East Fork South Fork Salmon River

The East Fork South Fork Salmon River winds as a major eastern tributary of the South Fork Salmon River through the rugged, sparsely populated terrain of the Salmon River Mountains in central Idaho. Its course cuts through steep canyons and open meadows within the granitic Idaho batholith, descending from higher mountain reaches into the lower valleys of the Payette and Boise National Forests before joining the South Fork. The varied topography of sharp elevation changes and clear, snowmelt-fed stretches defines a wild, largely pristine river landscape. It provides excellent opportunities for challenging whitewater kayaking and rafting featuring technical boulder gardens and lively rapids, along with fine fishing for trout and seasonal salmon, plus camping, hiking, and wildlife viewing along its accessible banks.