Families will enjoy the big rapids and big sandy beaches.
This
is the classic “River of No Return,” and BIG is the best word
to describe it. Big river, big canyon, big rapids, big wildlife and big
sandy beaches, perfect for camping.
Flowing west across Idaho, the Salmon has carved the second deepest canyon in North America and drains over 14,000 square miles of land - about the size of Massachusetts and Connecticut combined. It’s rapids range from big (Split Rock, Salmon Falls, Cascade, Dried Meat and Five Mile) to huge (Big Mallard, Bailey Falls, Chittum and Elk Bar). It is also the home of wolves, black bear, deer, moose, elk, big horn sheep and cougar. The first wolves re-introduced in the Central Idaho Wilderness were released at Corn Creek, where we begin our trip.
The rapids on the Salmon tend to consist of big waves and holes. While they do not require the precision that the rapids on the Middle Fork require, they are “roller coaster” exciting, and very wet. In highwater some rapids become huge, while others almost disappear. In low water new rapids pop up as more rocks are exposed, while others become tamer. The Salmon never loses it punch.
The Salmon River is also rich in human history. Sheepeater Indians lived in the canyon, and we can see their pictographs today. Lewis and Clark started down the river on their way to the Pacific but were intimidated by the rapids. They backtracked, went north, and followed the Clearwater River. There was a lot of mining and ranching in the canyon, and we pass deserted mines and ranches. While the river lies within the Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness Area there are some private “in-holdings”, some of which function today as wilderness lodges.
In June and early July, when the river is fast, we run 85 miles in five days. In late July and August, when the river is slower (but no less exciting) we run the same 85 miles in six days.
