Wild West Adventure

Rafting the Salmon River and a Classic Western Ranch Stay

Trip Details

Itinerary

Day 1: Boise, Idaho

Fly into Boise and check in to the Red Lion Downtowner, with easy access to both, the vibrant downtown area and the Boise River Greenbelt. Tonight, a river trip orientation prepares you – and gets you excited for – your Salmon River rafting adventure. Gear up and sleep well!

Days 2-5: Main Fork of the Salmon River

Soar over the Sawtooths in a small plane from Boise, landing in the tiny town of Salmon, Idaho. From there, meet your guides and fellow rafters and head for the put-in, where you’ll launch on a four-night, five-day whitewater wilderness adventure down the Main Fork of the Salmon River – the River of No Return!Your guides, the wilderness, the fresh air, and the Salmon River offer up pure, old-fashioned fun! The Main Salmon River is characterized by a perfect blend of fun whitewater, stunning scenery, remote wilderness, and picturesque white-sand beaches. The water is warm and excellent for swimming. Natural hot springs dot your way, and wildlife sightings are a given! Each day brings fun on and off the river, with opportunities for kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding, swimming, beach volleyball, hiking, and relaxing. Each evening, dine on incredible riverside meals, prepared by your guides, before crawling into your cozy tent – weary with fun in the sun and eager for more! 

Days 6-8: Sun Valley, Idaho

Glide along one last stretch of river before reaching the take-out and flying back to Boise. Pick up your rental vehicle, then make your way to the iconic ski town of Sun Valley, the nation’s first destination winter resort. Stay at the Sun Valley Resort, where it all started, as evidenced by the wall of black and white photographs depicting some of the first resort fans – Ernest Hemingway, Clark Gable, Gary Cooper, Ingrid Bergman, Lucile Ball, Marilyn Monroe, and the Kennedy family – to name a few!Each day, choose from myriad activities – excellent hiking, mountain biking, fly fishing, natural hot springs, trap shooting, and resort activities, such as golf, tennis, swimming, and even ice skating. There is a robust trail system along the Wood River, and the neighboring town of Ketchum is run to walk around. 

Days 9-11: Stanley, Idaho

Drive over Galena Summit to the tiny mountain enclave of Stanley, Idaho, situated near beautiful Redfish Lake and the headwaters of the Salmon River. Idaho Rocky Mountain Ranch is your wonderful retreat, offering rustic elegance in the wilds of Sawtooth National Forest. On the ranch property is a rustic swimming pool, horseback riding, and trails for hiking. Superior mountain guides can take you out for a day of rock climbing, or on a guided hike high up into the Sawtooths. Day’s end brings delicious meals, cozy common areas, a front porch with a view, and an inviting cabin to retreat to at day’s end. 

Day 12: Fly Home from Boise, Idaho

Travel along the Ponderosa Pine Scenic Byway en route to Boise, the perfect farewell before catching flights home. 

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