Salmon

8 - Riggins to White Bird

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August 29, 2021

Salmon River Multi-day Trip

ReporterThomas O'Keefe
Gauge Reading3000 cfs at SALMON RIVER AT WHITE BIRD ID
FlowLow Flow

We floated this section as part of a longer trip from Spring Bar to Heller Bar and did the segment from Island Bar to Hammer Creek over 3 days. This meant camping two nights along Highway 95. Flows were around 3000 cfs and the current appeared to be moving slowly below Lucile but was actually fairly consistent with fewer of the flat pools upstream of drops in the section closer to Riggins. We easily did a 17 mile day with current moving at approximately 1.5 mph and our rafts were able to maintain a pace of approximately 3.5 mph (no significant up canyon wind). We made it to Heller Bar by noon on the third day. We found great beaches for camping on river left but the road was nearly always a presence and traffic continued through the evening. If I were doing this again at low flows I would likely plan for two days from Island Bar to Hammer Creek and just camp one night along the highway.

Salmon River Multi-day Trip – Salmon – 8 - Riggins to White Bird | American Whitewater