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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.

Your Muli-Day River Rafting Itinerary

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Day Before
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.
Day 1
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.
Days 2-4
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.
Day 5
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

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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!

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FAQs

Questions about Packing

How can I make sure my things stay dry?

We will provide you with two dry bags for the duration of the trip (one large bag for your clothing, the sleeping bag we provide, and the items you don’t need during the day and one small bag that you can access while on the water for things like cameras, snacks, sunscreen, or an extra layer). We recommend you use ziploc bags inside those bags to ensure items are waterproof.

What should I pack my things in to get to McCall, Idaho?

Use soft duffels to pack your personal clothes in. Include several plastic bags to store wet items in your bag on the river. Black “contractor” bags are handy for this. Note that you will be allowed 1 checked bag weighing up to 35lbs on the backcountry flight.

Why do you recommend non-cotton clothing?

Cotton does not keep you warm when wet! Do not plan to wear cotton on the river unless it is to keep you cool on a very hot day. Pack quick dry (non-cotton) shorts and shirts.

What should I bring to account for the sun?

Sun hats, sunscreen and sunglasses are a must! Be sure to put your sunscreen in a ziplock so it doesn’t accidentally get on your other items.

Should I bring bug spray?

Bug spray is recommended at a couple of camps on the river. Be sure to put your bug spray in a ziplock.

Do you have a packing list?

Yes, you can download it here.

Questions about Food

What is the food like on the trip?

We serve three delicious meals per day, plus an appetizer before dinner. We specialize in Dutch oven cooking and are proud of the signature dishes we serve. Fresh fruit and veggies are included in every meal. Here are some examples of meals: Breakfast of stuffed French toast with bacon, lunch of taco salad, fruit and cookies, followed by a dinner of grilled salmon with salad.

What dietary preferences can be accommodated?

With advance notice, we can support most dietary preferences. Make sure to indicate your preferences during the registration process, and check in with your trip leader during the pre-trip orientation meeting. In extreme cases, we may ask you to bring supplementary snacks.

What drinks are provided?

Fresh water is always available. Juice, coffee, hot tea and hot chocolate are served at breakfast. Lemonade is always available at camp. Craft beer and wine are served with dinner. Two complimentary canned beverages per person, per day are provided. If you like something special, please bring it. We always have ice for cocktails.

Can I bring my own drinks?

You are welcome to bring additional canned beverages, wine, liquor or canned beer. We can store them in the dry boxes and coolers on the boats.

Questions about Camping

What do river camps look like?

The Main Salmon River is famous for its beautiful beaches. The entire group arrives to camp together and works as a team to unload the gear from the boats. After learning how to do so, guests set up their tents. A common eating area is set up near the kitchen, where guides will prepare all meals.

How many people are there per tent?

We provide one tent for every two people from the same group. If you are traveling solo, or prefer to pay to have your own tent, we will provide an individual tent. Make sure to select that option in the registration process.

What kind of creature comforts does Confluences River Expeditions provide?

We will provide comfortable camp chairs, camp games (such as bocce ball), and a fire pan for evening campfires. Many camps have great trees for hammocks, if you’d like to bring a Eno-style camp hammock.

Questions about Hygiene

How can I stay clean while camping for 5 days?

We recommend that you bring baby wipes for quick cleanup jobs. Sponge baths are easy and make you feel like a million bucks! The guides will show you how to use a bucket of water above the high water mark to wash and shampoo. You can also bring your own solar shower. Bandanas make great washcloths!

What special considerations are there for female guests?

Bring items that don’t require a lot of space and are quick to use, packing them in ziplocks. For swimsuits, a sports type two-piece works well and is convenient. Female guides often use a sports bra coupled with quick dry shorts. The guide crew can offer simple tips for disposal of feminine hygiene products. Having a few extra ziplock bags is a great idea. As the environment can dry out skin, we recommend that you make sure you bring moisturizing lotion.

How does going to the bathroom work?

As part of our wilderness ethic, we “Pack it in, pack it out!” We pack out all solid waste. Toilets are portable, heavy duty metal containers fitted with a toilet seat when set up at camp. Toilets are only used for solid waste. Guests urinate in the river or above the high water mark. Our guides will show you the best spots. Toilets are set up in a secluded and scenic spot away from eating and sleeping areas. You can enjoy a beautiful view! A custom hand wash system with soap is set up on the trail to the toilet area. A paddle is placed near the hand wash area as a signal. The paddle is taken to the toilet so that others know when the toilet is occupied. The paddle is returned to the hand wash area afterwards to signal the toilet is available for use.

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"Just finished an amazing trip with my kids and girlfriend. From sitting in a kayak paddling deep in the whitewater, to lazing on the back of the big boat, we all could dial in the experience we were in the mood for. That, plus incredible hospitality and amazing food and wine."
– Andre Marquis, San Francisco, CA
"Thanks again for such a fantastic trip! I know we all had a blast thanks to you and your guides. I just got home and am wandering around looking for someone to start cooking dinner for me and provide entertainment. It’s so quiet…"
– Kerry Thor, Everett, WA
"Just got back from the second epic river adventure with you guys. Once again, best vacation ever! Already miss you guys! Just like family."
– Tracy Quinn, Lake Forest, CA
"I LOVE that you are so dedicated to the experience for others, and most of all loved that you were a family team for the most part!"
– Lisa McHugh, Friday Harbor, WA
"That was really a magical trip. We certainly enjoyed it and will treasure many wonderful memories."
– Kim Leatham & Robert Steiner, Bainbridge Island, WA
"If you have been thinking about taking a raft trip, don’t wait any longer. Prepare for the adventure of a lifetime!"
– Ginger Thomas, Garden City, ID
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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!

Call 208.756.6215

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