double clickWhitewater Rafting Idaho | Western River Expeditions
The Middle Fork Salmon River
In the Largest Wilderness in the Lower 48
Idaho: Salmon and Snake Rivers

Idaho Rafting

Trips Feature:
  • 5 to 6 day rafting trip options
  • Spectacular forested canyons
  • Oar boat, paddle and inflatable kayak
  • Largest roadless wilderness in the lower 48 states

Embark on an Unforgettable Whitewater Rafting Idaho Trip

Idaho is a state packed with great natural beauty, and home to the largest roadless wilderness in the lower 48 States. Check out Idaho whitewater rafting and experience all that Idaho's backcountry has to offer. Check out the best whitewater rafting vacations and experience all that Idaho's backcountry has to offer. Experience Idaho rafting from the deep alpine forested canyons of the Middle Fork of the Salmon River and the Main Salmon River to the high desert canyons of the Lower Salmon River and Snake River through Hell's Canyon. One of the nation's most renowned white water rafting vacations can be reserved today. Choose below for Western River's best selection of whitewater rafting Idaho trips.

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White Water Rafting Idaho Expeditions

Boats at camp on the Main Salmon River, Idaho

Main Salmon River 5-Day Expedition

Nicknamed the "River of No Return," the blue-green waters warm up to comfortable temperatures in July and August, with calm sections and deep pools perfect for relaxing, swimming, and soaking in the country's splendor. Experience 5 days of the stunning natural beauty and rich history of the Main Salmon River as it drops 1,200 feet over 89 miles, creating exciting memories along the way. Camp on sandy beaches surrounded by pine forests and granite mountains, where you can spot abundant wildlife and ancient rock paintings. Discover homestead cabins along the riverway, some still occupied today, accessible by private jetboats and planes.

River Trip Length
82 miles

Meets/Returns
Boise, ID or Salmon, ID to McCall, ID

Minimum Age
12 or 6 (based on water levels)

Boats on the Middle Fork of the Salmon River

Middle Fork Salmon River 6 Day Expedition

The Middle Fork of the Salmon River, flowing through the remote and breathtaking River of No Return Wilderness, is a world-renowned whitewater river. Over 100 miles, the pure, clear, and free-flowing river drops 3,000 feet, offering 100 thrilling rapids for adventure-seekers. Along the way, witness stunning mountain scenery with rugged traces of human settlement and prehistoric cave paintings. Enjoy fishing in clear alpine waters, soaking in natural hot springs, hiking to magnificent waterfalls, and camping in gorgeous mountain meadows

River Trip Length
100 miles

Meets/Returns
Salmon, ID or Stanley, ID to Salmon, ID

Minimum Age
12 or 7 (based on water levels)

Camp in the canyons of the Lower Salmon River

​Lower Salmon River 5-Day Expedition

The Lower Salmon River offers family-friendly fun with stunning scenery and history. Raft 53 miles on the Salmon River and 21 miles on the Snake River, passing through four beautiful canyons named Green, Cougar, Snowhole, and Blue. Choose a Monday departure or join the "Family Magic" trip for a specially trained guide, nature hikes, and fun activities for the kids. Enjoy a separate kids' menu and riverside gourmet for the adults. The Lower Salmon River "Family Magic" trip is the perfect family rafting experience.

River Trip Length
73 miles

Meets/Returns
Lewiston, ID

Minimum Age
10 or 5 (based on water levels)

Rapids on the Snake River through Hell's Canyon

Snake River Hells Canyon 5-Day Expedition

The Snake River, which borders Oregon and Idaho, has carved the deepest river gorge in North America — Hells Canyon. Travelers on this river journey will pass through the land of the Nez Perce and encounter the region's largest whitewater rapids. This trip offers stunning scenery, including soaring eagles, snow-capped peaks, and wild mountain goats, as well as opportunities to learn about Native American legends and geologic history. Camping on large sandy beaches, surrounded by golden grass and pine forests, provides a perfect setting for stargazing at night, swimming, and paddling in inviting water temperatures. It's no surprise that this four or five-day adventure is renowned worldwide as an unforgettable getaway.

River Trip Length
100 miles

Meets/Returns
Boise, ID or Cambridge, ID to Lewiston, ID

Minimum Age
12 or 8 (based on water levels)

Complimentary Expedition Guide!

Request your complimentary Expedition Guide download for any rafting adventure. These comprehensive PDF guides include river maps, overview, full itineraries, camping and weather information, details on physical requirements, packing lists and more.

Download Your Expedition Guide
Expedition Guide
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Idaho Rivers: Middle Fork, Main Salmon, Lower Salmon and Snake River

Idaho is well-known for its world-class rafting opportunities. The state's river systems traverse the largest roadless wilderness in the lower 48 United States, making for some of the very best multi-day rafting trips in the West. The Middle Fork and Main Salmon Rivers offer alpine settings and challenging rapids, while the Lower Salmon River is perfect for families with children looking for a kid-friendly vacation. The Snake River's Hells Canyon is the deepest river gorge in North America and offers some of the most thrilling rafting experiences in the state.

A map of our Idaho rafting expeditions

Middle Fork of the Salmon River »

Middle Fork Salmon River in Idaho

The Middle Fork of the Salmon River is a 96-mile-long river located in central Idaho. The Middle Fork is a designated National Wild and Scenic River and is one of the country's most popular whitewater rafting destinations. This pure, clear, free-flowing river flows through a deep wilderness canyon and drops 3,000 feet over its 100-mile course through the remote and spectacular River of No Return Wilderness, the largest wilderness in the lower 48 states.

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Main Salmon River »

Main Salmon River in Idaho

The Main Salmon River is a 112-mile-long National Wild and Scenic River located in north-central Idaho. The Main Salmon is one of the best whitewater rafting Idaho trips in the country and offers beautiful scenery and excellent fishing. You'll enjoy sandy camping beaches backed up by pine forests and granite mountains as you raft through a steep and rugged canyon. Here, wildlife abounds and rock paintings left by ancient inhabitants still exist.

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Lower Salmon River »

The canyons of the Lower Salmon River

The Lower Salmon River is a 73-mile-long river located in south-central Idaho. The Lower Salmon is one of the best white water rafting destinations in the nation, a National Wild and Scenic River, and offers fantastic fishing and breathtaking scenery. The river flows through a wide, flat canyon. Further along the way, we float through four different canyons: Green, Cougar, Snowhole, and Blue.Wild and Scenic Rivers Program (U.S. National Park Service.

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The Snake River »

Snake River in Hells Canyon

The Snake River through Hell's Canyon is the deepest river gorge in North America. The Snake River is a designated National Wild and Scenic River and is some of the best whitewater rafting Idaho experiences you can have. The river flows through a rugged and remote canyon offering excellent fishing and hiking opportunities and is home to the largest white water rapids in the Pacific Northwest.

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