Salmon River
BY Anna Bates
description
The Salmon River or the “River of no Return” gets its nickname from the early settlers of the intermountain Northwest who could navigate their boats down the Salmon, but couldn't get them back up because of the rapids.
The Salmon River is one of the deepest gorges in North America (Hell's Canyon being the deepest, it is second to Hells Canyon); it is even deeper than the Grand Canyon. Instead of sheer walls and towering height, the Salmon River is noted for the variety of landscapes visible from the water such as wooded ridges, huge eroded bluffs, monuments, slides, and mountainous crags. Its 2,366,757 acres houses the second largest unit of National Wilderness Preservation System in 48 states. It is second only to Death Valley in California.
The Salmon River is also one of the largest rivers in continental United States without a single dam on its main stem. Because this is a national preservation system, the “leave no trace” system where you leave no evidence that you have been there is enforced. Leaving no evidence helps to preserve the natural wonder and beauty of the Salmon River and the "River of no Return" wilderness area.
The Salmon River is one of the deepest gorges in North America (Hell's Canyon being the deepest, it is second to Hells Canyon); it is even deeper than the Grand Canyon. Instead of sheer walls and towering height, the Salmon River is noted for the variety of landscapes visible from the water such as wooded ridges, huge eroded bluffs, monuments, slides, and mountainous crags. Its 2,366,757 acres houses the second largest unit of National Wilderness Preservation System in 48 states. It is second only to Death Valley in California.
The Salmon River is also one of the largest rivers in continental United States without a single dam on its main stem. Because this is a national preservation system, the “leave no trace” system where you leave no evidence that you have been there is enforced. Leaving no evidence helps to preserve the natural wonder and beauty of the Salmon River and the "River of no Return" wilderness area.
Best times to visit and fees
Late Spring to early Fall for white water rapids. Other recreational areas are open all year round. Depending on what you want to do, the passes and permits will vary in price.
Map
location
Salmon River, Idaho