Salmon

Salmon is in Central Idaho.

Understand

Salmon is the seat of Lemhi County and imbedded in the ridges and valleys of the Rocky Mountains, such that it seems worlds away from the rest of the world. In times past, it is where the Lewis & Clark expedition passed through with the help of Sacajawea. Today it has a dichotomous vibe of playing to the rich as a destination for outfitter type excursions, notably with dude ranch vacations and whitewater rafting on the Salmon River, while at the same time being the home to many conservative, provincial types. One caveat of all this is that you might pay a little more for your latte or gallon of gas here.

Get in

Salmon is at the intersection of US Route 93 and ID Route 28. For most ordinary people, the way in is by driving. Millionaires coming for their guided hunt or personalized whitewater rafting trip might arrive via private charter plane at Lemhi County Airport.

The nearest commercial airport is in Missoula.

Get around

It's good to have a car to see natural attractions outside of town.

See

• 1 Lemhi County Historical Museum, 210 Main St, ☏ +1 208 756-3342. M-Sa 11AM-3PM. Lots of artifacts pertaining to the local scene here and the ranching/duding way of life, but also Native American culture. (updated Oct 2021)
• 2 Sacajawea Interpretive, Cultural & Educational Center, 2700 Main St, Salmon, ☏ +1 208-756-1188. M-Sa 9AM-5PM, Su 12:30PM-5PM. Relates the story of Sacajawea and the Lewis & Clark Expedition and the entire area. $5 adults, $12 family. 

Do

Raft in a Class II- Riffle

• 1 Island Park. A little greenspace island where you can walk amidst the Salmon River on either side of you. (updated Oct 2021)

With the Salmon River and Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness beckoning nearby, Salmon is a mecca for whitewater rafting outfitters. It also has dude ranch and other guide operators aplenty. Prices for these can range from manageable to premium. For instance, the adult fare for a 5 day rafting trip might be around $2000.

• Idaho River Journeys, 44 Wagon Wheel Rd, ☏ +1 208 756-8116. (updated Oct 2021)
• Solitude River Trips, ☏ +1 208 806-1218. Excursions on the Middle Fork of the Salmon. Fly fishing packages too. (updated Oct 2021)
• Idaho Adventure River Trips, 100 Courthouse Dr, ☏ +1 208 756-2986. Offers one day or multi-day rafting trips and guided fishing tours. (updated Oct 2021)
• Rawhide Outfitters, 204 Larson St, ☏ +1 208 756-4276. Rafting, trail rides, hunting, and fishing packages. (updated Oct 2021)

Sleep

• 1 Stagecoach Inn, 201 Riverfront Drive, ☏ +1 208 756-2919. In town resort-like hotel by the Salmon River. $107. (updated Oct 2021)
• 2 Twin Peaks Guest Ranch, 199 Twin Peaks Ranch Rd, ☏ +1 208 894-2290. Guest ranch/dude ranch with horseback riding, mountain biking, sport shooting, offroading, and lots of wildlife. (updated Oct 2021)

Go next

• Lost Trail Ski Area (46 miles north): Over 60 marked trails on 1,800 acres. Covers 2 mountains.

Routes through Salmon

Missoula ← Hamilton ←

N  S

→ Jct S → Arco → Twin Falls