Canoeing on the Salmon River - Stanley, Idaho

Serenity is Canoeing on the Salmon River

The Salmon River, also called the River of No Return by Lewis and Clark, is located in Idaho and flows for 425 miles before it connects with the Snake River. It is a very popular place to go for those who love canoeing, kayaking and rafting.

Two sections of the river, the Middle Fork section as well as a section of the main river, are now National Wild and Scenic Rivers and protected from development.

The river and the surrounding land are as wild as they are beautiful. Forest covers much of the area. You will find that you can spot a number of different animals from your canoe as you make your way down the long and sometimes desolate stretches of river. Some animals that you might be lucky enough to see are wolves, otter, mule deer, white-tailed deer, bears, cougars, and even moose.

Most people that visit the Salmon River to canoe also plan on camping. A nice trip down the river can last anywhere from 5 – 7 days and sometimes even longer. You can hire a guide to help you navigate down the river, or you and your friends and family can explore on your own.

You can find many different places along the Salmon River to launch your canoe, but you should make sure that you have all the proper permits along with you if you are going camping or fishing. Nothing can put a damper on a trip faster than having a ranger cite you.

A great place to begin a trip is at the Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness Area. It is the second largest wilderness area in the United States. During the trip you will go through the second largest canyon in the United States – the only larger canyon is, of course, the Grand Canyon.

You can float down the river for several hours and then find a nice place to stop and have lunch. Hop back in the canoes and float for another three or four hours before stopping to make camp in the late afternoon. You can take some time to explore the land around the campsite and then have some dinner. Later, you can tell stories around the campfire and sleep beneath the stars.

Make sure you have the right equipment and gear for the trip you are taking. Bring along water, waterproof maps, and some basic survival gear and plenty of food. Although traveling down the River of No Return is quite safe, it is always better to be prepared for any contingencies.

Salmon River Scenic Byway
Stanley-Sawtooth Chamber of Commerce
Mailing Address
Box 8
Stanley, ID 83278