Middle Fork of the Salmon and the Main Salmon ‘River of No Return’ Rafting Trips

Our 6 or 12-day river adventures offer a unique, human-powered way to travel through the largest wilderness area in the lower 48 states. Whether you are traveling with family, friends or as an individual, are a newbie rafter or an avid Class V kayaker, are a bacon lover or a vegan, we are here to provide you with your own personalized VACATION OF A LIFETIME.

What is the difference between the Middle Fork of the Salmon and the Main Salmon?

Middle Fork of the Salmon

  • Steep & Continuous- busy water most of the time
  • Loses 3000’ in elevation in its 96 mile journey
  • Smaller low volume river- shallower
  • Great fishing
  • Cooler temperatures
  • Camping on forested benches
  • Ages 6 - 12 yrs + (river level dependent)

Main Salmon

  • Pool & Drop- flat water pools between the rapids
  • Loses 1000’ in elevation in its 81 mile journey
  • Larger high volume river- deeper
  • Great swimming & frolicking
  • Warmer temperatures
  • Camping on Big Beaches
  • Ages 6 yrs +

CANYONS operates on the sacred lands of the Tukudeka, Shoshone-Bannock and Nez-Perce tribes and tribal nations. It is a great privilege to steward these Native lands and free flowing rivers. We have deep respect for the ancestry of these places.


Frequently Asked Questions

There are no dumb questions.

Safety

River Safety

Safety is our #1 concern and we pride ourselves in our safety record, honoring our roots and the founder of River Rescue (and Canyons), Les Bechdel. Canyons is a leading outfitter in safety protocol and practice. All of our guides are WFR, OEC or Wilderness EMT certified and refresh their swift water rescue skills annually. Learn more about us, our safety training and our history here: Team Canyons

Sleeping on the River

Camping on the River

Camping in COMFORT is the way we see it. We provide plush sleeping pads and spacious, easy to use tents complimentary. You can bring your own personal sleeping bag or rent one of our flannel-lined rectangular style sleeping bags. If the weather is nice, you can bypass the tent all together and sleep under the magnificent stars. Learn more about camp here: Camping in Comfort

Eating on the River

Eating on the River

We hand prepare fresh locally sourced (whenever possible) foods for every meal. Our philosophy: Food is LOVE. Our menu is permanently tailored to be relatively allergy free and we are more than happy to accommodate any dietary restrictions/allergies that you may have. Learn more here: River Food

Choose Your Own Adventure

Choose Your Own Adventure

Options make for a great well-rounded vacation. At camp, you can hike, play games, nap or relax. On the river, you can choose from a variety of boats to travel down the river from day to day. And our guides change boats each day, giving you an opportunity to get to know them all. For more about our boat choices: Boat Choices


Building Community

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Here at Canyons, we hold a philosophy that EVERYONE deserves to experience the magic of river life. We pride ourselves on the diversity of our staff and guests. Employing more female and LGBTQ guides than any other river company in Idaho, it is part of our fabric to promote inclusivity in the outdoor industry. We are proud Americans that have hosted people from around the globe stewarding and honoring these rivers and native lands. We are driven to share the very place that helped shape so many of us. Young or old, people of all colors, races and genders are welcome on our journey.

We have sponsored trips for Young Adult Paddlers Living with Cancer, LGBTQ and BIPOC schorlarships, Thank-a Nurse Program, Wounded Veterans, the Redside Foundation and more recently we are working with The GREENING YOUTH Foundation in Atlanta. One guide each year is chosen to donate a Canyons trip space to the charity of their choice. And if you are interested in helping sponsor a trip or donating to these causes please give Greg a call directly at (208) 634-4303. Furthermore, if you are passionate about a non-profit that may be a good fit to host on the river, please let us know. The Middle Fork and Main have changed our lives. We are looking to you to help us influence and better the lives of others.