The Main Salmon River carves the second deepest canyon in North America, deeper than the famous Grand Canyon, second only to Idaho’s Hell’s Canyon. For approximately 180 miles, the Salmon River Canyon is more than one mile deep. The river has carved through mostly metamorphic rock, leaving behind a spectacular high desert canyon, but nowhere is it as dramatic as where it has penetrated the igneous granite of the Idaho Batholith. With so many powerful rivers and streams in the area, it is not surprising that there are numerous canyons, large and small, to explore.

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Salmon, Idaho boasts two world renowned wild and scenic rivers: the Main Salmon and the Middle Fork of the Salmon River. Alone, these two rivers attract well over 20,000 visitors from all over the world each year. Other major tributaries in the area include the East Fork and the North Fork of the Salmon, the Lemhi River, and the Pahsimeroi River, home to the Pahsimeroi Fish Hatchery.

Known as “The River of No Return,” the Salmon River is the longest free flowing river within one state in the lower 48. Experience one of the few remaining undammed waterways in America on a guided rafting adventure or a private river trip of your own.

Enjoy viewing an abundance of animal life including deer, elk, black bear, bighorn sheep, mountain goat, cougar, moose, bobcat, coyote, red fox, and others which all can be seen throughout the rugged mountains and grassy plains through which the rivers passes.

The Main Salmon River carves the second deepest canyon in North America, (deeper than the famous Grand Canyon) second only to Idaho’s Hell’s Canyon. Approximately 180 miles of the Salmon River Canyon are more than one mile deep. Carved through mostly metamorphic rock, nowhere in this spectacular high desert canyon is it as dramatic as where it has penetrated the igneous granite of the Idaho Batholith.

It is no wonder that the many rivers, tributaries and lakes the Salmon area has to offer that it has been a desirable fishing destination for both the avid and recreational fisherman!