Wild Main Salmon River
Floating the Wild Main Salmon River
The Central Idaho Wilderness Act of 1980, in addition to establishing the River of No Return Wilderness (renamed the Frank Church - River of No Return Wilderness in 1984), amended the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act to include the 79-mile section of the Salmon River from Corn Creek Campground to Long Tom Bar as a Wild River. The Wild segment of the Salmon River is located in Central Idaho and originates at Corn Creek Campground, 46 miles west of North Fork, Idaho. From Corn Creek, the Salmon flows 79 miles west to Long Tom Bar, which is 28 miles east of Riggins, Idaho. The upper section passes through the Frank Church – River of No Return Wilderness, while the lower section forms the southern boundary of the Gospel Hump Wilderness.
Each year, approximately 10,000 people float the Wild section of the Main Salmon River. Depending on water flow levels, the Wild section of the Main Salmon provides a moderate to fast-paced whitewater floating experience.
As the Wild section of the Main Salmon flows through the Frank Church – River of No Return Wilderness, the Frank Church – River of No Return Wilderness Management Plan provides direction for floating the Wild section of the Main Salmon River. Specific guidance for management of activities on this section of river is provided in Chapter 2 of the Plan (pg. 2-63).
For the 2025 boating season, river permits are issued in advance through email. Please watch the 2025 MF and Main Salmon Campsite Requests & Permit Issuance video to understand the new process.
A permit is required to float the Wild stretch of the Salmon River. For information about how to reserve a permit and what you need to know once you have a reservation, expand the collapsible sections below.
Jetboaters – click here for more information about how to get a permit to run the Main Salmon.
Permits Required
A permit is required year-round to be on the waters of the Wild Main Salmon River. The permitted section begins at Corn Creek and ends at Long Tom Bar.
Number of Launches Allowed/Day
During the lottery control season (June 20 – September 7), a maximum of eight float boat parties (commercial and non-commercial) are allowed to launch per day. There is no limit on the number of daily launches from September 8-June 19. The launch date on your reservation is the day that you will enter the waters of the permitted stretch. If you launch from a tributary, the launch date still refers to the day that you enter the permitted stretch, regardless of the day that you launched on the tributary. Permit launch dates cannot be adjusted.
How do I make a reservation for a permit?
To obtain a permit to float the river, you must make a reservation for a permit in Recreation.gov, which handles all Middle Fork reservations, lottery applications, cancellations, and payments. Go to Salmon River (4 Rivers) to look for an available date and read more about pre-/post-season and lottery control season guidelines.
Lottery Control Season (June 20 - September 7)
Reservations for private boating permits are initially assigned by a randomized lottery. Applications are accepted annually from December 1 through January 31. Lottery participants are notified whether or not their lottery explanation was successful on the morning of February 14th. All successful lottery reservations must be accepted and confirmed by March 15th, or they will be revoked.
Pre-/Post-Season (before June 20 and after September 7)
Reservations for the pre/post season open on October 1 annually. There are no limitations on the number of launches per day during the pre and post season. Please be mindful that the dates immediately before and after the lottery control season can be congested. It is advised to look at Recreation.gov to see how many permits have already been reserved for the launch dates you are considering.
I have a Reservation. How do I get my Permit?
In 2025, the Salmon-Challis National Forest will issue permits through the River Office by email 5 or 6 days before the launch date. When you reserve a permit on recreation.gov you will receive a confirmation email explaining the new process. Please note that your reservation in Recreation.gov is not the permit itself, which will come separately.
A reservation is not a guarantee that you will be able to float the river. The Wild Main Salmon is a wild river. Natural events such as wildfire, debris flows, logjams, or other events may prevent you from being able to carry out your trip as planned. The Forest Service cannot guarantee that all access points will be available on your launch date or that the entire stretch of river will be navigable on your launch date.
Reserving a Cancellation
Cancelled reservations are made available on Recreation.gov as follows:
- Cancelled reservations for dates outside of the lottery control season are randomly released within 24 hours of cancellation.
- Reservations for dates during the lottery control season that are cancelled during the confirmation period (February 14 – March 15) are released on March 16 at 8:00 AM Mountain Time.
- Reservations for dates during the lottery control season that are cancelled after March 16 at 8:00 AM Mountain Time are randomly released within 24 hours of cancellation.
- If you pick up a cancellation fewer than 14 days before the launch date, immediately contact the Office during business hours to request camps and obtain a valid permit at sm.fs.salmonriver@usda.gov.
Commercial Allocations
Commercial outfitters are allocated, through their special use permits, launches to operate on the Middle Fork and Main Salmon. If you are interested in information about commercial outfitted trips, contact the Salmon-Challis National Forest Recreation Special Uses office at SM.FS.sc_recsu@usda.gov or call 208-756-5100.
In 2025 the Salmon-Challis National Forest will issue permits in advance through the River Office by email.
For the 2025 boating season, river permits are issued in advance through email. Please watch the 2025 MF and Main Salmon Campsite Requests & Permit Issuance video to understand the new process.
For launch dates between June 15 and September 7, a camp request form will be emailed to the permit holder 14 days prior to the launch date. This form is available for groups that would like to request reservable camps. If you do not want to request any reservable camps or if your launch is outside of June 15 – September 7, you do not need to fill out the camp request form.
The email will instruct you, the permit holder, to finalize your permit reservation details in recreation.gov no later than 7 days in advance of your planned launch. Enter all names of people going on the trip, confirm the number of days you will be floating (refer to the Group Size and Trip Length regulations), and pay all fees.
You will request your camps through a Camp Request Form (a link will be in the email sent to the permit holder 14 days in advance). If you want to request reservable camps, you need to submit camp requests no later than 7 days prior to your launch date. Your camp request form may only be submitted once. If a camp request form is not submitted in time, you will not be allocated any reservable camps. If submitted camp requests are not appropriate to allocate due to group size or other camp restrictions, the River Clerk will either reserve you the best available reservable option or you will not have a reserved camp on that night.
When requesting camps remember the following:
- Refer to our list of reservable Main Salmon campsites, also accessible in the tab below.
- Groups on a 7- or 8-day trip with fewer than 21 people may not reserve large camps.
- Groups on a 6-day or less trip with fewer than 21 people may request large camps, but those requests will only be considered after larger groups have received priority for reserving large camps first.
- Reservable camps are not eligible for layovers (stays of more than 1 night).
- Groups must stay at reserved camps on the dates listed on the permit.
- Groups are limited to no more than 5 reservable campsites per permit.
- Groups shall not stay at campsites if they exceed the site's maximum capacity shown in Main Salmon Reservable Campsite and Capacity List.
- Reserved campsites must be occupied by 7:00 p.m. Mountain Time and vacated by noon Mountain Time the next day.
- Groups may occupy a reservable camp without a reservation if it is after 7:00 p.m. Mountain Time and the camp is vacant.
The River Clerk will email your permit 5 or 6 days before your launch date. Once you receive your permit, print it and sign it. You need to have a hard copy of a signed permit with you on the trip.
Permit details and reserved camps are FINAL and cannot be changed once the permit has been issued. Staff at Corn Creek will not modify your permit.
When you arrive at the launch site, you may be greeted by a River Checker who will:
- Ask to see a signed permit, verify the permit holder’s identification, and ensure that all the required gear is present and meets standards.
- Give the group an orientation talk.
Permit holders who pick up a cancellation fewer than 14 days before the launch date should immediately contact the River Office during business hours to request camps and obtain a permit: sm.fs.salmonriver@usda.gov. Launching without a valid permit may result in a fine, or imprisonment, or both. (Title 16 USC and/or Title 18 USC 3571 (b)(6)).
Review and understand all trip requirements in the Need-to-Know section on recreation.gov and the subsequent sections of this page.
The following list of campsites is provided for your convenience and subject to the rules detailed in the tab above. As a permit holder, you should become familiar with any campsites you plan to request through your own experience, other experienced boaters, or your preferred guidebook.
Reservable campsites are indicated in underlined bold text if large, and bold italic if small.
| River Mile | Named Main Salmon River Camps | Availability | River Side | Low Water Capacity | High Water Capacity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.5 | Lunch Bar | Non-Reservable | L | 10 | 10 |
| 3.4 | Upper Horse Creek | Non-Reservable | R | 30 | 30 |
| 3.5 | Lower Horse Creek | Non-Reservable | R | 30 | 30 |
| 3.6 | Bridge Pilings Camp | Non-Reservable | L | 20 | 0 |
| 4.7 | Legend Creek | Non-Reservable | R | 20 | 20 |
| 6.1 | Spindle Creek | Non-Reservable | R | 10 | 10 |
| 7.9 | Phantom Creek | Non-Reservable | R | 20 | 0 |
| 8.6 | Alder Creek | Reservable - Large | L | 30 | 0 |
| 10 | Otter Beach | Non-Reservable | L | 10 | 0 |
| 10.2 | Fawn Creek | Non-Reservable | R | 20 | 20 |
| 10.6 | Upper Lantz Bar | Reservable - Small | R | 20 | 0 |
| 10.7 | Little Squaw Creek | Non-Reservable | R | 30 | 30 |
| 11.1 | Lower Lantz Bar | Non-Reservable | R | 30 | 30 |
| 11.3 | Tag Creek | Non-Reservable | L | 30 | 30 |
| 11.3 | Eddy Beach | Non-Reservable | R | 10 | 0 |
| 11.7 | Disappointment Creek | Non-Reservable | L | 30 | 30 |
| 12.9 | Upper Devil's Teeth | Reservable - Small | R | 20 | 0 |
| 13 | Lower Devil's Teeth | Reservable - Large | L | 30 | 30 |
| 14.3 | Overhang | Non-Reservable | R | 10 | 0 |
| 14.7 | Elkhorn Creek | Non-Reservable | R | 30 | 30 |
| 15.4 | Chamberlin Creek | Non-Reservable | L | 10 | 0 |
| 15.9 | Chukar Beach | Non-Reservable | R | 15 | 0 |
| 17 | Blackadar Hole | Reservable - Large | R | 30 | 30 |
| 17.2 | Motor | Reservable - Large | L | 30 | 10 |
| 17.9 | Big Squaw Creek | Reservable - Small | R | 20 | 10 |
| 19.6 | Upper Corey Bar | Non-Reservable | R | 30 | 30 |
| 19.7 | Lower Corey Bar | Non-Reservable | R | 30 | 0 |
| 19.9 | Pebble Beach | Non-Reservable | L | 10 | 0 |
| 21.4 | Black Canyon Beach | Non-Reservable | R | 10 | 0 |
| 22.6 | Sunny Bar | Non-Reservable | R | 30 | 30 |
| 22.8 | Hot Springs Campsite | Non-Reservable | L | 30 | 30 |
| 23.1 | Barth Campsite | Reservable - Large | L | 30 | 30 |
| 23.8 | Sandy Hole | Non-Reservable | R | 10 | 0 |
| 24.2 | Poor Bar | Non-Reservable | L | 30 | 30 |
| 24.8 | Bruin Bar | Reservable - Large | L | 30 | 0 |
| 25.9 | Hancock | Reservable - Small | L | 20 | 0 |
| 29.5 | Magpie | Non-Reservable | L | 30 | 30 |
| 30.5 | Hida Creek | Non-Reservable | L | 10 | 0 |
| 32 | Bargamin | Non-Reservable | R | 30 | 30 |
| 32.5 | Bailey Bar | Reservable - Small | R | 20 | 0 |
| 33.4 | Upper Allison Campsite | Non-Reservable | R | 20 | 0 |
| 33.5 | Allison Ranch Campsite | Non-Reservable | R | 30 | 10 |
| 36.7 | Upper Yellowpine | Non-Reservable | R | 30 | 30 |
| 36.8 | Lower Yellowpine | Reservable - Large | R | 30 | 30 |
| 36.9 | Big Mallard | Reservable - Large | R | 30 | 30 |
| 37.5 | Oakie Grogg's | Non-Reservable | L | 15 | 15 |
| 38.3 | Boiler Hole | Non-Reservable | R | 30 | 30 |
| 41.3 | Little Trout Creek | Non-Reservable | L | 10 | 0 |
| 42.7 | Easter Egg | Non-Reservable | L | 10 | 0 |
| 42.8 | Jim Moore | Reservable - Small | R | 20 | 0 |
| 43.2 | Ruff Creek | Reservable - Small | L | 10 | 10 |
| 44 | Groundhog Bar | Reservable - Large | R | 30 | 30 |
| 45.2 | Reed Creek | Reservable - Large | R | 30 | 0 |
| 46.3 | Gaines Bar | Non-Reservable | R | 20 | 20 |
| 46.6 | Rhett Creek | Reservable - Large | R | 30 | 30 |
| 49 | Paine Creek | Reservable - Small | R | 20 | 0 |
| 49.9 | Boise Bar | Non-Reservable | R | 20 | 0 |
| 51 | No Man Beach | Non-Reservable | R | 10 | 0 |
| 51.2 | Teepee Creek | Reservable - Small | R | 10 | 0 |
| 52.6 | Five Mile Creek | Non-Reservable | L | 10 | 0 |
| 53.2 | Pebble Beach | Non-Reservable | L | 30 | 30 |
| 53.4 | Haynie Bar | Reservable - Large | L | 30 | 30 |
| 53.7 | Bluebird Hole | Non-Reservable | R | 30 | 30 |
| 54.1 | Wilson Bar | Non-Reservable | R | 20 | 20 |
| 55.4 | Mackay Bar Bridge | Reservable - Large | R | 30 | 30 |
| 55.7 | Deadman's Hole | Non-Reservable | L | 30 | 30 |
| 56.5 | South Fork | Non-Reservable | L | 0 | 30 |
| 56.7 | South Fork Island | Non-Reservable | L | 20 | 0 |
| 57.8 | Cove Creek | Non-Reservable | R | 10 | 0 |
| 58.1 | Red Harland Hole | Non-Reservable | R | 10 | 0 |
| 58.6 | Upper Pine Tree Hole | Non-Reservable | L | 10 | 0 |
| 59.6 | Lower Pine Tree Hole | Non-Reservable | L | 15 | 0 |
| 60.3 | Hungry Bar | Reservable - Small | R | 20 | 0 |
| 60.6 | Mann Creek | Reservable - Large | L | 30 | 30 |
| 61 | Warren Creek | Reservable - Large | L | 30 | 30 |
| 61.6 | Swimming Hole | Reservable - Large | R | 30 | 30 |
| 62.2 | Indian Creek Bar | Non-Reservable | R | 20 | 20 |
| 62.4 | James Creek | Non-Reservable | L | 30 | 0 |
| 65.2 | Rabbit Creek | Reservable - Large | L | 30 | 0 |
| 67.2 | Alex Meadows | Non-Reservable | R | 10 | 0 |
| 67.8 | Basin Creek | Non-Reservable | R | 10 | 0 |
| 68.7 | Whiskey Bob | Non-Reservable | R | 10 | 0 |
| 69.1 | Upper Bull Creek | Reservable - Large | R | 30 | 0 |
| 69.3 | Lower Bull Creek | Non-Reservable | R | 30 | 30 |
| 71.1 | California Creek | Reservable - Large | L | 30 | 10 |
| 71.6 | T-Bone Creek | Reservable - Small | R | 20 | 0 |
| 72.8 | Maxwell Bar | Reservable - Large | L | 30 | 0 |
| 73.9 | Upper Sheep Creek | Non-Reservable | R | 30 | 30 |
| 74 | Middle Sheep | Non-Reservable | R | 20 | 0 |
| 74.1 | Lower Sheep Creek | Non-Reservable | R | 30 | 0 |
| 75.2 | Slide Beach | Non-Reservable | L | 10 | 0 |
| 75.7 | Johnson Creek Campsite | Reservable - Small | R | 20 | 20 |
| 77.6 | Long Tom Creek Bar | End of Wild Section |
Duties of the Permit Holder
As the permit holder, you must be present, in possession of your issued permit, and remain with the group for the entire duration of the river trip. You will present your permit upon request of any Forest employee. In addition, you are responsible for the behavior of your group.
Reservations are Non-Transferable
Reservations are non-transferable and alternate trip leaders are not allowed. The Forest strictly adheres to this policy. Please make a reservation only if you are fully able to commit to the trip. The number of launches each season is limited, and a reservation is very difficult to obtain. Please protect boater opportunities by fully committing to your launch.
Minimum Age
Permit holder must be at least 18 years old by the launch date
Number of Reservations/Permits Allowed per Person
Each person is limited to one permit during the lottery control season and may only hold one reservation for a permit at a time during this season. However, it is possible to hold multiple reservations and be issued more than one permit outside of the control season.
Group Size and Trip Length
Group size determines trip length during the Lottery Control Season, regardless of where you put in or take out on/from the river:
- 1 to 10 People - up to 8 Days (7 nights)
- 11 to 20 People - up to 7 Days (6 nights)
- 21 to 30 People - up to 6 Days (5 nights)
Outside the Lottery Control Season, the maximum group size is 30, and the maximum trip length is 10 days.
Group Members
A complete and accurate list of trip participants needs to be entered into the Group Member section of the reservation on Recreation.gov prior to permit issuance. Pass holders receiving a discount should be prepared to present their pass and a photo ID.
Definition of a private float trip
A river trip is not commercial if: (1) There is a bona fide sharing of actual expenses, including transportation to and from the site; (2) The trip does not include any costs for payment of salaries or expenses of any person to help with the trip or logistics of the trip; (3) Costs shared by trip members may include the costs of damaged or lost equipment, renting or buying minor equipment but not the acquisition of new equipment to the advantage of an individual or an organization. Persons involved in unauthorized commercial operations are subject to fine and/or imprisonment (Title 16 USC and/or Title 18 USC 3571 (b)(6)).
The permit is non-transferable. Alternate trip leaders are not allowed. If you cannot go on your reserved launch date, you must cancel it.
The launch date and the permit holder’s name on a reservation cannot be changed.
Details such as entry/exit locations, group members, # watercraft, and trip length, are entered in Recreation.gov. The details of your reservation must be finalized in Recreation.gov no later than 7 days prior to your launch date. The River Clerk will email your permit 5 or 6 days before your launch date. Permit details are FINAL and cannot be changed once the permit has been issued. Staff at launch sites will not modify your permit.
Cancellation Policy
The reservation is non-transferable. If you cannot go on your reserved launch date, you must cancel it.
If your launch date is in the control season (June 20 – Sep 7), failure to cancel by 11:59 PM Mountain Time 21 days prior to your launch date will trigger a Late Cancellation Penalty, which restricts you from holding a permit on this river for three years. To calculate the 21 days, start counting backwards, where the day before is one day prior and so on, e.g., if launch date is June 22, cancellation must occur by 11:59 PM of June 1.
Outside of control season, you must cancel at least three days prior to your launch.
Exceptions: When water levels exceed 5.0 feet at Corn Creek, or if your control season launch is within 21 days of when you reserve it, the reservation can be cancelled three days prior to your launch date without a late penalty, but it must be cancelled to avoid a No-Show penalty.
The $6.00 reservation fee is non-refundable.
No-Show Policy
If you do not launch on your permit date, you will be documented as a No-Show. Failure to submit a cancellation of your reservation also categorizes you as a No-Show.
No-Shows will not receive a refund of any prepaid fees and are restricted from holding a permit on this river for three years.
Control Season Cancellation Scenarios:
Andy won a reservation through the lottery. Andy’s reservation ENTRY date is Aug. 24th. Unfortunately, Andy has a hair appointment on Aug. 28th that he cannot reschedule. According to the cancellation instructions Andy can cancel on Aug. 3rd by 11:59 p.m. Mountain Time without being penalized. Andy was able to cancel on Aug. 1st without any problems.
Judy stayed up all night monitoring Recreation.gov for a cancellation. Judy booked a reservation outside of the 21-day cancellation window. At 8 a.m. on Aug. 3rd, she picks up a reservation for an ENTRY date of Aug. 24th. With all the excitement, she forgot about a horse-riding class on Aug. 26th that she must attend. If she does not cancel by Aug. 3rd, 11:59 p.m. Mountain Time, she will be penalized.
Hannah booked a reservation inside of the 21-day cancellation window. On Aug. 8th Hannah picks up a cancellation for an Aug. 24th ENTRY date. Hannah is supposed to get married on Aug 27. Her hope chest has only boat gear in it. Statistically, it’s easier to get married then pull a Middle Fork of the Salmon permit. Luckily, since Hannah’s control season launch is within 21 days of when she reserved it, the reservation can be cancelled 3 days prior to her ENTRY date.
Andy and Judy must cancel their Aug. 24th reservation by Aug. 3rd, 11:59 p.m. Mountain Time.
Hannah can cancel her Aug. 24th reservation by Aug. 21st, 11:59 p.m. Mountain Time.
To cancel without being penalized Andy and Judy need to calculate the 21 days, start counting backwards, where the day before is one day prior and so on, e.g., if launch date is Aug. 24th, cancellation must occur by 11:59 p.m. Mountain Time of Aug. 3rd. See the calendar below:
To cancel without being penalized Hannah needs to calculate the 3 days, start counting backwards, where the day before is one day prior and so on, e.g., if launch date is Aug. 24th, cancellation must occur by 11:59 p.m. Mountain Time of Aug. 21st.
What are the fees for floating the Middle Fork or the Main Salmon?
Floating either river requires payment of a per-person recreation fee and a reservation fee.
Everyone floating these rivers will pay $4.00 per person per day or have a valid Salmon Rivers Season Pass.
There is a $6 reservation fee that will be charged when booking a reservation in Recreation.gov.
How do I pay my fees?
The reservation holder is responsible for paying fees through Recreation.gov. Trip details, including the number of people and days, should be updated and paid for at least seven days prior to the launch date to ensure issuance of permit by email prior to the launch.
Interagency Passes
A fee reduction of 50% is available to Senior or Access Pass holders. The pass number must be entered into the reservation details in Recreation.gov for each group member with such a pass. Persons receiving this discount must be prepared to present their pass, along with their photo ID, to any USFS personnel at launch sites.
The "America the Beautiful" Interagency Annual Pass does not provide a discount on permit recreation fees.
Salmon River Season Passes
Season Passes are local passes that are available for purchase from the Salmon-Challis National Forest. The cost is $40.00.
The Season Pass entitles the holder (not other members of their party) to float the Middle Fork and/or Salmon Rivers without further payment of Recreation Fees for one year from the date of purchase.
To order, complete this order form and allow 2-3 weeks for processing.
OR CALL
Public Lands Center, Salmon-Challis National Forest. phone number: 208-756-5100
North Fork Ranger District, Salmon-Challis National Forest. phone number: 208-865-2700
To receive the discount, the pass number must be entered into the reservation details in Recreation.gov for that Group Member.
Refund and Change Policy
If you reduce the number of people or days or cancel your reservation in Recreation.gov, your recreation fees will be refunded back to the credit card associated with your Recreation.gov account.
You will not be refunded the $6 application fee.
No-shows (permit holders who fail to cancel or pick up their permit) will not receive any refund of prepaid fees.
To launch on the Main Salmon, you must carry the following equipment, at all times of the year, without exception:
- Govt. Issued Photo ID of the Permit Holder
- Porta Potty
- Metal Firepan - minimum of 144 sq in with 3-in sides - even if you do not plan on having a fire
- Recommended - Fire Blanket (may be required in the future)
- Ash Container (prefer metal) - even if you do not plan on having a fire
- Mesh Strainer (fine enough to filter coffee grounds)
- Shovel
- Bucket
- Sand stakes for securing rafts
- State of Idaho Invasive Species Sticker for each boat, as applicable. More information here.
- Kayakers - scroll down for information about allowances for space limitations
Shovel and Bucket
Shovels that fold are acceptable. Buckets can be a large cooking pot.
Firepans and Ash Containers
A firepan can be any metal container with sides that are at least three inches high and that is large enough to prevent your fire and ashes from spilling onto the ground. Unmodified garbage can lids are NOT acceptable.
For an ash container, you must have a metal or hard-plastic container with a sealable lid, such as an ammo-can, five-gallon paint can, or a heavy-duty plastic bucket. Plastic bags or dry bags are not acceptable.
Porta Potty
All boating parties are required to carry porta-potties with sufficient capacity to carry out all human and pet feces for their group.
Commercial units are widely available and may be rented or purchased. Another way of transporting solid waste is to use airtight ammo cans (rocket boxes).
Toilet systems that use disposable bags are only acceptable for self-contained kayak groups or for use as a day potty.
Your equipment will generally include:
- Commercial porta-potty or ammo cans (the big ones – commonly 18ꞌꞌ x 8ꞌꞌ x 14ꞌꞌ). Sand and paint the inside of your potty for ease in emptying and washing. Coat with a non-stick spray or cooking oil before use. The number of people and the length of the trip determines the number of cans or tanks (a person generates approximately 1 lb of waste per day). It usually takes one large ammo can to hold 70 to 80 person-days of waste, so for an 8-day, 10-person trip, you would need at least one ammo can for waste and one for equipment.
- Toilet seat and toilet paper (no wipes in the porta potty!)
- Deodorant chemical that is compatible with the SCAT machine
- Hand-washing bucket, soap, and a garbage container for feminine hygiene items, wipes, and/or other items. Only toilet paper and solid waste goes into the porta-potty. These other items will plug up the SCAT machine.
- Straps to secure the toilet to the SCAT machine for cleaning (usually two 3-foot straps for ammo cans, longer ones for bucket and some commercial types).
Fire Blankets - recommended and maybe required in the future
The fire blanket is a heat resistant cloth that is placed on the ground under the firepan and is meant to catch the embers and charred wood that inevitably escapes to the ground. The blanket makes it easier to meet the requirement of packing out all your ashes and leaving a clean camp for the next visitor. The fire blanket must be in good condition and be of sufficient size to catch coals and ashes around the fire pan.
Kayakers and Required Gear
Kayakers must carry all the required equipment; however, due to space limits, allowances are made for self-supported trips. Here are some suggestions for meeting the equipment requirements.
Firepan/Ash Transport Requirements
The firepan must be fire-resistant and provide a minimum fire surface area of 144 square inches, with sides at least 2 inches higher than the base of the pan. The firepan may be rigid, folding, and/or collapsible.
Suggestions for Firepans: large baking pans, a couple of heavy-duty disposable aluminum roasters with a fire blanket underneath, or homemade sheet metal pans.
The ash container must be metal or hard plastic, have a waterproof seal, and provide 300 cubic inches of storage space. Gallon paint cans or Tupperware-type containers work well. A one-gallon can and a half-gallon can, together, would exceed 300 cubic inches.
Special Consideration for Kayakers and Fire: The fire-building kayaker will need to pay special attention to reducing the volume of ash or charcoal that accumulates during a float trip. When a fire is deemed necessary, the fire should be small, using only small pieces of wood and/or other fuel that will burn completely. The fire should be tended and stirred frequently to encourage complete burn down. The ashes and charcoal from the first fire should be laid under each subsequent fire to finish the burn down process.
When using relatively small firepans, there is increased likelihood that some of the fire may escape from the pan in the form of charcoal, partially burned wood, or ash. Carefully clean the firepan area of all evidence of any fire.
Porta-Potty Requirements
For kayakers, a Porta-Potty can be a plastic pail with a snap-on lid (such as an ice cream container). The lid must seal tightly in order to be approved. Dry Clorox, Pine-Sol, or similar may help reduce odor. The container should have some type of vent to release methane gas build up.
Biodegradable plastic bag systems (e.g., WAG bags) are allowed for self-support trips only if they are meant to be disposed of in landfills. These compact dry toilet systems are not SCAT machine-compatible. These systems must be accompanied by a waterproof hard-shell container to hold the used waste bags.
Other Equipment Ideas
Strainer = cheesecloth
Bucket = cooking pot
Shovel = paddle
PFD Requirements
The State of Idaho regulates the use of PFDs. For more information and legal requirements, check these links:
Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation - Life Jacket Safety
The Forest Service does not maintain or publish lists of businesses providing services or equipment. To obtain names, addresses, and phone numbers for shuttle or flight services and/or equipment rental or suppliers, contact the Idaho Outfitters & Guide Association (208-342-1438 or ioga.org) or local Chambers of Commerce.
- Challis Area Chamber of Commerce - 208-879-2771
- Stanley-Sawtooth Chamber of Commerce - 208-774-3411
- Greater Salmon Valley Chamber of Commerce - 208-742-1800
For more information about visiting Idaho, including a free state map, call 1-800-847-4843 or visit this website.
This page is intended for all members of a group to review. The permit holder is responsible for ensuring that their group has read this information. The permit holder is also responsible for ensuring that their group will follow the rules and guidelines described below.
Corn Creek Ramp Etiquette
Corn Creek can become very crowded during the floating season with commercial outfitters, private floaters, and jet boaters all launching in the same area. It is a good idea to park up above the ramp and check in with the Checkers. Walk down to assess the situation on the ramp. If the launch area is already crowded when you get there, there is no sense driving into the mess and adding to confusion. If the launch area is clear when you arrive, feel free to choose a spot and unload your gear off to the side. Be advised that the downriver portion of the ramp is reserved for express use (unloading of fully rigged boats to be moved upstream immediately) and jet boat use. Please leave at least a truck width on the downstream side of the ramp to allow for trailers loading and unloading jet boats. As soon as you are done unloading gear from your vehicles and/or inflating boats, PLEASE MOVE YOUR VEHICLES FROM THE RAMP.
It is also helpful if your group can keep things contained to a concentrated area to allow room for others and help prevent people from mistaking your equipment for theirs. Since a good deal of floating gear looks the same, mark yours clearly! If your group is planning on a leisurely rigging and/or needs to pack food, etc., please pick a spot away from the ramp, or try to accomplish as much as you can in the campground beforehand.
Once your boats are in the water and fully rigged, move them up the shoreline and off the main part of the ramp. The shoreline upriver from the ramp provides ample room for boats while providing access to the campground.
The downriver portion of the ramp is reserved for jet boat use.
When parking at Corn Creek, please be aware that use of mothballs is a violation of 36CFR §261.9 (f) (Using any pesticide except for personal use as an insect repellent or as provided by special-use authorization for other minor uses).
Please do not use mothballs to deter pests from your vehicles while parked at Corn Creek. Corn Creek is seeing an increasing problem with visitors leaving mothballs spread out under their vehicles. The thought is that the moth balls will deter marmots and mice from causing damage to their vehicles while they are unattended. This use of mothballs harms visitors, employees, and wildlife.
Aquatic Invasive Species Prevention
Boats must be CLEAN, DRAINED, and DRY when arriving at the launch site. Forest Service personnel will inspect your boat prior to issuing your boat tag. You may be asked to clean your boat, if needed.
Idaho State Boating Law requires that all vessels display the Aquatic Invasive Species Permit Sticker to legally launch and operate on Idaho waters. Inflatable, non-motorized vessels less than 10 feet long are exempt. Go to Idaho's Invasive Species web page for vendor locations, to purchase your sticker(s) online, to locate inspection stations, and for additional information. You can also call 800-247-6332 for assistance and purchase options.
Stickers must be obtained before arriving at the launch site. Proof of purchase (e.g., receipt) is sufficient to meet this requirement.
What is an invasive species?
An invasive species is defined as a plant, animal, or microbe, including its seeds, eggs, spores or other biological material that is non-native to the ecosystem. The goal of the Salmon-Challis National Forest invasive species program is to reduce, minimize or eliminate the potential for introduction, establishment, spread, and impact of invasive species. Aquatic invasive species that are of the most concern on the Salmon River are New Zealand mudsnails, Hydrilla, curlyleaf pond weed, zebra mussels, quagga mussels, and whirling disease.
How can you prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species?
The small size of some of these species make them very easy to overlook and accidentally transport to new locations.
To minimize the potential spread, follow these simple steps:
- CHECK all recreational gear and clothing that has come in contact with water for any visible signs of sand, mud, or plant fragments which may indicate a tiny hitchhiker.
- CLEAN all gear before leaving a site by scrubbing with a brush and rinsing with water.
- DRAIN all of the water from your boat, trailer, tackle and gear before leaving the area.
- DISINFECT your gear (especially waders and boots) before traveling to a different water body. Freeze your gear for a minimum of 6 hours (< 26°F), soak gear in a hot water bath for 5 minutes (≥ 120°F) (not recommended for Gortex), or soak gear in undiluted Formula 409 for at least 10 minutes.
- DRY your gear completely (at least 48 hours) after each use.
- NEVER transport live fish or any other aquatic plant or animal from one water body to another – it is illegal!
- RESEARCH aquatic invasive species in areas you have been recreating to understand what species could potentially be on your boat or gear.
Floating with Jetboats
When float craft are moving downstream with a kicker or rowing, and a power boater is also moving downstream and attempting to pass slowly, the floaters should stop rowing or throttle to a minimum until the powerboat has passed. By continuing to row, the floater forces the powerboat to wallow.
Generally, craft moving downstream have the right of way EXCEPT for boats already committed to the rapid. The downstream craft does not have the right to intentionally block navigation. Craft moving up stream should eddy out when possible and let the downstream craft pass
When float craft meet powered craft and want them to pass quickly without slowing, signal them to pass by waving them on. Once a float party enters a rapid, ALL float boats in the party should proceed especially when powered craft are waiting for them to clear.
Sharing the Experience - Float Boaters and Jet Boaters
Drinking Water
The Forest Service maintains a potable water system at Corn Creek Guard Station. Check the Salmon River (4 Rivers) page on Recreation.gov where we will post updates if water is NOT available at these locations.
Do not drink untreated water. Filter it, boil it, or treat it chemically prior to consumption.
Gray Water and Food/Kitchen Waste
Use your strainer to filter out all food particles from your dishwater and cans. Use the buckets to catch the liquid wastes, then toss the water over a broad area above the high-water mark after doing dishes (the soap and bleach help with odors).
Grease and/or oily wastes should be burned or packed out. Do not pour any grease into streams. Pack it out using a sealed container, or burn it in your firepan.
Food attracts ants, bees, and other critters, including bears. Use a napkin or paper plate to catch food particles, including crumbs, to avoid attracting wildlife and insects. To reduce the temptation for animals to seek out and snack on your food, put away all food and drink items following mealtimes and ensure that storage containers are tightly closed. Please do not feed the wildlife. A fed bear is a dead bear, and our food can spoil the squirrels’ stash of natural foodstuffs.
Avoid pouring out any drinks on the ground, except water. Designate a bucket for unfinished drinks and liquids, and as long as there is no grease or soap in the liquid, you can pour it into the current.
Soap and Toothpaste
Use any soap products, including toothpaste, well above the high-water mark. This is true even for biodegradable soap. Liquids (leftover pop, coffee, etc.) should be diluted and put into the current.
Toothpaste should be diluted then spit above the high-water mark. Diluting prevents white toothpaste splotches around the camps.
Garbage and Recycling
With trash, it’s the little things that count. With over 10,000 people floating this 79-mile stretch of river, if each person left a twist-tie, a cigarette butt, or a gum wrapper, you could imagine what the camps would look like after a month or so. After you have the boats packed, but before you leave camp, have your group do a thorough search for micro-trash. Don’t forget to check tree branches for items that may have been hung up. Leave campsites clean and natural-looking.
Human Waste (and Dogs too)
Urine should go into the river or on the wet sand at the river’s edge. For the more modest folks, or for use at night, offer a pee bucket (no TP in the bucket), then dump the urine into the current, not in the eddy or slack water.
Solid waste goes in the porta-potty. If you take any dogs, pack out their feces too. Keep a garbage bag near the potty. Do not put anything in the potty except feces and toilet paper. DO NOT put wipes (not even flushable wipes), tampons, sanitary napkins, sand, ashes, kitty litter, or other foreign matter, in the porta-potty, as these will clog the SCAT machine and create costly repairs and down time.
Helpful hint: Before loading on the morning of your take-out, add some water to your porta-potty. The sloshing action of the boats and the vehicles helps loosen materials and makes the unit easier to clean at the SCAT machine.
Camping
All group members must camp together.
Use of Firepan and Fire Blanket
Fires must be built in a firepan. Carry out ashes.
It is a good idea to use some type of grill with legs to set cookpots on. Barbecue grills make good cooking surfaces.
Bottle or liquid gas stoves may be used but must be accompanied by a firepan and ash container.
Driftwood to fuel your campfire is often plentiful. Gather only what you will use while in the camp. Avoid creating large piles of driftwood at camps. Gather only dead and down wood (wood that is on the ground). Cutting standing trees (live or dead) is prohibited.
We recommend that you carry a supply of charcoal for your firepan, in case the camps have been cleaned of wood, or fire restrictions go into effect. During periods of extreme wildfire danger, open fires may be restricted to charcoal only in your firepans, or complete closure to open fires.
Recommendations for using your firepan:
- Before the fire is built, elevate pan off the ground three to four inches by using small rocks. This will prevent the scorching of vegetation or leaving a hot spot in the sand for someone to step on.
- Place a ½-inch layer of sand or dirt on the bottom of the pan. This prevents pan burnout and lengthens the life of your firepan.
- Use small wood for your morning fire. Let your fire burn down as completely as possible.
- Scoop ashes into ash container. Pour and stir a small amount of water into ashes to dampen. This procedure will cool down any hot ashes that are left. Pouring water into the firepan causes the pan to warp.
- When you rebuild your fire, place the dampened ashes into your firepan in place of the sand or dirt. Repeating this procedure every day continually burns the old ashes to a fine powder.
- Do not burn plastics or metal. These are likely to produce toxic fumes, and it is a violation of Idaho State Law.
Dogs
Dogs are allowed on the river, but they need to be on a leash at the Corn Creek facility and at the take-out. Clean up after your dogs. Do not allow your pets to chase wildlife (including squirrels and chipmunks) or to dig holes. Also, keep them out of the poison ivy to prevent the oils from transferring to their coats and then onto you. For more information, please go to the Handle with Care! Kids and Dogs on the River brochure.
Cultural Resources
The Antiquities Act prohibits the casual collection of artifacts. Artifacts that you see are for everyone. Protect and leave all archeological artifacts and natural features intact. Take only pictures and memories. Leave only footprints.
Do not touch the pictographs. The oil on your fingers will break down the paints.
Wildlife
We’re in their house. Avoid disturbing the animals, and take precautions to eliminate surprise meetings, such as with snakes, bears, cougars, wolves, etc. Beware of bees and yellowjackets, and wear protection against ticks and mosquitoes, just to name a few.
Fishing and Hunting
Fishing on the Main Salmon is allowed, but please refer to the Idaho Fish and Game regulations for specifics. A valid Idaho fishing license is required. These are available at most sporting goods and some convenience stores statewide. They are not available at Corn Creek. For more hunting and fishing information, contact the Idaho Department of Fish & Game, 800-635-7820, or http://fishandgame.idaho.gov/.
Chukar Hunters: Please dispose of game waste in your garbage and pack it out. Do not leave a mess behind, especially in or near camps, which can attract insects and animals.
Use of Drones is Prohibited
The Wild Salmon River runs adjacent to the Frank Church – River of No Return Wilderness. The use of Drones (Unmanned Aircraft Systems or UAS) is not allowed within wilderness. Drones are considered to be aircraft and are both “motorized equipment” and “mechanical transport”. As such, these aircraft cannot take off from, land in, or be operated from congressionally-designated Wilderness Areas. To learn more, see the USDA Forest Service’s Recreational Drone Tips , and visit Unmanned Aircraft Systems on the FAA’s site.
Above All - Be Courteous
There are over 10,000 people recreating within this area every summer. You will see other people, and they are here to enjoy this special place too. Patience and courtesy are encouraged.
Be courteous about loud music. Please keep it down after 7 p.m.
Observe all local, state, and Federal laws and regulations.
Public nudity is prohibited.
Main Salmon Use Statistics (2019-2024)
Order Invasive Species Stickers
Wilderness Ethics Talk Outline for Salmon River
Odds of Drawing a Permit on MF and Main Salmon Rivers
Main Salmon Available Control Season Launches
2025 Middle Fork and Main Salmon Lottery Entry and Success Statistics
2025 Demand by Launch Date for Middle Fork and Main Salmon
2024 Demand by Launch Date for Middle Fork and Main Salmon
Middle Fork & Main Salmon 10-Year Hydrograph
Water Level at Corn Creek - Add the two Shoup readings on this page for the approx. Corn Creek CFS