How can I possibly choose between Hells Canyon and the Lower Salmon River?
This is, without a doubt, one of our most frequently asked questions from prospective clients. Both river sections are incredible and it’s important to note that you can’t go wrong with either one. However, they are different in a few notable ways.
First, a little background:
Hells Canyon is a Designated Wild and Scenic stretch of the Snake River. It is a dam-controlled river, so flows are regulated and relatively predictable all season long. The Salmon River is undammed and free-flowing, so the volume is at the whim of Mother Nature. Salmon Raft launches on Hells Canyon every eight days according to our commercial permit with the US Forest Service. We launch more often on the Lower Salmon as allowed by our commercial permit with the Bureau of Land Management.
The gorges of the Salmon River and Snake River are North America’s two deepest, even deeper than the Grand Canyon, which comes in at third place in the ranking. Both river canyons are stunning, roadless, and full of wildlife. Our unrivaled guest reviews on TripAdvisor speak volumes to the quality of both trip experiences.
Our Hells Canyon trips are typically four days in duration. They begin at Hells Canyon Dam and finish at Pittsburg Landing for total of 34 river miles. Salmon Raft’s Lower Salmon trips are run in four or five-day durations. Four-day Lower Salmon Canyons trips begin at Pine Bar and finish at the confluence of the Salmon and Snake River for total of 43 river miles. Five-day Lower Salmon Canyons trips begin at Hammer Creek and finish at the confluence of the Salmon and Snake River for a total of 53 river miles. All Lower Salmon Canyons trips finish with a 30-mile jet boat ride from the confluence up Lower Hells Canyon to Pittsburg Landing.
Here are some differences between the Lower Salmon River and Hells Canyon:
Camping
Hells Canyon is more rugged than the Salmon. Camps are up on dirt bluffs above the river, typically accessed by a short walk through rocks. Camping on the Salmon River is a bit easier, as camps are on big, beautiful (and famous!) white sand beaches (easy walking right from where the rafts are tied up). Both trips feature deluxe camping accommodations, all set up and taken down by the guide staff.
Swimming
The sandy Salmon River camps allow for very easy swimming right from camp. The Salmon River’s beaches are sloped gradually, so it’s safe for kids and adults to easily wade in. It’s a little more difficult to swim at camp in Hells Canyon because of the rocky access points (however certainly still possible). Both rivers feature calm spots in between rapids to swim from the raft.
Off-the-raft activities
Hells Canyon has a lot of hiking opportunities, stops at historic sites, and visits to Native American pictograph sites. There are both short and long hikes in Hells Canyon, both during the day and right from camp in the late afternoons/evenings. The Salmon River has fewer hiking opportunities. Both trips feature great fishing; but it is arguably more productive in Hells. We fish for smallmouth bass, trout, and sturgeon in Hells Canyon and the fishing for all three of these species is very productive. While we do rarely land a sturgeon, salmon, or trout on the Salmon River, we are primarily targeting smallmouth bass. Smallmouth are fun and easy to catch, even for novice fishermen/women and kids. Our guides are great at helping to facilitate fishing, and all equipment is provided (you’ll just need a license).
The Salmon River is all contained within the state of Idaho. The Snake River through Hells Canyon follows the border of Idaho and Oregon. So, in terms of fishing licenses, you’ll just need one (Idaho) for the Salmon River, and two (Idaho and Oregon) to have the most opportunities for on-shore fishing in Hells Canyon.
Whitewater
In general, Hells Canyon is well-known for its stout whitewater. The Salmon River is generally more family-friendly (Class II-III). The whitewater is still big and splashy, but more straightforward on the Salmon. The whitewater in Hells is safe in the hands of our expert guide staff, but there are some very notable Class IVs rapids that definitely feel huge! We typically offer Hells Canyon to those looking for extra adventure since there is lots to do in addition to being on the rafts.
Trip duration/pacing
We offer the Lower Salmon as a four or five-day trip, and all of these end with a jet boat return from the confluence of the Salmon/Snake Rivers up to Pittsburg Landing on Lower Hells Canyon. This allows for mellow pacing each day and a quicker return back to McCall after the trip ends. (Here is some more info about the jet back return.) The Lower Salmon four-day sees three out of the four distinct canyons, and five-day sees all four. Hells Canyon is best experienced as a four-day trip so that we can make all the stops, have ample time for fishing, and do some hiking – all four-day Hells trips also get to stay at Historic Sheep Creek Ranch on the second night.
Hopefully this gives a good background on the differences between the Lower Salmon River and Snake River through Hells Canyon. While both trips are idyllic, transformative, and totally off-the-grid, choosing the best experience really comes down to your river vacation goals. As always, we love talking about Idaho rivers, so please contact us with questions!
See you on the river,
Lauren
