Lower Salmon River

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.

The Salmon River doesn't start very strong at 8,000 feet high, where a trickle forms in central Idaho's Whitecloud and Sawtooth Mountains. This starts 425 miles of free-flowing waterways that gather power over distance, as snow from multiple mountain ranges fuels these waters. At one point, the Salmon River goes through the continent's second-deepest canyon. Starting at Vinegar Creek, the Lower Salmon River begins and runs for 25 miles westward until the town of Riggins. There, the river turns north and west again for 87 miles before joining the Snake River. Both wind up going into the Columbia River. The Salmon River is managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), which preserves and maintains millions of acres of land and usually allows for free public use. This BLM site offers plenty of nature and water activities, and there are lots of things to do in the 13,550 square miles of its drainage area. All this space is in the state of Idaho, and you can go camping, hiking, picnicking, climbing, and boating. Two national parks in this same part of the country are also worth a visit. Grand Teton National Park to the east is a place of unrivaled natural beauty, even if nearby Yellowstone overshadows it. Also, Glacier National Park to the northeast sits on the Canadian border with a wonderland of more lakes than you can imagine.

What to See and Do

Hiking and Biking

Lower Salmon River Trail

See some history on this old trail that dates back to the 1860s Florence gold rush. Limited parking starts the trail at the Manning Crevice Bridge. The trail follows the river with a few ups and downs and a handful of rocky challenges. Don't count on much shade, so plan for an early morning hike if you visit in the summer. Length: 5.4 miles Intensity: Easy to Intermediate

Fishing and Boating

The 112 miles of Lower Salmon River from the Snake River confluence up to Vinegar Creek are Class II, III, and IV whitewater. Several BLM sites along the river provide access to the water, but anything from White Bird down to the Salmon and Snake River confluence is only accessible via boat. Fly fishing is also an option along the 400-plus miles of the river. Common catches include steelhead and rainbow trout, sturgeon, and chinook and cutthroat sockeye salmon.

Climbing

The Salmon River Mountains are a major range for the state of Idaho, and they offer aid, ice, and trad climbing. Head to Salmon River Slab if you want your choice of seven different climbs. Five of the routes are already bolted. Gravel parking is available, but your vehicle must display a Northwest Forest Pass when parked.

Wildlife Viewing

When you go rafting down this river, you might only have a few seconds to glimpse the bigger species on the shores, but you can keep an eye out to see moose, black bears, mountain goats, white-tailed or mule deer, bighorn sheep, and elk. You might have more time to spot them from a campsite when you have time to focus on signs of activity in the surrounding woods. If you go hiking, you can notice smaller creatures, ranging from butterflies and dragonflies to snakes.

Picnicking

Several designated picnicking spots are available up and down the river. The first one you might want to look at is the Salmon River Picnic Shelter. It has picnic tables, parking, toilet facilities, and a boat ramp. You can also find similar amenities at the Deadwater Picnic Area, too.

Bureau of Land Management Camping

RV Camping

RV camping is available at a number of spots along the Lower Salmon River. Hammer Creek Recreation Site Campground has a dozen campsites where you can bring your pets. ADA-accessible amenities include a dump station, restrooms, and potable water. Get here early for first-come, first-served status. Once you're here, enjoy being surrounded by a number of semi-arid mountains you. The Island Bar Recreation Site sits near some big sandy beaches and is relatively undeveloped. You can put up a camp with enough room for some frisbee. It's also an ideal location for kayaks, rafts, and jetboats looking for easy access to the water. Pine Bar Recreation Site Campground is south of Cottonwood. The picnicking, fishing, and swimming make it a great spot for an afternoon visit. Camping is available, but there are only six sites on a first-come, first-served rotation. Enjoy toilets, picnic tables, and potable water in this pet-friendly space. Only 10 miles south of White Bird is Slate Creek Recreation Site Campground. Six campsites here are on the usual first-come, first-served basis, but they have picnic tables and fire rings. Other amenities include a picnic area, potable water, and restrooms.

Free Camping

Finding dispersed camping sites on the Salmon River itself is hard to do. For a quick overnight stay, head to Salmon for the White Bird Gravel Pit. Just be aware of the lack of cell phone service. Riggins has a campsite near the river with shelter and level terrain. The privacy, water sounds, beach, and views of the river and mountains are all spectacular here. You can also find free campground options at Seven Devils Mountain Range, East Fork Weiser River, and Hell's Canyon Overlook.

RV Rentals Near Lower Salmon River Plan your next adventure

Credit: Vanna Mae, @vannamaeart

Planning your Lower Salmon River BLM trip

If you plan on fishing, check out Idaho regulations and license requirements. If you plan on doing any kayaking, rafting, or other boating on the river, map out where you can get in and out. Some stretches of the river aren't accessible by road. Be sure to pack plenty of food and water for your time on the river or in the canyon. If your visit is going to happen during the summer, be ready for extreme heat. Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.

Leave No Trace

Whatever you pack in, you should plan on packing out. Many sites along the Salmon River are underdeveloped, so don't count on being able to leave your trash behind. This river is an important tributary of the Columbia River that millions of people rely on for water. Many regional farms also rely on the river for water. Respect them, future visitors, and local wildlife by leaving any places you visit as pristine as you found them. Practicing the" Leave No Trace" guidelines is way to say thank you to Mother Nature. The BLM lands account for roughly 10% of all American acres. While they're here for current visitors to enjoy, there is also a responsibility of making sure future generations can enjoy them and access these resources.

Lower Salmon River Location

The Lower Salmon River BLM lands are a rather sizeable area, so there are multiple access points depending on which specific locations you're trying to reach within this space. Most of them are accessible from U.S. Highway 95. That route runs through White Bird and Riggins, Idaho. Address: Cottonwood Field Office, 2 Butte Drive, Cottonwood, ID 83522 Ready to visit Lower Salmon River? An RV rental is a great way to experience your destination. Not only will you be close to all the action, but at the end of a long day exploring, you’ll have your RV to return to for the night where you’ll enjoy a full kitchen, bathroom, and nice soft bed. Not sure about renting an RV? Here’s a step-by-step guide to renting an RV with RVshare.