The Lower Salmon River is a "pool and drop" river, with the more difficult rapids in the narrow canyons. Numerous white and sandy beaches on both sides of the river offer camping. The 20-mile stretch of the Snake River, from the confluence with the Salmon River to the Heller Bar take-out near the confluence with the Grande Ronde River, contains slower moving water with some rapids and is often characterized by stiff up-canyon winds.

 
River Mileages

Hammer Creek to Heller Bar: 73 Miles
Hammer Creek to Pine Bar Boat Ramp: 11 Miles
Pine Bar to Eagle Creek: 29 Miles
Eagle Creek to Snake River confluence: 13 Miles
Salmon and Snake River confluence to Heller Bar: 20 Miles

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Elevations

Hammer Creek: 1,440 feet
Salmon and Snake River confluence: 900 feet
Heller Bar: 850 feet

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Difficulty Rating

Class III-IV

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Recommended Flows

2,500 cfs - 15,000 cfs

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Water Temperatures

Ranges from 36 to 72 degrees Fahrenheit

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Main Seasons of Use

Seasons of use depend on the water level, but generally the floating season runs from July through October and there are spring and fall fishing seasons. Power boating season coincides with spring and fall fishing and fall hunting.

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Regulations

Group size is limited to 30 people. Fire pan usage and human waste carryout are required. Self-issue permits, available at all river access points, are required for all day trips from July 1 to the Monday after Labor Day, and for all overnight trips year round. Camp running is prohibited. Camps cannot be occupied before 1:30 PM Pacific/2:30 PM Mountain time unless the entire group is present.

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Maps

Quadrangle names for the 7.5 Minute Series of U.s. Geological Survey Topographic Maps:

For the Salmon River from Hammer Creek to the Snake River confluence - White Bird, Fenn, Moughmer Point, Boles, Westlake, Hoover Point, Rattlesnake Ridge, Wapshilla Creek, Cactus Mountain, Deadhorse Ridge.

From the Salmon and Snake River confluence to the Snake and Grande Ronde River confluence (Heller Bar) - Wapshilla Creek, Jim Creek Butte, Limekiln Rapids.

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Whitewater Classifications - International Scale

Class I: Small waves, passages clear, no serious obstacles

Class II: Medium-sized regular waves, passages clear, some maneuvering may be required

Class III: Waves numerous, high, and irregular, rocks, eddies, narrow passages, scouting usually required

Class IV: Powerful, irregular waves, boiling eddies, dangerous rocks, congested passages, precise maneuvering required, scouting mandatory

Class V: Exceedingly difficult, violent rapids often following each other without interruption, big drops, violent current, scouting mandatory, but often difficult

Class VI: Limit of navigability, generally considered nonrunable

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Fishing and Hunting

Idaho licenses are required. Learn and observe the seasons and regulations. They are strictly enforced by the Idaho Department of Fish and Game.

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Respect Private Property

Although all beaches and shorelines below the average high water mark are public land, there is a small amount of private property along the river above the high water line. Respect private land and enter it only with permission.

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Respect Archaeological Sites

You will probably see evidence of historic and pre-historic people and communities along the river. Do not disturb them. It is illegal to remove, deface or destroy archaeological artifacts on public land.

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In Case of Emergency

The BLM carries radios for emergency purposes on river patrols conducted from July through September and may be able to assist. Note your location in an emergency and call the local sheriff's office (911) or the BLM at (208) 962-3245.

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