Idaho River Rafting With Two Big Rapid Rivers
If you’re thirsting for adventure, excitement, scenery,overall happiness on white water, head straight for IdahoThis is where you will find the best whitewater rafting in the world. White water rafting in Idaho delivers breathtaking sceneryexciting rapidsHowever, there are so many quality river options that it can get confusingTo make planning this trip easier, a list of the top three whitewater rafting adventures in Idaho have been listed below.
Middle Fork Salmon River
The Middle Fork Salmon River has so much to offer that the majority of this post will focus on itFrom strictly a rafting perspective, the Middle Fork Salmon River offers Class IIIClass IV rapidsIt begins at the Sawtooth Mountaindrops nearly 3,000 feet for over 100 milesMost trips are 6-8 days,you’re going to seedo a lot more than you think during that time frame, which is what makes this journey so special.
In addition to rafting, you’re going to be exploring the wilderness by footIn fact, you will be in the Frank Church – River of No Return WildernessThis is the largest intact wilderness in the Lower 48 with 2.3 million acresIt was created by the United States congress in 1980has been protected incredibly well ever sinceWhether hiking or rafting, you might spot bear, moose, elk, or even the rarely spotted wolverineYou won’t need to worry about safety with these wild animals as long as you’re in a groupdon’t provoke them.
When you pause your rafting, you will also have an opportunity to soak in natural hot springs–five different ones to be exactThe first one you will come across is Trail Flat Hot Spring, which you will reach after 7.3 miles of raftingThis large crystal clear pool can fit more than 10 people.
Next up will be Sheepeater Hot Springs, which you should hit your first nightThis spring isn’t as large, but you might spot deergoats.
After that, you will hit Sunflower Hot Springs, which is an elevated pool that can only fit 3-4 people but offers views of the riverYou can also take in, or stand under, a nearby waterfall.
Loon Creek Hot Springs is next up,it’s the largest hot spring on the Middle Fork Salmon RiverIt’s a 1-mile hike to get there, but this deep thermal pool is worth the effort.
Hospital Bar Hot Spring is the last one you will hitThis is a small pool that can only fit 2-3 people.
Another advantage to rafting the Middle Fork Salmon River is that it’s known for having the best fly fishing in the worldTherefore, you can mix whitewater rafting, the best fly fishing in the world, soaking in hot springs,standing under a waterfall all in the same trip.
Lower Salmon River
The Lower Salmon River offers Class IIClass III rapids, but it’s mostly Class IIIThis is a 72-mile stretch that is the longest free flowing river in the Lower 48In addition to fun rapids, you will find beaches, river canyons, as well as warmer waterair temperaturesThis is due to the lower elevationIt’s highly recommended you napswim at the beach during your tripAnd if you like to fish, bass fishing is popular here.
The Lower Salmon River is ideal for familiesIt’s a mellowmore affordable trip than the Middle Fork Salmon RiverYou will have several opportunities to stand up paddleboard or use an inflatable kayak in one of the pools.
Pay attention while hereyou will see Native American rock artYou also might see river ottersbig horn sheepUnlike most wilderness in Idaho, which is green, this dry canyon territory.
If you want to see part of the river prior to rafting, you can drive along it just below the town of Riggins.
