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Lewis and Clark Trail Adventures

Lewis & Clark Trail Adventures

Historical River & Trail Trips

  • Missouri River Canoe Trips
  • Salmon River Rafting Vacations
  • Whitewater Rafting
  • The River Pub & Town Floats
  • Trail Adventures
  • Cuba Historical Tour

Salmon River Rafting Vacations

salmon river rafting

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.

Salmon River jumping inThe 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.

Salmon River staff

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.

2023 Main Salmon River Trips – River of No Return

6-Day Trips

Great for families, gathering friends, getting away from the crowds of summertime travel. It’s time to UNPLUG and get out on the river!

July  17, 25,  Aug  2, 10, 18  – RESERVED 

July 1 – Newly OPEN date! Spend 4th of July on the River! 

July 9 – space available – optional kayak instruction with Tarkio Kayak Adventures. 

Aug 26 and Sept 3 – available for individual or charter bookings – late summer special rate of $1450 per person! 

PROMO CODE: LATESUMMER2023

$1850 – $1650 per person / $1550 – $1350 per youth – under 14 discount

Final rate per person depends upon group size and provisions. Group (large & small) discounts available! 

3-day Salmon river trip option

2023 dates available for Aug 26 or Sept 3 trip 
Paddle and camp from Corn Creek to just above Black Creek Rapid. This section of river is class II-III whitewater, easy stretches for swimming and floating, white sand beaches and historical sites like Lantz Bar and Devil’s teeth pictographs. This is a leisurely paced trip and we have time for side hikes and stops along the way. To finish the trip, Jet boat return to Corn Creek.

$950 per person / $850 per youth under 14 years + jet boat fee (varies between $150-200 per person depending on final group size)

Contact us for the most current availability.

The Freeflow Writing Institute 6-day workshop – TBD

A six-day celebration of magical Pacific Northwest salmon, ecological and cultural connectivity, and a vanishing legacy hosted by David James Duncan, author of The River Why + The Brothers K

More details about this amazing opportunity Freeflow Institute 

Contact us for the most current availability. Special pricing applies.

Kayak Instruction Trips

Learn from the best Tarkio Kayak Instructors – The most complete multi-day kayak instruction available. The Salmon River is perfect for all levels of kayaking.

Contact us for the most current availability. Special pricing applies.

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.
  • Lewis & Clark Trail Adventures (LCTA) is a licensed service partner with the USDA – Salmon National Forests

Trip Planning Resources:

Gear Lists & Recommended Reading

Frequently Asked Questions

Trip Cancellation Policy & Guest Responsibility 

Need trip insurance?  For your convenience, we offer travel protection through Travelex Insurance Services.  For more information on the available plans or to enroll, got to www.travelexinsurance.com or contact Travelex Insurance Services at 800-228-9792 and reference location number 26-0048.

Travel Insurance is underwritten by, Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance Company, NAIC #22276. 55Y

Trip Location

Salmon River Trips

  • Salmon River of No Return
    Idaho Rafting Vacation
  • Salmon River Writing Retreat
    with David James Duncan

Salmon River Testimonial

“…this was my first rafting trip and now I’m hooked. I can’t describe how much the trip cleared my head and connected me with nature in a way that I will never forget…. Everyone was great and we had a blast. Every single guide was pleasant, helpful and fun. I always felt safe and in the best of hands”

Jill Sellers

Lewis & Clark Journals

"The water is so rapid and the bed of the river so rocky, that going by water appeared impracticable; and the mountains so amazingly high, steep and rocky, that it seemed impossible to go along the river by land."

Meriwether Lewis
August 25, 1805
Salmon River

Lolo Trail Testimonial

“Gia & Wayne take customer service to a new level, their personalized service is second to none and the food was so good that I might have gained weight. The hiking & history is unbelievable, you can truly imagine what the Corp of Discovery went through.”

Dave Peterson

Trip Advisor Certificate of Excellence

  • TripAdvisor

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Lewis & Clark Trail Adventures
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912 E. Broadway, Missoula, MT 59807

© 2023 Lewis and Clark Trail Adventures
Lewis & Clark Trail Adventures (LCTA) is a licensed service partner with the USDA Clearwater and Salmon National Forests, Bureau of Land Management, and Fish, Wildlife & Parks. We are members of the Idaho Outfitter and Guides Association.