Main Salmon River Rafting Itinerary

Boats

As on most of our rafting trips we offer a variety of river craft to choose from. Orange Torpedo Trips is best known for inflatable kayaking with 80% of our customers choosing this as the way to go down the river, but on this trip we offer 2 types of river craft.

Torpedo

Learn to paddle your own inflatable kayak (Torpedo). We have guides in “Torpedo’s” teaching you how to paddle and leading you through the rapids in a 4 to 1 ratio. If you happen to fall out the guides have you out of the river in seconds. 40+ years of doing it and tens of thousands of satisfied returning customers prove that it is fun and safe.

Oared Raft

Hop on an oared raft and ride in luxury. This is the relaxed way to travel. If taking in the scenery and letting the guide do the work is how you vacation then hop on board. This is how kids 4-11 years old will usually travel, safe and exciting.

Main Salmon 5 day Itinerary

Day before start date: Meet your Salmon Air flight by 1:00 PM at the Boise Airport. A one-hour flight over the scenic Sawtooth Mountains will bring you to Salmon, Idaho. At the Salmon airport you will be picked up by a shuttle from the Stagecoach Inn (your night at the stagecoach is not included in your trip price and requires you to call and make a reservation 1 (208) 756-2919. Please tell them you are with Orange Torpedo Trips. That afternoon is your chance to roam the fine town of Salmon Idaho.

Day 1: The bus to the put-in and your head guide will meet you out front of the Stagecoach at 7:30 AM. After some handshakes the group will board the bus and head towards the river. At the put-in you will receive all of your water gear including: a dry bag for your stuff, wet suit, life jacket, optional helmet, and boat to go down the river. After switching your stuff from your luggage to our dry bags the group will have a thorough safety and paddling orientation to teach you the ins and outs of your Orange Torpedo. By 10:30 AM the group is floating into the heart of the Frank Church Wilderness, headed towards exciting Class III rapids like Killum, Gun Barrel, Lantz, and Devil’s Teeth. By late afternoon, we float into one of the many beautiful Salmon River beaches for camp. After swimming, a cocktail, and a couple games of horseshoes, you’ll be ready for appetizers, dinner, and some freshly baked dessert. After dinner and socializing, sit back in your cozy inflatable boat bed and fall asleep under the stars.

Day 2: Wake up and enjoy freshly made coffee along with a hot cinnamon role right out of the dutch oven. After breakfast, the guides will pack up the rafts while you get ready to head down river. By 10 AM, the group pushes off and we start drifting towards the Black Canyon and Salmon Falls–a great place to hit some waves. Next, a Salmon River favorite, Barth Hot Springs, where the will stop and soak in the tub before heading down river for lunch. As we float though the spectacular canyon keep your eyes peeled for black bear and big horn sheep; both are commonly seen in this area. After more exciting white water, we hit the beach and set up camp for another beautiful evening. For those who brought their hiking boots, tonight you may have the chance to beat your feet a little before dinner.

Day 3: Wake up to another hot and filling breakfast before the “big water day”. Today is the day you put your rafting skills to the test. With multiple Class III and IV rapids like Baily’s, Split Rock, Big Mallard, Elk Horn, and Growler, this is sure to be a thrilling ride. After you have had your fill of white water for the day, we will float to another riverside camp for the evening.

Another great day on the river! After breakfast, we arrive at Buckskin Bills. Buckskin was known as the last true mountain man and built his home on the Salmon River. At this isolated retreat, you can climb his old tower, watch the short documentary on his life, and purchase some ice cream. You will always remember your stop at Buckskins as an interesting and beautiful oasis with plenty of fascinating history on the last of the true Salmon River hermits. When you finish your ice cream, head back to the boats for more white water before floating through what we like to call “boat party canyon.” This scenic gorge is the second deepest canyon in the lower 48 states and provides great opportunities to swim and spend time relaxing with your family or friends. After a stop at “the swimming hole” we float into Shepp Ranch. If you have chosen the lodge option on the 5-day you can hit the beach and walk up to fresh lemonade and cookies before finding a soft bed, a hot shower, and a community hot tub. Spend the rest of the day hiking, playing volleyball, or relaxing in an adirondack chair in the river. Whatever you choose, you’ll regret having to leave this Salmon River paradise in the morning.

After a hot breakfast, we have our final morning stretching session and head down the river. The last day ends with a bang at Vinegar Rapids. This is a great spot to take photos of your friends and family running through the exciting wave train. Around lunchtime, we will arrive at the take-out where a van is waiting to take you back to the Holiday Inn at the Boise Airport. Repack your bags and change clothes before saying goodbye to the guides and climbing in the van for the final leg of your journey. You should arrive in Boise between 5 and 6 PM. Travel time to Boise can vary. Plan for your flight out the next day.