Main Salmon River Rafting

Frequently Asked Questions »

» Physical Requirements For Guests
» Payments, Confirmations and Cancellations
» Gratuities, Beverages, Luggage, Fishing and Valuables
» Getting to Salmon, Idaho

print release form  Print Your Acknowledgement of Risk Form (PDF)


Physical Requirements
Our primary concern is participant safety. The nature of an outdoor adventure involves some physical exertion and also possible exposure to weather conditions that can fluctuate greatly due to heat, sun, wind, or rain. Although we do have experience accommodating persons with a wide range of physical challenges, disabilities, or medical and health conditions, we have found that in some people the fact of age, weight, lack of conditioning, heart or other disease, can create additional hardship that diminishes the suitability or enjoyment of this type of vacation. Please consider these conditions in making your choice of river adventures. Please check with your physician prior to your trip if you have any medical or health condition or if you are taking any medications, and then notify us of how we can better help you with these conditions. In general, participants will need to meet the following physical requirements:

  • Fit into a Type 5 Life Jacket (maximum chest size is 52”) required by the National Park Service
  • Ability to securely grip handholds while running the rapids
  • Enough agility to climb on and off the rafts
  • Ability to navigate uneven terrain on hikes and in camp
  • Carry your own dry bag which will include your 20-pound duffle bag along with the sleeping bag and ground cover we provide

Our principle objective is for you and your fellow guests to have an enjoyable and fulfilling experience. If you are concerned about any of these requirements, please call our friendly staff to further discuss which trip is right for you. Our Acknowledgement of Risk Form will more fully describe some of the inherent risks involved in these activities. We look forward to having you join us on the adventure of a lifetime.

Payment and Cancellation Policies

A: Payment in full is due 90 days prior to trip departure and may be paid by check (preferably) or credit card. With your prior approval, we can automatically charge the balance due to your credit card 90 days prior to trip departure (if full payment has not been received). We reserve the right to cancel your reservation if full payment is not collected by the due date.

If you must cancel any reservation, the information regarding the cancellation must be received in writing. The cancellation fee will follow the formula in the box in the chart below. Our cancellation policy applies in every instance and there will be no exceptions for any reason. Western River Expeditions will not issue any refund for arriving late or leaving a trip early. Western is not responsible for any expenses incurred due to travel delays, flight cancellations, or illness. If you are concerned about the possibility of having to cancel, we strongly suggest you purchase trip cancellation insurance to protect your vacation investment. Western River Expeditions assumes no financial responsibility for personal injury, emergency evacuation, or equipment lost or damaged in any way. You will find a link to cancellation insurance on our website at www.westernriver.com/insurance.

Cancellation Fees
Number of Days Prior to Departure Cancellation Fee Per Person
91+ Days
61 - 90 Days
0 - 60 Days
Deposit Amount
Deposit Amount
No Refund

Gratuities, Beverages, Luggage and Valuables

Gratuities » Your guides will make every effort to see that each of your adventures is enjoyable and successful. Gratuities for guides are appropriate, greatly appreciated and at your discretion, as a gesture of thanks for their professionalism and service. A suggested per-person guideline is around 10% of the total trip price. The common practice is to give the gratuity to the guide at the end of the trip. In trips where multiple guides have participated, the gratuity will be split amongst all of them.

Beverages » Water and lemonade are available in unlimited quantities on the boats and in camp. Coffee and hot chocolate are available every morning. Western does not provide beer, liquor, or soda pop. If you wish to bring your own alcoholic beverages and soda pop you may do so in moderate amounts. Please avoid glass containers. Plastic bottles and aluminum cans work well.

Luggage » Transfer all of your personal clothing and gear which you will need on the river expedition into a small lightweight duffel bag (approximately 14" X 21"). PLEASE DO NOT BRING SUITCASES ON THE RIVER! As part of your camping equipment package, we provide a water-resistant bag in which you will place your duffel bag (approx. 14" X 21") as well as the sleeping bag we provide for you. If you are flying in and out from the same location (ie. Boise) simply ask your hotel about luggage storage while you are on the river. If you plan to drive directly to Salmon, Idaho, you can have your vehicle (with luggage inside) shuttled to the take-out in McCall, Idaho.

Valuables » You will want to have I.D. and a major credit card with you in the event of an emergency evacuation due to injury. This very seldom happens, but we want you to be prepared. Since jewelry is a potential "loss" item on your river trip, we recommend you leave all valuables at home. You may want to have cash available for a tip for your guides or to purchase items at Western River Expeditions’ retail store. If you are returning to the same hotel at the end of your trip, you may wish to leave valuables in your hotel's safety deposit box.

Fishing » Fly fishing and spin fishing are both common on the Main Salmon. For spin fishing 4 to 6 lb. test line is recommended with swivels and bright colored weight lures. Idaho regulations require barbless hooks or hooks with the barbs bent down on the Main. Fishing on the Main is catch and release only. Please bring collapsible poles and rigid pole cases. You may purchase a short term non-resident license in Salmon prior to your trip. For complete fishing regulations please contact:

Idaho Department of Fish and Game
208-334-3700

 

Getting to Salmon, Idaho

You have multiple options to choose from with getting to Salmon, Idaho for your vacation. You can purchase the travel package and meet in Boise, or arrange to meet in Salmon on your own. Daily flights and driving information can all be found on our Pre-Trip Information section of the Itinierary page.

This was an amazing trip for me. Idaho and the Salmon River are both absolutely spectacular - the people, the river, the food, everything was excellent. Your attention to details didn't go unnoticed. Thank you for a trip and experience that's at the top of my list of the best things I've ever done.

Morristown, NJ