1-800-346-6277Gorges of the Lower Salmon River Rafting
4 Days: July 6, 14, 22, 30 - All Designated Family Dates
5 Days: August 7, 15, 23, 31; September 9
All dates in August are Designated Family Dates
4 Days:
$907 adult / $771 youth
5 Days:
$1115 adult / $948 youth
River Rating  | Minimum Age |
|---|---|
| Class III | 7 Years (12 during high water) |
- Legend
- Directions
Enter your starting city
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Lower Salmon River Rafting in Idaho - Overview
Soak up the sun. Watch the little ones. Ramble with the river. The Lower Salmon River in Idaho meanders warm, wide and mellow, making it a great rafting getaway for young families or beginning rafters. Idaho's Salmon River is home to some of America’s most beautiful inland river beaches, super-sandy and sprawling alongside clear, mellow pools and inflatable kayak play spots. There’s no shortage on thrill seeking too. Some of Idaho’s most famous whitewater rapids, gorges and viewscapes—like Demons Drop, Snow Hole and Blue Canyon are just around the bend. The Lower Salmon River exhibits a side of Idaho seldom seen by most visitors. Distinguished from the forests and mountains that make up much of Idaho’s wilderness, this river runs through the warmer, drier canyon country of the Seven Devils. The Lower Salmon is also a veritable treasure chest of intriguing stories and relics from the past. Known human history dates back to a mind-boggling 10,000 years ago when the first humans inhabited the river canyon, leaving a wealth of Native American rock art.
Lower Salmon River Rafting in Idaho - Itinerary at a Glance
- Depart Lewiston for a scenic drive to Hammer Creek in Idaho
- Visit the Nez Perce Museum in Spalding and learn about ancient pictographs
- Rollercoaster, Green Canyon, Wright Way Drop, Demons Drop and Pine Bar rapids
- Journey through Cougar and Snow Hole canyons—each offering a uniquely different perspective on this wild river corridor
- Visit remnants of ancient Indian cultures and the remains of Chinese stone houses
- Try Snow Hole Canyon’s most exciting rapids: Half and Half, Snow Hole and China
- Spot eagles, osprey, river otters, beaver, cougar and bighorn sheep
- Slide Rapid marks the entrance to Blue Canyon, the most spectacular of the four gorges
- Impressive hike to a vista point, join the Snake River and swim a rapid
- Pass the confluence with the Grande Ronde; arrive at Heller Bar for shuttle to Lewiston
- Testimonials
- Reviews
- Write a Review
“My wife, daughter and I would like to express our delight with the O.A.R.S. trip we took down the Lower Salmon Gorge this year. There were so many highlights it would be impossible to list them all. But without a doubt the one highlight we have to mention was the crew assigned to our trip. They were six of the finest young men my wife and I have met. We will always remember our first river trip because of the spirit, enthusiasm, professionalism, safety and fun they constantly provided. A company is only as good as its staff and if our crew is representative of the rest of your company, what can I say but You are the greatest, congratulations and Thank You.”
Ernie, Debra & Emmaline Mauritson ~ Glendale, CA
“We just returned from our first trip with your company. We just wanted to let you know that we had a great time and we absolutely loved our guides. They made the trip so much fun for us all (and even our finicky, high-maintenance kids!) We look forward to our next trip on the Middle Fork either next year or the year after that. Seriously, it was even better than we thought it would be. We are having river withdrawal in a big way! Being parents isn't always an easy job and we think an important part of it is to give your kids experiences that they can keep with them in their heart. It is safe to say that this trip will be with them in their hearts and minds (ours too!) for a long time and a big part of that is due to our guides. We thank them for that and much more! Looking forward to seeing the river and them again as SOON as possible! ”
The Jordahl Family ~ Springboro, OH
“By all means, the trip leader and 2 other boatmen absolutely made the trip---I especially liked the emphasis on cleanliness and safety. The meals were very nutritious. I was able to see a part of Idaho I have never seen, having lived here all my life. The lower Salmon was a feast in more ways than one.”
Pamela Marcum ~ Boise, ID
- Weather
- Packing List
- Trip Planner
- Recommended Reads
| Average Temperatures | ||
| Month | Days | Nights |
| June | 55° - 90° | 45° - 55° |
| July | 60° - 100° | 55° - 75° |
| August | 70° - 100°+ | 55° - 70° |
| September | 65° - 95° | 45° - 70° |
| Water Temperatures | ||
| June | 45° - 55° | |
| July | 55°- 65° up to 70° by end of July |
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| August | 65° - 70° | |
| September | 65° - 70° | |
Current Conditions
What to bring on the Gorges of the Lower Salmon River Rafting trip
This is a sample list. Please refer to your trip planner for a detailed list for your particular trip. If you do not already own any of the items on the suggested packing list feel free to call our office for suggestions. However, many of the items listed are available for purchase online in the OARStore. Please be mindful of the natural environment when purchasing items for your trip. Whenever possible, consider recyclable containers, rechargeable batteries, natural (non-toxic) sunscreens, lotions, biodegradable soaps, and so on.
Equipment:
- Water bottles: 2 each with a minimum 1-liter capacity plus 2 locking carabiners to attach them to the support boat
- Headlamp or flashlight, extra batteries and bulb
- Plastic bags: large trash bags and zip-lock bags to separate clean and dry clothes from wet and dirty
- Camera and accessories
Personal Items:
- Sunglasses with securing strap and a spare
- Towel: small, quick drying, and washcloth
- Toiletries including biodegradable soap and shampoo with moisturizer (Nature's Gate is recommended by our guides)
- Sunscreen: waterproof and SPF 30 or higher
- Lip protection: SPF 30 or higher
- Moisturizing lotion or cream: 1 bottle (Skin tends to get REALLY DRY – this is a VERY important item!)
- Insect repellent (with DEET)
- Personal first aid kit (Band-aids, antibiotic ointment, ibuprofen, moleskin, eye drops, etc.)
- Spare pair of glasses and/or contacts (Blowing sand can cause problems for contact wearers)
- Cash for gratuities and goodies
Clothing:
- Long-sleeved shirt: 2 lightweight and light color for sun protection (UPF rated shirts are great)
- Long pants: lightweight and light color for sun protection (no jeans while on the river)
- Shade hat or visor with securing strap and a spare
- Bandanas
- Rain jacket & pants: waterproof (not water resistant) to protect you from the wind and splash from rapids, as well as rain. A hooded jacket is recommended as well as good secure closures around your head, neck, wrists, and ankles to prevent water from seeping in
- Swimsuits: 2 (two-piece suits recommended for women). Tankinis are a great option
- Underwear: quick drying
- Shorts: 2 pair lightweight, and quick drying
- Hiking shorts: 2 pair (some people prefer different shorts for the river and hiking)
- T-shirts or lightweight quick-drying tops: 3
- River sandals (such as Teva): 1 pair to wear in the boat and for short wet hikes
- Athletic shoes or lightweight hiking boots: 1 pair, comfortable and with good tread
- Hiking socks: 3-4 pair mid-weight
- Synthetic long underwear top & bottom: 1 set light to mid-weight
- Fleece top & bottom: 1 set light to mid-weight
Additional Essentials for Fall:
- Extra pair of dry shoes for camp
- Wetsuit booties and/or neoprene socks
- Additional fleece top and bottom
- Warm hat and gloves: synthetic or wool
- Fleece vest
Optional Items:
- Sarong: also useful as a cover-up from the sun, when bathing or to discreetly change clothes
- Solar shower: small “solo” showers heat up faster and are easier to use
- Bathing towels/wipes: pre-moistened disposable wipes such as Coleman Swash Cloths
- Binoculars: small
- Whiskbroom: small (no long handle) to sweep wet sand off tent and ground cloth
- Splash jacket and pants
- Paddling gloves
- Lightweight cord and clothespins for drying clothes in camp
- Notebook and pen
- FUD, Feminine urinary device
- Fanny pack/day pack for people who enjoy hiking. It should be large enough to carry water, lunch and camera, as well as a warm layer of clothing for spring and falls trips.
- Fishing gear
Download our travel planner here:
Gorges_of_the_Lower_Salmon_River_Trip_Planner.pdf
Trip planner is in PDF format and requires Acrobat Reader.
