Salmon River

Description: This scenic “River of No Return” is the longest free flowing river (425 miles) within one state in the lower 48. The Salmon River’s granite-walled canyons, which showcase some of the oldest rocks in Idaho, is the second deepest gorge on the continent, second only to Hells Canyon. A total of 125 miles of the Salmon River is a designated National Wild and Scenic River. A wealth of wildlife inhabit the Salmon River Canyon, including bighorn sheep, bobcat, black bear and beaver, as well as a variety of fish such as cutthroat trout, rainbow trout and bull trout. Opportunities for whitewater rafting along the Main and Middle Fork Salmon River are internationally renowned.

Several BLM campgrounds and boat launch facilities are available along the River (Kilpatrick, Elevenmile, Shoup Bridge Campground, Morgan Bar Campground, and Tower Rock Campground). These facilities provide access to some of the calmer stretches of water along the River – ideal for sightseeing, camping, scenic floats, and fishing.

Check out these additional links:

Salmon River Scenic Byway

River Management Society: National BLM River Database

Salmon, Upper: Kilpatrick to Shoup

Salmon, Upper: Shoup to Morgan Bar

Salmon, Upper: Morgan Bar to Tower Rock