You’re here because you’ve booked a jet boat trip with us, and we couldn’t be more excited to take you out on a Salmon River tour! You’re on your way to having the adventure of a lifetime amidst this wild and rugged Idaho wilderness that we call home. So what comes next?

Planning is the key to having a smooth, stress-free river experience from the moment you step on the boat until the moment you disembark at the end of the day. To ensure you feel fully prepared and ready to embrace your day out on the water, we’ve put together this guide to getting ready for your jet boat tour, including a list of what to bring with you, practical planning advice, basic safety practices, and more. We can’t wait to meet you on the river!

New here? We ofter a variety of jet boat tours on the Salmon River. You can read about our all of our jet boat tours here.

Preparing for your Jet Boat Tour with us

1) Be aware of the time change

Fun fact: the Salmon River is actually the dividing line between Pacific and Mountain time. This can be a bit confusing, so know that we operate on Mountain Time!

2) Download offline maps

There is no cell service between Riggins and Vinegar Creek, so make sure to check the directions to Vinegar Creek before getting out of cell range—or download maps to be used offline. 

3) Pick the right clothing

Wearing the right clothing is an essential part of planning for any trip, but especially when it comes to water-based activities like boating, fishing, and swimming. Generally, you’ll want to stick to comfortable clothing made of breathable materials that allow you to move about freely, and protect yourself from the elements (especially sunshine in the summer). Layers will be your best friend out on the water as temperatures can shift quickly, so it’s best to bring/wear a few layers that you can easily add and remove as the day goes on. 

Choosing the proper footwear is equally as important (if not more) as the clothing you wear, as inappropriate footwear can lead to safety risks. Wet river rocks are especially slippery and it’s important that you’re prepared to travel safely over them. Non-slip shoes, such as sandals with rubber soles or lightweight sneakers, are ideal for your time on the boat and on the shore. Sandals are also great as they can be easily removed when you’re ready to go for a swim or take a walk on the beach. We recommend water sandals like Chaco’s or Tevas and lightweight hiking sneakers.

4) Dress for the season

In addition to dressing for the water, you also want to be sure to dress for the season. Below is a quick look at what we recommend for each of our trips and the seasons they take place:

  • Barth Hot Springs Trip
    • April-June: Warm clothing, rain gear, light hiking shoes or sneakers, and hot spring accessories (water sandals/attire/towels).
  • Summer Family Fun & Cooler Trips
    • July-August: Cooling clothing, hats, sunglasses, sunscreen, water sandals, swimming attire, and towels.
  • Scenic Tours
    • April-June: Warm clothing, rain gear, light hiking shoes or sneakers.
    • July: Cool clothing, sunscreen, sunglasses, hats, and water sandals.
A woman and a child enjoy a sunny day on a Salmon River Scenic Tours boat, surrounded by breathtaking mountain views. They are smiling as they engage with a colorful childrens book. The child, adorned with sunglasses and stickers, adds charm to this delightful riverside adventure.
A suspension bridge elegantly spans a wide, flowing river in Riggins, set against rugged, rocky hills with patches of greenery. The cloudy sky above adds serenity to this natural landscape, making it a must-see among things to do in Riggins.

5) Pack lunch and drinks

We don’t provide food or drinks on our jet boat tours, so make sure to bring enough food and drinks for your group for the entire day—and plenty of water for the summer. Our boats have a small table inside that you can use for eating, and we also have a foldout table that can be used on the beach for serving lunch. For safety proposes, we ask that you avoid bringing beverages in glass bottles, and opt for canned or plastic containers instead.

To learn more about how to minimize your impact while out on the water, we recommend reading this article put together by the National Forest Foundation.

6) Purchase a fishing license

Our Summer Family Fun and Summer Cooler Trips are made for fishing! Any guest over the age of 12 that intends to fish will need to purchase an Idaho fishing license and have it with them on the boat. We provide bass and trout fishing rods and gear. You are welcome to bring your own fishing gear as well.

7) Summer Fun Items to Bring

Water toys are a fun addition to any river trip! You are welcome to bring any water toys and sand toys you like. Paddle boards are welcome too!

8) Practice river safety

Safety is always our top priority, and it should be yours, too—especially when you’re out in a wilderness area surrounded by water, canyons, and hills with plenty of unknowns. The most dangerous things you’ll encounter on your trip are rattlesnakes and poison ivy.

Poison ivy is a 3-leaved plant that grows along the banks of the Salmon River, and causes a nasty rash when touched. Your boat captain can point out what it looks like, but it’s good to look up a photo before your trip so you’re already aware. Rattlesnakes are reclusive, but sometimes we see them. We always ask that you stay aware of your surroundings and look before you step to avoid any unwanted encounters.

Finally, children under 12 years of age are required by law to wear a Coast Guard certified life jacket, which will be provided for you on the day of your trip.

Close-up of a young poison ivy plant with glossy green and reddish leaves, reminiscent of those found along the scenic Salmon River tour. The plant thrives among dry leaves and soil, with its distinctive clusters of three leaves prominently displayed.
Fall Poison Ivy (image sourced from Google).
A close-up of vibrant green leaves of a poison ivy plant with the characteristic three-leaf cluster, nestled amid the earthy backdrop of dried leaves and twigs. This natural scene evokes the untouched beauty one might encounter on a Salmon River tour.
Spring and summer Poison Ivy (image sourced from Google).
A coiled rattlesnake rests on the gray asphalt, reminiscent of the rugged terrain along the Salmon River Tour. Its distinctive brown and tan patterns blend with the rough surface, small gravel surrounding its notable tail rattle.
Rattle Snake (image sourced from Google).

9) Practice Leave No Trace principles

If you’ve never heard of Leave No Trace, now is a great time to familiarize yourself with the easy-to-understand principles they offer to help leave a positive impact on nature. The 7 core principles are as follows:

  1. Plan ahead & prepare (you’re already off to a great start by reading this guide!)
  2. Travel & camp on durable surfaces
  3. Dispose of waste properly
  4. Leave what you find
  5. Minimize campfire impacts
  6. Respect wildlife
  7. Be considerate of others

These are great practices to start implementing into any outdoor trips you take, whether it’s a jet boat trip, a hike in the mountains, or simply a day at the beach. Below, we’ve listed a few key ways you can be intentional about leaving no trace on your jet boat tour:

  • Prepare for all kinds of weather
  • Use existing trails
  • Leave structures, artifacts, rock art, and other natural objects undisturbed
  • Keep your distance from wildlife
  • Keep your pets on a leash
  • Respect other visitors (whether on the boat during a shared tour, or elsewhere on the river)

Salmon River Tour FAQ’s

Next, let’s answer a few frequently asked questions that you may be wondering about as you prepare for your tour.

The road to the Vinegar Creek boat ramp is well maintained by the county. While the road can be driven in a passenger car, the clearance of an AWD vehicle is a better option. It is paved for the first 11 miles and dirt the rest of the way. The dirt section has washboards during the summer. The road is windy. You need to drive with caution because it has a lot of blind corners. The road to Vinegar Creek has a high volume of traffic during the summer months. There are no services on the road to Vinegar Creek.

Parking at Vinegar Creek can be an issue in the summer and fall mountains. We recommend that you carpool, and give yourself extra time to find a parking spot during peak season (June-September).

No, but there are bathrooms at the boat ramp. If you have to pee while on the river “dilution is the solution”. Per local land management, recreators are to urinate directly in the river. If you use toilet paper or wipes after peeing DO NOT leave them behind. They should be thrown away in the trashcan on the boat. If you have to go #2 while on the river you can’t leave it behind. All solid human waste must be packed out. Wag Bags are an easy to use go-anywhere toilet system. We keep a few on the boat, but please consider being prepared and bring your own.

Yes, you can bring alcohol on your trip.

If you book a private trip, you will have the boat all to yourselves for the entirety of your trip. However, we also offer shared tours, so make sure to choose the right option for you when booking.

The Frank Church Wilderness is brimming with fascinating historical sites that we’d love to share with you. Depending on the time of year and what your group would like to see, some of the most popular stops include Polly Bemis Ranch, Buckskin Bill’s Museum, Painter Mine, Campbell’s Ferry, Reho Wolfe’s Cabin, and a Native American pictograph site.

To learn more about the best historic stops along the Salmon River, click here.

Yes, but they need to be friendly and remain on leash. Some of the historic stops do not allow dogs, so one person would need to remain on the boat with the dog.

Yes, every boat has Coast Guard certified adult life jackets and children’s life jackets that are suitable for ages 4+. If you have children younger than 4 years of age you MUST bring a child’s life jacket for them.

Two Adirondack chairs and a small table overlook a scenic view of rolling hills and pine trees in Riggins. A dome-shaped tent is partially visible on the left, hinting at the areas many outdoor pursuits. The setting suggests a tranquil retreat amid natures beauty with countless things to do in Riggins.

Where to Stay for Your Salmon River Tour

We recommend staying in Riggins before your Salmon River tour. Riggins is about 1.25 hours from Vinegar Creek. Riggins has a variety of lodging options depending on your group size, as well as the type of atmosphere you’re looking for—we’ve listed a few Airbnbs and hotels below that you can look into for your trip.

  • Salmon River Dome: Our very own glamping dome along the Salmon, ideal for couples.
  • Salmon Rapids Lodge: Best for large groups looking for a blend of rustic charm and modern elegance.
  • The Building on the River: A collection of 1 and 2-bedroom riverside rentals owned by our friends.
  • The House on Main St.: A cozy home within walking distance of everything in Riggins, great for groups of up to 10.
  • Riverview Bunkhouse: The perfect hillside 1 bed, 1 bath home for families.
  • Riggins Cabin: A tranquil home right on the Little Salmon with easy access to the river, for small groups or a family.
  • Waterfront Cabin: A warm, welcoming cabin nestled on the river’s edge.

Looking for fun ways to spend the rest of your time in the area? We’ve got a guide to the 8 Best Things to do in Riggins that you won’t want to miss.

Best Salmon River Jet Boat Tours

Now if you’ve found your way here but haven’t yet booked your trip, we wanted to share the differences types of Salmon River tours we offer:

We hope to see you on our boat soon, and look forward to taking you on an unforgettable adventure through this spectacular wilderness!

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