Coming to Idaho and running the Salmon River takes you from one side of the state to the other. In between lies the breadth of natural sites, history, great little towns, picturesque lakes, geothermal hot springs, scenic by-ways, campgrounds and some of the rowdiest whitewater on earth.
Salmon
Salmon, Idaho is your take off point located on the eastern side of the state. Seated on the banks of the Salmon River, this cowboy town meets whitewater mecca has a flavor all its own. To learn more about what the Salmon area has to offer visit: https://www.visitsalmonvalley.com/
Riggins
Your take out is Riggins, Idaho some 85 miles of river away and on the other side of Idaho. It’s a funky little town that bustles with activity during river season. To learn more about the Riggins area visit: http://www.rigginsidaho.com/
McCall
En route back to either Salmon or the Boise airport you will venture from Riggins up the North Fork of the Salmon River into Meadows Valley and ultimately the McCall area. McCall is located on the shore of the Payette Lake, a large, intermountain lake with a sublime summer climate offering world class boating, sailing, and beaches as well as a variety of dining and lodging offerings. To learn more about the McCall and Payette region visit: http://www.mccallchamber.org/
From McCall you will either return to Salmon or travel on to Boise. Either way you will descend the North Fork of the Payette River, home to the longest contiguous stretch of Class V whitewater in the US. The roiling and churning rapids of the Payette course right alongside Highway 55 where numerous pull outs allow for observation of either the glory or carnage which ensues from the hordes of boaters looking to test themselves against this famous stretch of whitewater.
Stanley
If you are returning to Salmon you will turn to travel up the Ponderosa Scenic By-Way along the South Fork of the Payette River on to Stanley, one of the most picturesque mountain towns anywhere. To learn more about the Stanley area visit: www.stanleycc.org. Here Idaho Highway 21 meets Idaho Highway 75 where you will continue along the banks of the Main Fork of the Salmon River as it twists its way on to Salmon, the origin of your trip.
If you are headed on to the airport in Boise, your journey will take you further down the North Fork of the Payette River and on to the state’s capital. Boise is one of the most surprising and inviting small cities in the US and is home to incredible dining, lodging, and cultural offerings. To learn more about Boise: http://www.boise.org/
