Hughes River Expeditions

Salmon River Canyons

Roller coaster rapids, perfect swimming water, and wonderful canyonlands. The Salmon River drifts through quiet pools and surges into churning whitewater. Camping on exotic pure white sand beaches is unforgettable. The largest undammed river in the continental United States.

LS 23 Sunset at whitehouse

Lower Salmon River Gorge – Idaho

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Whitewater rafting and inflatable kayaking trips on the Salmon River are incredible outdoor vacations. The Salmon is famous as Idaho’s “River of No Return”. Enjoy long summer days, warm swimming water, the largest pure white sandbar camps in the West, roller coaster rapids, and wonderful canyonlands.

The “River of No Return” drifts through quiet pools and surges into churning whitewater. Lower Salmon River Canyons are an ideal place to enjoy paddle rafts and inflatable kayaks. Green, Cougar, Snow Hole, and Blue canyons offer many of the Salmon’s best rapids, including Wrightway Drop, Demons Drop, Pine Bar, Bodacious Bounce, Half & Half, Snow Hole, China, Wapshilla, Flynn Creek, Zig Zag, Slide, Sluicebox, Checkerboard, Eye of the Needle, and more.

The international whitewater rating for these trips is Class III-IV, with primarily Class III rapids.

Thank you for the incredible experience you provided Stoltz on the river.  We were impressed with your impeccable service, capable (and FUN) guides, beautiful meals, and spectacular camps.  We are still reminiscing…..  Stoltz is forever grateful for the amazing trip and hope to do more with Hughes in the coming years!!"

— Holgate, Boise, ID

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Camping on the Salmon’s huge sand beaches is unforgettable. As the largest undammed river in the lower 48 states, the Salmon provides a unique opportunity to enjoy pristine sandbars and natural riparian areas. The camps are perfect for swimming, frisbee, volleyball, or making a sand castle.

Fishing the Lower Salmon River

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Many species of cold and warm water fish live in the Salmon River, including rainbow trout, smallmouth bass, white sturgeon, steelhead, and salmon. Summer trips offer fly and spin casting for bass and trout, and “catch and release” fishing for white sturgeon. Learn more about fishing the Salmon River Canyons.

Many of our summer guests plan to include fishing as part of their trip. Serious fishermen can arrange fishing rafts with 2 guests/boat & guide service. Check for rates and details.

The Surrounding Terrain

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The backcountry and natural histories of the Salmon Canyon are intriguing. The Nez Perce War touched this region, and stories of the Billy Creek Crossing and the Battle of White Bird are remarkable chapters of Salmon River history. We stop to inspect Chinese rock houses, abandoned mines, and Native American pictograph sites.

big horn sheep salmon river canyons

Salmon River Canyon provides habitat to a wide variety of wildlife. The area’s birds include canyon wren, water ouzel, kingfisher, chukar partridge, Canada geese, merganser, heron, and many more. These canyons feature one of the world’s highest concentrations of raptors. Golden eagle, red-tailed hawk, northern harrier, American kestrel, nighthawk, and osprey all frequent the Canyon. You can hear coyotes howl and spot beaver, otter, or mink. Mule deer and white-tailed deer are often seen during the summer. Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep, elk, cougar, and bobcat are common but rarely spotted.

Guest Experiences on The Salmon River Canyons

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I can’t tell you how much we enjoyed our time on the Salmon with your folks last week. It was a typical Hughes experience and exceeded all expectations. The river, the food, the guides, the camp sites and accommodations, the gear, the extra libations, the fishing, etc. were simply outstanding! We’ve had great guides on other trips, but Travis, Ben, and John raised the standard to a completely different level…Jerry, you should feel great about the customer experience you provide for your guests.
D. Connelly, Fenton, MO (2009)

Salmon River Canyons - Schedule & Rates

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4 or 5 Day Expedition – 43 or 53 River Miles

Dates are available upon request with groups of 10 or more. Inquire with the Office online or at 406-540-4450.

Dates

Dates are available upon request with groups of 10 or more. Inquire with the Office at [email protected] or 406-540-4450.

Rates

  • 4 Days – $2225/Adult, $2199/Youth
  • 5 Days – $2499/Adult, $2325/Youth

Deposit to Confirm Your Reservation

  • 4 Days – $450/person
  • 5 Days – $550/person

Rates include charter jet boat from below Confluence of Salmon and Snake Rivers to Hells Gate Marina in Lewiston. Groups can arrange custom dates. Contact HRE office. This institution is operated under Special Use Permit from Cottonwood Field Office, Bureau of Land Management. This institution is an equal opportunity provider. Youth Rate applies to kids, teens, and undergraduate students.

We’re here to answer any and all of your questions!

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