Main Salmon

Overview

For much of the 425 miles that the Salmon River traverses Idaho, settlement is evidenced by nearby small towns, roads and commerce. Northwest of the rural mountain community of Salmon along the Continental Divide, the river veers west, abruptly leaving civilization behind. It is this 85 roadless stretch, from Corn Creek to Vinegar Creek that is known as the Main Salmon, the “River of No Return”.

Here the Salmon churns through the second deepest canyon in America, sometimes dropping precipitously through famous rapids; sometimes peacefully meandering near historic places of early settlement. No river in America provides a glimpse of our past as stunningly as this section of the Salmon. We travel near reminders of Native American and early pioneer settlement. Abandoned homesteads, cabins and mines remain nearby.

The Main is a big river with exceptional flows all summer. The water is warmer than most mountain rivers and there are plenty of rapids of varying difficulty from splashy Class II runs to adrenaline pumping Class III drops at Bailey, Split Rock, Bid Mallard, and Elkhorn. Camping is exquisite, often on big sandy beaches or at campsites tucked in groves of Ponderosa Pine or Douglas Fir.

Outfitted trips on the Main Salmon are usually 5- 6 days although some shorter trips are available. Typically, a variety of boats are used, with most outfitters offering paddle and kayaking options.

For people looking for a river rich in history with a variety of boating, hiking, and relaxation opportunities, the Main Salmon is a wonderful choice. It is a favorite for family rafting vacations and the perfect river for multigenerational reunions. In most years, the best time for families to visit the Main is mid-June through August, although spring and fall trips are spectacular as well. Abundant wildlife and breathtaking granite canyon vistas are yours to enjoy year round.


River Stats

Class I
Fast moving water with riffles and small waves. Few obstructions, all obvious and easily missed with little training. Risk to swimmers is slight; self-rescue is easy.
Class II: Novice
Straightforward rapids with wide, clear channels which are evident without scouting. Occasional maneuvering may be required, but rocks and medium-sized waves are easily missed by trained paddlers. Swimmers are seldom injured and group assistance, while helpful, is seldom needed. Rapids that are at the upper end of this difficulty range are designated "Class II+".
Class III: Intermediate
Rapids with moderate, irregular waves which may be difficult to avoid and which can swamp an open canoe. Complex maneuvers in fast current and good boat control in tight passages or around ledges are often required; large waves or strainers may be present but are easily avoided. Strong eddies and powerful current effects can be found, particularly on large-volume rivers. scouting is advisable for inexperienced parties. Injuries while swimming are rare; self-rescue is usually easy but group assistance may be required to avoid long swims. Rapids that are at the lower or upper end of this difficulty range are designated "Class III-" or "Class III+" respectively.
Class IV: Advanced
Intense, powerful but predictable rapids requiring precise boat handling in turbulent water. Depending on the character of the river, it may feature large, unavoidable waves and holes or constricted passages demanding fast maneuvers under pressure. A fast, reliable eddy turn may be needed to initiate maneuvers, scout rapids, or rest. Rapids may require "must" moves above dangerous hazards. Scouting may be necessary the first time down. Risk of injury to swimmers is moderate to high, and water conditions may make self-rescue difficult. Group assistance for rescue is often essential but requires practiced skills. A strong eskimo roll is highly recommended. Rapids that are at the upper end of this difficulty range are designated "Class IV-" or "Class IV+" respectively.
Class V: Expert
Extremely long, obstructed, or very violent rapids which expose a paddler to added risk. Drops may contain large, unavoidable waves and holes or steep, congested chutes with complex, demanding routes. Rapids may continue for long distances between pools, demanding a high level of fitness. What eddies exist may be small, turbulent, or difficult to reach. At the high end of the scale, several of these factors may be combined. Scouting is recommended but may be difficult. Swims are dangerous, and rescue is often difficult even for experts. A very reliable eskimo roll, proper equipment, extensive experience, and practiced rescue skills are essential. Because of the large range of difficulty that exists beyond Class IV, Class 5 is an open-ended, multiple-level scale designated by class 5.0, 5.1, 5.2, etc... each of these levels is an order of magnitude more difficult than the last. Example: increasing difficulty from Class 5.0 to Class 5.1 is a similar order of magnitude as increasing from Class IV to Class 5.0.
Class VI: Extreme and Explatory Rapids
These runs have almost never been attempted and often exemplify the extremes of difficulty, unpredictability and danger. The consequences of errors are very severe and rescue may be impossible. For teams of experts only, at favorable water levels, after close personal inspection and taking all precautions. After a Class VI rapids has been run many times, its rating may be changed to an apppropriate Class 5.x rating.