One of the most beautiful and isolated rivers in the continental United States, the Salmon River winds a twisting course through the remote wilderness in central Idaho. Beginning in the mountains above Ketchum, the Salmon flows by three wilderness areas and six national forests, losing more than a mile of elevation before joining the Snake River south of Lewiston.
Dubbed the "River of No Return" by explorers Lewis and Clark, the Salmon is one of the longest undammed rivers in the country. The huge fish that lend the river its name can be seen swimming upstream during spawning season, sharing the clear water with cutthroat trout and river otter. On the shores are found wildlife such as moose, deer, and bighorn sheep, perhaps enjoying the warm waters of the dozens of hot springs along the river.
The Salmon and its various branches contain some of the most highly rated scenic and whitewater rafting in the world. The Middle Fork is by far Idaho's most popular raft trip, passing through untouched wilderness and thrilling whitewater for almost 100 miles. The North Fork, Main Salmon, and Lower Salmon are also frequently rafted, and different scenery can be found along each stretch, from narrow gorges to rolling grassy hills.