Salmon, North Fork
Sawyers Bar to Gallia Mine River Access(Sawyers Bar Run)
| Difficulty | II+(III) |
| Length | 4.2 mi |
| Avg Gradient | n/a |
| Gauge | Salmon R a Somes Bar Ca |
| Flow Rate as of 36 minutes | 588 cfsbelow recommended |
| Reach Info Last Updated | May 10, 2023 |
River Description
The scenic four-mile section beginning in Sawyers Bar is one of the best sections of class II/III whitewater in the region yet is virtually unknown to paddlers despite its ease of access and prominent visibility along Sawyers Bar Road. Most boaters just drive by, headed for more famed and difficult sections elsewhere in the watershed. But this is worthy as a stand-alone run for boaters seeking class II/III challenge, and it can be added onto the Idlewild Run for some additional miles on the North Fork's magical green waters.
The rapids begin right away at the put-in and alternate with long, slow pools. Bestville Boulder and Little North Fork rapids stand out as the two that are more difficult than the rest and there's one section just upstream of Jackass Gulch where the willows have encroached the channel and require some route-finding to find the clearest passage through. Be sure to spin your boat to take in the upstream view of the high peaks of the Salmon Mountains in the Russian Wilderness Area in the first half of this run. Views of Crapo Mountain dominate the middle of the run in the downriver direction. The confluence of the Little North Fork is gorgeous.
The take-out is unmarked along the river and could be easily missed, so scout it before paddling so you don't end up on the class IV+ Canyon Run that lurks downstream.
Logistics
Put-in
The put-in is near the downriver end of the small town of Sawyers Bar. Park at the small clearing next to the historic Catholic Church in the upriver direction. From here, walk across Sawyers Bar Road and back downriver about 150 feet. You'll see an unmarked trail that heads through the tailings piles and goes to a sandy beach on the river with a tree house nearby. This is the only public river access in Sawyers Bar and it is also the nicest. Be sure to download the Salmon River Restoration Council's
...River Features
Sawyers Bar River Access
The river access is down an unmarked trail off Sawyers Bar Road near the historic Catholic Church in town.
Bestville Boulder
An inconveniently placed boulder splits the current into two narrow channels with fast current. Most boaters go left of the boulder. The rapid is easy but has potential to push you onto the rock if you don't maintain control.
Jackass
Straight shot rapid with a boulder/hole in the center at bottom, just upstream of confluence of Jackass Gulch.
Unnamed Rapid
Constriction rapid along river left.
Unnamed Rapid
Watch out for a cable that hangs vertically from an overhanging tree on river right.
Unnamed Rapid
Small rapid near the confluence with Glasgow Creek (river left).
Unnamed Rapid
A bar pushes the river toward the left side of the channel. This rapid continues downstream to the suspension footbridge ove the river (private property).
Shiltos
A large hole forms in the center at medium flows.
Kellys Bar
Small rapid between Kelly Bar (river right) and West Bar (river left). This area of the river has been impacted by Gold Rush-era mining tailings and is an active river restoration site. Kelly Gulch enters on river right.
Unnamed Rapid
River pushes left and has a reactionary current/pillow off the left rock bank.
Unnamed Rapid
Riffle.
Unnamed Rapid
Starts as a riffle then constricts and flows right around a bar. At medium flows there can be a surf wave at the constriction.
Little North Fork Rapid
This is the most challenging rapid of this section as the river swerves between granite boulders on a sweeping left bend in the river. A couple holes add some spice. At the bottom, the confluence with the Little North Fork is gorgeous.
Little North Fork Confluence
The Little North Fork joins from river right. This large tributary drains south side of the northern Salmon Mountains. The confluence and its pool are beautiful.
Unnamed Rapid
Marked by a giant boulder on river right, this straight shot rapid hides a punchy hole in the center at medium to high flows.
Unnamed Rapid
Just downstream of the residential compound on river right. Sharp right turn to enter rapid from pool above, pushes into willows on right bank.
Unnamed Rapid
Riffle.
Gallia Mine River Access
The Gallia Mine river access is located just upriver from the 10-mile marker on Sawyers Bar Road. Take the dirt road toward the river that is marked with a River Access / Engine Fill sign. The sign is difficult to see if you're driving upriver due to a tree blocking its view, so be sure to pay attention to the road milemarkers.
Trip Reports
Log in to add a reportRainbow over NF Salmon at Sawyers Bar with the high peaks of the Salmon Mountains in the Russian Wilderness Area in the background.
A few shots from a hardshell cataraft and river board run on the Sawyers Bar Run on a lunch break with staff from the local river restoration group, the Salmon River Restoration Council.
Sunset on the North Fork Salmon below Sawyers Bar with the snow-covered Salmon Mountains rising above.
Moonlit confluence of the Little North Fork and North Fork Salmon rivers, taken in late fall 2005.