The Lower Salmon River

The lower Salmon River gorge offers a variety of experiences for the float boater. From Hammer Creek to its confluence with the Snake River (53 miles) the river falls an average of 10 feet per mile. It is a pool and drop river, offering stretches of quiet water punctuated with the roar of whitewater rapids. The canyon terrain is as varied as the river itself. The river flows through four distinct canyons: Green, Cougar, Snowhole, and Blue Canyons. In these canyons, the walls are precipitous and rocky, and the river is narrow and fast. Between the canyons the river is broader and slower, and the terrain is more open with rolling grassy slopes and rock outcroppings. There is evidence of human presence, including occasional roads and ranches. The Salmon from Hammer Creek to its confluence with the Snake has been introduced in Congress for inclusion in the National Wild and Scenic River system. On this stretch of river are 21 class III rapids and two class IV rapids. This is a lot of whitewater for the miles covered. Some of the best rapids are: Demon's Drop, Wright-Way Drop, Pine Bar, Lorna's Lulu, Half & Half, The Gobbler, Oh! ----!, China, Snow Hole, The Slide, Zig-Zag, Checker Board, Sluice Box, and the Eye of the Needle.