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A raft trip on the Main Salmon River has you surrounded by natural wonders, wildlife and history in the 2nd deepest canyon in North America. It truly lives up to its fame of being Idaho’s premier rafting trip. This 80+ mile journey down the Salmon River in the heart of the Frank Church “River of No Return” Wilderness offers exceptional views, comfortable water temperatures and rich Idaho history retold by our knowledgeable guides. Some will find it hard to put the water gun down or stay out of the river when the temperature boasts a welcoming 70°! Many will opt to sit back, relax, and take in the beauty of the forested canyons and high granite walls. Our Main Salmon rafting trip will amaze you with white sand beaches and camping sites surrounded by towering Ponderosa Pines, flourishing wildflowers, and amazing wildlife viewing opportunities.
Fishing and Hiking: Opportunities abound, rainbow and cutthroat trout are the fish of choice whether you prefer casting spinner in the ripples or fly fishing in the crystal clear tributaries. If you prefer to view the canyon from the trail, the Main Salmon River offers exceptional hiking opportunities with short walks to pictographs and historic homesteads where the guide will share stories of the first river men, pioneers, miners, and Native Americans that once called this canyon their home.
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 16 to 23 people.
White Water on the Main Salmon is defined by exhilarating, giant roller coaster rapids and wave trains punctuated by deep green pools and raging rapids coursing over large granite boulders. The Main Salmon offers a unique variety of options for the white water enthusiast of all skill and comfort levels, good for those seeking white knuckle, high adventure and excitement to those just looking for a little adventure while enjoying the wilderness, wildlife and history. We can create the perfect opportunity to relax in a raft or challenge the whitewater while paddling an inflatable kayak or stand up paddle board.
With its unforgettable views, pristine beauty, exhilarating whitewater and rich history, the Main Salmon River is one of the most prestigious Idaho family vacations North America has to offer. A raft tip that will create unforgettable memories for you and your family.
The Main Salmon River flows through not only the largest wilderness in the lower 48 but a Canyon that is five thousand feet deep and nearly two hundred miles long. Flowing freely with no dams it courses untamed through the largest wilderness in the lower 48 states. Draining the majestic mountains of Idaho, its water flows rival any other white water river as it cuts through a gorge deeper than the Grand Canyon, untouched by civilization through pristine wilderness.
Depending on water levels.
Must be older during high water periods (May – June).
On Water
With MRO your 1st day is full of adventure with either a thrilling Jet Boat Ride up through the wilderness or an air plane charter flight from McCall to Salmon, Idaho. You will be at the launch site at Corn Creek early enough to get a few miles on the river before lunch. Just around the corner from the boat ramp are exciting rapids such as Kill-um, Alder, Rainier, Black Canyon and Devil’s Teeth will get your blood pumping and get you ready for more whitewater rapids downstream.
Stop at Barth Hot Springs your 2nd day this is one of the best hot spring pools of any river trip. Watch as Big Horn Sheep frolic on the granite walls. Fish for cutthroat or rainbow trout, relax on the river and at camp and absorb the splendor of the surrounding mountain wilderness. Day 3 has the most rapids. Through a mile deep canyon, you’ll run Hida-Creek (New Rapid), Bailey, Sap Creek (New Rapid) Five Mile, Split Rock, Big Mallard, Elk Horn and Growler. You’ll have the opportunity to look at one of several homesteads at Campbell’s Ferry and Jim Moore’s.
Deep in the Idaho Wilderness sits China Bar Lodge, a destination exclusive to MRO guests. Freshen up with a shower and enjoy lunch on our deck overlooking the Salmon River at the mouth of Lemhi Creek. If you opted for the 6 day trip you will spend a night here enjoying the accommodations of indoor plumbing, a comfortable bed in one of our three guest cabins, and a fabulous meal provided by your guides and lodge staff to be served in our dining hall. What better way to experience the Idaho Wilderness!
These days include the crystal, clear confluence of the South Fork, Ludwig, Dried Meat and more exciting rapids. Explore Buckskin Bills at Five Mile Bar, known as the last of the mountain men. Lower in the canyon, thick forest gives way to steep granite cliffs. Large sandy beaches and glass-like pools provide favorite play spots for swimming and beach volleyball. Top off your final day with three of the largest rapids on the trip – Chittam, Carey Falls and Vinegar Creek. After a full day on the river and another gourmet lunch you’ll enjoy a scenic 28 mile shuttle back to Riggins, Idaho.
The stay at China Bar Lodge offers a chance to freshen up with a shower and relax on the deck overlooking the Salmon River or play games on our private beach at the mouth of Lemhi Creek. Enjoy the accommodations of indoor plumbing, a comfortable bed in one of three guest cabins, and fabulous meals are provided by your guides and lodge staff to be served in the dining hall or on the deck overlooking the Salmon River. China Bar Lodge is home to the original Salmon River Outfitters. Browse the selection of photo albums, pictures and articles, offering a look at the history of Idaho River Outfitting on the River Of No Return. There’s no better way to experience the Main Salmon River and the Idaho Wilderness!
Prepare to be Pampered Each day after your journey down the Salmon River of No Return you will arrive at a new riverside camp. Prior to your camp arrival, our gear boat guide will have the sun shade, dinning area ready and chairs available for riverside lounging, playing games or relaxing. Your tent will be set up for you, sleeping pad inflated and your personal dry bag ready for your arrival. Our kitchen and dinning area will serve your favorite drinks and incredible meals all prepared in a wilderness setting! Dinner includes appetizers, entre’, side dishes and dessert baked in a Dutch oven. Breakfast is a full spread with a main dish and a line-up of yogurt, granola, fruit, and of course, plenty of coffee and a selection of tea. Life on the river is good!
With MRO, all you need is to find yourself in Riggins the the night before your launch date by 8:00 PM Mountain Time for a pre-trip orientation. Here, you will receive your complimentary MRO duffel and trip mug that you will keep as a souvenir at the end of your adventure. A personal dry bag and large camp bag with sleeping bag and pillow will be provided to you for the trip. There will be plenty of time to ask the guide any questions or purchase last minute items you may need for your trip. The next morning your Trip Leader will transport you to the launch site where your rafts and guides will be waiting to start your river journey.
We provide all transportation to and from your Riggins Idaho accommodations. You will either experience the exhilaration of a Jet Boat ride up the river or when the water flows drop you will fly over the wilderness to Salmon and then shuttled to the launch site at corn creek. * Group shuttles to and from the Boise Airport can be arranged for your group. *
*An additional $150 per person for air charter flights is added if water flows don’t allow a jet up.
* Rates for additional shuttles to and from Boise are not included in the cost of the raft trip.
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.
Email us your questions and what you want from your next outdoor adventure vacation.
Recieve quarterly information on upcomming trips and specials.
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.
All Mountain River Outfitters trips, no matter what time of year, give you time to kick back and relax while a guide takes care of the rest. The wilderness is always keeping us on our toes, so no matter when you come be ready for anything. In general, the climate has little humidity and there are little to no bugs.
Spring and early summer rafting April through June has higher water flows for exciting whitewater, wildflowers and more time for hiking. Although temperatures during the day are warm, the nights can be chilly, and the water temperatures are cooler. MRO provides wetsuits and splash gear for all early trips.
July and August are the most predictable with hot sunny days and dreamy evenings and mornings. The whitewater is fantastic as the water features come out as the river drops, and the water temperatures are warm. On the Salmon River the beaches get bigger as the water flows come down. In August, the evenings and mornings are a little cooler, offering a reprieve from the hot days. Mid-August, many families are back to school, so the group dynamics shift to mostly adults.
September is uncrowded and offers some of the mildest weather, although water temps can start trend cooler, and the nights and morning will be a bit cooler as well. Lower water flows usually make for better fishing, with still plenty of whitewater and time for hikes, check out historic homesteads, and relaxing on the beach.
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.