Salmon River of No Return
Our Idaho rafting vacation trips have charisma. We can easily list its attributes; accessible whitewater, rugged beauty, vast white sand beaches, warm & dry climate, but beyond the obvious there is feeling you get while floating, paddling, hiking, and for a few days living on the Main Salmon. Like a true charismatic, the Salmon River may influence you to… go for a hike, try an inflatable kayak, build a sand castle or just relax in a way only possible when you are away from phone & computer. It’s that same feeling that draws our clients and guides back to the Salmon River to live for few days in this wilderness paradise.
The free-flowing Salmon River flows 120 miles through the largest contiguous wilderness in the lower 48 states, and much of it is the same as the day that Lewis and Clark investigated it as a possible route west. They decided the rapids were too rough for their expedition, but our guides are ready and more than able to help you negotiate the rapids and share their knowledge of the abundant wildlife, plants, geology and the history that lives where the Salmon River cuts the second-deepest canyon in the lower 48 states.
You choose your conveyance
From an oar boat, to a smaller self-bailing raft, even an inflatable kayak for the more adventurous. No matter the mode, when you reach camp, you will find that you have time to fish, hike, swim, or just enjoy some relaxing time in one of the most beautiful spots in the world. And while you kick back, a healthy and hearty dinner is prepared, in anticipation of a cozy night under the stars. The Salmon is a great destination for families looking for adventure on one of the United States’ great rivers.
Lewis & Clark Trail Adventures knows that much of your experience relies on the personality and expertise of your guide. Rest assured, our guides know how to show you a good time, beginning with a river & camp safety briefing prior. LCTA guides are like family and after a few days on the river, you’ll feel more like part of our family than a guest!
Meals on the River
We take pride in our camp cuisine. Meals should be something you look forward to and exceed your expectation right up until the last day. Start your day with a good cup of coffee and a hearty breakfast like pancakes & sausage with fresh fruit & juice, lunch is welcome stop with sandwiches made with quality deli meats & cheese, lots of fresh veggies & snacks, dinner might be marinated & grilled flank steaks, colorful salads, Dutch oven deserts and bread from local bakeries. Beer and wine, in moderation, is provided with appetizers & dinner. Water, sodas, and gaterade also provided. We are happy to accommodate various dietary needs so let us know your requests.
Gear
The gear is designed with your comfort in mind. The following items are provided on our standard trips.
- Guided Whitewater rafting, camping and exploring
- Camping Equipment to include 4-Person dome tents (2 adults), sleeping pad and Camp Chair
- River equipment to include paddles, life jackets (PFD) and helmets for inflatable kayaks
- Dry Bags for personal items, clothing and sleeping bag (you bring unless renting sleeping bag from us $40)
- All meals starting from first day’s lunch to last day’s lunch – complete outfitter kitchen provided
- Beverages including drinking water, Gaterade or sparkling water and/or soda. Beer & wine in moderation 2 per person.
- Emergency equipment
- Shuttle Transportation based out of Missoula, MT or Salmon, ID or other by arrangement
If you are going on a custom trip with either upgraded amenities or discounted trip, the above provisions may vary.
Deposits of $200 per person due upon booking. Balance due 90 days prior. Chartered group trips may have different deposits and deadlines. Please inquire for details.
Need trip insurance? Insure My Trip is a website where you can compare a variety of options.
2018 Main Salmon River Trips – River of No Return
Specialty 6-day Trip
The Freeflow Institutes’s Salmon River Writing Retreat, hosted by Pulitzer finalist William deBuys
June 23-28
This workshop is uniquely versatile. Our emphasis will be the discovery and review of elements of craft that writers can put to use, irrespective of subject matter. Established and emerging writers of all genres are encouraged to apply, though deBuys will focus primarily on non-fiction work. Journalists, university writing students, science writers, creative writers, and environmental writers will certainly find this workshop valuable. There is no prerequisite of publication or formal writing education.
William deBuys is a writer and conservationist based in Santa Fe, New Mexico. He is the author of The Walk and River of Traps, coauthored with photographer Alex Harris, which was a finalist for the 1991 Pulitzer Prize for general nonfiction and a 1990 New York Times Notable Book of the Year.
More details about this amazing opportunity Freeflow Institute
6-Day Trips
Scheduled Launch Dates: June 23, July 1, 9, 17, 25, Aug 2, 10, 18, 26, Sept 3
$1100 – 1400 per person / $800 – 1000 youth – under 14 discount
Final rate per person depends upon group size and provisions.
Please contact us to confirm availability before booking your trip.
Kayak Instruction Trips
July 9-14, 17-22 and July 25-30
The most complete multi-day kayak instruction available.
Call or email for the most current availability for each trip date
Trip Details
- Rates do not include USFS Recreation Enhancement Act Fee $4 per day per person
- We provide a professional whitewater guide, all river gear, camping equipment, healthy & hearty camp cuisine, transportation to and from the river. Some trips have special themes or different provisions & transportation logistics so be sure to check with us regarding your trip.
- 3 & 4 day trips are possible with fly-out + optional Wilderness Lodge overnight stays.
- Trip Resources: Gear Lists & Recommended Reading
- Lewis & Clark Trail Adventures (LCTA) is a licensed service partner with the USDA – Salmon National Forests