Sample Itinerary
A typical week on the river
We offer trips exclusively on the Main Salmon, allowing us to offer a specialized experience, designed specifically for you.
As a smaller outfitter, we love being able to build a connection with each guest and cater to your needs—from the booking process all the way down the river.
Main Salmon Rafting Trip Itinerary Example
Unlike any other trip on the Main Salmon River, yours will begin with a fun jet boat ride upstream that will take you to your home for the night—the beautiful and remote Salmon River Lodge.
There, you will get to meet your guides and enjoy a chef-prepared meal together on the deck overlooking the river. Your guides will be right beside you as they help you prepare for tomorrow. You will receive all of your river equipment for your trip downstream including a dry bag to transfer your luggage into.
After dessert, explore the property and perhaps join in some yard games or visit the horses at the stables backed by the surrounding mountains. Enjoy a hot shower after your long day of travel and rest comfortably in your private cabin room before you embark on your adventure downstream!
Day 01
After your first night's stay at the lodge and a trip orientation given by your guides, we'l launch from the lodge beach—headed into the wilderness for an great introductory day on the water. It's a special feeling to let the world melt away behind you as we float deeper into the canyon.
We might take a stop at Lantz Bar to explore the historic homestead and orchards planted by the original settlers. Next, we'll enjoy a delicious lunch, prepared and served by your guides while you relax or swim along the sandy beach.
The afternoon will take us to our first camp. Your guides will unload all of your luggage and give you an orientation to camp. Appetizers, games and white sandy beaches are yours to enjoy until dinner and dessert are served!
Day 02
You'll wake to fresh coffee and a breakfast buffet to start your day. As the sun rises in the canyon we will prepare to hit the river, packing our things and preparing for our first stop: impressive pictographs left by Native American Sheepeater tribes from long ago.
We'll float through a spectacular canyon composed of granite and gneiss featuring one of the trip's most exciting rapid that formed just in the past 10 years.
Shortly after the Black Creek rapid, you'll be rewarded with lunch and natural hot springs nestled into the cliffside. Enjoying a beverage and soak in the natural waters and enjoy the serenity around you.
Once again, we'll float into camp for another night of games, swimming, relaxing and delicious meals.
Day 03
You might notice some excitement in the air this morning as your guides are preparing breakfast — it's a big whitewater day and they no doubt can't wait to get you on the river!
This day is a highlight as we'll splash through some of the most well-known rapids like Bailey, Split Rock, and Big Mallard. You'll feel that the previous two days have prepared you for these incredibly fun and rewarding rapids. We will also plan to stop at the historical site of Campbell’s Ferry, an important piece of gold mining history, and tour the homestead of one of the Salmon River’s strong female settlers.
At camp, perhaps explore a side creek or take it easy. You will have deserved it! In case you were wondering, dessert will be served again tonight... and every night.
Day 04
Today features one of the most unique rapids on the river, Elkhorn. This rapid weaves around a boulder garden of giants for one whole gorgeous mile of river.
Another long-awaited moment happens today on the trip: a stop at Buckskin Bill's homestead. You'll have the opportunity to wander through the museum of relics and climb atop the lookout tour built by the lone frontiersman.
Kids will enjoy the opportunity to hula hoop on the lawn and grab some ice cream while adults can indulge in a famous Ice Cream Float made with a Stout beer or your favorite IPA .
Now it's a nice, relaxing float to your next camp — another night under a starry sky.
Day 05
This morning marks a special moment. You're about to experience a peaceful day inside the second-deepest canyon in the country—even deeper than the infamous Grand Canyon of the Colorado.
The calm and swirling water that flows through impressive section of river allows us to take a breath and take in the expansive wilderness surrounding us. Close your eyes and drift to the sounds of nature or scan the granite banned cliff-sides for mountain sheep and soaring eagles. Shake off the heat by jumping in for a swim... extra points if you can drag a guide in with you!
Tonight at camp is the culmination of everything you've experienced on the river during your journey. We'll share another memorable group meal and celebrate our last night as a family together.
Day 06
There won't be too much time to feel sad about your last day because exciting rapids still await downstream, including one of the biggest on the trip. Enjoy your final breakfast and take a moment to reflect on the time you've had without the business of screens and obligations. As you’ll discover on the river, it’s a special thing to remember that we need very little to feel happy and connected to one another.
Vinegar rapid will be one of the wildest rides you've had yet, the big finale before we reach the takeout. Once we reach Carey Creek in the late morning, our guides will prepare lunch and deliver your original luggage bag to you so that you can begin swapping your belongings and change for the ride home.
From there, it's time to say goodbye and jump on the shuttle bus for the scenic 5-hour drive to the Boise Airport where it all began.
