Explore Trips

Salmon River Canyon

Three-Day

Expedition

Three-Day

Expedition

Idaho Canyons River Trip

Three Days, Two Nights

An thrilling adventure — three-days and two nights on Idaho's "River of No Return"

Late May –
Early September

Experience the the Salmon River's different personalities in early, mid, or late-season

Groups!
Up to 24 People

Suitable for most fitness levels. Focused on safety, fun, and natural beauty.

Three Days, Two Nights

An thrilling adventure — three-days and two nights on Idaho's "River of No Return"

Late May –
Early September

Experience the the Salmon River's different personalities in early, mid, or late-season

Groups!
Up to 24 People

Suitable for most fitness levels. Focused on safety, fun, and natural beauty.

TRIP OVERVIEW

Don’t have the time for a 4-5 day trip, but you want to immerse yourself in the Salmon canyons for a bit longer, this is the trip for you.

This trip takes you from the Carey Creek boat ramp all the way to Lucile boat ramp where you will take out. This is a special section of the river. The scenery is that of the Main Salmon, you will see spectacular views of beautiful mountains. You will immediately get into the fun rapids as you float down to your first camp. These camps are one of a kind. You will spend your later afternoon, evening and nights on a white sand beach in the bottom of a canyon with minimal light pollution (and the added benefit of no cell reception, but don’t worry, we have emergency equipment). Your guides will prepare gourmet meals on the beach for you. Enjoy star gazing while you listen to the river lap at the shore.

Each morning you will wake up to coffee and breakfast. You will push off each day to experience more of what this section of the canyon has to offer. You will run some of the most fun rapids the Salmon has to offer.

All trips include professional, certified guides who provide detailed safety instructions. All guides have Swiftwater Rescue, CPR/First Aid, and Trauma Aid training. High-quality life jackets (PFDs) are mandatory and provided for all participants. The rapids encountered are generally considered intermediate, offering a perfect balance of excitement and safety.

Don’t have the time for a 4-5 day trip, but you want to immerse yourself in the Salmon canyons for a bit longer, this is the trip for you.

DETAILS

Difficulty

Class II–III (Suitable for most skill levels)

Minimum Age

7 years old (this varies based on water level)

Season

Late May through Early September

Duration

3 days / 2 nights

Put In

Carey Creek Boat Ramp

Take Out

Heller Bar Boat Ramp

Meeting Location

Lucile Boat Ramp

River Stretch

Lower Salmon River, Idaho

"we will definitely be back again"

"Our entire family, from 4 years to 69 years, had the BEST time! Thank you for the experience and to Alex, our fun loving guide. We’ll definitely be back again."

– Kristen Stratton

"we will definitely be back again"

"Our entire family, from 4 years to 69 years, had the BEST time! Thank you for the experience and to Alex, our fun loving guide. We’ll definitely be back again."

– Kristen Stratton

WHAT’S INCLUDED

Rafting Equipment:

High-quality self-bailing rafts, paddles, PFDs (personal flotation devices/life jackets), and wetsuits (if required by weather).

Safety Gear:

Comprehensive first aid and emergency communication equipment.

Camping Gear:

Tents, sleeping pads, sleeping bags, camp chairs, and kitchen/dining equipment.

Meals:

All meals from the first day's lunch through the last day's lunch. Meals are prepared fresh and often include options for dietary restrictions (must be arranged in advance).

Professional Guides:

Experienced, certified, and licensed whitewater guides specializing in the Lower Salmon River. Our guides are trained on this stretch of river. They also have swiftwater rescue certifications, and are trained in CPR/First Aid and trauma response.

Transportation:

Shuttle service to the put-in point. You will return to your vehicle.

Dry Bags:

One large and one small dry bag per person for personal gear.

WHAT TO BRING

Personal Clothing:

Appropriate layers for river and camp use (see "Packing List" section).

Personal Toiletries & Medications:

Sunscreen, bug spray, necessary prescriptions.

Gratuities:

Tipping the guide staff is customary (20% of trip cost) and greatly appreciated.

Alcoholic Beverages:

Guests typically purchase and transport their own alcoholic drinks; coordinate with the outfitter on packaging and transport limits.

WHAT’S INCLUDED

Rafting Equipment:

High-quality self-bailing rafts, paddles, PFDs (personal flotation devices/life jackets), and wetsuits (if required by weather).

Safety Gear:

Comprehensive first aid and emergency communication equipment.

Camping Gear:

Tents, sleeping pads, sleeping bags, camp chairs, and kitchen/dining equipment.

Meals:

All meals from the first day's lunch through the last day's lunch. Meals are prepared fresh and often include options for dietary restrictions (must be arranged in advance).

Professional Guides:

Transportation:

Shuttle service to the put-in point. You will return to your vehicle.

Dry Bags:

One large and one small dry bag per person for personal gear.

WHAT TO BRING

Personal Clothing:

Appropriate layers for river and camp use (see "Packing List" section).

Personal Toiletries & Medications:

Sunscreen, bug spray, necessary prescriptions.

Gratuities:

Tipping the guide staff is customary (20% of trip cost) and greatly appreciated.

Alcoholic Beverages:

Guests typically purchase and transport their own alcoholic drinks; coordinate with the outfitter on packaging and transport limits.

TYPICAL ITINERARY

Day 1

Launch & Whitewater

Day 1

Launch & Whitewater

Meet at the designated location
Safety briefing
Launch
First set of rapids in Green Canyon
Riverside lunch
Possible hot springs hike
Set up first camp

Meet at the designated location
Safety briefing
Launch
First set of rapids in Green Canyon
Riverside lunch
Possible hot springs hike
Set up first camp

Day 2

Hiking & History

Day 2

Hiking & History

More whitewater
Explore side canyons
Historical site visits (e.g., mining remnants, geological highlights)
Swimming opportunities
Second camp setup

More whitewater
Explore side canyons
Historical site visits (e.g., mining remnants, geological highlights)
Swimming opportunities
Second camp setup

Day 3

Exciting Rapids & Take-out

Day 3

Exciting Rapids & Take-out

Raft the majority of the rapids (Time Zone, Tight Squeeze, Chair, Traps, Ladder, and Black Rock)
Last riverside lunch
Arrival at the take-out point where you can return to your vehicle

Raft the majority of the rapids (Time Zone, Tight Squeeze, Chair, Traps, Ladder, and Black Rock)
Last riverside lunch
Arrival at the take-out point where you can return to your vehicle

Gallery

River Conditions

Water Source:
Snowmelt from the central Idaho mountains

High Water (May/Early June):
Faster pace, bigger waves, more challenging rapids (Class III+)

Medium Water (Mid-June/July):
Optimal balance of excitement and swimming/floating opportunities

Low Water (August/September): Warmer water, slower pace, increased exposure of sandy beaches for camping

Water Temperature:
Varies from 45°F–65°F (May–Sept). Wetsuits usually recommended in May/June

Air Temperature:
Typically hot and dry in the summer months (75°F–100°F)

Booking and Cancellation Policy

Reservations:
A deposit (usually 10%) is required at the time of booking. Full payment is typically due 14 days prior to the trip launch date.

Cancellation:
Policies vary, but generally, deposits are non-refundable. Cancellations made within the final payment window may result in the forfeiture of the entire trip cost unless a replacement can be found or trip insurance is utilized.

Trip Insurance:
Highly recommended to protect against unforeseen circumstances, including medical issues or travel delays.

Safety Protocol

All guides are certified in First Aid/CPR, Swiftwater Rescue, and are extensively trained on the specific hazards of the Lower Salmon River.
A thorough safety orientation is conducted before launching.
PFDs must be worn while on the river.
Guides carry satellite communication devices for emergency use.