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The “Canyons” whitewater rafting trip is the perfect combination of adventure and relaxation. It is truly the ideal whitewater rafting trip for anyone looking to experience the some of the best in Idaho river rafting, combining just the right amount of exciting whitewater, swimming, games, relaxation and huge white sand beaches. The Salmon River is the largest free flowing river in the lower 48 states. The Lower Gorge Salmon River rafting trip boasts the warmest water, the fewest bugs, and the biggest beaches for unmatched camping and fun for all ages.
There’s no shortage of thrill-seeking for those looking for big powerful white water with some of Idaho’s most famous rapids like Demons Drop, Snow Hole, Bodacious Bounce and Half n Half, to name a few. Anyone can try out time paddling an inflatable kayak if you’re seeking a bigger challenge. In mild sections of this pool and drop river there is time for trying stand-up paddle boarding or fishing for Small Mouth Bass.
The raft trip part of the Lower Gorge Salmon River ends at the spectacular confluence with the Snake River at Hells Canyon, the deepest canyon in North America. The geological diversity will amaze as you pass through spectacular landscapes, steep granite walls, and metamorphosed volcanic gorges with columnar basalt formations. Your guides will interpret history of the Nez Perce Indians and the pictographs along the river. You will also visit Chinese pit dwellings, abandoned homesteads, and old mining claims. From the confluence you’ll hop on a jet boat and travel 1.5 hours up Hells Canyon to your final shuttle back to Riggins. This is a fantastic way to wrap up your adventure on these beautiful river canyons.
The Lower Salmon River is perfect for a family rafting adventure or an epic getaway with friends. Some dates are better geared for families and others are more adult geared. As the seasons change, the trips offer different features as the canyon presents its seasonal, natural beauty. The Lower Salmon River is the ideal rafting trip for anyone looking for an incredible adventure vacation.
We offer private trips for all types of groups and occasions. We can custom design a private trip for any sort of focus you might want for group sizes of 12 to 23 people.
Depending on water levels.
Must be older during high water periods (May – mid June).
An orientation at the river’s edge on safety and river etiquette will take place while your personal gear is loaded to boats. After a few miles of fun roller coaster style rapids a tasty lunch stop on a sandy beach will help you take in the Salmon River Canyons. At about 4pm “river time” camp will be waiting after you have had several miles of river fun. Your tent will be ready and your sleeping pad inflated when you arrive. Splash with the kids, build a real sand castle, play a game or chat with the other adults as the kids are entertained by one of the guides. Enjoy Hors d’oeuvres about an hour before the main dinner course is served.
Our morning spread will be out at 6:00am that will include coffee, tea, cocoa and all your favorite fixin’s, breakfast is served around 8:00am. Pack up your personal gear while the guides make the kitchen disappear into back on the gear boat. Enjoy a leisurely morning at camp, playing with the kids, going fishing or soaking up a book from our river library. At about 9:30am, the boats depart for a day of family fun on the river. Learn about more historical sites, the geography of the river and watch your kids’ faces as they ride the rapids.
Snow Hole Canyon – is filled with lofty waves and rapids with names like “Lorna’s Lulu, Bunghole, the Gobbler, and Bodacious Bounce. The memories made on this day are filled with rapids that will last for a lifetime. Add to this the Osprey and Eagles soaring overhead and the rustic cabins of early settlers and you’ve just realized you have escaped the ordinary and entered the extraordinary only mother nature can bring. At camp you’ll see familiar games on the beach like horseshoes, volleyball, bocce and frisbee but we also have a few MRO river games you’re sure to love. Enjoy the wildlife and scenery through the afternoon before camping for the night on one of the largest sandy beaches of any river canyon. A campfire after dinner and an astronomy lesson are the perfect bedtime rituals to create the family time for which this trip is known.
You may swim a gentle rapid with the kids just before you enter a Canyon where indigo colored igneous rock creates a majestic appearance and large rapids. The pace of the river picks up as it enters the Devil’s Slide, Sluice Box and Eye of the Needle rapids.
The Salmon “River of No Return” your family loves joins with the mightier flow of the Snake River at the lower end of colossal Hell’s Canyon. Riding on twice the flow, there are some big waves on the Snake River. Oregon and Idaho share the Snake River as a boundary line between the two states. A final big lunch is shared, along with group photos before loading on the jet boat for the ride up Hells Canyon to Pittsburg Landing on the Snake River. From there you’ll travel over the mountain from Hells Canyon back to the Salmon River and Riggins.
MRO provides EVERYTHING you’ll need except, of course, personal clothing and toiletry items. The night before your launch date you will receive your complimentary MRO duffel, personal dry bag and large camp bag with sleeping bag and pillow at the pre-trip orientation.
Our exceptional back country accommodations and gourmet river kitchen insures our clients the best river trip experience available. The truth is that you don’t have to rough it to be able to enjoy the beauty and excitement of Idaho’s wild and scenic rivers. Let our professional guides pamper you and your family while enjoying the serenity of the canyon and the thrill of the whitewater.
All of MRO Lower “Canyons” Rafting Trips include a Jet Boat ride through Hells Canyon to Pittsburg Landing where your just an hour back to Riggins. The jet boat tour gives you much more time to relax and enjoy the Salmon River eliminating the unpopular last 20 miles on the Snake River to Heller Bar and long bus rides.
We are like Family. No other outfitter offers our quality, professionalism and methods for ensuring exceptional service and attention to detail. We know what makes the perfect Idaho River Rafting vacation, and we are committed to provide this for every trip. We have the lowest guide to guest ratio to ensure personalized attention and uncrowded boats. We customize every trip to meet your goals, expectations and needs. Our mission is to provide you with the BEST river experience.
Absolutely! You will want to capture the stunning scenery. A waterproof camera with extra batteries and a memory card is highly recommended. While many guests use their smartphones, please realize you will not have cell service or power source for charging and we highly recommend a waterproof case. Portable power banks are a great source for recharging.
What should I do if I fall out of the boat? Before you go on any trip you’ll be given a riverside orientation that explains all swift water instructions on what to do if you fall in and rescue scenarios along with how to float in the river. Most new river runners after a few days on the water enjoy jumping out of the raft or falling out of the boat, it’s exciting. The only way to minimize your risk of falling out is to hold on and listen to your guides instructions. Many people have taken multiple trips and never fallen in. Follow your guide’s instructions and your “swim” could be the most exciting part of your trip!
Yes, fishing is always available for those who have Idaho licenses and have requested fishing gear and tackle. The side streams and fishing around camp can be quite good when river conditions are good. You are always welcome to bring your own tackle (fly rods) but there is no guarantees for loss or safety. We do have specific fishing trips available, ask our staff for details.
Idaho’s Premier Wilderness Outfitter – Escape …the Ordinary!
Mountain River Outfitters operates under a special use permit with the Salmon-Challis National Forest for Main Salmon River (SA-6) float boating. MRO also operates under several BLM special use permits for Nez Perce National Forest, BLM Lower Salmon River Cottonwood Field Office and Owyhee River (SA7A, SA7B, SA7C, SA8). Salmon River Tours operates under a special use permit with the Salmon-Challis National Forest for Main Salmon River (SA-6 and SA-5) jet boating and associated activities. S & S River Outfitters operates under several USFS and BLM special use permits for Hells Canyon National Recreation Area Wallowa Whitman National Forest, Nez Perce National Forest, BLM Lower Salmon River Cottonwood Field Office (SN12, SN14, SA7A, SA7B, SA7C, SA8). Mountain River Outfitters, S & S and SRT are insured, licensed and bonded outfitters by the State of Idaho’s IOGLB and are equal opportunity recreation service providers and employers.