The Perfect Main Salmon River Rafting Itinerary

To begin your journey to the Main Salmon River, you can either meet in Boise, Idaho, or in Salmon, Idaho.

Most guests find it convenient to fly into Boise and meet there. A hotel room can be arranged the night before your rafting trip at the Vista Inn on the airport property. The following morning, you will take an early morning, scenic flight to Salmon, Idaho to meet your guides and begin your rafting trip. At the end of the rafting adventure, you will spend the night in McCall, Idaho where a room will be arranged for you at the Third Street Inn. The following morning, ground transportation takes you back to Boise.

Should your plans have you driving to Salmon and meeting there, you will spend your first night at the Stagecoach Inn. Your guides will meet you for the 2-hour drive to the put in at Corn Creek. At the end of the rafting adventure, you will spend the night in McCall, Idaho where a room will be arranged for you at the Third Street Inn. You can arrange to have your vehicle shuttled to McCall while you are on the river and waiting for you at the hotel there.

Please note that the hotels, charter flight, ground transfer to Boise, and vehicle shuttle are optional and will incur additional fees.

Day 1: Main Salmon »

At 7:30 am, you'll meet your guides in front of the Stagecoach Inn and board the bus that will follow the Salmon River for nearly two hours to the edge of the Frank Church Wilderness. You'll be able to stop at the general store in Northfork before heading down the canyon to where the guides await with the rafts at Corn Creek put in. Choose from oar boats, paddle rafts, or inflatable kayaks and enjoy moderate rapids such as Kill um, Rainier and Devil’s Tooth. More challenging rapids lay ahead. Relaxing time on the river and at camp gives time to absorb the splendor of the surrounding mountain wilderness.

Days 2 & 3: Main Salmon »

Rise in the morning to fresh alpine air, enjoying a hearty breakfast prepared by your guides. Load the boats in preparation for whitewater rapids with tranquil water in between - allowing you to spot wildlife and gaze at mountain vistas that surround. Some excursions to homestead cabins, or hot springs break up the days on the river. At camp, you can enjoy a rousing game of beach volleyball, or explore the landscape. Enjoy a relaxing dinner by the river, and swap stories around the campfire at night.

Days 4 & 5: Main Salmon »

Through a mile deep, heavily-forested canyon, you’ll run Salmon Falls, Big Mallard, Elk Horn and several other exciting rapids. Explore Campbell’s Ferry Ghost Town and Buckskin Bills Compound. Lower in the canyon, thick forest gives way to steep granite cliffs. Large sandy beaches and glass-like pools provide favorite play spots for swimming and beach volleyball.

Day 5 »

Top off your final day with two of the largest rapids on the trip – Chittam and Vinegar Creek. After lunch, you’ll enjoy a scenic ride to the resort town of McCall, Idaho.

Permit Holder and Trip Operator: Action Whitewater

Planning for your Main Salmon River Rafting Vacation

Guests on the Main Salmon Trip have the option to drive and meet in Salmon, Idaho or arrange flights into Boise, Idaho the day prior to the rafting trip.

Guests flying into Boise, Idaho:

BEFORE THE RIVER TRIP----------

Guests meeting in Boise, Idaho will need to make travel arrangements to arrive in Boise the NIGHT PRIOR to your trip departure date. When you arrive at the Boise Airport you will catch a complimentary shuttle to the Vista Inn.

Vista Inn (Travel Package Only)
2645 Airport Way
Boise, ID 83705
800-727-5004 | 208-336-8100

The next morning at 5:40 AM in front of the Vista Inn, you will meet the special charter flight shuttle. A beautiful early morning flight over the Central Idaho Wilderness Area will take you to Salmon, Idaho where you will meet your guides and begin your rafting adventure with a 2-hour ride to the river.

AFTER THE RIVER TRIP-----------

After a farewell lunch at the boat ramp, trip participants will travel by bus to McCall, Idaho. Guests will stay in McCall, Idaho (in the hotel listed below) for one night before returning to the Boise airport the following morning by 12:30 PM. Charter flights are also available at an additional cost.

Third Street Inn
415 North 3rd Street
McCall, ID 83638
208-634-6300

Guests driving and meeting in Salmon, Idaho

BEFORE THE RIVER TRIP---------

If you are meeting us in Salmon, Idaho where the trip begins, you will need to arrive in Salmon by 7:00 pm the night prior to the trip's departure. You will spend the night prior to your river trip at the Stagecoach Inn in Salmon. There, you will meet at 7:30 pm the evening prior to the trip departure with your guides for an orientation meeting.

Stagecoach Inn
201 River Front Drive
Salmon, ID 83467
208-756-2919

Vehicles can be shuttled from Salmon to McCall for $375 plus $60 for gas. You will receive receipts and any change.

AFTER THE RIVER TRIP----------

After a farewell lunch at the boat ramp, trip participants will travel by bus to McCall, Idaho. Guests will stay in McCall (at the hotel listed below) for one night. Enjoy the beautiful mountain town of McCall before you continue your travels the following morning.

Third Street Inn
415 North 3rd Street
McCall, ID 83638
208-634-6300

After your Main Salmon River Rafting Vacation

The picturesque town of McCall, situated on the southern shore of Payette Lake, is a fun and quaint little town with shops, restaurants, nice parks and plenty of options for continued play in the deeply forested mountain plateaus of central Idaho.