Water Activities

For more than 150 years after the first white men came to this area, only one-way trips down the Salmon River were possible due to its whitewater. In recent years, with the advent of power boats, skilled operators have been able to travel upriver. Even today, however, this trip demands the best in skill, experience and equipment.

Since 1976, controlled permits have been required to float the river during the June 20 -September 7 period. Each summer, approximately 7,000 people go down the wild river from Corn Creek to Long Tom via float boat through class I to class IV whitewater. The Salmon's abundant sandy beaches provide campsites to float groups throughout the summer and fall. Hikers, horse packers and jet boaters also share in the Salmon River experience. The historical use of jet boats was recognized by Congress as an integral part of the transportation system on the Salmon River; therefore, provisions were made to continue powerboat use.

Permits are now required year-round for both float boats and jet boats on the Wild section. For the period June 20 - September 7, float permits are issued in a computer lottery in December and January of the previous year. Jet boat permits are issued on a phone-in, first-come/first-served basis. All floaters and boaters are required to carry fire pans, porta-potties, ash containers, shovel, bucket, and food strainer. Leave No Trace and minimum-impact camping techniques must be practiced when visiting the corridor.

View the current contact information for the Outfitters and Guides on the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests. Explore Idaho's official adventure travel site, IOGA, with listings for over 250 outfitters and related services; something for everyone!

Motorized activities are prohibited on portions of the rivers that run through the Wilderness. All motorized and non-motorized watercraft are required by Idaho State Law to purchase and display Idaho Invasive Species Fund (IISF) stickers in order to legally launch and operate in Idaho. Visit the State of Idaho Invasive Species web site for more information.

Visit the USGS National Water Information System (NWIS) web site. Daily flows, peak flows, and other information at a stream gage sites are available.

Boating - Motorized

The Main Salmon Wild and Scenic River (Long Tom Bar to Corn Creek) offers powerboat users a fun, challenging and beautiful trip through a deep and rugged canyon. The Main Salmon River travels east to west for over 80 miles bisecting both the Frank Church River of No Return and Selway Bitterroot Wilderness areas. This undammed, free flowing river contains many Class III and some Class IV rapids, depending on water level, and its whitewater characteristics change greatly over the course of the year as flows fluctuate. The Main Salmon not only offers river users the opportunity to seek solitude, but also provides a unique glimpse into the past, from prehistoric pictographs to old homesteads.

Permit and Season Information

For more information and to apply for/purchase a river permit, search for Main Salmon River (Powerboat), Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests on Recreation.gov.

There are two primary seasons on the Main Salmon: Control and Non-Control.

Control Season lasts from June 20th - September 7th each year. During this period, six powerboats are permitted on the river per day, with no more than three powerboats traveling together as a group. The maximum stay is limited to six nights and seven days during this season, with a maximum group size of 30.

There is no limit on the number of powerboats allowed on the river during Non-Control Season (September 8th - June 19th). The maximum stay limit during non-control season is 10 days and nine nights, and all campsites are first-come, first-served.

Permits are required year-round for any river travel upstream of Vinegar Boat Ramp.

Important Dates

June 1, 2022: Control season permits available to reserve at 6 a.m. Eastern
June 20, 2022: Control Season Starts
September 8, 2022: Non-Control Season Starts

Control Season Regulations (June 20th - September 7th)

Permits are required year-round (in both control AND non-control season) for any river travel upstream of Vinegar Boat Ramp
Maximum party size is 30 people
Maximum stay of six nights, seven days
Up to three boats can travel together as a group. Each boat is required to have their own permit.
Permits are non-transferable. The permit holder must be present on the trip and is responsible for all members of their group.
Carry a copy of your permit and be ready to present it to Forest Service personnel upon request.
Boat registration numbers on motorized river craft must be displayed pursuant to state and federal requirements; this includes float craft with kicker motors.

Non-Control Season Regulations (September 8 - June 19)

Regulations are the same as listed above with the following exceptions:
- No limit on the number of powerboats in the river corridor or in a group
- Maximum stay is nine nights, 10 days

More information is available on our Powerboating Information webpage

Boating - Non-Motorized

Floating permits are required for the Salmon and Selway rivers. The Rivers Lottery went “green” in 2010, incorporating an entirely online system at Recreation.gov. Click on the Permits tab across the top of the screen. Each applicant will be required to have their own email address to create a profile online. Visit the Salmon-Challis NF web site for more information.

There are a variety of tubing access points within the Forests, including Knife Edge Campground and River Access, Weitas Creek Campground, and Spring Bar Campground.

Swimming

Spring Bar Campground has a good beach area for swimming in the Salmon River. O’Hara Campground, located on the Selway River, has good access to the river with some swimming spots. Johnson Bar, also on the Selway, is a nice beach location. There are many rafting opportunities where you can swim along with your group at times. South Fork Campground on the South Fork of the Clearwater River on State Highway 14 has river access for swimming also. Keep in mind these are large rivers with undertows which can take you by surprise – use caution when choosing to swim in rivers on the Forests.