Upper Salmon River

Overview

The Upper Salmon River (Stanley to North Fork, Idaho) provides a variety of boating and river-based recreational opportunities. This upper section is unique in its combination of easy access and backcountry scenic values. Dozens of wildlife and bird species depend on this river for its clean water and robust riparian zones for survival. The river also supports three separate species of anadromous fish, including Chinook Salmon, Sockeye Salmon, and Steelhead. Towns along the Upper Salmon River include Stanley, Clayton, Challis, Ellis, Salmon, and North Fork, Idaho with Highways 75 and 93 running parallel to the river. 

The river provides opportunities for rafting, floating, fishing, hot springs, camping, picnicking, and wildlife watching. Visitors can expect to see Bald Eagles, Deer, Elk, or Bighorn Sheep while recreating on the Upper Salmon River. 

The Headwaters to Torrey's Hole

The headwaters of the Upper Salmon begins in the Sawtooth National Recreation Area (NRA) managed by the U.S. Forest Service. This sections contains Class I to IV rapids. Boaters are required to use designated put-ins and take-outs in the Sawtooth NRA, and floatboating has an annual seasonal closure from August 15 to September 22, which includes the section of river from the Sawtooth Hatchery (Mile 0) to Torrey's Hole (Mile 21.4).

Please contact the USFS Sawtooth NRA for more information. 

Torrey's Hole to Challis Bridge

This next section runs through the BLM-Challis Field Office managed public lands and water, from Torrey's Hole (Mile 21.4) to Challis Bridge Recreation Site (Mile 58.5). This section contains Class I and II rapids, and various river access sites. River access sites along this section include Torrey's Hole, South Butte, East Fork, Deadman Hole, Bayhorse, and Challis Bridge. 

Please contact the BLM-Challis Field Office for more information at (208) 879-6200.

Challis Bridge to Kilpatrick 

This section contains to run through the BLM-Challis Field Office managed public lands and water from Challis Bridge (Mile 58.5) to Kilpatrick (Mile 94.7). This section contains class I and II rapids, and various river access sites.  River access sites along this section include Challis Bridge, Challis Hot Springs, Pennal Gulch, Watts Bridge, Cottonwood, Ellis, Deer Gulch, Cronk's Canyon, McKim Creek, and Kilpatrick. 

Please contact the BLM-Challis Field Office for more information at (208) 879-6200.

Kilpatrick to North Fork

This final section of the Upper Salmon River runs through the BLM-Salmon Field Office managed public lands and waters from Kilpatrick (Mile 94.7) to North Fork (Mile 148.6). This section contains Class I rapids and various river access sites. River access sites along this section include Kilpatrick, Elk Bend, Waddington Creek, Camp Creek, Elevenmile, Eightmile, Shoup Bridge, Salmon Island Park, Carmen Bridge, Morgan Bar, Tower Rock, Red Rocks, Bobcat Gulch, and North Fork.

Please contact the BLM-Salmon Field Office for more information at (208) 756-5400.

River and Boat Ramp Etiquette

• Get in and out of boat ramps as quickly as possible.
• Park vehicles away from loading areas.
• Give other boaters plenty of space.
• Steer clear of fishing lines.
• Keep noise levels low when floating by other parties.
• Avoid disturbing wildlife.

Minimum Impact Camping

• Pack out all trash.
• Bring extra drinking water.
• Use a fire pan or blankets for campfires.
• Do not cut or destroy standing live or dead vegetation.
• When possible, use vault toilets at recreation sites, or a portable toilet system that is watertight.