Salmon River — Main
★ Wild & Scenic🌿 Wilderness🛶 AW Stewardship
Lemhi / Idaho Co. · 425 mi · Class I–IV
2,640CFS/ 3.40 ft
Flood↑Rising slowly (+30 cfs/hr)· +60 cfs in 3h
Optimal: 3000–12000 CFS · USGS #13302500
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Hist. Median
USGS Gauge
Wild & Scenic River · Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness · Largest Wilderness in Contiguous U.S. · American Whitewater Stewardship
The 'River of No Return' — longest undammed river in the lower 48 states. Runs 425 miles through the Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness, the largest wilderness area in the contiguous U.S. The Main Salmon canyon is deeper than the Grand Canyon at its maximum. World-class steelhead and Chinook salmon.
Trip sections
Upper Salmon — Salmon City to North Fork, Class I–II, open valley
Middle Fork confluence — Class II–III, meeting of the giants
Main Salmon Canyon — North Fork to Riggins, Class III–IV, the classic
Lower Salmon — Riggins to Snake, Class II–III
Notable Rapids
KillumClass IV
Early big rapid on the Main Salmon. A rocky, powerful Class IV that demands respect at any flow.
Salmon FallsClass IV
A significant ledge drop — one of the defining rapids of the Main Salmon.
ChittamClass III+
Fun, big wave train through a scenic stretch of the River of No Return.
Outfitters
Salmon River Experience
Main Salmon multi-day guided trips
Far & Away Adventures
Frank Church Wilderness expeditions
ROW Adventures
Main Salmon oar trips and paddle trips
72-Hour Flow Forecast
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10-Year Flow Patterns
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Data Quality
River conditions are community-verified. CFS ranges, difficulty ratings, and trip sections may not reflect every flow level or seasonal change. Always check current conditions, scout unfamiliar rapids, and paddle within your skill level. If you spot an error, use the Improve This River button at the top of the page — your local knowledge is what makes this atlas accurate.