Little Salmon
1. Smoky Boulder Road to Hazard Creek
| Difficulty | III-V |
| Length | 5.2 mi |
| Avg Gradient | n/a |
| Gauge | Little Salmon River at Riggins Id |
| Flow Rate as of 38 minutes | 6.36 ftrunnable |
| Reach Info Last Updated | July 6, 2024 |
River Description
The Little Salmon transitions from a meandering stream to a high-gradient creek at Smoky Boulder Road where it passes under Highway 95. This is a high-challenge roadside whitewater run. The put in is at the first of four large waterfalls. All four waterfalls are runnable but the first drop can damage boats. The majority of the run consists of small boulder pile and ledge drops. Each of the waterfalls present a different challenge and some can hide strainers and submerged rocks. On one run a kayaker and canoer both disappeared for more than five seconds in the hole at the base of the third drop but emerged unscathed. Unlike many whitewater runs in Idaho the Little Salmon is probably safer and more runnable at medium flow.
River Features
Put-In
Put in at the four waterfalls along Highway 95 located downstream of Smoky Boulder Road turn off at Highway 95 mile 172.0.
Hazard Creek Take-Out
Take-out on river right upstream of the confluence of Hazard Creek or continue on downstream. This access is just below the Highway 95 Bridge at mile 176.5 just before Hazard Creek joins the Little Salmon and increases the flow.
Trip Reports
Log in to add a reportPhoto from the drive along Highway 95.
This is the first of the 3 falls on the Little Salmon River in Idaho, It is above the normal class 4 run right next to the highway. For more Idaho Pictures go to AutoBoof Produtions website