Big Water Blowout

The highest-volume whitewater in the Whitewater State.
 

Join us the first Saturday in June in Riggins for the Big Water Blowout, a once-a-year rafting event built around peak snowmelt and massive flows on the Salmon River. When conditions line up, this stretch of river regularly sees 50,000+ cubic feet per second, creating some of the biggest raftable whitewater in Idaho.
 

This is not a normal rafting trip.

This is big water in its rawest form.
 

What Is the Big Water Blowout?

The Big Water Blowout is a high-water rafting celebration and spectator event centered on peak runoff in Riggins. It combines expert-level whitewater rafting with a full-on river festival atmosphere. It is held annually on the first Saturday in June.

Expect:
 

• Enormous wave trains

• Powerful hits and fast-moving current

• Cold, fast water

• A rare chance to experience Idaho whitewater at full volume
   

This event is designed for experienced, physically capable rafters who want to run big water at its peak. If you’re searching for the biggest rafting experience in Idaho, this is it.
 

Not rafting? No problem. The river runs right through town, making this one of the best spectator whitewater events in the state.
 

Watch: Big Water Blowout Highlights

2023 Highlight Video
2024 Highlight Video
2025 Highlight Video
 

Discounted Big Water Rafting Trips

To mark the event, we offer limited discounted rafting trips for participants who want to get on the water during peak flows. These trips are run with additional safety considerations and are only offered when conditions meet strict thresholds.
 

Spots are limited. Trips fill quickly.

Inquire for other big water rafting dates in May/Early June. We can set up custom high water trips with lunch and dinner afterwards. 

This is one of the few chances each year to raft the Salmon at true high water levels.
 

Dutch Oven Cookoff & Live Music

The Blowout is as much about community as it is about whitewater.
 

After the river runs, stick around for:
 

• A Dutch oven cookoff

• Live music

• Cold drinks and river stories
   

$10 per plate gets you access to a wide spread of food and a front-row seat to one of Riggins’ most iconic weekends.
 

Important Safety Information

This is a high-risk, higher-consequence rafting event.

• Minimum age: 16

• You must be able to swim and paddle confidently.

• Cold water, powerful hydraulics, and the potential for flips are part of the experience.

• All participants must review and meet our Essential Physical Requirements. Wetsuits or drysuits are required.
   

If you’re looking for a relaxed float or family trip, this is not the event for you. If you want to test yourself in big water, this is where you do it.
 

Experience Matters in Big Water

Big water demands experience.
 

The Big Water Blowout is backed by guides who train specifically for high-volume whitewater. Early season flows are where our crews sharpen skills, run high-water scenarios, and build the coordination required for powerful, fast-moving rivers.
 

What you see during the Blowout is not improvised. It reflects thousands of river miles, focused training laps, and a safety culture built around big water conditions.
 

Come Watch or Get On the Water

Whether you’re running the river or watching from shore, the Big Water Blowout is one of the most exciting whitewater weekends in Idaho.
 

See you in Riggins this May/June.​