- Excellent whitewater kayaking through spectacular mountain scenery.
- Chinook salmon, smallmouth bass, and steelhead trout await eager anglers.
- An abundance of splendid wildlife inhabits the area.
- A spectacular river just a few miles east of McCall.
Overview
The South Fork of the Salmon River flows just east of McCall through the beautiful mountains and thick forests of central Idaho. Jagged granite rock formations and a variety of splendid conifers such as Engelmann spruce, grand fir, and ponderosa pine line the river much of the way. Lush alpine meadows are found along the northern stretch of the river. Gorgeous scenery, rushing whitewater, and tranquil solitude await all who visit this spectacular waterway.
Location & Information
The South Fork Salmon River Idaho flows through west central Idaho, originating southeast of McCall near Cascade and flowing into the Salmon River at Mackay Bar in the Frank Church Wilderness.
Contact Information
Payette National Forest
800 West Lakeside Ave
McCall, ID 83638
(208) 634-0700
Visit the website here.
Activities
Whitewater kayaking - The South Fork Salmon River has some excellent whitewater rapids, especially when the river is high. The Goat Creek run is particularly scenic and challenging.
Fishing – There’s plenty of excellent fishing on the river, especially Chinook salmon, steelhead trout, and smallmouth bass.
Wildlife – This remote area has an abundance of wildlife including deer, Rocky Mountain elk, bighorn sheep, gray wolf, cougar, and black bear. Birdwatching is excellent as it is home to over 200 species of birds.
Fun Facts
- The river drains an area a littler bigger than all of Rhode Island.
- Many of the river’s banks are extremely steep.
- The river’s highest elevation reaches over 9,100 feet.
- The river is approximately 58 miles long.
