This is the river of no return. Besides the Middle Fork this should be on your todo list before you die. Many awesome camps, rapids and points of interest. See info below for specifics.
| Class | III to IV |
| Current Flow |
3660.0 CFS 12-04-2024 17:45 
View River Forecast |
|
Alternative Flow ([MIDDLE FORK SALMON RIVER AT MOUTH NR SHOUP ID] + [SALMON RIVER NR SHOUP ID]) |
832.0 CFS 12-05-2024 02:26 |
| Recommended Flow |
Minimum: 4000.0 Average: 20000.0 Maximum: 35000.0 |
| Typical Season |
Begins: January Ends: December |
| Recommended Use |
Kayaking: Yes Rafting: Yes Canoeing: Yes SUP: No Packrafting: No Fishing: Yes |
| Primary Gauge | SALMON RIVER AT WHITE BIRD ID |
| Length | 79.0 Mile(s) |
| Gradient | FPM |
Main Salmon at Corn Creek
09-13-2012 - A smokey canyon from the fires
| Permit Agency Name | USFS and rec.gov |
| Permit Agency Phone Number | 208-865-2700 |
| Permit Agency Address |
US Forest Service |
| Permit Information |
|
| Permit Regulations and Required River Gear |
Commercial Trips:
Non-Commercial Trips:
|
| Permit Agency URL | http://www.recreation.gov/permits/Salmon_River_4_Rivers/r/wildernessAreaDetails.do?page=detail&contractCode=NRSO&parkId=75533 |
| Application Deadline | February 1 |
| Application Fee | $6.00 |
| Permit Fee |
| Type | Name | Description | Camping? | Water? | Boat Ramp? | Vehicle Access |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Put-In | Corn Creek Ramp |
There is a nice paved ramp at Corn Creek. Camping and water are available here. There is also a ranger station here so check in with the river rangers. |
Yes | Yes | Yes | All Vehicles |
| Take-Out | Vinegar Creek Boat Ramp |
There are 2 or 3 concrete ramps here along with pit toilets |
No | No | Yes | All Vehicles |
| Take-Out | Carey Creek Ramp |
Land river left just below the pack bridge on a concrete ramp. |
No | No | Yes | All Vehicles |
| Rapid Name | Description | Scout | Class | Recommended Flow |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kitchen Creek Rapid |
This is a newer rapid that formed in the early 2000's. |
Scout from the road on river right |
III |
Minimum: 4000.0 Maximum: 35000.0 |
| Proctor Creek Rapid |
A straight forward rapid. |
Read and run |
II |
Minimum: 4000.0 Maximum: 35000.0 |
| Unnamed Rapid |
Read and run |
II |
Minimum: 4000.0 Maximum: 35000.0 |
|
| Killum Rapid |
Run right or follow the main V tongue. |
Read and run |
II |
Minimum: 4000.0 Maximum: 35000.0 |
| Gunbarrel Rapid |
A straight forward rapid. Watch for rocks at lower levels. |
Read and run |
II |
Minimum: 4000.0 Maximum: 35000.0 |
| Horse Creek Rapid |
A minor rapid here from the debris fan of Horse Creek |
Read and run |
II |
Minimum: 4000.0 Maximum: 35000.0 |
| Stub Creek Rapid |
A minor class II rapid |
Read and run |
II |
Minimum: 4000.0 Maximum: 35000.0 |
| Ranier Rapid |
At lower flows steer clear of the rock and hole near the center of the river. At higher flows the hole washes out. This is the first class III rapid on the main salmon stretch. |
Read and run |
III |
Minimum: 4000.0 Maximum: 35000.0 |
| Alder Creek Rapid |
This is a newer rapid that formed in 2011. |
Scout on river left from the Alder Creek Camp (if you want). |
III |
Minimum: 4000.0 Maximum: 35000.0 |
| Lantz Rapid |
A large ledge is at the bottom right of this rapid. |
Read and run or scout from Lantz Bar. |
III |
Minimum: 4000.0 Maximum: 35000.0 |
| Devils Teeth Rapid |
Read and run |
II |
Minimum: 4000.0 Maximum: 35000.0 |
|
| Little Devils Teeth Rapid |
Read and run |
II |
Minimum: 4000.0 Maximum: 35000.0 |
|
| Salmon Falls Rapid |
This used to be one of the biggest drops on the Main Salmon. But due to a blowout in Black Creek rapid down river, this rapid has been flooded out and is not mostly a class II riffle. Unless Black Creek changes in the future there's not much here anymore. |
Read and run |
II- to II |
Minimum: 4000.0 Maximum: 35000.0 |
| Black Creek Rapid |
This rapid is still evolving over time. Most flows you can run the main tongue towards river left, pulling from the right to the left. |
Scoiut from the left bank. |
III to IV |
Minimum: 4000.0 Maximum: 35000.0 |
| Sabe Creek Rapid |
Read and run |
II |
Minimum: 4000.0 Maximum: 35000.0 |
|
| Barth Rapid |
Another easy class II on the Main |
Read and run |
II |
Minimum: 3000.0 Maximum: 35000.0 |
| Hancock Rapid |
River widens and shallows here. Left channel is pretty boney. Most go right where the current is deeper. |
Read and run |
II |
Minimum: 4000.0 Maximum: 35000.0 |
| Masie's Rapid |
Read and run |
II |
Minimum: 4000.0 Maximum: 35000.0 |
|
| Bailey Rapid |
Run the main tongue down the center. When scouting, check for a large hydraulic hole that can form at lower water levels in the main tongue line. Pull appropriately to avoid it if it's there. |
Scout from the right bank |
III |
Minimum: 4000.0 Maximum: 35000.0 |
| Allison Ranch Rapid |
Class II |
Read and run |
II |
Minimum: 4000.0 Maximum: 35000.0 |
| Sapp Creek Rapid |
Read and run |
II |
Minimum: 4000.0 Maximum: 35000.0 |
|
| Five Mile Rapid |
Large holes can form on this rapid at high flows. |
Read and run |
III to III+ |
Minimum: 4000.0 Maximum: 35000.0 |
| Split Rock Rapid |
Rocks line the center of the river and split the main rapid tongues. Go right of the rocks (which can be submerged at high water levels) |
Read and run |
III |
Minimum: 4000.0 Maximum: 35000.0 |
| Stinker Rapid |
Rocky at low flows |
Read and run |
II |
Minimum: 4000.0 Maximum: 35000.0 |
| Big Mallard Rapid |
Run far left close to the river bank to avoid holes in the main tongue. |
Scout from river right at lower yellow pine camp. |
III to IV |
Minimum: 4000.0 Maximum: 35000.0 |
| Little Mallard Rapid |
Read and run |
II |
Minimum: 4000.0 Maximum: 35000.0 |
|
| Elkhorn Rapid |
This rapid begins with a large rock in the center of the river. Choose which side to run relative to the rock and then boulder dodge your way through the rest of the rapid. At swifter flows avoid getting wrapped or pinballed of any of the big rocks in the river here. |
Scout from the left bank. |
III to IV |
Minimum: 4000.0 Maximum: 35000.0 |
| Elkhorn Big Rock Rapid |
There is a large rock at the bottom of the Elkhorn Rapid. Huge holes can form behind this rock. Best to avoid the rock at all levels. Class II+ on either side of the rock and Class IV is you decide to go over or on it. |
Read and run |
II+ to IV |
Minimum: 3000.0 Maximum: 35000.0 |
| Growler Rapid |
A rocky boulder rapid at low flows |
Read and run |
II |
Minimum: 4000.0 Maximum: 35000.0 |
| Whiplash Rapid |
This rapid gets harder at higher flows. |
Land at the top of groundhog bar on river right and hike down to scout. |
III to III+ |
Minimum: 4000.0 Maximum: 35000.0 |
| Reed Creek Rapid |
Read and run |
II |
Minimum: 4000.0 Maximum: 35000.0 |
|
| China Bar Rapid |
Read and run |
II |
Minimum: 4000.0 Maximum: 35000.0 |
|
| Unnamed Rapid |
Read and run |
II |
Minimum: 4000.0 Maximum: 35000.0 |
|
| Big Blowout Creek Rapid |
A long stretch of easy Class II here. |
Read and run |
II |
Minimum: 4000.0 Maximum: 35000.0 |
| Boise Bar Rapid |
Watch for a hole at the end of this rapid. Otherwise straight forward. |
Read and run |
II |
Minimum: 4000.0 Maximum: 35000.0 |
| Jackson Bar Rapid |
Read and run |
II |
Minimum: 4000.0 Maximum: 35000.0 |
|
| Ludwig Rapid |
This area is rocky at low water. Most of the deeper currents run left of center. |
Read and run |
III |
Minimum: 4000.0 Maximum: 35000.0 |
| Mann Creek Rapid |
A run down the center with a rock dodge or two is usually the run of choice |
Read and run |
II |
Minimum: 4000.0 Maximum: 35000.0 |
| Warren Creek Rapid |
Read and run |
II |
Minimum: 4000.0 Maximum: 35000.0 |
|
| James Ranch Rapid |
Run the wave train right of center |
Read and run |
II |
Minimum: 4000.0 Maximum: 35000.0 |
| Pete's Rock Rapid |
Read and run |
II |
Minimum: 4000.0 Maximum: 35000.0 |
|
| Bull Creek Rapid |
Follow the main wave train down the center |
Read and run |
II |
Minimum: 4000.0 Maximum: 35000.0 |
| Cottontail Rapid |
Read and run |
II |
Minimum: 4000.0 Maximum: 35000.0 |
|
| Can Opener Rapid |
At lower water there is a sharp rock in the center of this rapid that gives the rapid it's name |
Read and run |
II |
Minimum: 4000.0 Maximum: 35000.0 |
| T-Bone Creek Rapid |
Read and run |
II |
Minimum: 4000.0 Maximum: 35000.0 |
|
| Dried Meat Rapid |
Run down the center |
Read and run |
II |
Minimum: 4000.0 Maximum: 35000.0 |
| Chittam Rapid |
Follow the tongue into the rapid and pull right |
Scout from the right bank |
III |
Minimum: 4000.0 Maximum: 35000.0 |
| Vinegar Rapid |
Run the main wave tongue and watch for large waves and holes. |
Scout from the right bank |
III to IV |
Minimum: 4000.0 Maximum: 35000.0 |
| Boulders Rapid |
Read and run |
II |
Minimum: 4000.0 Maximum: 35000.0 |
|
| Carey Falls Rapid |
Read and run |
II |
Minimum: 4000.0 Maximum: 35000.0 |
| Camp Name | Description | Fee? | Beach? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Camp #1 |
River left. |
No | Yes |
| Camp #2 |
river left |
No | Yes |
| Camp #3 |
River left |
No | Yes |
| Camp #4 |
On river right |
No | Yes |
| Camp #5 |
River left |
No | Yes |
| Horse Creek Camp |
River right just above Horse Creek outlet. This is a larger camp |
No | Yes |
| Bridge Piling Camp |
On river left just below Horse Creek Rapid |
No | Yes |
| Legend Creek Camp |
A very nice large beach camp on river right |
No | Yes |
| Spindle Creek Camp |
A small, shadeless camp on river right. |
No | Yes |
| Phantom Camp |
2 beach camps are on river right here. |
No | Yes |
| Alder Creek Camp |
A large beach camp on river left. |
No | Yes |
| Otter Beach Camp |
River left. |
No | Yes |
| Fawn Creek Camp |
River right |
No | Yes |
| Upper Lantz Bar Camp |
River right. |
No | Yes |
| Lower Lantz Bar Camp |
River right, right above the rapid. |
No | Yes |
| Disappointement Creek Camp |
A large bench camp on river left. |
No | No |
| Upper Devils Teeth Camp |
On river right |
No | Yes |
| Lower Devils Teeth Camp |
Large beach camp on river left. |
No | Yes |
| Overhang Camp |
A small beach camp on river right. |
No | Yes |
| Elkhorn Creek Camp |
River right |
No | No |
| Chamberlain Creek Camp |
River left |
No | No |
| Chukar Beach Camp |
Beach camp on river right. |
No | Yes |
| Blackadar Camp |
A nive large beach with ponderosas lining the back for shade. |
No | Yes |
| Motor Camp |
Another large camp. On river left. Named after motor debris left on the beach |
No | Yes |
| Big Squaw |
River right |
No | Yes |
| Corey Bar Camp |
River right |
No | No |
| Lower Corey Bar Camp |
River right |
No | No |
| Pebble Beach |
River left |
No | No |
| Black Canyon Beach Camp |
Small camp on river right |
No | Yes |
| Sunny Bar Camp |
A rocky beach camp on river right |
No | No |
| Hot Springs Camp |
A bench camp on river left just below the hot springs. There aren't any pools to soak in but the springs coming out of the hill are hot. |
No | No |
| Barth Camp |
A larger camp on river left. |
No | No |
| Sandy Hole Camp |
A nice beach on river right with some ponderosa shade to boot. |
No | Yes |
| Poor Bar Camp |
River left camp. Hard to use at lower water levels. |
No | No |
| Nixon Bar Camp |
A rocky beach and bench camp. Not used much due to it's unfriendly camp features and landing. |
No | No |
| Bruin Bar Camp |
Larger camp on river left. |
No | Yes |
| Hancock Camp |
A nice camp on river left. Poor camping options after this camp for the next few miles on the river. |
No | Yes |
| Magpie Creek Camp |
A very nice, very large beach camp on river left. |
No | Yes |
| Hida Creek Camp |
River left |
No | No |
| Bargamin Creek Camp |
Large beach camp on river right. |
No | Yes |
| Bailey Bar Camp |
River right |
No | Yes |
| Upper Allison Ranch Camp |
River right |
No | Yes |
| Allison Ranch Camp |
Very nice large beach on river right. |
No | Yes |
| Lower Richardson Bar Camp |
River left. Bench camp. |
No | No |
| Upper Yellow Pine Camp |
River right |
No | No |
| Lower Yellow Pine Camp |
River right just below the upper camp |
No | No |
| Big Mallard Camp |
Large shady camp on river right |
No | No |
| Oakie's Camp |
Small camp on river left |
No | Yes |
| Boiler Hole Camp |
River right |
No | No |
| Hermit Hanks Camp |
Large bench camp on river left. |
No | No |
| Little Trout Creek Camp |
River left |
No | Yes |
| Easter Egg Camp |
river left |
No | No |
| Jim Moore Camp |
River right |
No | No |
| Ruff Creek Camp |
River left |
No | No |
| Groundhog Bar Camp |
A large sandy beach on river right. Hard to pull in to at high water flows. |
No | Yes |
| Reed Creek Camp |
Large camp on river right at the base of the rapid |
No | Yes |
| Gaines Bar Camp |
River right |
No | Yes |
| Rhett Creek Camp |
River right |
No | Yes |
| Paine Creek |
River right |
No | Yes |
| Boise Bar Camp |
River right |
No | Yes |
| No Man's Creek Camp |
Smaller camp on river right |
No | No |
| Teepee Creek Camp |
River right |
No | No |
| Fivemile Creek Camp |
A small low water level camp on river left next to a small cliff. |
No | Yes |
| Pebble Beach Camp |
A large bench camp on river left. |
No | No |
| Haynie Bar Camp |
River left |
No | Yes |
| Bluebird Hole Camp |
River right |
No | No |
| Mackay Bar Bridge Camp |
A large shadeless camp on river right just below the pack bridge. |
No | Yes |
| Dead Man Camp |
River left. |
No | No |
| South Fork Island Camp |
Shadeless camp on a small island where the south fork of the Salmon meets the main. |
No | No |
| Cove Creek Camp |
Small camp on river left |
No | Yes |
| Red Harlan Camp |
River right |
No | Yes |
| Upper Pine Tree Hole Camp |
River left. |
No | Yes |
| Lower Pine Tree Hole Camp |
Shadeless camp on river right. |
No | Yes |
| Hungry Bar Camp |
River right |
No | Yes |
| Mann Creek Camp |
A large beach camp on river left. |
No | Yes |
| Warren Creek Camp |
River left |
No | Yes |
| Swimming Hole Camp |
A very large shadeless camp on river right. A nice pool above the camp provides the swimming opportunity here. |
No | Yes |
| Indian Creek Bar Camp |
River right |
No | Yes |
| Upper James Creek Camp |
River left |
No | Yes |
| Rabbit Creek Camp |
A large beach camp on river left |
No | Yes |
| Alex Meadows Camp |
River right |
No | Yes |
| Basin Creek Camp |
River right |
No | No |
| Whiskey Bob Creek Camp |
Small camp on river right |
No | Yes |
| Upper Bull Creek Camp |
Large camp on river right |
No | Yes |
| Lower Bull Creek Camp |
Another large beach camp on river right |
No | Yes |
| Gold Rush Bar Camp |
Low water camp on river right |
No | No |
| California Creek Camp |
Large beach camp on river left |
No | Yes |
| T-Bone Creek Camp |
River right |
No | No |
| Maxwell Bar Camp |
A large beach camp on river left. |
No | Yes |
| Upper Sheep Creek Camp |
River right |
No | Yes |
| Middle Sheep Creek Camp |
River right |
No | Yes |
| Lower Sheep Creek Camp |
River right |
No | Yes |
| Bush Creek Camp |
River left |
No | No |
| Slide Beach Camp |
Beach camp on river left. |
No | Yes |
| Johnson Creek Bar Camp |
River right |
No | No |
| Wind River Camp |
River right just above the pack bridge |
No | Yes |
The following fish species are often found on this run. If you don't see a fish that you know lives on this river, please login and associate that fish species.
No Fish have been associated with this river yet...
|
Lowest Priced Experienced Shuttle Service for Main, Middle and Lower Salmon River
|
No community notes added yet...
No Accidents reported for this run...
| Name | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Hells Canyon Shuttle Inc |
Hells Canyon Shuttle Inc. is a family owned business in Hells Canyon with over 30 years of experience in the industry. We offer shuttles to the various destination on the Snake River. We are Federally Licensed and insured. |
No River Outfitters, Guides or Commercial Companies added yet...
No Camping or Lodging locations added yet...
