Salmon River Jet Boat Tours

The Salmon River, also known as the “River of No Return,” is one of Idaho’s scenic gems. The Salmon begins in the Sawtooth Mountains in central Idaho as a tiny stream. As it flows through the state it becomes a formidable river, housed inside a rugged canyon that is even deeper than the Grand Canyon.

We Offer tailored Jet boat tours on the Salmon River

We don’t do run-of-the-mill jet boat tours, instead join us for a tailored experience on the Salmon River. Our fully customizable jet boat tours take you into the Frank Church Wilderness where you will experience a unique adventure. We are located in Riggins, Idaho and operate from the Vinegar Creek boat ramp.

A large group of people stand in front of a jet boat during their Salmon River Scenic Tour with Whitewater Expeditions.

Why Choose Us for your Salmon River Tour?

We’re Big on Experience

We book private and pooled group tours. This allows you to choose the best fit for your group. Private tours can be booked for groups of 6+ people.

We’re an approved Outfitter

We are a licensed and bonded Idaho Outfitter. Our boats and captains are Coast Guard certified.

30+ years in Business

Whitewater Expeditions has been in business for more than 30 years.

Our Salmon River Jet boat Tours

A tailored Experience

We strive to create a tailored experience that will leave your group or family with lasting memories. We do this by primarily offering private tours with fully customizable itineraries. During the summer we offer pooled group scenic tours (meaning that we combine smaller groups to fill a boat).

About our Salmon River Jet Boat Tours

Our jet boat tours take you on a stretch of the Salmon River that is part of the Frank Church Wilderness. This is a roadless canyon that holds white sand beaches, wildlife, history, and lots of sunshine. Our Salmon River tours take you upriver for a day of sightseeing, playing on the river, and enjoying all that the Salmon has to offer.

How our tours work

You will meet your boat captain at the Vinegar Creek boat ramp. Vinegar Creek is 1.25 hour from Riggins, and 2 hours from McCall. Our tours begin at 10:00 AM Mountain Time, and finish between 4-5 PM.

Buckskin Bill's Museum is a point of interest for Salmon River scenic tours with Whitewater Expeditions.

Historic Places of Interest

Historic places that can be seen during a tour include Polly Bemis, Buckskin Bill’s Museum, Painter Mine, a Native American pictograph site, Reho Wolfe’s cabin, and Campell’s Ferry.

Types of Tours & Pricing

Summer Family fun Trip

STARTING AT $1,260 + fees

Spend a sun-soaked day playing and making family memories on the river. This trip is fully tailored to your family and their experience. This trip is a private booking and suitable for all ages.

Summer Cooler Trip

STARTING AT $1,260 + fees

This trip is all about grabbing a cooler of cold drinks and hitting the river for a day of summer fun. This trip is fully tailored to your group’s itinerary. This trip is a private booking and suitable for adults.

Salmon River Scenic Tour

STARTING AT $210 / per person + fees

Spend the day exploring the Salmon River on our scenic jet boat tour. This trip is available to be booked as a private tour, pooled group tour, or an overnight trip. This trip is suitable for all ages.

Barth hot springs Tour

STARTING AT $2400 + fees

Take a jet boat ride to a picturesque natural hot spring perched above the river. This trip includes a day of jet boating and a soak in Barth. This trip is a private booking and suitable for adults.

We are located in Riggins, Idaho, and operate from the Vinegar Creek boat ramp. See where Riggins is located on a map – Google Map. See Vinegar Creek boat ramp on a map – Google Map.

The Vinegar Creek boat ramp is 27 miles east of Riggins, Idaho on the main Salmon River Road. From Riggins it takes about 1.25 hours to drive to Vinegar Creek.

Lunch is not included.

We welcome small kids BUT we do not provide life jackets for children under the age of 4. If you bring a child under the age of 4 you MUST bring a life jacket for them.

Group tours are a shared tour, meaning that you will be sharing the boat with other people outside of your group.

We reserve the right to cancel group tours if there are less than the required minimum number of seats filled. You will refunded in full if we cancel.

There is a boat minimum of $1,260 + fees for up to 6 people. Additional guests are $210 each.

Yes, you can fish during any of our private tours. We provide trout and bass gear. You MUST have an Idaho Fishing License to fish on your tour.

A 50% deposit is due at booking. Full payment is due 14 days before our trip.

Cancellations made more than 15 days in advance will receive a 90% refund of their deposit. Cancellations made within 14 days will receive a 70% refund of all monies paid. Cancellations made within 5 days will not receive a refund.

If we should have to cancel because of unforeseen circumstances (water level, ice, fires, US Forest Service restraints, etc.) you will receive a full refund.