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Description

The Main Salmon is a classic Idaho multi-day whitewater trip that usually takes paddlers 6-7 days to traverse. The 78-mile run begins several miles downstream of the Middle Fork Salmon confluence at a launch site called Corn Creek. Most paddlers end their trip at Carey Creek, upstream of Riggins, Idaho. In between is some outstanding whitewater and scenery. Camping is typically on big sand beaches or campsites nestled among ponderosa pines. The scenery is a mix of cliffs, canyon grasslands, and lush tributary valleys. There are many great side hike options to pictographs, a hot spring, overlooks, and up side-streams (several of which can be paddled). The river is drop-pool, with a nice mix of rapids ranging from Class I to Class III+/IV- at moderate flows. The rapids are almost always characterized by large clean wave trains, and the more difficult rapids throw a hole or rock in the mix that require dodging. As flows drop into late July/August, you'll see many skilled rowers out on the river with their kids. At higher flows, the river packs bigger punch with flipping a raft more possible in more places. There are some good river map books and apps that can be bought to help navigate the river and keep track of camps and hiking options. Note that some older books will fail to mention Black Creek Rapid, which formed in 2011 and backs water up to Salmon Falls. It is one of the more powerful rapids on the run. A lottery-based permit is required to paddle the Main Salmon in the primary recreation season. Even though the Main Salmon flows through designated Wilderness and is a Wild and Scenic River, you will see some jet boats and a few ranches. At times the jet boat traffic can be pretty intense. With this said the Main Salmon remains a wild place and a beautiful river. The shuttle is epic, and many groups choose to hire a company to take their car to the take-out. Corn Creek Launch Site Hydrograph https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE\_DOCUMENTS/stelprdb5365708.pdf

6 - Corn Creek to Carey Creek

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Description

Rapids in this Run (58)

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Difficulty Classes

Permit Required

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5-Day Forecast