This trip is full! If you'd like to be on the waitlist, please complete the registration form. 

The Northwest Chapter of RMS, in partnership with the BLM Cottonwood Field Office, is hosting a September River trip on the Lower Salmon River in north-central Idaho.

The Salmon River has carved the second deepest canyon in North America, which effectively splits Idaho in half. The section known as the Lower Salmon River begins at Vinegar Creek, 25 miles above the town of Riggins. At Riggins, the river swings north and then west for 87 miles where it then meets the Snake River. The river and its canyon are truly remarkable in this "pool and drop" river where difficult rapids are located in the narrow canyons. The numerous unusual white sand beaches offer camping and serve as a reminder that this river is still free flowing. The 20-mile stretch of the Snake River, from the confluence with the Salmon River to the Heller Bar take-out, contains slower moving water with some rapids and is often characterized by stiff up-canyon winds. September is a gorgeous time of year with warm, sunny days and cool nights when the high visitation is gone leaving the river serene and quiet for the rest of us!

The Northwest Chapter trip will launch from the Hammer Creek put-in on September 11th and take-out at Heller Bar on September 14th, for a total trip length of 73 river miles (4 days/3 nights) with 53 mi. on the Salmon and 20 mi. on the Snake. The river is a Class II – III+ pool-drop river and a perfect introduction to the pleasures of a multi-day wilderness type river trip. Rafts, drift boats and kayaks are the preferred watercraft for this float. Rafters should be comfortable with Class III rapids and be able to “follow the leader”. Kayakers should have solid Class III experience. If you don’t have the experience, it’s OK! There will be open seats on experienced boater’s watercraft. Let us know, and we will do our best to arrange an open seat for you!

Registration

• This trip is open only to current RMS Northwest Chapter members, so you must be logged in to sign up.
• Participation is limited to 15 people (including host staff) and is first-come, first-served. Registration is open now through August 14, 2026.
• Registration fee of $75 covers all meals, beginning with lunch on September 11 and ending with lunch on September 14.
• Shuttle logistics will be determined after participants are confirmed and may require an additional fee.
• No refunds will be issued for cancellations.

Register

What You'll Need to Bring

Participants are responsible for providing their own:

• River gear
• Camping gear
• Clothing
• Beverages
• Camp chair
• Personal snacks
• Other comfort items

Questions?

Reach out via the RMS Contact Form.