If you have a few extra hours or days, Salmon has a lot of things you can do to make your Middle Fork Salmon River trip better. Whichever activity you choose, extra time in Salmon will be well-spent. Here are some insider favorites.
Salmon is a beautiful mountain town in the middle of west central Idaho. It is surrounded by stunning natural beauty. Because it is right on the Salmon River, this outdoor-loving community has a lot of great opportunities for fun and adventure.
From world-class fishing and rafting to hiking and hot springs, Salmon has something for everyone Here are the top 15 things to do during a visit to this Idaho gem
1. Go Whitewater Rafting
One of the most popular activities in Salmon is whitewater rafting on the Salmon River. Ranked as one of the top ten rafting rivers in the world, the Salmon River provides thrilling Class III rapids through deep canyons and pristine wilderness.
Local outfitters like Solitude River Trips offer guided full-day and multi-day rafting trips for all skill levels It’s the ultimate way to experience the untamed beauty of central Idaho
2. Hike the Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness
Surrounding Salmon is the massive Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness. Home to over 2.3 million acres of protected land, it has an extensive network of hiking trails to explore.
Hikers of all levels can find beautiful trails, from short nature walks to backpacking trips that last several days. The Wood Creek Trail, the Indian Springs Trail, and the Lakeshore Trail around Redfish Lake are some of the best.
3. Go Fishing
With the Salmon River flowing right through town, Salmon is a legendary fishing destination. The river is known for its trophy-sized steelhead and chinook salmon.
Anglers also flock to nearby rivers like the Middle Fork Salmon and Little Salmon, as well as alpine lakes and reservoirs loaded with trout. Outfitters offer guided fishing trips in the area.
4. Relax in Natural Hot Springs
Soak in one of Salmon’s natural hot springs to relax after a day of adventures. These geothermal pools provide the perfect way to relax tired muscles.
Some top hot springs to visit include Goldbug Hot Springs, Zim’s Hot Springs, and Bonneville Hot Springs. Just be sure to respect the rules and etiquette at each site. Pack out any trash and soak responsibly.
5. Mountain Bike the Surrounding Trails
From mild dirt roads to steep single-track, the Salmon area offers fantastic mountain biking terrain. Ride through thick forests and along alpine ridges with panoramic views.
Some popular routes include the Discovery, No Return and Crystal Falls trails. Outfitters like Backcountry Biking rent bikes and provide shuttle service to trailheads.
6. Stroll Through Main Street Salmon
Salmon’s walkable downtown historic district has maintained its Old West charm. Stroll along Main Street to browse the unique local shops, galleries, restaurants and museums that give the town its character.
Don’t miss Sacajawea Historical Museum to learn about the Lemhi Shoshone Native American tribes and the Lewis & Clark expedition.
7. Play at the Golf Courses
With its breathtaking scenery, Salmon is a spectacular place to get out and play 18. Two excellent golf courses lie just north of downtown.
Salmon River Golf Course is a championship 18-hole course along the river. Another top pick is Ponderosa Butte Golf Course, with scenic volcanic rock formations. Both offer fun challenges for all skill levels.
8. Go Horseback Riding
See the incredible Salmon River country on horseback by booking a guided trail ride. Several local outfitters like Salmon Creek Ranch provide riding adventures ranging from hour-long rides to full days.
Riders enjoy scenic wooded trails, mountain meadows and river views. No experience is necessary. It’s a fun way for all ages to soak up Idaho’s beautiful landscape.
9. Relive History at Slate Creek Bridge
An iconic Salmon landmark is the Slate Creek Bridge located 6 miles north of town. This historic bridge was built in 1927 and spans 150 feet across the Salmon River.
Today it remains open for foot traffic and offers great views of the river gorge. There are interpretive signs recounting the bridge’s unique history and legacy.
10. Camp Along the River
Riverfront camping is another quintessential Salmon experience. The Salmon River provides excellent spots for pitching a tent or parking an RV camper.
North Fork, Pine Flats, and Benchmark are all popular campgrounds with amenities like restrooms, picnic tables and fire pits. Wake up to misty mountain views and the sound of the flowing river.
11. Photograph the Wildlife
Salmon’s mountainous wilderness is filled with diverse wildlife waiting to be discovered. Bring your camera or binoculars while hiking to spot roaming elk, deer, bighorn sheep, eagles and other animals.
Early mornings and evenings around meadows and forests provide the best chance for wildlife viewing and photography. Just keep your distance and respect the animals.
12. Tour the Local Wineries
Idaho has a fast-growing wine industry, and the Salmon area has some stellar local wineries. Spend an afternoon touring and tasting.
Hat Ranch Winery outside Salmon produces excellent cool climate varieties like Riesling, Syrah, Viognier and more. In nearby Leadore, visit Thomason Farms Winery tasting room at the historic railroad depot.
13. Ski or Snowmobile in Winter
When the snow flies, Salmon transforms into a winter playground. The surrounding mountains offer fantastic snow sport options like downhill skiing, snowboarding, cross-country skiing, and snowmobiling.
Lost Trail Powder Mountain ski resort has over 60 runs ranging from beginner to expert. Salmon Mountain and Carmen Ridge offer prime snowmobiling terrain with stunning vistas.
14. Shop the Local Boutiques
Between outdoor adventures, save some time to explore Salmon’s fun local shops. From home décor and fashion to outdoors gear and gifts, these businesses showcase local talent.
Some top picks include Creatively Yours, Made in Idaho, Riverwear and Mid-Town Mall with various boutiques under one roof.
15. Dig for Gems
One unique Salmon activity is mining for gems! Visit Sunset Falls Gem Mine to pan for Idaho star garnets, the state gem. Drive 60 miles northeast to Crystal Park Gem Mine to dig for sapphires.
These family-friendly mining sites provide basic tools and instructions for amateur gem hunters. You get to keep any stones and gems you discover!
When to Visit Salmon, Idaho
With its four distinct seasons, Salmon offers plenty to do year-round:
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Spring sees whitewater rafting kick off in May along with hiking, biking, camping, golfing and more as temperatures warm. Wildflowers bloom while snow remains in the high country.
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Summer is peak season with warm, sunny weather perfect for riverside adventures. All hiking trails and activities are accessible. Days are long for outdoor fun.
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Fall brings brilliant foliage colors along with crisp air and clear skies. Wildlife viewing, fishing and golfing are all excellent. Fewer crowds make it an ideal time to visit.
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Winter transforms Salmon into a frozen wonderland. Skiing, snowshoeing and snowmobiling adventures abound. The holidays sparkle with small town charm.
Where to Stay in Salmon, Idaho
Accommodation options range from rustic to luxurious:
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Hotels/Motels: Comfort Inn & Suites, Stage Coach Inn, Traveler’s Lodge Motel
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Vacation Rentals: Cozy cabins and cottages ideal for families and groups
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Bed & Breakfasts: Sacajawea Center Inn, Salmon River Inn, Landing Hotel
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Camping: Dozens of campgrounds along the Salmon River and in the national forests
Where to Eat and Drink in Salmon, Idaho
Salmon has a lively food and drink scene:
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Breakfast/Brunch: The Coffee Corner, Last Chance Cafe, The Spot
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Casual Lunch/Dinner: Junkyard Bistro, The Shady Nook, Longfellow’s Drive-In
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Finer Dining: The Snake Pit, Tap House Grill & Bar, Blue North Café
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Breweries: Salmon River Brewery, Smokey Bone Brew, Sockeye Brewing
How to Get to Salmon, Idaho
Salmon sits at the intersection of US highways 93 and 28 in central Idaho, about 170 miles north of Boise.
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By Car: Salmon is a 3 to 4 hour drive from Boise, Spokane, and Missoula. Having your own vehicle gives maximum flexibility for exploring.
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By Air: The closest commercial airport is the Friedman Memorial Airport in Hailey, about 2.5 hours away. From there you can rent a car and drive to Salmon.
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By Bus: Greyhound buses stop in nearby Challis, about a 35 minute drive from Salmon. Airport shuttles and taxis can take you the rest of the way.
Don’t Miss Salmon!
Known as the “Whitewater Capital of the West”,
Shop at Odd Fellows’ Bakery
Bread for bread, Odd Fellows’ is the best bakery in Idaho. Owners Craig & Jessica McCallum, along with Ken Korn, have built a true artisan bakery that focuses on simple ingredients prepared the right way. Using a brick oven, they produce incredibly delicious bread that will have you coming back for more. Beyond the brick oven, Ken and staff prepare a homemade soup, empanadas, and many other mouth-watering entrees.
Local Tip: The sliced 80-Mile bread is the best for making sandwiches. Grab an apple galette for dessert. Take it home, reheat it in the oven, and serve with ice cream. You’ll thank us later.
Gem Air, located at the Salmon Airport, offers breathtaking scenic flights to several lodges around the Frank Church Wilderness. These flights will provide stunning views of the backcountry, followed by a sumptuous breakfast at a remote lodge. This is a unique opportunity to witness the beauty of Idaho from above while meeting wonderful people.
To make your trip longer, Gem Air can drop you off at a lodge and pick you up a few days later to take you back to Salmon.
The Salmon Valley Golf Course is a well-maintained 9-hole course situated just outside of the town. Anyone who wants to play golf in Salmon, Idaho should go to this course. It has reasonable prices, stunning mountain views, and difficult holes. If a cow swallows your ball, it counts as a mulligan.
It’s a good idea to use the driving range and putting green if you don’t have time to play 9 holes.
Stamina, adventure, a mix of type-2 fun, and miles of trails to bike can be found just on the edge of town. Salmon has an incredible variety of trails to enjoy, and you’ll never get bored of the terrain. As the snow melts, and the mud hardens, the trails around the Salmon River Valley open up for bikers. A good place to start is the local Discovery Trail System, affectionately known as Disco Hill. If you are looking for longer missions, view the Ride Salmon site for the best resources on area trails.
Local tip: Salmon has a dedicated group of mountain bikers, and chances are you’ll find them hanging around the best bike shop in town: The Hub. If you like riding around Salmon, sign up for the annual “24 Hours of Disco Race”.
Go to a concert or event at Sweetwater Hollow
Amy Tonsmeire, the owner of Sweetwater Hollow, built something special in the heart of our town. Along the river next to the Shady Nook, is the community spot for outdoor concerts, food, and special events. If you’re traveling through Salmon, make sure to check the calendar to see if there are any events happening at Sweetwater while you’re visiting.
Local tip: If you’re planning a wedding, contact Amy. Sweetwater is an incredible site for a fun, private celebration. Our favorite event of the year is the Harvest Festival every September, benefitting the Salmon Valley Stewardship.
The Ultimate Outdoor Playground: Salmon, Idaho
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