Protected within 3.2 million acres of the Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness, the Main Salmon offers a truly distinct and magnificent river journey. This trip is a favorite among families and outdoor lovers looking for a multi-faceted wilderness experience. The Main Salmon has it all: big, free-flowing water, soft white sand beaches, canyons, hot springs, meadows, mountains, golden grass, and plenty of wildlife, including moose, otter and Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep. And then there are the rapids — from giant waves and rollicking rides to exciting technical challenges, perfect for paddling and inflatable kayaking. You’ll also love the big beach camps surrounded by shady pine trees, and July through September’s comfortable water temperatures. Hiking destinations include historical sites that recount the area’s early pioneer and mining days.
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Trip Itinerary
Day 1: Depart Salmon, ID at 7:00am for the two-hour drive to the put-in at Corn Creek. Along the way, stop at the North Fork Store for fishing permits, lures, and any personal odds and ends that you may have forgotten. (The July 31 departure will depart at 9:00am and will join the July 26 Middle-Main Combo on the river. If time allows you may also stop for a quick visit to a local historical site). 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 a river adventure! The first day’s whitewater action includes rapids like Killum and Gun barrel.
The surrounding scenery immediately transfixes you, and for the duration of the trip, you’re mesmerized by the beauty of the Salmon River canyon – the second deepest gorge in North America – and the 3.2 million acre Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness. This broad canyon is heavily forested with towering pines and conifers and, early in the season, blanketed with vibrant wildflowers. You may be welcomed to the river by a family of otters swimming near the boats, a herd of bighorn sheep scaling a steep canyon wall, a giant elk or moose wading in the shallows, or if you’re lucky, a black bear standing sentinel on shore.
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 great hike, a visit to a historic site, or a soak in a natural hot spring. 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 2-5: As you journey into the pristine heart of the Frank Church, each day brings new discoveries: exciting rapids like Salmon Falls, Big Mallard and Growler, historical sites such as Buckskin Bill’s homestead and Jim Moore’s place (maybe you’ll find the fortune he buried in the hillside!), and the much anticipated Barth Hot Springs. Avid hikers may enjoy a challenging climb to Rabbit Point, where the beautiful views are well worth the effort of getting there. The fishing is excellent during these days, and on trips in July and August, warm air and water temperatures encourage frequent refreshing dips in the river.
Day 6: Today, as the Salmon River begins to parallel the forest service road, the adventure concludes. Bidding farewell to the river and guides, take a two-hour drive to McCall, where a lovely resort town awaits. You’ll want to spend the night, or even a few days, in McCall to enjoy its beautiful natural setting on the shores of Payette Lake and its authentic small-town Idaho charm. Salmon Air runs return flights from McCall to Boise beginning approximately 10:30am the next morning.
Notes
Special Departures:
Photography Trip 6 Days: June 14 $1838 Join photographer John Blaustein on a photography exploration of the Main Salmon River
Solo Travelers Trip 6 Days: July 7 $1588 Travel with those who share your interests and enthusiasm for adventure.
Reservation Policy
A $250/person deposit is required at the time of reservation. The balance is due 60 days prior to departure.
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