★★★★★
Rated 5.0 by 500+ guests
Trusted by families, first-timers, and youth groups
One of Idaho’s most experienced Salmon River outfitters
Explore Idaho’s Lower Salmon River
52 Miles of Iconic Salmon River Canyons
Known for its HUGE sandy beaches, thrilling rapids, and warm water, this river is unlike any other rafting river in the United States! It’s the perfect playground for families, adventurers, and anyone looking for an unforgettable river experience. Build sandcastles, compete in river Olympic challenges, or just unwind on the beach - the opportunities for fun are endless. You’ll experience a mix of splashy wave trains and iconic rapids like Demons Drop, Bodacious Bounce, Snow Hole, China, Eye of the Needle, and many more.
As you travel downriver, you’ll float past towering ancient cliffs and rugged landscapes, each rich with historical significance. This remote region, straddling Idaho and Oregon, is home to Native American rock art and artifacts, offering a glimpse into cultures that once thrived along these waters. Days spent exploring transition into relaxing evenings around the campfire, where stargazing and storytelling create memories that will last a lifetime.
One of the most awe-inspiring moments of the journey is the powerful confluence of the Salmon and Snake Rivers. Here, you’ll witness the meeting of two mighty forces, each carving their way through some of the deepest canyons in North America. It’s not just a place for incredible fishing - it’s a breathtaking sight that captures the raw beauty and power of nature.
Your adventure wraps up with a fast, scenic jet boat ride into Hells Canyon, the deepest river gorge in North America, a thrilling finale that brings you back just 45 minutes from where your journey began. There’s no better way to end your adventure and witness the river's immense power one last time.
The Lower Salmon offers something for everyone - from beachside relaxation to exciting but approachable whitewater. It’s an adventure you’ll be talking about for years to come!
The Best Value in U.S. Rafting Adventures
The Lower Salmon River is Idaho’s ultimate hidden gem - offering big whitewater, warm swimming water, and massive sandy beaches at a fraction of the price of other multi-day rafting destinations in the United States.
While the Middle Fork and Main Salmon are often called the “premier” wilderness expeditions, their limited permits and fly-in logistics often push prices upward of thousands of dollars per person.
The Lower Salmon, by contrast, delivers spectacular canyon scenery, abundant wildlife, and the largest natural river beaches in the West - all with easier access and more flexible launch dates. That means more availability, more sunshine, and the best combination of adventure, comfort, and value in American whitewater rafting.
Rapids
Mostly Class III rapids with a few bigger waves at higher flows. Fun, splashy, and approachable all summer long. You’ll run iconic rapids like Rollercoaster, Snowhole, China, Eagle Creek, Sluicebox, Checkerboard, Eye of the Needle and more with warm, splashy waves all summer long.
Late-season flows remain fun, splashy, and approachable well into September.
Group Size
Minimum 6 guests, maximum 25 per trip (jet boat maximum 24 passengers).
Smaller group? Reach out - we’ll pair you with another crew or arrange a custom departure.
Inquire for group discounts.
Physical Requirements
All participants should review our Essential Physical Requirements to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
Our guides are experienced in working with a wide range of fitness levels - contact us with any concerns.
Booking & Cancellation
A 20% deposit is required to secure your trip. Final balance is due 7 days prior to launch.
All payments are non-refundable but fully transferable - you may reschedule or send another guest for the same year.
We strongly recommend travel insurance to protect your investment.
For full details on deposits, refunds, and essential participation requirements, see our
Large Groups & Private Charters
Planning something big? We offer private charters for families, corporate retreats, and special events.
Youth groups, Scouts, and schools qualify for discounted rates - contact us for details.
Sample 4-Day Lower Salmon Itinerary
(Every trip varies slightly depending on water levels and campsites.)
Day 1: Launch into the Wilderness
Meet your guides in the morning at the Hammer Creek Boat Launch. After a detailed safety briefing, push off and leave the roads behind as you enter the first of many rugged canyons. Paddle through warm, inviting water, learn river commands, and settle into your first white-sand beach camp beneath towering granite walls.
Day 2: Rapids & Canyons
Wake to the smell of breakfast along the riverbank. Today features thrilling Snowhole and China Rapids, along with plenty of fun wave trains. Between rapids, enjoy calm stretches perfect for swimming or a short hike to a historic homestead. As the sun sets, relax on another spacious sandbar and enjoy a hearty meal prepared by your guides.
Day 3: History & Whitewater
Float deeper into Idaho’s granite canyons and witness layers of fascinating geologic history. Tackle legendary rapids such as Eagle Creek, Sluicebox, and Eye of the Needle - favorites among guides and guests alike. Unwind in the evening with beach games, campfire stories, and another incredible riverside dinner.
Day 4: Jetboat
Enjoy the morning before meeting the jet boat that will whisk you upstream to the take-out point. This exhilarating ride offers a whole new perspective. The jetboat ride is followed by a scenic shuttle over the mountain pass back to your vehicles at Hammer Creek around noon.
Early Season
Early-season river levels can affect the exact launch and take-out points on the Lower Salmon. In June, higher flows may shorten the trip slightly and remove the jet boat return.
These early-season trips still feature big water, scenic canyons, and excellent rafting. By late June, the standard Lower Salmon itinerary typically runs in full, including the jet boat ride.
Our operations team monitors river conditions daily and adjusts routes to deliver the best possible experience.
Included
Expert Guides: Professional and friendly river experts.
Fully Catered Meals: Fresh, delicious meals prepared by our crew.
Cooler with Ice: Keep your drinks chilled.
Rafting & Camping Gear: All essential equipment provided.
Camping: Deluxe sleeping pad and tents.
Specialized Gear: Helmets, paddles, PFDs, and more.
Orientation: Pre-trip briefing for a smooth start.
Shuttle from Pittsburg Landing to Hammer Creek
Jetboat: Top off the trip with a thrilling return. Included for groups of 15+
Not Included
BLM User Fee: Required for the trip. Added to checkout.
Beverages: Welcome to bring your own.
Car Shuttle: Arrange and pay for vehicle shuttle if floating to Heller Bar (Opting out of jetboat return).
Gratuities: Optional but appreciated.
Travel Insurance: Recommended for peace of mind.
Personal Items: Bring your own essentials.
Hotel Reservations: Lodging before or after the trip.
Lower Salmon Transportation Options
Transportation can be one of the most challenging aspects of an Idaho river adventure, but our options are designed to make it easy.
The Lower Salmon trip, combined with the jetboat return on the Snake River, forms a unique loop that can be a bit tricky to visualize. Take a look at the map at the bottom to see how it all connects!
Family/Budget-Friendly - Drive to Hammer Creek
A great choice for families or those seeking a cost-effective adventure.
Additional Cost: $0 (excluding accommodations)
Accommodation:
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Camp at Hammer Creek the first night ($10 camping fee).
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Other camping options are available upriver.
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Stay in Riggins, Idaho - View Lodging
Meals:
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Bring your own dinner and breakfast before you meet our team and start the trip. River meals start at lunch on the first day.
Post Trip:
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The jetboat will drop you off at Pittsburg Landing. There you will meet a team member for a 45 min ride back to your vehicle at Hammer Creek.
"No relation, came out from Virginia and booked, here, my first white water rafting trip.
An overwhelmingly positive experience!
We came late in the rafting season (Aug) and there was one class 4 set of rapids and a host of others; all fun!
The pacing was on point, with plenty opportunities to swim, chill, or chat. Our guide brought light and levity, and was knowledgeable about the region, our route, and left no doubt as I boarded the raft that I was in good hands!"
Lastly, we guarantee an unforgettable trip of a lifetime that you will be talking about for years to come!