Salmon River Canyons - Lower Salmon

Pass Through Four Unique and Spectacular Canyons

The River

  • Put in is at Hammer Creek Recreation Site
  • Take out is Heller Bar
  • Trip Length is 73 miles
  • This is the final stretch of the Salmon River, the longest free flowing river in the lower 48 states. The final 20 miles of this trip is on the Snake River.

Getting Here

Flying/Drive: The nearest major airport is the Boise Airport (BOI).  From Boise you will need to get to Grangeville, ID, there are car several car rental agencies located at the airport.  Drive west on I-84, take the US-95 exit and head north until you are in Grangeville.

Once in Grangeville we suggest you stay at the Super 8 in town as this is where we will meet all the guests for a pre-trip orientation. The Whitebird Summit Lodge also has beautiful accommodations and is located a few miles out of town.

Depending on the trip size and group, your vehicles will either remain parked at our facility in Grangeville while you are on the trip or will be shuttled to the take out.  The shuttle is provided by Idaho Afloat and, other than making sure your gas tank is full, is not an additional expense.   If your vehicle remains in Grangeville, Idaho Afloat will provide transportation back to our shop after the trip.  As your launch date gets closer, we'll be able to give you more information about these decisions are made on a case by case basis.


Weather

  Average High Temperature Average Low Temperature
Average Rainfall (inches)
  May/June  85.5 49  2.06
 July/August  90.5  57.5  1.00
 September/Oct  73  45  1.10



The Trip

  • Click here for suggested packing list and other helpful information.

Fishing

  • Lower Salmon River

    If you intend to fish you must purchase a fishing license.  Please be sure to allow enough time for your license to be mailed to you in the event that you cannot print off an internet order.

    You can purchase your Idaho license online from Idaho Fish and Game, over the phone by calling (800) 554-8685, or in Grangeville at Rae Brothers Sporting Goods on Main St.  Idaho offers the option of daily fishing license rather than purchasing a full season. See website link above for prices.

  • The Lower Salmon river has great fishing opportunities.  Small mouth bass and catfish are plentiful and exciting to reel in.  You also may real in trout or small steel head. Serious fishermen should consider bringing their own equipment.  We provide several fishing rods and tackle on each trip. 
  • Fly fishing is welcome, however for the safety of other guests, we ask that you only fish from shore when we are at camp. 

After the Trip

  •  As stated above, this will be determined on a case by case basis.

Trip Insurance

  • Idaho Afloat strongly suggests that all guests purchase a Trip Insurance plan that will cover cancellation, accident, baggage loss, etc.  After you've made your reservation we will mail you additional reservation information, with that there will be a brochure for Trevelex Insurance Services.  They offer many plans to choose from.  There are many other insurance companies that provide these services if you do not like what Travelex has to offer.





Idaho Afloat  •  Toll Free: 1.800.700.2414  •  Email: info@idahoafloat.com

Idaho Afloat is an Equal Opportunity recreation service provider under permit from the Hells Canyon National Recreation Area, Wallowa-Whitman National Forest, Salmon & Challis National Forests.

Member: Idaho Outfitters and Guides Association, and America Outdoors, The International Trade Association for Adventure Travel Outfitters, Tour Companies, Outdoor Educators, and Their Suppliers