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Even Lewis & Clark were afraid to descend the Salmon, following the advice of local Indians whom said: “You will No Return" if you travel the treacherous waterway.
We tour central Idaho's Lower Salmon River – “River of No Return"; made famous by the Lewis and Clark Expedition guided by Sacagawea , and the Snake River through the bottom end of Hells Canyon , recognized as the deepest canyon in North America. The semi-arid Salmon River gorge contains several micro-chasm canyons, dignified with exciting rapids and heavenly sand beaches almost too good to be true.
"Big Fish Water" as the indigenous peoples referred to the Salmon River, remains a pristine waterway and the longest free-flowing river in the lower U.S. It cuts through a canyon more than a thousand feet deeper than Arizona's Grand Canyon. Over 180 miles of river corridor is more than a mile deep. Here you will feel like an ant whirling about an immensity beyond perception.
The oldest rocks in the canyon are more than 200 million years old. They are the basement rocks – referred to as "exotic terrains", because they are different from the local rocks. Millions of years ago they collided with North America after being transported by continental drift from islands in the South Pacific.
Overlying this foundation is a layered cake-like series of lava flows that erupted during the Miocene (15 million years ago), called the Columbia River Basalt Flows. The lava formations, consisting of columnar and pillow basalts are all part of the great visual treat you will see while traversing the canyon.
In fact, on one section of river, you will actually float through the very heart of an ancient lava flow. Its just one of the many geologic wonders you will find so fascinating during this trip.
We offer over 100 miles of river, with assorted access points which enables us to offer you anywhere from ½ to 5 day trips. Within the precipitous side slopes of the main canyon are four major gorges. Each one is uniquely beautiful and contains a distinctive character. This is also where most of the great rapids occur.
 
Because the river is still in its natural state and there are no dams to capture sediment load, recruitment of sand to the canyon has created huge beaches. They consist of clean white sands due to the quartz fragmentation of the granitic rocks of the Idaho Batholiths through which they flow. They make the most splendid campsites that await your footprints and comfortable nights rest beneath the stars.
Probably the most outstanding character of the river is the dynamic nature of its rapids. It contains exciting whitewater year round that provides the level of intensity that appeals to a broad range of prospective interests. During high water, many of the rapids are as spectacular as any in the world, rivaling even the most famed Grand Canyon whitewater.
Yet, at other times the rapids are still exciting, but safe enough for families and first timers.
We offer anywhere from ½ to multiple day trips, based on your time constraints and interests. Except for our workshops, we have no rigid schedules. Dates of our trips are determined by you and are designated on a first come, first serve basis. So, you must contact us to sign up for your own dates or a trip already established, if open.
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