportation to and from Cambridge, ID from the airport, Boise, etc
  • Any personal vehicle shuttling
  • Hotels the night before and after the trip
  • Dinner on the last night
  • Idaho Fishing Licenses (optional)
  • Alcohol: bring your own and it’ll be packed and chilled for you
  • Gratuity for guides

BOOK YOUR TRIP

 

A 30% deposit will hold your spot on this Salmon River Rafting Trip. The remainder of the trip price is due 30 days before your trip.

RATHER TALK TO A HUMAN THAN BOOK ONLINE?

 

TRAVEL TIPS

  • The best days to travel are a full day before and after the river trip. Rivers are wild and Idaho is vast so it’s best to give some leeway
  • If flying: Boise, ID is the best airport to fly into and Lewiston, ID is the best airport to fly out of. Transportation to Lewiston is included in the trip.
  • How to get from Boise to Cambridge (1hr 45min drive): rent a car or take and uber/taxi
  • Leaving your car in Cambridge? Your car will need to be shuttled to the end of the trip in Asotin, WA or to Lewiston, ID for an additional fee. Contact us for details
  • Hotels: It’s best to stay in Cambridge, ID (Frontier Motel) the night before the trip and in Lewiston, ID (Hells Canyon Grand Hotel) the last night of the trip

OTHER IDAHO WHITEWATER RAFTING TRIPS:

 

4 DAY SALMON RIVER RAFTING

5 OR 6 DAY HELLS CANYON RAFTING

Owyhee River Rafting