The Main Salmon River: “The River of No Return” – 4, 5, and 6 Day Trips

Activities: Whitewater, hikes, history, old homesteads, old mining camps, hot springs, milk shakes at Buckskin Bills historical site. 
Difficulty: May-Mid June — Advanced whitewater
                   July-September — Intermediate whitewater

Book Online Now

Trip Highlights

  • One of the top 10 rivers in the lower 48
  • Perfect river for families with younger children
  • Huge, amazing Sandy Beaches perfect for Bocce Ball and horseshoes.
  • Class III rapids from start to finish, Raft the famous Rapids, Elk Horn, Salmon Falls, Big Mallard
  • River of no Return floats through the Frank Church Wilderness, and Gospel Hump Wilderness
  • Start your trip with your first night at the rustic, remote, Salmon River Lodge right on the banks of the Main Salmon River. We launch our rafts from there the next morning.
  • Incredible western history up close, Old Ranches (Polly Bemis) (Buckskin Bill), Pictographs, visit old homesteads, Mining Sites.
  • Scenery & wildlife; Big horn sheep, mule deer, bears, otters
  • Barth Hot springs, natural & will hold 15+ people
  • Trout fishing
  • Hiking

Trip Description

Main Salmon Vacation Views

Experience one of Idaho's best-known and most popular whitewater rafting and outdoor adventures - the Main Salmon River or "River of No Return" through the Frank Church Wilderness. This trip is an ultimate family vacation and outdoor adventure, but also offers exciting and exhilarating rapids for the thrill-seekers. You will enjoy the ride on rapids such as Salmon Falls, Big Mallard, and Growler. The many white sandy beaches and heavily forested canyons captivate you while searching for wildlife as you navigate the 80 miles of the Main Salmon bordering the Frank Church Wilderness (2.39 million acres).

Trip Includes:

  • Pre Night Stay thru the last Day of Trip
  • All Meals from Dinner of pre night to Lunch on last day
  • Sleeping Bags, Sleeping Pads, Tents, Chairs, on camping trips
  • Lodge accommodations on Lodge stays
  • Water Resistant Dry Bag for your personal belongings
  • Transportation from Salmon Idaho to River
  • Transportation from the takeout to Mc Call, Idaho

Not Included:

  • USFS fee of 3%
  • $4 per person/day USFS Recreation Fee
  • Air Transport to Salmon Idaho, and from McCall Airport to original Airport
  • Shuttle fee for cars from Put-in to Take-out
Price: 4-Day $1395, 5-Day $1545, 6-Day $1745
Meeting Place: Salmon ID airport. Meet Idaho Afloat for transport to Salmon River Lodge
Trip Launch Dates: June 8, 16, 24 — July 2, 10, 18, 26 — August 3, 11, 19, 27 — September 4, 12




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