Join us on a rafting adventure through North America’s deepest river gorge!

If you’ve joined us on our popular Salmon River experiences in the past, you’ll be excited to know that Hells Canyon is a fantastic next adventure for you. Bigger whitewater, rugged terrain, and the canyon’s best guides to make your trip special. Salmon Raft brings its expertise, unparalleled guest reviews, and high level of service to this stunning section of Wild and Scenic River. We hope you can join us!

Hells Canyon boasts an impressive depth of 7,910’ which makes it North America’s deepest river gorge. It follows the jagged peaks of the Seven Devils mountain range and creates the border between Idaho and Oregon. Most guests comment that the stunning landscapes seen in Hells Canyon really make you feel small! The whitewater is big and unrivaled in the West, with several big Class III and IV rapids. These trips also feature lots of extra activities, like hiking and stops at historic sites, to round out a multi-faceted adventure suitable for all adventure levels and abilities.

Hells Canyon National Recreation Area is protected as a Designated Wild and Scenic river section. With a restriction on the number of launches and regulation by the United States Forest Service, a permitted trip in Hells Canyon means prime campsite selection and limited river users.

We offer the Hells Canyon experience in three, four, or five-day trip options. Most of the big whitewater is found on the three and four-day trips, while the five-day trip option features the opportunity for one more hike, more fishing, and a longer time to fully unplug. The most popular way to experience Hells Canyon is in four days – you hit all the major whitewater, historic sites, most of the hikes, pictographs, and great sturgeon holes. Plus the pacing is ideal for mellow days with plenty of time to do all of the extra exploring that the canyon offers.

Three Days

Our three-day trip duration is great for those looking for a shorter getaway. Cover 34 miles of river, from Hells Canyon Dam to Pittsburg Landing with enough time to fish, hike, and stop at some of the historic sites and Native American pictographs.

Four Days

Four days is the most popular way to experience all that Hells Canyon has to offer. You’ll cover the same 34 miles from Hells Canyon Dam to Pittsburg Landing, but with an extra day, the pacing is ideal to explore every hike and fishing hole, and you can dive deeper into the canyon’s rich history.

The four-day experience also features a stay at historic Sheep Creek Ranch, where you can enjoy green grass and plenty of shade in the orchard.

Five Days

For the guest looking to see it all, the five-day trip is for you! We typically run the five-day trip in conjunction with the three-day option. You’ll float with the three-day guests until Pittsburg Landing, drop them off at their take-out, and then continue on for the remainder of the trip to Heller Bar (near Lewiston, ID), which rounds out an 82-mile journey. Lower Hells Canyon (below Pittsburg Landing) has fewer rapids, but a ton of scenery, excellent hikes, and more stops at historic sites. You’ll also see the confluence of the Imnaha River, which is a popular spot to enjoy a break, and the mighty confluence of the Salmon River – the meeting of North America’s two deepest river gorges is an impressive sight!

World-Class Fishing

And with any trip duration in Hells Canyon…

The fishing is unbeatable, with guests commonly catching a dozen or more smallmouth bass per day. Bass fishing is relatively straightforward and all of your gear is provided and included (you’ll just need a fishing license). Other species often caught in Hells Canyon include trout and catfish. The canyon is also famous for its world class sturgeon fishing! These prehistoric fish range in size from about three to over ten feet long. Reeling in one of these beasts is often a group effort, and certainly a trip highlight.

Rich History

One of the most special parts of Hells Canyon, aside from the powerful whitewater and awe-inspiring scenery, is the rich and unique history. Indigenous peoples have inhabited the canyon for over 10,000 years and we love to stop at all the historic sites to see homesteads turned into mini-museums and relax in old orchards to get a little shade break. There are several opportunities to see Native American pictograph sites for a glimpse into the past.

We operate on the land of the Niimíipuu (Nez Perce). We acknowledge and respect the rich history and people that were here long before us.

We invite you to check out our recommended reading list, which can be found on our Sustainability & History page.

Camping in Comfort

The camping in Hells Canyon is different than what you’ll find on the Lower Salmon River. Instead of big, sandy beaches, we typically camp up on bluffs above the river. This offers a unique perspective as well as ample opportunities for some exploring right from camp. Camp sites are usually accessed by a short hike through some rocks and dirt, but usually no more than a handful of steps from where we tie our boats off on shore. Tents are spaced out along dirt trails, with plenty of privacy from other group members.

Salmon Raft provides all camping gear, including spacious four-person tents for every one or two guests, freshly washed sleeping bags, and thick sleeping cushions. Our guides set everything up and take it down, so you don’t have to lift a finger.

Logistics

Like all of Salmon Raft’s river trips, your experience will begin at our Boathouse in McCall with a pre-trip orientation the night before your trip begins. Round-trip transportation from McCall to the river and back is always provided and included. Your trip includes top-notch rafting gear, plush camping equipment, and a well-rounded menu prepared riverside by our guide staff. Multi-day experiences also include beer and wine, endless fresh drinking water, and a selection of non-alcoholic beverages, as well as daytime snacks.

Salmon Raft guides truly set us apart and are our guests’ most frequently mentioned highlight about their river experience. Aside from what we consider to be basic duties – like setting up and taking down tents, doing all the cooking and cleaning, and safely navigating the challenging whitewater – our guides are incredible men and women who are a pleasure to spend several days on the river with. They are professional and personable, kind and funny, knowledgeable and hard-working. We are also proud to staff a balanced crew of roughly 50% women, and some years we even tip the scales above that! Constellation spotters, chefs, role models, beach game experts, and back-flippers off the raft – we truly couldn’t ask for a better crew. We are positive that you’ll enjoy their company as well.

To see available launch dates, please click the big, gold “book online” button. All of our multi-day trips can be booked through this platform. Or if you prefer to book the old-fashioned way, we are always eager to take your phone calls or answer your email messages: 800-350-6654 | info@salmonraft.com

  • Exciting and exhilarating big class III-IV whitewater rapids
  • Learn and explore the rich history of early settlers and indigenous people inhabiting the canyon for over 10,000 years. Explore old homesteads and hike to ancient pictograph sites along the way.
  • Unbeatable fishing opportunities for smallmouth bass, trout, and prehistoric sturgeon. Salmon and steelhead fishing is available during spring and fall trips.
  • View wildlife such as big horn sheep, mountain goats, elk, deer, black bear, river otters, and over 200 species of birds that live in the canyon.
  • Ample hiking opportunities throughout your trip, with both short/easy and longer/more strenuous options.

It’s important to note that you can’t go wrong with any of our trips. You might want to first look at our available date options if your schedule is tight. If you have flexibility, let’s dive in to some considerations:

  • Both the three and four-day trip options cover the same number of river miles (34) from Hells Canyon Dam to Pittsburg Landing.
  • Four days offers a mellower pace – since you cover fewer miles per day, there is extra time for all of the “off the raft” activities.
  • The four-day trip also features a stay at historic Sheep Creek Ranch. In the heat of the summer, the grassy lawn and shady orchard is a huge relief.
  • Due to our commercial permit rules, we operate one trip every 8 days. Since the four-day trip is most popular, we have more of this trip duration available.

2025 Season Rates

Prices valid for trips booked between October 1, 2024 and September 30, 2025:

Three DaysFour DaysFive Days
$1300 / adult, $1075 / youth under 18$1700 / adult, $1400 / youth under 18$1900 / adult, $1550 / youth under 18
Hells Canyon Dam to Pittsburg Landing (34 miles)Hells Canyon Dam to Pittsburg Landing (34 miles)Hells Canyon Dam to Heller Bar (81 miles)

Prices do not include optional guide gratuities, pre- and post-trip lodging in McCall, or a $10 per person per day service fee from the governing bodies.

Please note that you will receive a comprehensive and detailed packing list when you book your trip. Here is a brief snapshot below:

All of the equipment to keep you safe and comfortable on your overnight trip is included and provided by Salmon Raft. A dry bag will be provided to keep your personal items dry and safe while you’re on the water. Salmon Raft provides all camping gear (tent, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, and food beginning with lunch on Day 1 and ending with lunch on the last day).

Items for your overnight dry bag (this will not be accessible during the day – it will be waiting for you at camp when we arrive late afternoon):

  • Extra pair of dry shoes for camp
  • Layers of clothing for camp to adjust to the mild temperature swings in the canyon (a jacket is nice as the sun goes down behind the canyon walls)
  • Clothes for the next day(s)
  • Biodegradable soap (if you want to bathe in the river)
  • Toiletry items
  • Towel
  • Small pillow
  • Headlamp or flashlight

Items for your day dry bag (you will have this with you in the raft for easy access during the day):

    • Reusable water bottle (we will bring LOTS of water in big water jugs to refill bottles, but we bring a VERY limited supply of bottled water)
    • Sunscreen
    • Chapstick
    • Camera
    • Rain jacket (just in case!)
    • Medications*
  • Fleece jacket or light layer in case you get chilly

What to wear during the day on the water:

  • Quick-drying or breathable clothing
  • Swimsuit
  • Hat with a brim
  • Sunglasses with Chums or Croakies-type retention straps
  • Sturdy footwear (please no flip-flops! Teva, Chaco, or Keen-style sandals are best)

Please try to avoid bringing valuables, like jewelry or fragile items.
*Are you allergic to bees? Please remember your EpiPen and any other medications that you might need!

Click HERE for printable PDF of the following information.

Our Promise to You

Salmon Raft values each and every guest and we promise to work our hardest to gain and keep your trust for your first and future river adventures. We promise to communicate with efficiency and clarity. Your confirmed reservation implies that you have read and agree to the following terms, conditions, and policies.

Deposits & Balance Due (Applies to All River Sections)

Trip DurationDeposit AmountBalance Due Date
Single Day20% of trip cost60 days prior to launch date
Two & Three-Day30% of trip cost60 days prior to launch date
Four & Five-Day30% of trip cost60 days prior to launch date

Spaces can be held for three days without a deposit. Your non-refundable deposit confirms and secures your space on a trip. If reservations are made within the balance due date timeframe, full payment is required to confirm your reservation. Deposits are applied towards the final balance.

Please use the above link to access our full cancellation policy document.

Communication is always the best policy, so please contact us if you have questions about your current or future river trip.