Whitewater Rafting Idaho
Whitewater rafting is one of the best activities you can try in Idaho. Whether you aim for an adrenaline boost or want to feel connected to nature, the Scenic Main Salmon River and Lower Salmon River offer some of the most exciting rafting trips that the state has to offer.
Did you know that Idaho has more miles of whitewater than any other state in the country? This makes it one of America’s best destinations for river rafting, and a national park where you can explore the wilderness and witness scenery unlike in any other place.
Below, we are listing more details about the Idaho river rafting and tips to help you prepare for your Idaho rafting trip.
Idaho Whitewater Rafting
From slows to rapids, Idaho offers a lot of whitewater rafting excitement. Even kids (above the age of 7) can explore and experience the wilderness that the Idaho river rafting has to offer. You can spot wildlife like black bear and bighorn sheep in the national forest, soak in the amazing hot springs, explore history with the Native American petroglyphs, and spend a night out in the open in a camp. There are so many activities like cooking, fishing that will connect you with the wilderness on a whole new level.
Some prefer getting in an inflatable kayak and going for white water rafting, while others want to connect with nature or explore river trips in a different way. Idaho runs deeper than the better-known Grand Canyon, and is the perfect location for whitewater rafting trips.
Whether you are looking for Class II, Class III or Class IV Rapids perfect for rafting trips in North America, you should know that Salmon River is the best place for your Idaho whitewater rafting trip.
Salmon River Rafting
The Salmon River is the most famous river in the Idaho state and one of the most popular rapid rivers. It is 425 miles long and stretches through plenty of different sections based on your Idaho rafting needs. It is also the deepest river with more than 100 miles of rapids perfect for any exciting raft trip with your friends or family.
The Main Salmon River drops 1,200 feet in 89 miles, creating a lot of excitement for any Idaho river rafting trip. The mix of blue and green in the waters gave it the nickname the “River of No Return,” and this is a great place to cool down, relax, swim, go for fishing and simply breathe Idaho’s fresh air and indulge in a different kind of adventure with your family and friends.
A Mix Of Wilderness And Fresh Air
The Salmon River flows through a vast wilderness, making it a perfect river for rafting trips. It is also one of the deepest rivers, especially near the Salmon Canyon which is positioned between the mountains and is more than one mile deep. Even 46 miles of this Idaho river are recreational rivers (North Fork to Corn Creek) and 79 miles of it are considered wild rivers (from Corn Creek to Long Tom Bar).
Because of this, the Salmon River is considered a major attraction one of America’s top destination for Idaho rafting trips. It is also a habitat for abundant and varied wildlife. You can explore sheep, elk, mule deer, mountain goats, black bear, cougar and many other species.
The Main Salmon River
There are various rafts and options available on the Main Salmon River if you want to explore rafting in Idaho. You can opt in for a multi-day river trip and choose from different types of adventure. The rivers do not require you to be an expert in whitewater rafting or have any prior experience to enjoy your specific raft type.
In the main stem of the river, there is a variety of fish species including cutthroat trout, bull trout, rainbow trout, mountain white fish, sockeye salmon, Chinook salmon (spring/summer/fall run), steelhead, smallmouth bass, squawfish, sucker and sturgeon.
The Middle Fork Of The Salmon
The Middle Fork of the Idaho river flows right through the Frank Church — River of No Return Wilderness in Idaho, which is the second largest protected wilderness in the lower 48 US states. Probably one of the reasons why it’s also the best place for Idaho rafting, right?
That being said, the Middle Fork of the Salmon is one of the best locations for river rafting in Idaho. You should be excited for your rafting trip, knowing that this part of the Idaho river runs up for 100 miles of continuous rapids along with some world class trout fishing, hot springs, wildlife and breathtaking scenery. Permits are required and issued by the Forest Service.
The Lower Salmon River (Little Salmon River)
The Little Salmon River at Riggins offers 87 miles of fun. It flows almost due north with US Route 95 crossing it on the “Time Zone Bridge” north of Riggins. This is the lower portion of the river which also travels through the canyon before meeting with the larger Snake River along the western border of Idaho.
Because of their proximity and direct link, Salmon River and Snake River are often compared as some of the best locations for white water rafting. Snake River’s Hells Canyon is another great location when the sun rises and sets, bringing a lot of warmth to rafting adventures and being the perfect place for day trips, swimming and sun bathing. Still, the scenery and adventure in Hells Canyon and Salmon River are similar as they run parallel of each other.
The Excitement That Idaho Whitewater Rafting Brings
If you are into rafting trips and appreciate river rafting, you should know that the Idaho river rafting is an experience rated among the best adventures by thrill seekers. The river trips in the Main , Middle and Lower Salmon River bring a lot of fun for any day trip or whitewater exploration.
One of the best things about white water rafting and your Idaho river trip will be the mix of dramatic and sheer canyon images and huge mountains of golden grass and towering ponderosa pines. Idaho is one of the top locations for any rafting trips and Salmon River’s Middle fork and Lower Salmon prove why that is the case.
Also known as “pool and drop” rapids, many parts of the Middle and Lower Salmon River are ideal for Idaho rafting and adventure because of the mix of activities you can do. While some will enjoy fishing, others will bathe, throw a Frisbee, join a game or volleyball or simply catch some sun in the nature. They are also some of Idaho’s best places to paddle, swim and enjoy your journey in nature.
North America’s Best Place For Rafting Trips And Adventures
All of the above mentioned proves that Idaho is one of the best locations for day trips and adventures in the country. The water in the river and between the canyons is especially warm in the hot months of July and August, giving you a chance to free yourself, enjoy the journey, raft and explore Idaho’s unique canyons with your friends or family.
Are You Prepared For Your Idaho Rafting Trip?
If you are going to Idaho for your white water rafting trip with your family or friends, you should be ready to face the deepest river and the wilderness surrounding it. The best time to visit Idaho’s canyons is June, July and August, when the waters are warm and the season is in full swing.
We know you can’t wait to witness the fun both in and out of your inflatable kayak. We wish you luck in your raft experiences, plenty of fun and wild times in Idaho!
