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 book private tours so that your experience is big. This allows us to tailor our scenic tours to each 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. Vinegar Creek is an hour from Riggins, and two hours from McCall. Our scenic tours begin at 9am. You will spend the day sightseeing and enjoying the river. We will drop you back at the boat ramp around 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-June). We can accommodate up to 8 people during lower water (July-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.

Two boats are docked on a sandy riverbank, offering a glimpse of Salmon River Scenic Tours against a backdrop of green, mountainous landscapes. The river flows calmly under the clear blue sky, surrounded by rocky terrain and patches of greenery.

A boats side mirror reflects an adult in a green shirt and sunglasses with a child in a blue and orange life jacket. Theyre holding hands on the boat as it journeys along the river on one of Salmon River Scenic Tours, with a picturesque view unfolding in the background.

Two children in swimwear joyfully play with water guns by the riverside, near a silver boat labeled Whitewater Expeditions. The backdrop boasts a rocky cliff and evergreen trees under a clear blue sky, evoking the charm of Salmon River Scenic Tours.

A group of people aboard a Salmon River Scenic Tours boat sits near a rocky cave opening. Wearing life jackets, they gaze ahead at the breathtaking scenery of rugged terrain and sparse vegetation. The sun shines brightly, illuminating the tranquil setting.

A rugged rock face featuring large, jagged cracks and weathered surfaces greets visitors on the Salmon River Scenic Tours. Sparse vegetation, including small bushes and patches of moss, clings to the rocky surface, while sunlight highlights various textures and colors on the stone.

A group gathers outside a rustic wooden cabin surrounded by lush greenery. Some sit on the porch, while others stand nearby, enjoying the sunny day. Theyre on a break from their Salmon River Scenic Tours adventure. A large tree provides shade, with mountains visible in the background.

A boy in a blue life jacket leans over the side of the boat on a Salmon River Scenic Tours adventure, smiling as he reaches out to touch the splashing water. Another set of arms joins him, while the boat creates waves as it glides through the rivers current.

Three people fishing from a boat on a scenic river during a Salmon River Scenic Tours adventure. The sky is clear blue, surrounded by forested hills. A striped towel is draped over a seat, adding color to the picturesque outdoor setting.

A rustic wooden cabin with a stone chimney perches on a hill surrounded by greenery and wildflowers, reminiscent of the vistas seen during Salmon River Scenic Tours. Tall trees and a clear blue sky with wispy clouds form the backdrop.

A group of people sits on a boat cruising the Salmon River with Scenic Tours, surrounded by lush green hills and trees. Some passengers gaze at the scenery, while others engage in conversation. A rack with adult life jackets is visible above.

A child with blonde hair, wearing a gray shirt, crouches by a small stream during the Salmon River Scenic Tours. They use a ladle to scoop water from the clear flow in a sunny, grassy area with trees and distant mountains under a blue sky.

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.

“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

Scenic Tours

Includes a private jet boat & guide.
We have a max group size of 20 people.
Children 0-4 years of age ride for free on private tours when the booking minimum of $1,200 has been met. Children are full price on group tours.

$210 +fees \ Per Person

*Booking minimum is 6 people or $1,200 + fees. Additional people are $210/per person.

“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 $1,260 + fees or 6 people.

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

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.