The Main Salmon River or, “River of No Return” as it is known; is the perfect juxtaposition of relaxing vacation and thrilling adventure. The numerous class III and occasional class IV rapids are certainly exciting for anyone, but they are also manageable for the first time inflatable kayaker or rafter. The charter plane flight into small-town Idaho add’s a unique sense of adventure. Floating through the continental United States largest wilderness area and second deepest canyon gives an unparalleled feeling of escape and remoteness not attainable in most other places of the country.
Simply everything about the Main Salmon River makes it America’s premier rafting vacation. On a typical trip it’s common to see big horn sheep, deer, black bears, and even the occasional moose. We hike trails near side streams full of fishing opportunities, we explore historic homesteads and enjoy fruit from their feral orchards, we sleep on large beaches under bright stars and all of this while we travel down a beautiful wilderness river. Nestled in the canyon of the, “River of No Return” you will find new friends, connect with old friends, bond with your kids, and ultimately go home rejuvenated from your time in the wilds of Idaho. Sign up today and join us on this river that holds a very special place in our hearts.
Like on all of our trips you can choose to inflatable kayak, paddle in a paddle raft, or bring your own kayak. We also have a ”row your own” option for those with their own gear.
Trip at a glance
Anyone who loves wilderness rivers, wildlife, and scenery. Simply put, you can't go wrong with the Main Salmon
Dates / Rates
6-day Main Salmon Trips - Same dates every year.
2026 Start Dates
Adult - $2399
Youth - $2399
- June 23-28 (Available as a Row Your Own Trip)
- July 1-6 (Available)
- July 9-14 (Sold Out)
- July 17-22 (Available)
- July 25-30 (Call for details)
- August 2-7 (Call for details)
- August 10-15 (Call for details)
- August 18-23 (Sold Out)
- August 26-31 (Available as a Row Your Own Trip)
- September 3-8 (Available)
Trip Start Dates:
All June – August trips require a charter flight from Boise to Salmon if doing the Boise to Boise itinerary. There is an additional $275 per person fee for this flight.
Custom trips are always available. Call for details.
All Trips
Arrive in Riggins, Idaho BEFORE your trip launch, and meet have a "Meet and Greet" with other guests and your head guide. The morning of "Day 1" we will shuttle you to McCall and have a charter flight fly you from McCall to Salmon which takes about 1.5 hours and is a beautiful flight over the Frank Church Wilderness & Sawtooth National Recreation Area. When you land in Salmon we will have a shuttle vehicle pick up all of the group members and shuttle us to the put-in. The night before launch we will have a group orientation to prep you for the trip.
When you arrive at Corn Creek the guides will be waiting for you to prepare to float down the river.
Detailed Itinerary for 6-day Camp trip
This is a great way to experience the river. Stay at the lodge the night before the trip launch and then camp the rest of the trip. Below is a rough description of the trip as where groups will camp exactly varies on available sites, water levels, weather, group size etc.
Night before your trip: Meet your head guide at our office in Riggins - 1512 N Main Street. Here we will talk about what to expect the next 6 days, have a short pre-trip orientation. These are typically at 6:00 PM Mountain Standard Time, but subject to change. Details will be given a few days before your trip!
Day 1: Hop on a flight arranged by Orange Torpedo from McCall, Idaho to Salmon, Idaho. We will take a shuttle vehicle from the airport to the put-in location! Once we arrive we will meet the guides and get our gear loaded up and head out on the river! Launch from corn creek and look forward to a GREAT DAY of warm up rapids. Floating away from Corn Creek into the rugged and foreboding landscape of the Salmon River Canyon one cannot help feeling the excitement of heading into the wilderness and away from civilization. There is something special about this canyon that overtakes people at this moment. Around the first couple corners brings the group to Killum Rapid and the first whitewater challenge of the Salmon River. This class III is mostly down the big waves in the middle and leads to lots of hooting and hollering. This will set the tone for the thrilling river challenges for the next couple of days. Day one continues with Alder Creek, Lance Bar, Devils teeth and and a number of other thrilling whitewater challenges. Most trips break up the day with a stop at Lance bar to walk amongst the homesteader cabins and roam through the orchard. Try and picture living here, alone, 70 years ago. Look around and feel the isolation and the independence. It’s an experience hard to picture in our modern world.
Sometime in the afternoon the group will float into a riverside camp on a big beach with opportunities for swimming, relaxing, and possibly hiking. Guides will show the group how to set up their tents and begin making appetizers and preparing dinner. Grab a beverage, kick back and enjoy just being away from your phone, your work, your tv. Enjoy being with your friends and family in the middle of the lower 48’s largest wilderness area.
Day 2: Start off with some Native American pictographs and then more rapids and beautiful scenery. Probably just before lunch the group will arrive at Black Creek rapid in the heart of the black canyon of the Salmon River. This granite gorge is a beautiful part of the river that culminates in one of the premier rapids of the trip. Black Creek is a newer rapid created by a land slide in 2011 which damned the river and created what is now the steepest drop on the river. Shortly after everyone paddles this exciting rapid Barth Hotsprings arrives on river left and it’s time to soak for a bit.
When everyone is done soaking in this scenic hotsprings it’s down river towards camp. The afternoon likely includes a couple great rapids and maybe a few hikes if the group is up for it.
Day 3: Whitewater Day: Today may include a hike or two, but it’s primarily about running rapids. Today will have some of the greats of the river including Bailey, Five Mile, Split Rock (A favorite rapid of numerous guides when asked for favorite rapid from any river) and the exciting Big Mallard. These rapids combine to make day three a highlight day on the Main Salmon combining great scenery with plenty of excitement. At the end of day three the group will float into another amazing camp.
Day 4: Today starts off with a bang. Another of the great rapids of the Salmon River is just around the corner. Elk Horn rapid is the longest rapid on the river at almost a mile in length. At any river flow this rapid is a highlight of the trip sure to challenge everyone in it’s 3 different sections. Pass the winebego rock and it’s home free and onto more relaxing rapids for the rest of the day.
The afternoon brings the group into a favorite trip stopping point, Buckskin Bills. Buckskin was one of the last great american mountain men this was his homestead on the river. The group will watch the short documentary highlighting the weapons he made by hand before taking time to sit in his cabin and climb his turret which he made to fight off the government. It’s also a great place to grab an ice cream, sit in the shade and watch the river float slowly past. After buckskin bills it’s probably not far to another great riverside camp.
Day 5: Into the heart of the Grand Canyon of the Salmon River. The second deepest canyon in the United States, deeper then the Grand Canyon of the Colorado. The Salmon River canyon is an ideal place to put your feet up and float while taking in the steep rock walls and the mountain sheep climbing the pinnacles above you. Whitewater is reasonably mellow today but swimming holes are abundant as the group floats to a wonderful, white sand beach camp for the night. Tonight will be a delicious dinner to celebrate a wonderful trip down the beautiful Salmon River. Stay up late and take in the stars, because you won’t see them anywhere else like you will see them on the Salmon River.
Day 6: End the trip with a bang. This morning is great! Rapids including Dried Meat, Chittum, Vinegar, and Carry Creek Falls to bring the group to the trip takeout sometime around mid-day for a late lunch. We are typically back into Riggins around 4-5 PM. We will bring you back to your vehicle at either the hotel or our shop. If you arranged for us to shuttle you to either McCall or Boise after your trip, you will peel off with another shuttle vehicle and head that way!
Where to Meet Orange Torpedo Trips
Standard Trip:
If you drive, we will have you meet us in Riggins, Idaho. If you fly, you need to fly into either Boise, Idaho or Lewiston, Idaho and drive to Riggins from there. You will book your trip at the Salmon Rapids Lodge and we will have a "meet and greet" the night before your trip starts to answer last minute questions and get acquainted with other guests and the final itinerary.
The next morning: We will shuttle you to McCall Idaho with your head guide and you will fly to Salmon, Idaho and be shuttled to the put-in for the trip!
IMPORTANT NOTE FROM OUR FLIGHT PROVIDER GEM AIR: “We ask that each customer come with no more than one medium- or two small-sized bags that weigh no more than a total of 35 lbs. Large hard-sided luggage will not fit.
Please take note of this important information from Gem-Air and recognize that the luggage you fly with in the morning will be transferred to dry bags on our river trip.Accommodations
If you choose to stay in Salmon at the Stagecoach Inn the night before instead of Riggins, we will arrange to pick you up after the rest of the group lands in Salmon the morning of Day 1.
The night before your trip - Riggins, Idaho.
Please book your room at the Salmon Rapids Lodge in Riggins as soon as you book your trip. Please tell them you are with Orange Torpedo Trips.
- www.salmonrapids.com
- 208-628-2743
Flying In
Please fly into and out of the Boise Idaho, or Lewiston Idaho airport. You will need to get a rental car and drive to Riggins.
Typical Weather
Averages are:
- June · High 75 F Low 45F
- July · High 90 F Low 60 F
- August · High 88 F Low 58 F
You will be able to leave your luggage and any unwanted items in our vehicle in Riggins. Your vehicle will be safe at one of the hotels or our shop. Everything going downriver will go into the supplied dry bag you receive the morning of your trip. The dry bag (18″x36″), is about the size of a medium duffle. This is where all of your personal items for the trip will go, including your sleeping bag (on camping trips), so pack conservatively, prioritize synthetic items. When sealed correctly, they will not leak. However, if sealed incorrectly, they may let water in. We strongly suggest that all items of significant value, such as expensive jewelry, be left at home. We will also supply a day bag to store items like cameras for easy access during the day.
Also, when packing please remember this note from Salmon Air: Note from Gem Air: “We ask that each customer come with no more than one medium- or two small-sized bags that weigh no more than a total of 35 lbs. Large hard-sided luggage will not fit.”
What to pack
On the River
- 2 or 3 swimsuits or shorts and top (cotton not recommended)
- Sports sandals or hard-soled wetsuit booties
- Synthetic paddling gloves
- Wide rimmed hat or ball cap (ball cap fits well under helmet)
- Polypro, synthetic or hydro-skin shirt (nice for mornings and chilly days)
- Water Bottle (1 liter) with carabiner
- Waterproof sunscreen
- Sunglasses with strap (consider bringing two pairs)
- OTT will supply wetsuits and splash-tops for chilly mornings
In Camp
- Your preferred beverages. We provide roughly 2 beers and one glass of wine per day, per adult. Please plan on bringing any additional beverages you might want.
- 2 pair pants & shorts
- 3 shirts
- Fleece jacket or sweatshirt
- Light rain jacket
- Sleeping bag (synthetic material recommended - rated to 45F - not needed on all lodge trips)
- Pack Pillow
- Small towel
- Headlamp or flashlight
- Beanie
- Camera with extra film or memory cards and batteries
- A good book
- Personal hygiene items
FAQs
Please find all reservation and cancellation policies here: https://www.orangetorpedo.com/reservation-policies/
We strongly encourage all customers to purchase travel insurance through travel guard to help protect your travel investment against the things that come up in life. It’s a small additional price for the comfort to know that if something comes up (illness, work change, etc) you will have the ability to recover your significant travel investment. Get a Travel Guard Quote Here.
On this trip you will be required to sign an acknowledgement of risk form.
Gratuity is certainly appreciated but by no means required. At the conclusion of a trip please just give any gratuity to the head guide who will divide it evenly among the crew. Standard restaurant gratuity percentages have started to become the normal trend on these trips. That is what we typically see on this trip as an average, please don’t feel obligated.
As on all OTT trips, this trip requires a 30% deposit. The remaining balance is due 30 days before the trip launches. Upon making your reservation you have the option to set up your credit card to automatically run the balance on the due date.
Yes, but with some limitation. If you start in an inflatable kayak and decide quickly that it’s not for you. We will get you out of the kayak. If you start in a raft and decide you want to kayak, we cannot always guarantee that ability. Based on what people tell us they want to do we pack a specific amount of equipment and bring an appropriate number of guides for a trip. Sometimes that does not leave much room to add kayakers mid-trip. People will often be willing to switch out throughout the trip, but if someone signs up to tackle the river in an inflatable kayak, we want to make sure they have chance to paddle the entire trip if they want.
Everything for the trip will go down the river. When you pack a dry bag at the put-in, that will be all of your stuff for the duration of the trip. All food, drinks, and camping equipment will be transported on our rafts for the entirety of the trip.
Orange Torpedo Trips was founded on the Rogue River in 1969 by rafting visionary, Jerry Bentley. Within just a few years OTT had spread to numerous rivers throughout the Northwest including the Klamath River, the Main Salmon River and Snake Rivers.
Youth is 17 and under.
An Orange Torpedo is our custom-designed inflatable kayak. We have brought our 45 years of guided inflatable kayaking experience into our partnership with world renown raft builder AIRE to introduce an industry leading high performance, beginner friendly inflatable kayak which we exclusively use.
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Raft and/or inflatable kayak
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Expert river guide
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Transportation from hotel to river put-in
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On-river meals and drinks
For all other details, give us a call at 208-717-2007
We are proud to have one of the highest head guide tenure’s in the industry. The majority of our multi-day trip guides are teachers in the off-season. This off river profession makes them naturally great guides with a desire to teach our customers about the rivers, but it also makes them stable year to year guides. The average tenure, with our company, of our head guides is 29 years.
As on most of our 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 3 types of river craft on this trip. Watch the video to learn more about our 3-boats.
Orange 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. 45+ years of doing it on the Rogue River and tens of thousands of satisfied returning customers prove that it is extremely fun.
Paddle Raft
A more traditional type of rafting, paddle rafts are a great way to go if you still want to do some work, but think the torpedo is just a little to much. Work with a team of your friends paddling the big boat through the rapids as the guide sits in the back to help navigate.
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.
Yes, but there are some things you need to prep. Here is a blog post we have written about how to make this work.