There is a green hole in the middle of Idaho. A spot refreshingly empty on your highway map. A place where pavement never was ... and wild rivers still are ... raw country, 20,000 square miles of it, and right through the middle runs the Main Salmon - The River of No Return.
Cutting the second deepest canyon in North America, the Salmon is a clear mountain river with pine forests and white sandy beaches. The canyon abounds in deserted homesteads and, of special interest to river travelers, natural hot springs: aah ... it feels good. One crowd appreciates this roadless country even more ... deer, bighorn sheep, moose, birds of prey, elk, bears and the frolicking river otters call this refuge home.
Translucent emerald water, responding to the drop and irregularities of the river bottom, form over 40 rapids. That means you have first-class whitewater on each day of the trip. Around July, the hands-on types can request inflatable kayaks and meet the River of No Return on their own terms.
In a state that's second only to Alaska in designated wilderness areas, getting from point "A" to point "B" can take some doing. That's why Holiday has included a scenic charter flight from Boise to Salmon, Idaho as one of our meeting options - gateway to their river put. 92 life-changing river miles later you will return to civilization in Boise.
Trip Details
Duration
5-6 Days
Location
Salmon River, Main
Season
June - September
Trip Type
Paddle & Oar
Nearest City
Boise or Salmon, ID
Physical Condition Required
Good
Destination(s)
Idaho, United States
Rated Classes
I-IV
Guest Capacity
6-25
Minimum Age Limit
8 Years
Distance Traveled
92 Miles
Inflatable Kayaks
Available with instruction provided.
Hard Shell Kayaks
No rentals available. Experienced kayakers may bring own boat.
Additional Activities
Fishing, Swimming, Off River Hiking/Exploring, Historic Sites, Wildlife Viewing
Dining
All meals provided starting with lunch the first day through lunch the last day.
About Liquor
BYOB for Evening
Rates
$1,115.00 - $1,455.00per personCurrency Converter (Rates shown are in US Dollars. Rates and terms are subject to change.)
Additional Rate Info
5-Day: $1375, Group/Youth Rate: $1265 (Boise, Idaho meeting) 5-Day: $1225, Group/Youth Rate: $1115 (Salmon, Idaho meeting) 6-Day: $1455, Group/Youth Rate: $1340 (Boise, Idaho meeting) 6-Day: $1305, Group/Youth Rate: $1190 (Salmon, Idaho meeting) Boise meeting includes transportation and Salmon meeting does not include transportation ** $4 per day per person Forest Service Fee.
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Trip Itinerary
SAMPLE ITINERARY: This typical itinerary illustrates the early-season five-day Main Salmon trip. From July through the end of the season, spend six days on the river since the water is moving slower. The five and six-day itineraries are basically the same.
Day 1: Meet group at the Best Western Vista Inn in Boise, Idaho. Fly into Salmon, Idaho where Holiday Expeditions will pick up those who opted to meet in Salmon. Transfer to a bus and enjoy a scenic two-hour drive to Corn Creek, the launch site. Stop at the Northfork store en route to the river to pick up any last-minute supplies such as fishing licenses, lures, beer and wine. The first day on the river you'll run Gunbarrel, Ranier and Devil's Teeth rapids.
Day 2: Enjoy a short hike up Chamberlain Creek. After the exhilarating rapids of Salmon Falls, stop and soak in Barth Hot Springs, a natural hot spring, which flows into the river.
Day 3: This is the most exciting rapid day. Run Bailey Falls, Split Rock, Big Mallard and Elk Horn to name a few. A stop at Jim Moore's place is usually included on this day. Jim Moore came to the Salmon River from Kentucky around the turn of the century and lived a colorful life until 1942. The log buildings he constructed were recently nominated to the National Register of Historic Places.
Day 4: After a visit to Buckskin Bill's homestead (Buckskin was the last of the Mountain Men), run Jackson and Ludwig rapids. Later float past the confluence with the South Fork of the Salmon River.
Day 5: Run Vinegar and Chittam Creek rapids before taking out at the end of the trip. There is a 4.5-hour bus ride back to Boise, Idaho, and lunch will be eaten en route. Vehicles that were shuttled will be waiting at Spring Bar, the lunch spot.
This Package Includes
Full course meals starting with lunch the first day ending with lunch the last day.
Transportation to and from the meeting point (on flight option).
Qualified guides.
Necessary equipment like lifejackets, waterproof bags, etc.
Reservation Policy
A deposit is required within five days of making a reservation; balance is due 60 days before your trip begins.
Cancellation Policy
If cancellations are made prior to 90 days before the trip, monies will be refunded less a $50.00 service charge per person. If cancellations are made within 90 days and outside of 45 days of the trip date monies will be refunded less a $100.00 service charge per person. Cancellations made within 45 days of the trip date are non refundable. Prior to 45 days to trip date, Holiday Expeditions will transfer reservations to another trip in the same year with a $25.00 service charge per person.
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