Starting at $1,895
Main Salmon River Rafting in Idaho
A multi-day whitewater rafting trip that combines big, friendly whitewater rapids, warm water, rugged wilderness scenery, natural hot springs, and Wet Planet’s exceptional guides and service.Overview
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Ages: 7+
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Difficulty: Class III
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Includes: All meals and group camping gear
Includes trip overview, packing list, and travel logistics
Idaho’s Main Salmon River – The River of No Return
Arguably America’s most beloved wilderness river, the Main Salmon River in Idaho offers everything a multi-day raft adventure should have:
- Exciting whitewater rapids
- Camping on beautiful sandy beaches
- Amazing rolling landscape scenery
- A natural hot spring
- The highest quality guides in the industry
A summer vacation on the Wild and Scenic Main Salmon River includes opportunities to paddle your own inflatable kayak, ride in a guided raft over big Class II-III waves, and enjoy afternoon swims to cool off from the bright Idaho sunshine.
Take a trip back in time to abandoned homesteader cabins and relax in the natural Hot Tub hot springs.
The expedition along the famed Salmon River in Idaho will be one you’ll not soon forget.
Star Gazing, Exciting Whitewater, and a Lifetime’s Worth of Memories
Transport yourself into the mountains and true wilderness of Idaho’s Main Salmon River, where big water splashes, warm sandy beaches, and rugged scenery fill your multi-day river trip. The adventure of traveling with family or friends deeper into the river canyons each day while camping at night under clear starry skies is a unique experience that is sure to create memories that last a lifetime.
The Salmon River weaves a story of early explorers, deep wilderness, and a free-flowing river into your relaxing vacation days. Flowing through Idaho’s Frank Church River of No Return wilderness area, the largest tract of a protected wild landscape in the lower 48 states, the Main Salmon River features Class III big-water rapids in a stunning wilderness canyon. Main Salmon River rafting in Idaho is the perfect wilderness journey for all kinds of adventure-seekers. The Main Salmon’s big-water rapids and sandy beaches provide incredible whitewater rapids and the ideal relaxing escape in one trip.
Protected as a Wild and Scenic River since 1980, the Salmon River watershed is one of the last great free-flowing rivers in the West. Even Lewis and Clark could not penetrate the deep canyon on their river expeditions to the Pacific Ocean. Today, our five and six-day Idaho river rafting trips will journey into this same canyon with luxuries that Lewis and Clark could not have ever imagined.
Wildlife and Historical Tales on the Main Salmon River
The Main Salmon River multi-day whitewater rafting trip explores 80 miles of central Idaho’s rough and remote terrain. Bighorn sheep, black bears, moose, eagles, river otters, and more call these canyon walls their home.
This Eden has also lured intrepid explorers for centuries. Guides will tell tales of travelers who sought fortune and solitude along the river. Hiking to the scattered historic cabins and ranches hints at the collection of characters who were determined to live out their days along this grand river corridor.
Make your next vacation a multi-day whitewater river trip on Idaho’s famed Main Salmon River for fun whitewater rapids, white sandy beaches, delicious food, and plenty of stories to take home.
Itinerary
Main Salmon River Rafting: A Typical Day
Rafting on Idaho’s Main Salmon River is all about maximizing fun on the river. Beautiful summer days combine with fantastic Class III whitewater rapids and stretches of meandering swimming holes that beckon visitors to take a dip. Whitewater rapids, such as Rainier, Black Creek, and Chittam, put up a big show with large waves and boulders yet invite even novice paddlers to try their skills in their own inflatable kayaks.
A lunch buffet, prepared by your five-star guides, restores your energy for more river play and enjoyment in the afternoon. Grab a stand-up paddleboard for one of the gentle river stretches, or relax in the raft.
Landing on a white sandy beach, your guides will provide camp comforts and exquisite meals while you relax by the river’s edge. There is always time for games of frisbee or bocce ball as you nibble on appetizers. Eagles soar in the skies while you enjoy your warm and tasty dinner prepared by your guides. The sun sets among the ponderosa pine tree groves and jagged mountain peaks as you sink deeper into the wilderness and the gentle lull of the river’s flow.
General Itinerary
DAY 0
ARRIVAL DAY IN SALMON
Arrive in Salmon, Idaho, the day before your scheduled launch date and check in to your hotel. We will have a pre-trip meeting at 7:30 PM at the Stagecoach Inn the evening before your scheduled start date. See “Getting There” for detailed information on getting to Salmon. During the meeting, we will discuss the trip, check out gear, help with packing, cover any last-minute details, and answer any questions you may have.
LAUNCH DAY
OUR JOURNEY BEGINS
Our shuttle vehicle will meet us in the morning at the Stagecoach Inn for our scenic drive to Corn Creek, our launch point on the Main Salmon River. From here, we’ll begin our journey into Idaho’s canyon landscape. We’ll run exciting rapids our first afternoon, including Rainier Rapid and Alder Creek Rapid, washing away any weary travel vibes you may still carry. Pulling into the evening campsite, you’ll have the opportunity for short hikes, games, or just pure relaxation with a camp chair, a book, and your toes in the cool water. With beach games, a hearty dinner, stories by the fire, and a starry sky, we’ll all rest peacefully to await another great day on the water.
RIVER DAYS
RIVER DAYS
Each day will bring new sights and adventures, but our routine will be relaxed and predictable. Coffee and hot beverages will be served as you awake from the comfort of your tent or your sleeping spot beneath the stars. Rise and shine surrounded by pristine mountain scenery and the faint lull of the river’s flow. After a hot breakfast, your guides will pack the rafts and prepare to launch for another day’s explorations. We’ll navigate through classic whitewater rapids, float and swim in serene stretches of meandering river, and even stop at hot springs. Days could include hikes through mountain meadows to see historic cabins from early settlers and rock drawings from ancient cultures. We’ll choose a cozy, shady spot for lunch to recharge our adventurous spirits. As the sun dips lower, we’ll pick our home for the night, balancing the need for shade during the hottest summer afternoons and more time playing in the river’s warmer water.
LAST DAY
RIVER AND TAKE-OUT DAY
After a final tasty breakfast and a relaxing morning packing our bags at camp, we’ll push off for one more day of floating through the Salmon River wilderness. Our final day brings the famous Chittam and Vinegar rapids – your last chance to demonstrate your new paddling skills or take that front seat in the raft for a wet and wild ride. At the Carey Creek take-out, your guides will unload rafts while you change into dry clothes and prepare for your shuttle ride to McCall, Idaho. We’ll enjoy a final lunch together before saying goodbyes to each other and the magnificent Salmon River. A two-hour shuttle drive will take you out of the canyon to McCall, Idaho, where you will arrive in the late afternoon.
*Exact camp locations and daily river mileage will vary with water levels and river conditions
Make your next vacation a multi-day whitewater river trip on Idaho’s famed Main Salmon River for fun whitewater rapids, white sandy beaches, delicious food, and plenty of stories to take home.
Dates & Pricing
2024 Trip Dates6-Day Main Salmon Trips:
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2025 Trip Dates6-Day Main Salmon Trips:
*Inquire for Rowing School, Kayak Trip, and Elk Cove dates |
Please note: Some dates may be available as private charter launches for you and your family, friends, or work group. Please give us a call to inquire!
Pricing
6-Day Trips
Adults: $2,195
Youth: $1,895 (7-17 years)
Gourmet Food & Wine Trip: $2,395
Private/Charter Groups: $1,995
What’s Provided
- Transportation to the river from Salmon, ID, on the first morning of the trip
- All meals on the river, from lunch on the first day to lunch on the last day
- Rafts and guides
- River equipment: personal floatation devices (PFDs), helmets, and paddles
- All camping gear not listed in the personal packing list: group gear, kitchen equipment, tents, sleeping pads, and camp chairs
- Dry bags for your personal belongings (1 large bag and 1 small bag)
- Beverages, including water, OJ, lemonade/Gatorade, coffee, tea, hot cocoa, and hot cider (you can BYOB, too!)
- Transportation from the river to McCall, ID, on the last day of the trip
What You’re Responsible For
- Transportation to Salmon, ID, before the trip and from McCall, ID, after your trip
- Lodging in Salmon the night before the trip and in McCall the night after your trip
- Personal clothing and miscellaneous gear (see “Packing Guide” for suggestions)
- Personal beverages: Feel free to bring canned versions of your favorite drinks. No glass, please. If you would like to bring wine, please make sure it is in a box or bag. Liquor can be transferred into plastic or aluminum bottles for safe transport.
Food Allergies
Beyond our standard menu, we can provide options for medically necessary allergy-restricted diets for a supplemental menu fee of $100/person. However, we cannot always offer the same diversity or sophistication for restricted diets as our regular menu. Similarly, certain allergen-free snack foods are difficult or impossible to source in rural locations, so feel free to bring your favorite snacks to supplement our provisions. Due to the constraints of cooking for a large group in a wilderness setting, the availability of ingredients or specialty items in remote locations, and limited packing space, we are unable to cater to dietary preferences (likes or dislikes). Please keep in mind that by selecting a restricted diet, you are committing to eating specially-made meals for the duration of the trip. We only bring enough of our standard meals for those without restricted diets, so changing diets mid-trip will not be accommodated.
We cannot guarantee that cross-contamination from allergens will not occur during meal prep. If this is a consideration, please get in touch with us to discuss the potential for a medical emergency caused by a severe food allergy.
Available to Rent
| Sleeping Bag | Synthetic and comfortable! | $25 |
| Rain Gear | Rain jacket Rain pants |
$25 |
| Wet Planet Comfort Kit | Sleeping bag Rain jacket Rain pants Small camp pillow Groundsheet |
$40 |
Make your next vacation a multi-day river trip on Idaho’s famed Main Salmon River for fun whitewater rapids, white sandy beaches, delicious food, and plenty of stories to take home.
Logistics
Where to Stay Before and After Your Trip
You will need to plan on reserving lodging in Salmon, ID, the night before your trip and in McCall, ID, the night after your trip.
Salmon Lodging
The Visit Salmon website is a great spot for information.
We recommend:
- Stagecoach Inn: (208) 756-2919, stagecoachinnmotel.com
- Sacajawea Inn: (208) 756-2294, hotelsalmon.com
McCall Lodging
You will need to make reservations for a hotel in McCall the night after your trip.
You can find options for lodging in McCall at www.allmccalllodging.com.
We recommend:
- Hotel McCall: (208) 634-8105, hotelmccall.com
- Best Western Plus McCall Lodge & Suites: (208) 634-2230, bestwesternidaho.com
Location and Directions
Getting to Salmon
Flying
- Leg 1: Fly to Boise, ID
- Leg 2: Reserve an air taxi to Salmon no later than 5:00 PM
Air Taxi:
Gem Air: (208) 756-7382, gemairflights.com
Driving
Drive times to Salmon, ID:
Portland: 11 hours
Seattle: 10 hours, 15 minutes
Missoula: 2 hours, 45 minutes
Boise: 5 hours
Idaho Falls: 3 hours, 15 minutes
Flying & Renting A Car
If you rent a vehicle at the airport and drive to Salmon, you will need to have your vehicle shuttled to McCall.
If you are renting a vehicle at the airport, make sure you request an “Additional Driver’s Form” from the rental agency. You will need to fax this to River Shuttles.
Vehicle Shuttle
Shuttle from Salmon to McCall:
River Shuttles: (208) 756-4188, rivershuttles.com
Getting Home from McCall
Flying
Reserve an air taxi to Boise from McCall (we recommend the morning after your trip)
Air Taxi:
Gem Air: (208) 756-7382, gemairflights.com
Driving & Vehicle Shuttle
Drive Times from McCall, ID:
- Portland – 7 hrs 30 mins
- Seattle – 8 hrs
- Missoula – 5 hrs 15 mins
- Boise – 2 hrs 15 mins
- Idaho Falls – 6 hrs 15 mins
*Don’t forget to schedule your car shuttle
River Shuttles: (208) 756-4188, rivershuttles.com
Travel Insurance
Sometimes stuff happens. We highly recommend that you purchase travel insurance to guard against life’s surprises (unexpected late cancellations, travel delays, medical emergencies, etc.).
Past Wet Planet guests have reported good experiences using Travel Guard and Travel Insurance Services (select.travelinsure.com).
Make your next vacation a multi-day river trip on Idaho’s famed Main Salmon River for fun whitewater rapids, white sandy beaches, delicious food, and plenty of stories to take home.
Packing Guide
What to Bring on Your Main Salmon Adventure
Weather on the Main Salmon River can vary from hot sun to cool evenings and occasional rain showers. Here’s your guide to come prepared for your multi-day outdoor adventure.
All river gear, group camping equipment, and meals are provided!
Everyone will receive dry bags for their belongings to keep them dry while on the river. What you put in your dry bags is all you will have for your trip, so here are our tips:
Layers
Mornings and evenings can be cool and are hot during the day (until the sun hides behind a cloud, and you’ll want to reach for a layer to throw on to keep warm). Whether on a raft or a beach, be prepared for changes in weather by always thinking in “layers.”
Synthetic and Wool Fibers
Your warm layers should be made from wool or synthetic fibers like Capilene or polypropylene. These will dry fast and keep you warmer when you get wet. Cotton is not recommended as it’s a negative insulator.
PFD & Helmets
Everyone will be provided with gear for on the water. This gear will include a helmet and PFD (personal flotation device).
Essential Gear
- Sleeping bag (available for rent for $25)
- Rain jacket and pants (available for rent for $25)
- One pair of shorts for camp and hiking
- One or two T-shirts
- One set of comfortable long-sleeved light clothes (for sun and camp)
- Pants for camp (can be same as above)
- Synthetic thermal underwear layers (top & bottom)
- Fleece or pile top for camp (top can be pullover or jacket)
- Swimsuit
- River shoes: sandals with a heel strap (Chaco, Teva, etc.) or old running shoes. No flip-flops or slip-ons.
- One pair of lightweight hiking shoes (for off-river in good weather)
- Toilet articles (soap must be biodegradable)
- Wool or polypro/Capilene/fleece socks (stay away from cotton)
- Shade hat/visor (baseball cap)
- Warm hat and gloves for camp
- Plastic bags for wet/dirty clothing
- Sunblock/moisturizing lotion
- Chapstick with SPF
- Insect repellent
- Sunglasses with securing strap
- Water bottle with securing strap (1-liter minimum, more if hiking)
- Flashlight/small headlamp & extra batteries
- Personal medications
- Toiletries, a small towel, etc.
Optional Items
- Camera
- Binoculars
- Diary or sketchbook
- A good paperback book
- Small daypack or fanny pack for hikes
- Paddling jacket and pants
- Small travel pillow
- Musical instrument
- Liquor, beer, or wine: you will need to provide your own alcoholic beverages! See below for more information
Optional Rental – Wet Planet Comfort Kit: Sleeping bag, rain jacket, rain pants, small camp pillow, and groundsheet ($40)
Beverages
Wet Planet will have coffee and tea ready for you every morning. Water and lemonade/punch/Gatorade will be available throughout the day. At dinner, hot drinks will be available (hot cocoa, hot cider, tea), and a bottle of wine for the group.
If you would like additional personal beverages at camp, such as soda, beer, wine, liquor, etc., you’re welcome to bring your own. We will have a cooler with us to put beverages in. No glass bottles; broken glass and rafts don’t mix! Wine should be in bags/boxes, and other adult beverages can be transferred from glass bottles to plastic or aluminum containers before taking them on the river. Personal drinks can be purchased in Salmon before the trip if needed.
Gratuities
Your guide team will work hard to ensure your river experience exceeds your expectations. If you had a fantastic trip and feel your guides did an incredible job, post-trip gratuities are an appreciated way of saying “thank you.” Tips commonly range from 5 to 15 percent of the trip cost but should always be based on your satisfaction, financial comfort, and personal attitudes about gratuities. It is common to leave gratuities with the lead guide at the end of the trip, and they will distribute them among the team.
Make your next vacation a multi-day river trip on Idaho’s famed Main Salmon River for fun whitewater rapids, white sandy beaches, delicious food, and plenty of stories to take home.
Frequently Asked Question's
What are the bathroom facilities like?
Check our our blog about “How to Use the Bathroom on a Multi-Day River Trip.” It’s the best view you’ll ever have while using the loo!
I'm going to stink if I don't shower for 6 days. What do I do?
What kind of boats do you bring?
What kind of food do you bring?
What if I have food allergies?
We can accommodate a wide range of food considerations. Beyond our standard menu, we can provide options for various dietary restrictions for a supplemental menu fee (details can be found on the Dates & Pricing tab). Make sure to complete your online trip registration early so we know what modifications we need to make to our menu! If you have any questions about our menus and your dietary needs, feel free to give us a call.
Can I bring personal beverages?
What are the average temperatures on the Main Salmon?
Typical Temperatures on the Main Salmon:
MONTH / DAY (°F) / NIGHT (°F) / WATER
June: 55°-90° / 45°-65° / 45°-58°
July: 60°-100° / 60°-75° / 55°-65°
August: 70°-100°+ / 55°-70° / 65°-68°
September: 50°-95° / 40°-60° / 50°-60°
What are the sleeping arrangements?
Tents: We provide SPACIOUS tents. We assume people reserving together will be sharing two to a tent. If you are traveling alone, you’ll have a single tent. Your guides will demonstrate how to set them up on the first night and assist you if you want the extra hand.
Sleeping Pad: The sleeping pads provided are plush, river-specific sleeping pads. These are not your average car camping pad! They are filled with 2-3 inches of foam and are incredibly comfortable.
Sleeping Bag: You can rent sleeping bags for $25/person, or you can bring your own.
Comfort Kit: The Wet Planet Comfort Kit is available to rent for $40/person, and contains a sleeping bag, rain jacket, rain pants, small camp pillow, and ground tarp.
I'm rafting solo, do I have to share a tent?
We will provide a solo tent. Don’t worry, they’re still spacious!
What size are the dry bags you provide?
We provide two dry bags per person. A large 110L dry bag will hold items you only need at camp and be packed away during the day. Think of this like your “checked luggage” on a plane. A smaller 10L day bag will hold items you would like access to during the day, such as sunscreen, extra layers, and anything you want to keep available while on the rafts.
I have back pain. Will I be OK on this trip?
We always recommend checking with your doctor for any physical considerations since they know your personal situation and can provide medical counsel! For back pain, a good measure is whether or not you are comfortable in a seated position for 2-3 hours at a time. If you would like additional back support while on the river, you can bring a Crazy Creek Chair or something similar without metal. Or ask us what we can do to help you remain comfortable in the rafts. Please inquire about additional accommodations if you have difficulty getting up from the ground from a lying position.
Can we go fishing?
You’re welcome to go fishing at camp and fish off the rafts in calmer areas when permitted. Common fish you might catch are steelhead, Chinook salmon, and bull and cutthroat trout. The Idaho Department of Fish and Game requires anyone over 14 years old to have a fishing license.
How do you communicate with the outside world in an emergency?
Where should I stay in Salmon and McCall?
We recommend the Stagecoach Inn in Salmon since we meet there for your pre-trip orientation the night before your launch. However, there are other options available too! Check out our suggested Lodging in Salmon & McCall and Camping in Salmon & McCall. We recommend making your reservations early to guarantee the lodging of your choice.
TRIP REVIEW
“My advice? Do this trip with your family as soon as possible!!! We had the best time with Wet Planet and their amazing guides. My husband, son (14) and I, while not “river people”, thoroughly enjoyed every moment of our 6 day/5 night trip on the Main Fork of the Salmon and can’t wait until the next one. We traveled with friends/families of various ages (9 to almost 80!!) and every one of us had a blast. With the help of the guides and our group, each one of us pushed ourselves to do something that was out of our personal comfort zones, yet this in no way was required – it just happened. The guides were absolutely first class and each one made the guests in our group feel welcome and relaxed. I can’t say enough positive things about each and every one of the five guides with which we had the pleasure of experiencing this trip. To top it off, every detail was taken care of – the experiences, campsites and food were absolutely spectacular! We will forever fondly remember this trip as one of the best of our lives.”
- Robin M. from Jackson, WYTRIP PHOTOS
