3 Day Lower Salmon River Rafting Trip

Day 1 - Green Canyon

An orientation at the river’s edge on safety and river etiquette will take place while your personal gear is loaded to boats. After a few miles of fun roller coaster style rapids a tasty lunch stop on a sandy beach will help you take in the Salmon River Canyons. At about 4pm “river time” camp will be waiting after you have had several miles of river fun. Your tent will be ready and your sleeping pad inflated when you arrive. Splash with the kids, build a real sand castle, play a game or chat with the other adults as the kids are entertained by one of the guides. Enjoy Hors d’oeuvres about an hour before the main dinner course is served.

Day 2 - Cougar & Snow Hole Canyon

Our morning spread will be out at 6:00am that will include coffee, tea, cocoa and all your favorite fixin’s, breakfast is served around 8:00am. Pack up your personal gear while the guides make the kitchen disappear into back on the gear boat. Enjoy a leisurely morning at camp, playing with the kids, going fishing or soaking up a book from our river library. At about 9:30am, the boats depart for a day of family fun on the river. Learn about more historical sites, the geography of the river and watch your kids’ faces as they ride the rapids. Snow Hole Canyon – is filled with lofty waves and rapids with names like “Lorna’s Lulu, Bunghole, the Gobbler, and Bodacious Bounce. The memories made on this day are filled with rapids that will last for a lifetime. Add to this the Osprey and Eagles soaring overhead and the rustic cabins of early settlers and you’ve just realized you have escaped the ordinary and entered the extraordinary only mother nature can bring. At camp you’ll see familiar games on the beach like horseshoes, volleyball, bocce and frisbee but we also have a few MRO river games you’re sure to love. Enjoy the wildlife and scenery through the afternoon before camping for the night on one of the largest sandy beaches of any river canyon. A campfire after dinner and an astronomy lesson are the perfect bedtime rituals to create the family time for which this trip is known.

Day 3/4 - Blue Canyon

You may swim a gentle rapid with the kids just before you enter a Canyon where indigo colored igneous rock creates a majestic appearance and large rapids. The pace of the river picks up as it enters the Devil’s Slide, Sluice Box and Eye of the Needle rapids.

Riggins is three hours North of Boise. Most of our guests find it economical to fly into the Boise airport, rent a car, and drive to Riggins via Highway 95. Riggins has some great places to stay and eat before or after your adventure on the river. Check out the Salmon River Chamber of Commerce page for local suggestions.

Yes, fishing is always available for those who have Idaho licenses and have requested fishing gear and tackle. The side streams and fishing around camp can be quite good when river conditions are good. You are always welcome to bring your own tackle (fly rods) but there is no guarantees for loss or safety.

What MRO Provides and What to Pack All guests are provided a small personal dry bag for day use on the boats. A larger 16” x 34” waterproof camp bag will also be provided and will be transported on the gear boats. This bag will be waiting for you at camp. Your camp bag will have your sleeping bag and pillow already inside.

Your remaining personal items will need to fit into this bag. Please limit your items to 30 lbs. If an additional dry bag is needed please let us know in advance.

You Should Bring

• T-shirts - Cotton is great for around camp or on the boats during the warmer months of July and August. Polyester or synthetic materials are much better for colder weather because they are fast-drying and wick moisture away from the body to keep you warm. They will protect you from the sun and the cold. We recommend a synthetic shirt for every 2 or 3 days and the same for cotton t-shirts around camp.
• Nylon Shorts - Nylon or similar quick-dry materials are lightweight, comfortable and pack easily. More than any other piece of clothing, you will wear your shorts the most. Two or three pairs are a good idea.
• Swimsuits - The summer temperatures on the river will range from 75° to 100° during the day. A swimsuit will come in handy for a quick dip, tanning, or for soaking in the river.
• Raingear - Good raingear is mandatory. We experience isolated mountain showers throughout the season, especially in May and June. Your rain- gear should have a jacket with a hood and pants. If the temperatures drop, your raingear can be worn over fleece or sweatshirt to keep you comfortable.
• Fleece jackets and pants - They designed polar fleece with rafting in mind. This fabric dries quickly and stays warm when wet. Layering your clothing (swimsuit, shorts, t-shirt, fleece or fleece-lined lightweight clothing and raingear) you are assured of complete comfort no matter what mother nature brings. Substitute with a wool sweater if you prefer.
• Shoes - You will need two pairs of shoes. On the raft, plan for either canvas tennis shoe, river sandals with secure heel, or neoprene river boo- ties with soles. At camp a dry pair of tennis shoes or a lightweight hiking boot will do the trick.
• Sun Screen - The sun will be out during most of the summer months. A waterproof sunscreen is a must. A minimum SPF rating of 15 is encour- aged. You will be getting splashed and will be staying cool on the wa- ter but the reflective sun off the water and all day exposure requires you to protect yourself.
• Wet socks - Water temperatures in May and June can be chilly (50 to 60 degrees) if your feet have a tendency to get cold neoprene wet socks are a good idea.
• Towel - You will need a towel for showering and to wash up around camp. You will not need it on the raft. We encourage everyone to put it in their camp bag.
• Flashlight - A small, lightweight flashlight or headlamp is good to have for night walks to the facilities or getting ready for bed.
• Hats - Beanies are good for May and June while a baseball cap or large billed hat is essential for those sunny summer days on the raft.
• Water Bottle - We will give you a river mug for beverages we serve at camp. A large water bottle with secure lid is needed for on the raft or hiking. We will have cold water to refill on the rafts and at camp.
• Sunglasses - We recommend a pair of sunglasses to protect your eyes on the river. Be sure to have a good retainer to avoid your favorite pair ending up at the bottom of the river! Our storefront in Riggins sells a variety of sunglasses and Chums for your convenience.
• Toiletry Items - Feel free to bring your favorite products and soap you use at home. Our guides will instruct you on where to use them as to not pollute the pristine waters. Pack them in a zip lock bag to protect leakage into your camp bag. We will have biodegradable hand soap available and a MRO wishy washy hand wash system for use on the river.
• Fishing Gear & Tackle - Fishing equipment is provided upon request. Our gear is to be shared between all the guests. We encourage those avid fishermen to bring their favorite rod and reel for Small Mouth Bass and Trout fishing. Our guides will help maintain equipment and give instruction on what to use and where. (License Required)
• Camera - You will want to capture your adventure. You may keep your camera in your dry bag on the raft. A zip lock bag for added security is recommended. Expensive SLR’s and video equipment should be in a waterproof hard case (pelican case).
• Cash - Cash is a good idea to have for fishing licenses, misc. snacks or beverages purchased, or for souvenirs at the lodge or Buckskin Bills.
• Gratuity - Mountain River Outfitters prides itself on our outstanding crew. While tipping is not required, it is customary. Typical gratuity is 15%-20% of trip price. Your guides accept cash, Venmo, or a check made out to them directly. For multi-day trips, where several guides have contributed to your experience, your gratuity will be shared with the whole crew.
• Our Store - Our store, S & S Outfitters Store and Tackle Shop, has many last minute essentials or post-trip souvenirs. We have a variety of sunglasses, including Smith and Suncloud, guide-approved sunshirts, Chums, and more! You can also grab your Idaho Fishing license from us too!

The Gear Boat

The best raft trip in Idaho is accomplished by the use of gear boats to bring a higher level of overall trip quality to our clients. Because of our system you will have more river time, this includes extra stops for hiking, history, fun and games. This allows our guest boats to stay open and free of clutter for a much better ride and a more spacious feeling. Each morning the supply boat is loaded with camp gear, and one of the guides takes the boat to our next camp. Upon your arrival at camp, the guides will hastily set up your tents, inflate your sleeping bags, set up a shaded area for relaxation, prepare drinks and riverside games, and begin cooking a made-from-scratch dutch oven meal! What a life!

Center-Frame "Oat Boat"

Our most popular and versatile client boat for several reasons. These 16 foot "self bailing" rafts offer great comfort and plenty of excitement. Your guide can navigate this boat without the help of a paddle crew, however 2 or 4 paddlers are ussually appreciated when smashing through the larger rapids. This raft is ussually a 4 to 6 person craft.

Stern-Mount "Paddle Boat"

A great way to get the most out of every wave on the river. Be part of the crew and grab a paddle to help maneuver our sporty 15 foot rafts. Your guide will instruct you on how and when to paddle as they sit on the rear of the raft with oars that give them plenty of control as you propel the boat through the crashing waves.

Inflatable Kayak "Duckie"

1 or 2 person kayaks let you challenge the river on your own. Enjoy the solitude of floating alone, many guests enjoy reclining between rapids and gazing at the spectacular scenery. Don't worry if you have not had kayaking experience our guides will assist you on what to do and give you basic paddle skills needed to adventure behind one of the guided boats through the whitewater. Inflatable kayaks are available for everyone on all of our trips so you can take turns enjoying the ride. For the best raft trip we recommend you request a kayak for yourself or family if this is your preferred craft for your adventure.

Stand-Up Paddle Board "SUP"

Stand Up Paddle Boards are becoming everyone's favorite. MRO has been providing our guests this great new option for several years, are guides will help you learn how to paddle around in the calm water around camp our show you how to navigate small to medium sized rapids with ease. These are also great for fishing around camp or just relaxing on as you admire the setting sun.

We provide EVERYTHING you’ll need on your Idaho raft trip except, of course, personal clothing and toiletry items. Our tents are top-of-the-line roomy 3 or 4 person models (one for each couple) family tents available by request. Each tent includes an additional rain fly for the occasional mountain shower. Each guest receives a complete sleeping package which includes a freshly laundered liner and sleeping bag, a camp pillow, and a comfortable 3″ thick sleeping pad.

You won’t believe you are hundreds of miles from civilization when you sit down to an original MRO menu favorite! Careful planning and attention to detail allows the highest quality ingredients used in a wide variety of menu selections, all of which have taken years to master as unanimous favorites. You’ll find our camp cuisine contains a healthy balance of the best cuts of beef, pork, fish and poultry, as well as fresh fruits, vegetables and fresh baked bread. In addition, each evening meal is preceded by scrumptious hors d’oeuvres, capped off with a delectable Dutch oven dessert. We will have plenty of ice for your favorite beverages or a glass of wine to go dinner. We have menu options that reflect our guests’ preferences and dietary requirements.

Our river kitchen has been custom designed for the preparation of gourmet meals that rival their city counterparts. All MRO guides take special pride in food preparation. An Idaho raft trip would not be complete without the Dutch oven; it is ideal for outdoor cooking, and we have perfected its use. We also supply dining tables and chairs to make your meal an unforgettable and comfortable dining experience.

Don’t forget there is much more to do than just swimming and relaxing when we get to camp. Beach games like frisbee, bocce, washers, cards along with other river games are always a big part of a Idaho raft trip. We also provide a library of books on river lore and history.

Making everyone comfortable using a wilderness restroom and shower is a top priority for all our river trips. Using the knowledge of many years of guiding on wilderness rivers has led us to our own system. The MRO custom wilderness restroom has comfort, privacy and view a priority. Our mission is providing our guests with the maximum degree of comfort and privacy, while still preserving some of the most pristine wilderness found in the lower 48 states.

Guide-to-Guest ratio is 1:3,4. Meaning one guide for every 3-4 guests.

Absolutely! You will want to capture the stunning scenery. A waterproof camera with extra batteries and a memory card is highly recommended. While many guests use their smartphones, please realize you will not have cell service or power source for charging and we highly recommend a waterproof case. Portable power banks are a great source for recharging.

What should I do if I fall out of the boat? Before you go on any trip you’ll be given a riverside orientation that explains all swift water instructions on what to do if you fall in and rescue scenarios along with how to float in the river. Most new river runners after a few days on the water enjoy jumping out of the raft or falling out of the boat, it’s exciting. The only way to minimize your risk of falling out is to hold on and listen to your guides instructions. Many people have taken multiple trips and never fallen in. Follow your guide’s instructions and your “swim” could be the most exciting part of your trip!

On all Mountain River Outfitters trips, no matter what time of year, gives you time to kick back and relax while a guide takes care of the rest. The wilderness is always keeping us on our toes, so no matter when you come be ready for anything.

Spring and early summer rafting April through June has it’s wildflowers and higher water flows for exciting whitewater and more time for hiking. Although temperatures during the day are warm the nights can be chilly and the water temperatures cool. MRO provides wetsuits and splash gear for all early trips.

July and August are the most predictable with hot sunny days with little humidity or bugs. The whitewater is good and the water temperatures are warm. On the Salmon River the beaches just get bigger as the water flows fall.

September is uncrowded and offers some of the mildest weather, although water temps can start to fall and the nights will be a bit cooler. Lower water flows usually make for better fishing, mild whitewater and a slower paced trip.