For families with young children who want lots of sunshine and warm water (up to 70°), this is the river of choice. Beach lovers find it ideal, too, since the river’s natural flow creates some of the biggest and most beautiful pearl sand beaches in the West. Families often favor the Lower Salmon because of the generally mild whitewater, the roomy beach camps (perfect for sand castles and Frisbee tournaments), and swimming in clear, calm river pools. But the Lower Salmon doesn’t fall short on excitement. In fact, some of Idaho’s most popular rapids are found here, including Snow Hole and Demon’s Drop. This is a prime destination for inflatable kayaking, and hikers find plenty of terrain to fulfill their fancy.
The river’s four distinct gorges add a unique depth of character to the Lower Salmon. A hike up Blue Canyon, the final gorge, is always a highlight because of the impressive birds eve view of the river winding through the steep and slender canyon.
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Trip Itinerary
Day 1 : Depart Lewiston at 8:00am for a scenic two-hour drive to the put-in at Hammer Creek. Along the way, stop to visit the Nez Perce museum in Spalding. A fascinating exhibit of Native American artifacts, including beautifully woven baskets and colorful hand-made headdresses, teaches you about this tribe that factors so significantly into western history in the past two centuries.
Reaching the river, you feel your excitement grow as you see the colorful boats waiting for you and meet the rest of the O.A.R.S. crew. After an informative safety talk and brief paddle raft/inflatable kayak instruction, you’re off on the river adventure! Those ready to get wet might swim through Rollercoaster rapid, which marks the entrance to Green Canyon. Stop to visit some ancient pictographs, and then continue the whitewater action with rapids like Wright-way, Demon's Drop and Pine Bar rapids.
As you float along the river, keep an eye out for the wildlife that inhabits the canyon. Golden eagles, ospreys, and river otters make frequent appearances; if you’re lucky, you might also see beavers, cougars, and Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep.
The first day generally sets the pace for the week on the river. Typically, you spend a few hours on the water in the morning, sometimes stopping for a short hike, a swim, or a visit to pictographs or another historical site. Come lunchtime, pull over to a sandy beach and enjoy a delicious picnic. After feasting and relaxing on the beach (or perhaps swimming, a game of Frisbee or a nature walk), get back in the boats for more exciting whitewater. Be sure to try your hand at the paddleboat and inflatable kayak! Mid- to late-afternoon, stop and make camp; you grab your bags and set up your tent while O.A.R.S. takes care of the kitchen and “living room” – camp chairs and the site for tonight’s campfire (if permitted). Before long you’ll be savoring pleasing hors d’oeuvres and the beverage of your choice – delicious as these refreshments are, they always taste better after a day on the river! Read, nap, or just sit back and laugh with friends and family as O.A.R.S. prepares dinner. After another satisfying feast, the evening is yours to spend however you wish. Maybe music, stories or jokes will bring you together tonight; maybe the popping of the fire, the whisper of the river and the clarity of the big, star-filled sky will encourage silent reflection on the amazing wilderness that is, for now, your home.
Days 2-3 or 4: The journey down the Lower Salmon takes you through Green Canyon, then into Cougar and Snow Hole canyons, each offering a different perspective on the striking scenery around you. All the while, the river slowly unfolds its long and varied history, providing glimpses of old mining and ranching sites, geological displays of basalt formations, remnants of ancient Indian cultures, and remains of old Chinese stone houses. Entering Snow Hole Canyon, face some of the biggest, most exciting whitewater of the trip: Half & Half, Snow Hole and China Bar rapids.
Day 4 or 5: Slide Rapid marks the entrance to Blue Canyon; perhaps the most spectacular of the four gorges through which you’ve traveled. Hikers in the group might enjoy climbing to a vista point for an impressive bird’s-eye view of the river winding through the steep and slender canyon. Further downstream, as you join the Snake River, you may have the fun of swimming a rapid. After passing through the confluence with the Grande Ronde, arrive at the take-out, Heller Bar. A 45-minute ride is all it takes to get to Lewiston, though you might feel like youhave been worlds away during your memorable time in the wilderness.
Notes
Special Departure: Solo Travelers Trip: June 26 Travel with those who share your interests and enthusiasm for adventure.
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