Main Salmon Wilderness Rafting Trips
★★★★★
Rated 5.0 by 500+ guests
Decades of experience on Idaho’s Salmon River
Thousands guided safely on multi-day expeditions
Experience the Legendary Main Salmon
Idaho’s River of No Return
Scenic canyons, sandy beaches, hot springs, and fun rapids all summer long.
Named for its strong currents and difficulty of traveling upstream, making it impossible for early settlers to return to their starting point, the Main Salmon has earned its nickname: “The River of No Return.” The name has stuck and now serves as a symbol of the river's wild and untamed nature. It's a true test of adventure, but with all the amenities and safety measures in place, you'll be ready to embark on a memorable escape from the modern world.
The river slices through the heart of the largest wilderness area in the lower 48 states, creating a ribbon of emerald green waters surrounded by towering peaks and dense forests. As you navigate its thrilling rapids, you journey beyond the realms where even Lewis & Clark wisely chose not to explore. With a rich Native American history, the remnants of the Nez Perce and Shoshone-Bannock tribes can still be seen along the river in a land that hasn't changed since maps were first made.
From navigating rapids to exploring sandy beaches, every day is filled with excitement. Take a soak in natural hot springs, visit a mountain man's historic residence, and enjoy stargazing under the open heavens. Evenings are spent around the campfire for games and bonding, creating memories that will last a lifetime. A week spent disconnected from the modern world will leave you feeling refreshed and rejuvenated, eager to return to the River of No Return.
Rapids
Class III–IV, changing with seasonal flow. You’ll run legendary rapids like Black Creek, Bailey, Five Mile, Big Mallard, and Elkhorn, with fun, splashy waves all summer long.
The Main Salmon maintains raftable flows throughout the season, with conditions changing naturally as summer progresses.
Group Size
Minimum 6 guests, maximum 25 per trip.
Smaller group? Reach out and we’ll work our magic to pair you with another crew or arrange a custom departure. Inquire for group discounts.
Physical Requirements
Whitewater rafting is an active outdoor experience. Most reasonably active adults and kids do great on this trip. Age minimums and requirements vary slightly by season and water levels.
→ View Essential Physical Requirements
Large Groups & Private Charters
Planning something big? We offer private charters for families, corporate retreats, and special events.
Youth groups, Scouts, and schools receive discounted rates for pre- or post-season trips - contact us for availability and custom pricing.
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 recommend travel insurance.
For full details on deposits, refunds, and essential participation requirements, see our
Row Your Own Boat (RYO)
Experienced rafters can join select Main Salmon trips with full logistical support.
Legendary Experience
We are proud to have Eric Newell on our team. He's the author of Idaho's Salmon River - the popular guidebook for this river. His 30+ years of experience, thrilling storytelling and personal connections with the canyon's residents are valuable assets to our team and anyone who ventures down the River of No Return.
Eric helps with guide training and leads 1-2 trips a year. Inquire to join!
Sample 5-Day Main Salmon Itinerary
(Every trip varies slightly depending on water levels and campsites. During June, we often run 4 day trips with the faster water.)
Day 1: Launch into the Wilderness
Board a bus in Salmon, Idaho or drive to meet your guides in the morning at Corn Creek boat launch. After a safety briefing, push off into the heart of the Frank Church–River of No Return Wilderness. Paddle through clear water, learn river commands, and settle into your first white-sand beach camp beneath towering pines.
Day 2: Rapids, Canyons & Hot Springs
Wake to a riverside breakfast. Today features thrilling Class IV Black Creek Rapid and stop at Hot Tub Hot Springs. Enjoy optional hikes to historic homesteads and scenic overlooks before camping on another spacious sandbar.
Day 3: History & Whitewater
Float through deep granite canyons and remnants of Idaho’s pioneer past. Tackle legendary rapids like Bailey, Big Mallard, visit Buckskin Bill's place, and then relax with evening games, campfire stories, and a guide-prepared dinner.
Day 4: Swimming, Hiking & Wilderness Solitude
Slow down and soak up the beauty - swim in eddies, explore side creeks, and take in one of America’s most pristine wildernesses. Guides prepare hearty meals while you unwind and connect.
Day 5: Big Water Finale & Scenic Take-Out
Finish strong with the final rapids and reflections as we approach Carey Creek take-out. Arrive at your personal vehicle or return to Riggins by bus. Ends late morning. High water option - jet boat ride back up the river.
Included
Expert Guides: Professional and friendly river experts.
Fully Catered Meals: Fresh, delicious meals prepared by our crew from launch to take-out.
Clean Water: Always available on your trip.
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.
Camp setup and teardown by your guide team, you just relax
Not Included
Beverages: Welcome to bring your own in moderation.
Car Shuttle: See cost saving options below.
Optional jet-boat or flight transfers.
Guide gratuities (typically 10–20% of trip cost)
Personal Sleeping Bag (can be included if needed, reserve during booking)
Travel Insurance: Recommended for peace of mind.
Personal Items: Bring your own essentials.
Hotel Reservations: Lodging before or after the trip.
The classic Main Salmon experience with professional guides, great food, and proven itineraries.
Guests arrange their own travel and shuttle logistics to and from the river.
Most trips operate as 5-day expeditions.
From $1,599 per adult
Classic Main Salmon Expedition
An elevated Main Salmon experience with enhanced meals, added comfort, and full-service logistics.
Fly-in coordination, airport transfers, and river shuttles are handled for you.
Offered on select dates with limited availability.
Premium Main Salmon Expedition
A select 4-day Main Salmon rafting experience in June with jet boat and shuttle logistics handled.
Guided by Eric Newell, with over 30 years of experience on the Main Salmon.
Author of the Main Salmon guidebook and longtime historian of this river corridor.
Specialty 4-Day Main Salmon Expedition
Group Discounts Available!
Main Salmon Transportation Options
Transportation can be one of the most challenging aspects of an Idaho river adventure, but our options are designed to simplify the process. Whether you're looking for budget-friendly solutions or an all-inclusive package, we’ve got you covered. Please note that all options come with additional costs to ensure a smooth and hassle-free experience.
Groups of 12 to 24 people
Get in touch about our travel included packages!
We make it easy!
Family/Budget-Friendly - Drive to Corn Creek
A perfect option for families or those seeking a budget-friendly adventure. Plus, having your own vehicle waiting at the end of the trip adds extra convenience!
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Cost: $500 per vehicle (excluding accommodations)
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Car pooling makes this the most cost effective option.
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Accommodation Options:
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Camp at Corn Creek the first night ($10 camping fee)
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Other free camping options are available upriver.
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Stay in Salmon, Idaho - View Lodging Recommendations
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Meals:
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Bring your own dinner and breakfast for the first night before meeting our team in the morning.
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River meals start at lunch on the first day.
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Car Shuttle:
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Book your own car shuttle from Corn Creek to Carey Creek (approximately $500 per vehicle)
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Advance booking required. View Recommended Shuttle Companies
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Note: This wilderness area is HUGE! It's a 10 hour drive, one way, from the start to the end of the river trip.
Main Salmon Travel Map: Gem Air
"We had the BEST time with this crew! Bonnie, Devin, Olivia, and Britain were an amazing team together. They made this trip so much fun and memorable. Thank you so much!! We did the Main Salmon river section over the course of 5 days and it was a blast. I highly recommend this company."
"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!"
Annual Trip Dates
June 21
July 31
June 29
Aug 8
July 7
Aug 16
July 15
Aug 24
July 23
Sept 1
Reach out for May, early June and later September dates
We guarantee the unforgettable trip of a lifetime that you will be talking about for years to come!