Salmon River Ice Picture - Ice Circle

Here is a really great photo sent to us by a long time customer.  The photo was taken between Riggins Idaho and French Creek on Feb. 8th, 2010.  The circle was turning clockwise in the eddy.  Unique and beautiful shot of the winter time Salmon River.  Amazing that in summer the water is warm enough to happily swim in.

Rafting the Salmon River in Idaho, the best books to have.

Idaho's Salmon River is home to some of the best white water rafting in the United States. It's the best for a collection of reasons: spectacular rapids, un-matched scenery, exciting history, and unique remoteness. These things add together making a rafting trip down the Main or Lower Salmon an experience of a life time.
If you're thinking about experiencing this white water heaven for yourself plan on getting the full experience and filling yourself with some knowledge of the area before you come. I suggest tracking down some of the best books on the Salmon River so that when you arrive you have a deep knowledge of the areas history to give you the richest experience possible.
The must have books for a rafting trip on the Salmon River.
1. Idaho's Salmon River: A river runners guide to the river of no return by Eric J. Newell & Allison J. Newell

This is a must have book for anyone planning on floating into the Frank Church Wilderness. In the pages of this spectacular Salmon River guidebook you find drawings of the rapids and how to run them, detailed overviews of the areas unique geography, and some well written accounts of the history surrounding some of the Main Salmon's more unique historical landmarks. The full color book comes printed on water resistant paper allowing years of splashing. If you come on the Main Salmon with Orange Torpedo Trips you don't need the book, but we find the people who have it are always glad they do. Find the book on their website here. Tell them you are an Orange Torpedo Trips customer and you will receive a signed copy.

#2. River of No Return by Cort Conley and John Carrey
THE history resource for the Salmon River canyon. If there was anything you wanted to know about the Salmon River canyon the story will be in here. Learn how some employees of a government agency accidentally blew up the Lance cabin. Find out all you would want to know about Buckskin Bill or why the Killum family literally built their house on the river trail so anyone passing had to walk through. Reading this book in the canyon brings the history alive and adds another dimension of enjoyment to the float.

#3. River Tales of Idaho by Darcy Williamson
This is a fun collection of tales from throughout the massive Idaho river system. The rivers of Idaho have always been a powerful player in the development and economy of the state. This book tries to capture the tales which best describe the atmosphere of this development. Stories like "First boat down the river of no return" and "Winter Journey Down the Salmon" accurately describe the adventurous nature of Idaho rivers and the development of the state surrounding them.

#4 Idaho Loners: Hermits, Solitaries, and Individualists By Cort Conley
This book is just simply fun. Idaho was one of the last stands for the back country life style in the continental U.S. This book does a fabulous job of helping the rest of us understand and meet some of the more known members of this last stand of living in the wild. This is a fun resource to learn about the famous "Buckskin Bill" of the Salmon River. Other characters covered in the book include Wheelbarrow Annie, Hermit of impassable canyon, Wildhorse Cowgirl, Free Press Frances, Dugout Dick, and many others.
While this book is not specific to the Salmon River it makes a great companion on a rafting trip down the "River of No Return". Reading the book and sitting on a riverside beach in the canyon you begin to better understand why some of them chose the isolated lives they did.

Sign up for the Main or Lower Salmon river trips, buy the books, and get ready for the vacation of a lifetime.

Rafting footwear, your feet need to be loved on the river.

When you are rafting on the Rogue, Salmon, Klamath, or Umpqua rivers it's important you take care of your feet. Below is a list of the leading white water footwear that you would want to bring on a guided rafting vacation. If you click on the image it will take you to the manufacturer's website.


Chaco z/2
The Z/2 from Chaco is a favorite of our guides on the Rogue and Salmon River. Loved by river guides everywhere the unique pull-through strap system makes sure the webbing gives equal pressure all accross your foot. These are great sandals for any active ourdoor activity. If you don't like things between your toes look into the Z/1. These are a wonderful sandal for your guided rafting trip. Price: $105.

Teva Hurricane 3
The purest form of the Teva sandal, built with function in mind and no extra frills to weigh you down. This is the classic river guide sandal and is the footwear of choice for a whole generation of river runners. If you want the sandal that takes you back to your days on the Salmon or Rogue rivers check this out. Price $80



Teva Omnium
Added coverage for protection, quick-drying materials to keep you comfortable and Teva tested Spider Rubber® to keep you on your feet. A little bulky to tuck into the sides of your torpedo, but they are great for those side hikes up from the river.
Price: $75



Keen Newport H2
Order up some adventure with a side of water in the Newport H2 from KEEN. Great toe protection and nice on the trail, this is a local Oregon company we love supporting. These are a rising star on our Rogue River and Salmon River rafting trips. Price $90


NRS Scout
The Scout Water Shoe gives you the open, water shedding features of a sandal and the support and protection of a shoe. Go from your boat to that grueling side hike without missing a stride. If you like to have your foot more protected from the sun and objects on the side hikes, around camp, or at the lodge look into these water shoes. Cost: $60







NRS Attack
The NRS Attack shoe is a great inflatable kayak shoe. Guides on the Rogue and Salmon rivers all agree that if you are looking for a water shoe over a sandal, this is the one to pick for your guided rafting trip. Cost: $60





Remember, happy feet are an important part of a happy rafting trip. Always make sure you try on your sandals before you buy them. Some water shoes and sandals will feet certain feet differently and it is important to make sure the one you choose is not only the best design for what your doing, but also the best fit. See you on the river.