CuteCamper
Lower Salmon River
The 425-mile Salmon River is one of the longest free-flowing river in the lower 48 states. The river begins at not much more than a trickle at an elevation of about 8,000 feet in the Sawtooth and Whitecloud Mountains of central Idaho. It gathers force as it makes its way northeast and then west, fed by snows from the Sawtooth and Salmon River Mountains in the south and the Clearwater and Bitterroot Mountains in the north.
About 150 miles further on its westward course, the Salmon River has carved the second deepest canyon in North America, which effectively splits Idaho in half. The section known as the Lower Salmon River begins at Vinegar Creek, 25 miles above the town of Riggins. At Riggins, the river swings north and then west for 87 miles where it then meets the Snake River. The Salmon and Snake combine to flow into the Columbia River and eventually into the ocean. The drainage area of the Salmon River, which lies entirely within Idaho's borders, encompasses approximately 13,550 square miles.
The river and its canyon are truly remarkable in this "pool and drop" river where difficult rapids are located in the narrow canyons. The numerous unusual white sand beaches offer camping and serve as a reminder that this river is still free flowing. The 20-mile stretch of the Snake River, from the confluence with the Salmon River to the Heller Bar take-out near the confluence with the Grande Ronde River, contains slower moving water with some rapids and is often characterized by stiff up-canyon winds.
Along the Lower Salmon River, the BLM manages the following sites: Hammer Creek, Island Bar, Lucile, Old Lucile, Pine Bar, Shorts Bar, Skookumchuck, Slate Creek and White Bird Gravel Pit.
The Lower Salmon River from Vinegar Creek to the confluence with the Snake River features 112 miles of Class II-IV whitewater in one of the deepest canyons in the United States. Much of the 53 miles of the river, from White Bird downstream to the confluence of the Snake and Salmon Rivers, is roadless and accessible only by boat. The Lower Salmon is a suitable river for future Wild and Scenic River designation. The BLM recreation sites with provide access to the Lower Salmon are Island Bar, Lucile, Old Lucile, Shorts Bar, Slate Creek, Skookumchuck, White Bird, Hammer Creek and Pine Bar. Be sure to check those sites for more information and amenities for boat ramps or camping. For river maps, authorized outfitters and shuttle services, go to the links below.
RecAreaDirections
Access is via U.S. Highway 95 through Riggins and White Bird, Idaho.
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Permits info
Facilities
Lucile Recreation Site Facility
This day use site on the Lower Salmon River is a frequent take-out spot for floating the river from Riggins by raft, kayak, jet boat or power boat. It is also a launch site for Lower Salmon trips. Amenities include drinking water and restrooms. Camping is not allowed at Lucile. Other BLM recreation sites attached to this stretch of river are Island Bar, Old Lucile, Shorts Bar, Slate Creek, Skookumchuck, White Bird, Hammer Creek and Pine Bar. Be sure to check those sites for more information and amenities for boat ramps or camping. For river maps, authorized outfitters and shuttle services, see the links below.
Island Bar Recreation Site Facility
The site is located on the Lower Salmon River. It is a frequent put-in spot for floating the Lower Salmon River via raft, kayak, or jet boat. The site is largely undeveloped and is near large, sandy beaches and has easy access to the Salmon River. BLM recreation sites also on this stretch of river are Lucile, Old Lucile, Shorts Bar, Slate Creek, Skookumchuck, White Bird, Hammer Creek and Pine Bar. Be sure to check those sites for more information and amenities for boat ramps or camping. For river maps, authorized outfitters and shuttle services, see the links below.
Old Lucile Recreation Site Facility
This site on the Lower Salmon River is a frequent take-out spot for floating the Lower Salmon River from Riggins to Old Lucile via raft, kayak, jet boat or power boat. It is also a launch for other Lower Salmon River trips. The site is largely undeveloped but is near large, sandy beaches and easy access to the Salmon River. Day use area only. Other BLM recreation sites on this stretch of river are Island Bar, Lucile, Shorts Bar, Slate Creek, Skookumchuck, White Bird, Hammer Creek and Pine Bar. Be sure to check those sites for more information and amenities for boat ramps or camping. For river maps, authorized outfitters and shuttle services, see the links below.
Pine Bar Recreation Site Facility
This site on the Lower Salmon River is a frequent put-in spot for floating the Lower Salmon River. Visitors can camp, fish and picnic here too. Several large beaches provide perfect swimming opportunities. BLM recreation sites attached to this stretch of river are Island Bar, Lucile, Old Lucile, Shorts Bar, Slate Creek, Skookumchuck, White Bird, and Hammer Creek. Be sure to check those sites for more information and amenities for boat ramps or camping. For river maps, authorized outfitters and shuttle services, see the links below. https://www.blm.gov/sites/blm.gov/files/documents/files/Media-Center_Public-Room_Idaho_Lower-Salmon-River-Guide_HammerCreek-HellerBar_1.pdf
Shorts Bar Recreation Site Facility
This site is a frequent put-in spot for floating the Lower Salmon River. The site is near large, sandy beaches and provides easy access to the Salmon River. BLM recreation sites attached to this stretch of river are Island Bar, Lucile, Old Lucile, Slate Creek, Skookumchuck, White Bird, Hammer Creek and Pine Bar. Be sure to check those sites for more information and amenities for boat ramps or camping. For river maps, authorized outfitters and shuttle services, see the links below.
Skookumchuck Recreation Site Facility
This is a scenic day-use site features swimming beach and shady, grassy picnic area along the Lower Salmon River. BLM recreation sites on this stretch of river are Island Bar, Lucile, Old Lucile, Shorts Bar, Slate Creek, White Bird, Hammer Creek and Pine Bar. Be sure to check those sites for more information and amenities for boat ramps or camping. For river maps, authorized outfitters and shuttle services, see the links below. .
Slate Creek Recreation Site Facility
This is a small developed site with shade, boat launch, and six campsites with tables and fire rings on the Lower Salmon River. BLM recreation sites attached to this stretch of river are Island Bar, Lucile, Old Lucile, Shorts Bar, Skookumchuck, White Bird, Hammer Creek and Pine Bar. Be sure to check those sites for more information and amenities for boat ramps or camping. For river maps, authorized outfitters and shuttle services, see the links below.
White Bird Gravel Pit Recreation Site Facility
This day use site on the Lower Salmon is a frequent put-in spot for floating the Lower Salmon River from White Bird to Pine Bar or Heller Bar. The site is largely undeveloped, but has easy access to the Salmon River. BLM recreation sites attached to this stretch of river are Island Bar, Lucile, Old Lucile, Shorts Bar, Slate Creek, Skookumchuck, Hammer Creek and Pine Bar. Be sure to check those sites for more information and amenities for boat ramps or camping. For river maps, authorized outfitters and shuttle services, see the links below.
Hammer Creek Recreation Site Facility
Hammer Creek Recreation site is a popular put-in spot for boating the Lower Salmon River via raft, kayak, jet boat or power boat. It has 12 campsites along the Lower Salmon River surrounded by semi-arid mountain peaks. Amenities include drinking water, restrooms and a RV dump station. Other BLM recreation sites along this stretch of river are Island Bar, Lucile, Old Lucile, Shorts Bar, Slate Creek, Skookumchuck, White Bird, Hammer Creek and Pine Bar. Be sure to check those sites for more information and amenities for boat ramps or camping.
