About The Salmon River

The Salmon River is the longest free flowing river in the lower 48 states, a 425-mile waterway with no dams. Its headwaters begin in central Idaho in the Sawtooth and Whitecloud Mountains. A free flowing river, the Salmon River's waters are home to numerous species of fish including steelhead, salmon, rainbow trout, bass, catfish, and white sturgeon. The Lower Salmon canyons are also home to a high concentration of many species of birds, including chukars, pheasants, and many raptors.  Mammals on the Salmon include many varieties and are abundant, and be aware of snakes during the hot summer months.

The Lower Salmon is considered one of the best rafting rivers in the country. The river winds it's through the volcanic rocks and arid grasslands of the region, creating steep canyons where difficult rapids form. Known for it's numerous white sandy beaches, warm climate, and excellent whitewater, it's a rafters paradise. During low water, it is a favorable family river.  High water can be class III-IV.

The Lower Salmon River from Hammer Creek to Heller Bar is a class III-IV Whitewater River. Note: Slide Rapid at flows above 15,000 - 20,000 cfs is class V-VI. These rapids can not be lined or portaged without great difficulty. Scouting is mandatory and quite hard. The recommended flow for running the Lower Salmon river is 2,500 cfs - 15,000 cfs (cfs = cubic feet per second). Group size is limited to 30 people, fire pans are required and human waste must be carried out.

Access to the Lower Salmon can be achieved through Hammer Creek Recreation Site (River Mile 52.5 with concrete boat ramp, restrooms, drinking water, camping, parking, permit station), Pine Bar (River Mile 42 with concrete boat ramp, restrooms, drinking water, camping), Eagle Creek (River Mile 12.5 with very rough, primitive access road, no facilities), and Heller Bar (Snake River Mile 168.5 with concrete boat ramp, restrooms, parking). The one way shuttle distance from Hammer Creek to Heller Bar is approximately 125 miles and/or 3 hours long.

 White Sand beaches make ideal camp spots.  Fishing is awesome on the Salmon, and at White Bird, (Hammer Creek Campground)  The Lower it is still floatable without a permit, although there is a self issued permits at Hammer Creek and right before you get into Pine Bar in Cottonwood or you can get one at the BLM.    The Salmon River is one of two undamned rivers in the US,  from White Bird, (Hammer Creek) it is roadless as well.

About White Bird, Idaho.

White Bird, Idaho is a small river town. Local cowboys, ranchers, river rats, fishermen, loggers, farmers and shuttle drivers (lol) along with people who enjoy the beauty so much they pack in their city lives and move here are what make up this town. We live in a banana belt, so it's about 10-15 degrees warmer than anywhere else nearby.  Our growing season is about 30 days longer.  With a population of about 150, counting cats and dogs, White Bird is the authentic idyllic small frontier town.  Visit http://www.visitwhitebird.com for more information about this town and what's to do.

There is no cell service in this area!! Yippee!!!!!!  However, about 6 miles away on Banner ridge road, many people say cell service works out there.

Driving Directions To Pittsburg Landing coming into White Bird, Idaho.

Pittsburg Landing : Located 18 miles off Highway 95. This drive will take about 45 minutes. Near White Bird, on Highway 95 at milepost 222, turn at the Hammer Creek Recreation Area sign, cross the Salmon River Bridge, turn left, and follow signs to Pittsburg Landing. You will be on Deer Creek Road. Be careful and please observe all speed limits even if it is slow going, the road at times is narrow. It is a dangerous road with winding switchbacks. True to it's name, the deer out there are numerous so watch them as well. This is a single-lane gravel road with turnouts. It does have some 16% pitches - drive carefully. Once you reach the Snake River lower landing, you will find a Forest Service campground with boat ramp and toilet facilities.

Agate & Rock Hounds

As the river ebbs, and the Mother does her yearly cleansing, and you travel downstream you will find some treasures in her wake.  If you search on gravel bars you will notice nice specimens of agates.  They erode from basalt formations and are tumble downstream duing high spring runoff and then sorted to the gravel bars.

If you like rocks and your in  Idaho, especially this part this are should be of particular interest to you.  Garnets, sapphire (found in the river), gold and many other rocks are found near and far from the river.