Take on the thrilling Main Salmon River with this 5-day rafting trip in Idaho, packed with rapids, fishing, and scenic campsites. Discover wild landscapes and rich history on every stretch.
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Difficulty
challenging
Duration
5 days
Fitness Level
Participants should be in good physical condition with stamina for long days on the river and moderate hiking to scout rapids and campsites.
Wildlife
History
The Main Salmon River corridor has been a travel and fishing route for Native American tribes for centuries, with pioneer artifacts still visible at select historical sites.
Conservation
Efforts by local organizations help protect the river ecosystem by promoting Leave No Trace principles and managing campfire impact during the rafting season.
MRO Rafting
Take on the thrilling Main Salmon River with this 5-day rafting trip in Idaho, packed with rapids, fishing, and scenic campsites. Discover wild landscapes and rich history on every stretch.
MRO Rafting, based in Riggins, Idaho, operates whitewater rafting trips on the Salmon River and Owyhee River. The company offers a range of day trips and multi-day expeditions that highlight Idaho’s canyon scenery, warm river beaches, and notable river rapids.
Available trips include Full Day Trip • Whitewater Rafting Salmon River, a scenic eight-hour journey with riverside lunch, swimming, and beach time; Half Day Trip • Whitewater Rafting Salmon River, an 11-mile route featuring rapids such as Time Zone and Tight Squeeze; the Special Big Water Blowout for epic rapids and a river festival; and multiday options including two-, three-, four-, five-, and six-day Main Salmon and Lower Gorge “Canyons” trips. A Five Day Lower Gorge trip includes a hotel on the first night and transfers. The Main Salmon and Owyhee River trips emphasize geology, pictographs, hot springs, and historic sites, with opportunities for hiking, paddleboarding, fishing, and beach camping.
Trip amenities described in the offerings include riverside lunches, gourmet Dutch Oven meals, luxury camping on white sand beaches, hotel accommodations for initial nights on select itineraries, transfers, and festival events. Several trips are noted as family-friendly and suitable for a wide range of skill levels. These factual trip descriptions reflect the experiences MRO Rafting advertises from its Riggins, Idaho base, presenting options for both short excitements and extended river expeditions. Descriptions mention activities such as swimming, paddleboarding, hiking to hot springs, fishing for trout, visits to ancient pictographs, historic river sites, and wildlife viewing along scenic canyon walls throughout.
Tours Offered
10
Single- and multi-day trips
Rivers
Salmon & Owyhee
Based in Riggins, Idaho
Trip Lengths
Half–6 Days
From 1/2 day to six days
Highlights
Beaches & Pictographs
Hot springs, fishing, festivals
Select dates for full-day and multi-day adventures departing from Riggins, Idaho — view itineraries, included amenities, and trip lengths to pick the right river experience.
Wear Quick-Drying Clothes
Dress in layers and opt for synthetic fabrics that dry quickly to stay comfortable on and off the water.
Bring Waterproof Bags
Protect your belongings by storing electronics and clothes in dry bags during the rafting sections.
Practice River Safety
Listen carefully to safety briefings and follow your guide’s instructions to navigate rapids safely.
Pack Insect Repellent
Bugs can be active near the river, especially at dawn and dusk, so bring repellent to avoid bites.
Personal Flotation Device (PFD)
A life jacket is crucial for safety on all whitewater sections.
Lightweight Camping Gear
Compact tent, sleeping bag, and a sleeping pad ensure comfort during river camps.
Waterproof Dry Bags
Protect your gear from water splash and unexpected immersion.
Sun Protection (hat, sunscreen, sunglasses)
Essential to guard against strong sun exposure while on the river and at camp.
summer