Flowing unencumbered from its source high in the mountains of central Idaho to its confluence with the Snake River, the Salmon offers a unique and exhilarating experience to adventurers. The Salmon is the last major western river that has not been dammed, which means its pristine environment and ecosystems have remained intact. Lonely wilderness is punctuated with huge sandy beaches refreshed by each year’s spring flood. Salmon, steelhead, trout, smallmouth bass, catfish and sturgeon all thrive in its waters.
Without a doubt, the Salmon River is a favorite trip. Quiet pools glisten between the canyon walls only to be interrupted by the thunderous roar of powerful Class III rapids and at least one Class IV. Each of the river’s four inner gorges provide stunning scenery as you navigate rapids such as Bodacious Bounce, Snowhole, Devil’s Slide, Checkerboard and Eye of the Needle. Leaving the last of the inner gorges, Blue Canyon, is a transcendent moment as you float through the confluence of the Salmon and Snake Rivers.
Salmon River camps are set on beautiful white sand beaches nestled among the massive canyon walls. Quiet pools provide perfect swimming holes for the kids to cool off on a hot summer’s day. There is plenty of time to enjoy a game of beach volleyball or to hike among numerous ancient Indian petroglyph sites. Guides will be hard at work preparing another fine dining experience Northwest Voyageurs’ style. Lying beneath the glistening Idaho sky, eating fresh baked fudge brownies and roasting marshmallows is a perfect way to end a peaceful and exciting day on the Salmon River.
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Trip Itinerary
Day 1: Lower Salmon River Canyon Meet at the Little Salmon Lodge at 7:30am for an 8:00am departure. About an hour later, arrive at Hammer Creek, the starting point of the river adventure. Each day, face an abundance of Class III rapids with the occasional Class IV rapid.
Guests typically arrive at the riverside camp between 4:00pm and 5:00pm. The camp is already set up, which means your only job is to enjoy the surroundings. You can swim, play bocci ball, hike, fish, or just relax in camp. Each evening, a fine gourmet meal is prepared in the well-stocked river kitchen.
In the morning, after falling asleep under an amazing Idaho starlit sky, you will wake up to the wonderful aroma of gourmet coffee. After a delicious hot breakfast, you are back on the water to experience, learn, relax and enjoy.
Days 2-4: These days have the same flow as Day 1, stocked with awesome whitewater, calm swimming pools, interesting history, great food, and great fun. Soon enough, you will start slipping into what Northwest Voyagers calls "river time". No clocks, no cell phones, no computers, just you and all the time in the world.
The last night camping is usually spent on the Snake River, enjoying one last evening of fine food and company.
Day 5: The group typically arrives back to civilization at 2:00pm, where boats are quickly loaded and you head back to the lodge. You can expect to arrive to the Little Salmon Lodge around 6:00pm. Most people choose to spend their last night with Northwest Voyageurs at the Little Salmon Lodge.
Notes
Getting Here Most participants fly into Boise and drive to Pollock (about three hours) the day before their trip. Consider staying with Northwest Voyageurs at the Little Salmon Lodge for charming riverside lodging and excellent food.
Pre-Trip Orientation Whether you stay with Northwest Voyageurs or somewhere else, the night before your trip, join them at the Little Salmon Lodge for your pre-trip orientation. At this optional get together, you will meet your guides and fellow rafters, learn how to properly pack your bags, and you can ask any last-minute trip questions you may have. The pre-trip orientation is typically around 7:00pm.
Note for making departing flights after the trip: Please do not schedule any departing flights for the last day of the river trip. Most people prefer to spend this last night at the lodge and drive to Boise in the morning to catch an early afternoon flight. If you must catch a morning flight, you will most likely prefer to drive to Boise on the last night of the trip and expect to arrive in Boise around 9:00-10:00pm. Call if you have any questions about appropriate flight times.
Reservation Policy
A per person non-refundable deposit of $400 for multi-day trips, $100 for overnight trips, and $25 for day trips is required to confirm your reservation. A deposit of $25 per lodge room, per night is also required. The full balance is due 90 days prior to your trip for multi-day trips and 60 days prior to your trip for day trips and lodge reservations. If your trip is booked less that 60 days in advance, full payment is required at the time of reservation.
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