Adventure begins here
Salmon River Raft Trip
Perfect for all ages and abilities, the classic five-day trip on the Main Salmon is a great all-round, multi-sport trip, with opportunities to raft, inflatable kayak, SUP, and hike while on the river. You will enjoy the Salmon River’s famous beaches, historic ranches, Native American history, natural hot springs, delicious food and comfortable camping.
Photo Gallery
Your Multi-Day River Rafting Itinerary
The Confluences experience begins with the whole group meeting with one of our team members in McCall at a local gathering spot (typically one of the popular hotels). They’ll go over essential last details, issue dry bags to pack into, and confirm the final flight time the next morning. This is a great chance to ask any last questions before trying out one of the many great local restaurants for dinner.
On the first day of your Main Salmon River rafting trip, we will depart from McCall, Idaho via backcountry planes (5-9 passengers per aircraft) around 7am for Salmon, Idaho. Once we land in Salmon we will transfer to our put-in location via bus. We always plan a stop at the North Fork Store to pick up any last minute supplies like beverages or fishing licenses. Once we arrive at our put-in, you will meet the guide crew. They will go over safety concerns, explain the boat options and review the day’s plans. While the crew finishes rigging the boats you will have the opportunity to fill your water bottle, change into river clothes, and explore some of the historical sites nearby. After getting ready for your first day on the Salmon River, we either have a riverside lunch before launching or head just downstream to eat. We typically complete all introductions, chores, and briefings within an hour. You can expect to pull into our first night’s camp around 5:00pm.
The distance to camp, water conditions, side attractions, and other river features will change day-by-day but the daily routine remains the same. The crew gets up early to have coffee ready at 6:30am and serves breakfast around 8:00am. During breakfast, a crew member will brief the group on what to expect for that day and provide an overview of the rapids, side hikes, historic attractions and provide interpretive highlights pertinent to the day’s section. Depending on the day, we will visit Native American pictograph sites, soak in an amazing hot spring, and/or hike to nearby attractions along the river. Our optional paddle boats and inflatable kayaks (solo and tandem) allow you to actively paddle or just sit back on one of our oar rigs for a relaxing ride through breathtaking scenery. You’ll enjoy the waves and thrills of rapids like Big Mallard, Elkhorn, and Chittam and will want to stay on the lookout for bighorn sheep, deer, bald eagles, and even the occasional black bear.
As we come to the end of your Main Salmon River experience, the routine for the last day of your trip will be a little different from the previous days. This is another meaningful day on the river, with lunch at a riverside beach before reaching the take-out. Once we reach the Carey Creek boat ramp (typically mid-afternoon), the guides will work to load up all the gear while you have time to repack your personal items. Here is where you will say goodbye to the crew and board our bus for the ride back to McCall, which takes about two hours. Guests should plan to arrive in McCall about 6pm, which allows for a nice evening in McCall or driving on to Boise that evening to stay there for the night before flying home the next day.
The Confluences experience begins with the whole group meeting with one of our team members in McCall at a local gathering spot (typically one of the popular hotels). They’ll go over essential last details, issue dry bags to pack into, and confirm the final flight time the next morning. This is a great chance to ask any last questions before trying out one of the many great local restaurants for dinner.
On the first day of your Main Salmon River rafting trip, we will depart from McCall, Idaho via backcountry planes (5-9 passengers per aircraft) around 7am for Salmon, Idaho. Once we land in Salmon we will transfer to our put-in location via bus. We always plan a stop at the North Fork Store to pick up any last minute supplies like beverages or fishing licenses. Once we arrive at our put-in, you will meet the guide crew. They will go over safety concerns, explain the boat options and review the day’s plans. While the crew finishes rigging the boats you will have the opportunity to fill your water bottle, change into river clothes, and explore some of the historical sites nearby. After getting ready for your first day on the Salmon River, we either have a riverside lunch before launching or head just downstream to eat. We typically complete all introductions, chores, and briefings within an hour. You can expect to pull into our first night’s camp around 5:00pm.
The distance to camp, water conditions, side attractions, and other river features will change day-by-day but the daily routine remains the same. The crew gets up early to have coffee ready at 6:30am and serves breakfast around 8:00am. During breakfast, a crew member will brief the group on what to expect for that day and provide an overview of the rapids, side hikes, historic attractions and provide interpretive highlights pertinent to the day’s section. Depending on the day, we will visit Native American pictograph sites, soak in an amazing hot spring, and/or hike to nearby attractions along the river. Our optional paddle boats and inflatable kayaks (solo and tandem) allow you to actively paddle or just sit back on one of our oar rigs for a relaxing ride through breathtaking scenery. You’ll enjoy the waves and thrills of rapids like Big Mallard, Elkhorn, and Chittam and will want to stay on the lookout for bighorn sheep, deer, bald eagles, and even the occasional black bear.
As we come to the end of your Main Salmon River experience, the routine for the last day of your trip will be a little different from the previous days. This is another meaningful day on the river, with lunch at a riverside beach before reaching the take-out. Once we reach the Carey Creek boat ramp (typically mid-afternoon), the guides will work to load up all the gear while you have time to repack your personal items. Here is where you will say goodbye to the crew and board our bus for the ride back to McCall, which takes about two hours. Guests should plan to arrive in McCall about 6pm, which allows for a nice evening in McCall or driving on to Boise that evening to stay there for the night before flying home the next day.
Salmon River Map
FAQs
Below, find the answers to frequently asked questions about Salmon River raft trips with Confluences River Expeditions. We hope this page will help you plan for your raft trip and help you know what to expect on Idaho’s Main Salmon. Our team is ready to answer any of your questions too!
FAQs
Questions about Packing
Questions about Food
Questions about Camping
Questions about Hygiene
Confluences River Expeditions has offered world-class Idaho rafting trips on the gorgeous River of No Return since 1982. We give personal service from the first phone call to the last rapid. Book your unforgettable Main Salmon River adventure today!
