Salmon River Rafting

There are a number of rivers that call themselves the Salmon River. The Salmon River in California is referred to as the 'Cal Salmon' in order to distinguish it from the more famous Salmon River in Idaho. The 'Cal Salmon' is no slouch as it has more Class IV and V rapids in 30 miles than Idaho's Salmon has in hundreds of miles. In Idaho, the Main Salmon is a big water river with many different single day and multi-day sections. The crown jewel is the Middle Fork of the Salmon which flows through 100 majestic miles of Idaho Wilderness.

Where is it?

The Cal Salmon is in Northern California between Redding and Eureka. It's quite far from most cities. Idaho's Salmon River is in the heart of Idaho and most of it is in the Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness. The Main Salmon starts near Stanley, Idaho and then flows through the town of Salmon before it heads through the most popular lower canyons on the way to it's confluence with the Snake River. The Middle Fork of the Salmon also starts near Stanley, Idaho and flows 100 miles before joining the Main Salmon.

What are the rapids like?

The Cal Salmon has steep Class IV and V rapids in a tight gorge. The Middle Fork of the Salmon has fun Class II through Class IV rapids and is nearly continuous whitewater for 100 miles. The Main Salmon has big water Class III rapids with big waves and large pools in between the rapids.

Why the Salmon?

You'll want to do the Cal Salmon if you like exciting rapids and you want a true whitewater challenge. The Middle Fork of the Salmon may be the perfect multi-day river trip due to it's stunning scenery, hot springs, great fishing, fun rapids, and great places to camp. The Main Salmon is also a nice trip with fewer rapids and poorer fishing than the Middle Fork. The Main Salmon's biggest advantage is it's huge, sandy beaches for camping.

Salmon River Rafting News