About Salmon River
OverviewThe Upper Salmon River (Stanley to North Fork, Idaho) provides a variety of boating and river-based recreational opportunities. This upper section is unique in its combination of easy access and backcountry scenic values. Dozens of wildlife and bird species depend on this river for its clean water and robust riparian zones for survival. The river also supports three separate species of anadromous fish, including Chinook Salmon, Sockeye Salmon, and Steelhead. Towns along the Upper Salmon River include Stanley, Clayton, Challis, Ellis, Salmon, and North Fork, Idaho with Highways 75 and 93 running parallel to the river. The river provides opportunities for rafting, floating, fishing, hot springs, camping, picnicking, and wildlife watching. Visitors can expect to see Bald Eagles, Deer, Elk, or Bighorn Sheep while recreating on the Upper Salmon River. The Headwaters to Torrey's HoleThe headwaters of the Upper Salmon begins in the Sawtooth National Recreation Area (NRA) managed by the U.S. Forest Service. This sections contains Class I to IV rapids. Boaters are required to use designated put-ins and take-outs in the Sawtooth NRA. The section of river from the Sawtooth Hatchery (Mile 0) to Torrey's Hole (Mile 21.4) has an annual seasonal closure. Please contact the USFS Sawtooth National Recreation Area for more information at (208) 727-5000.Torrey's Hole to Challis BridgeThis next section runs through the BLM-Challis Field Office managed public lands and water, from Torrey's Hole (Mile 21.4) to Challis Bridge Recreation Site (Mile 58.5). This section contains Class I and II rapids, and various river access sites. River access sites along this section include Torrey's Hole, South Butte, East Fork/Spud Creek, Deadman Hole, Bayhorse, and Challis Bridge. Please contact the BLM-Challis Field Office for more information at (208) 879-6200.Challis Bridge to Kilpatrick This section contains to run through the BLM-Challis Field Office managed public lands and water from Cha
