Salmon River Scenic Tours

The Salmon River, also known as the “River of No Return,” is one of Idaho’s historic 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.

The Salmon River is home to wild stories from times past and historical figures that have shaped the history of Idaho. Whitewater Expeditions offers jet boat trips that take you into the heart of the Frank Church Wilderness where you can experience the history and beauty of the “River of no Return”.

Come jet boat Idaho’s Historic Salmon River

“This was a great trip! Captain Jake provided us with an awesome day on the water. We made several stops along the way at various historic locations. He was very accommodating. We would highly recommend Whitewater Expeditions!”

Dave B. (Scenic Tour)

We Offer Scenic Tours on the Salmon River

We are Whitewater Expeditions and we offer scenic jet boat tours of The River of No Return. We’re located in Riggins, Idaho.

Learn about Us

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 scenic Tour?

We’re Big on Experience

We offer private tours and shared tours, so you can pick the experience that best fits your group.

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.

“Whitewater Expeditions’ scenic day trip was more than we expected. Jake was very knowledgeable about the history of the river and very entertaining. The fresh air was marvelous and the scenery was gorgeous. The bighorn sheep were fascinating to watch with their young. I can’t wait to book another trip soon for another exciting adventure.”

Cindy W. (Scenic Tour)

Salmon Scenic Tour

We offer Private & Group Tours

About our Salmon River Scenic Tours

Our scenic jet boat tours take you into a stretch of dedicated wilderness known as the Frank Church Wilderness. This is a roadless area that holds historic relics and feelings of days past. Your trip will take you upriver for a day of sightseeing and storytelling.

How our tours work

You will meet your boat captain (also your historic guide) at the Vinegar Creek boat ramp. Our scenic tours begin at 9am and you will spend the day sightseeing and enjoying the river. We will drop you back at the boat ramp by 4pm.

Historic Places of Interest

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

Group Size And Time Of Year For Scenic Trips

Our scenic trips can accommodate up to 20 people during higher water (April through mid-July). We can accommodate up to 8 people during lower water (August-September).

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

Why Choose this trip?

Spending a day on the Salmon River is an opportunity to step away from the busyness of life and see some of the history that has shaped Idaho. This trip allows you to experience a river corridor that is filled with wild stories, old mining sites and white sand beaches.

“Our family recently went on a trip with Jake and Autumn from Whitewater Expeditions. We had an absolutely amazing time. There were over 20 of us ranging in age from 4-93 years old. There was something that made it an absolute blast for each and every one of us. I recommend, 10/10, booking a trip with Whitewater Expeditions!”

Charlene H. (Scenic Tour)

Salmon river Scenic Tour Pricing

Private Tour

Includes a private jet boat & guide.
We have a max group size of 20 people.
Children 4 and under ride for free.

$200 / + fees & taxes Per Person

Book Now

*If you have more than 8 people call to book. **Booking minimum is $1,200 and includes up to 6 people. Additional people are $200/per person.

Group Tour

We offer shared tours on Saturdays in May, June, July & August.
With this tour you will be combined with other guests/groups to fill the boat.
Children 4 and under ride for free.

$200 / + fees & taxes Per Person

Book Now

*We have a boat minimum of 6 people to run a tour. If there are not enough people to launch a boat you will be contacted to reschedule.

“Jake is an great captain! It was a pleasure to have spent the day with him on such a magnificent river!”

Lorraine D. (Scenic Tour)

Q & A

We are located in Riggins, Idaho. Riggins is located about 3 hours from Boise and 2 hours from Lewiston. See where Riggins is located on a map – Google Map.

The Vinegar Creek boat ramp is located 25 miles up the main Salmon River out of Riggins, Idaho. From Riggins it takes about an hour to drive to the boat ramp. See where it’s located on a map – Google Map.

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.

Yes, there is a boat minimum of $1,200 or 6 people. Online booking allows you to book tours with up to 8 people. Call to book tours with 8+ people. We can take up to 20 people.

Yes! We provide trout and bass gear. You MUST bring an Idaho Fishing License to fishing during your trip.

Payment is due in full at the time of booking.

Full refunds are given for cancelations that occur 15 days before a scenic tour (minus transaction fees). If you cancel within 15 days of your trip you will receive a 50% refund (minus transaction fees). If we should have to cancel because of unpredictable circumstances (water level, ice, fires, US Forest Service restraints etc) you will receive a full refund.