River Rafting the Main Salmon River
The main stem of the Salmon River flows east to west straight across the center of the state of Idaho and provides a wonderful white water river rafting experience. The Main Salmon, long ago dubbed the "River of No Return", is "bigger water" than its tributary, the Middle Fork, but is generally considered to be less demanding. However, the Main Salmon is a serious whitewater challenge, none-the-less, especially during and immediately after high water in the spring, when all the rapids are at their fiercest levels.The Main Salmon offers a long rafting season and is one of the most pleasurable and relaxing mid-summer river rafting trips you can take. While Lewis and Clark took a look and turned back, modern whitewater rafting enthusiasts say 'bring it on!'
The Main Salmon is known for its jade-green water, expansive bright white sandy beaches, gorgeous campsites, outstanding Idaho wilderness scenery, and rich mining and Indian history. Major rapids include Salmon Falls as the river enters the gorge it has cut through the granite of the Idaho Batholith, Big Mallard, Whiplash (high water fright), and Chittam Rapid, just above the first possible take-out at Vinegar Creek.
Permits for the Main Salmon are slightly easier to obtain than the Middle Fork. Rafting trips launch at Corn Creek ramp which is about 5 miles below the Middle Fork take-out, and due west of North Fork Idaho. Most trips end 81 miles later at Carey Creek, below the Wind River pack bridge, but shorter and longer trips are possible.
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Learn about taking rafting trips like these at Multi-Day White Water Rafting Trips - An Introduction To view the Google Maps satellite photo of Corn Creek click here. Zoom up or down, and drag the photo to follow the river.