Discover the magic of a Salmon River jet boat tour through Idaho’s renowned River of No Return Wilderness. Perfect for families and adventurer seekers of all ages, this scenic journey combines exciting rapids and thrilling adventure around every bend of the Salmon River that travels deep into the heart of Idaho Wilderness. Experience towering canyon walls, wildlife, and historic river sites including the Polly Bemis Ranch.
Guests enjoy time to swim from and relax on beautiful sandy beaches and savor a leisurely riverside lunch or early summer trips include a visit to the historic China Bar Lodge for lunch before heading back down river to Buckskin Bills, offering a glimpse into the area’s rich history. This unforgettable experience blends comfort, adventure, and natural beauty—creating lifelong memories in one of Idaho’s wildest landscapes.
Your adventure with S & S River Outfitters is just a click away. Whether you’re chasing whitewater, wildlife, history, or pure wilderness relaxation, we’ll take care of the details—you just bring your sense of adventure.
Nope—not on our watch! 😄 Our jet boats offer plenty of seating, and we never pack them to capacity. We run multiple boats and intentionally limit guest numbers, so everyone has room, enjoy the views, and ride in comfort. Think relaxed adventure, not sardine style.
Great question—and the answer is not like you think! 😎 The Salmon River is always around 10 degrees cooler than Hells Canyon. Our boats have 1/2 fully covered for shade, and on hot days our captains are pros at keeping things cool… often by adding a little splash of river fun (unless you’d rather stay dry—just let your captain know, no promises!). With open sides and an open front, there’s always a refreshing breeze flowing through, even on those 100°+ Idaho summer days it’s comfortable, and fun guaranteed! You will always have plenty of opportunity for swimming and playing in the river.
We make regular stops along the way, so there’s no need to “hold it.” And if nature calls urgently, the captain and crew know the river like the back of their hand. We can pull over for a quick pit stop and get you right back to the adventure—stress-free and smiling. 😄
You bet—and it’s one of the highlights! 😋 We keep you well fueled with plenty drinks and a freshly made deli-style lunch complete with chips, a cookie.
Even better, where you eat is part of the adventure:
On our Salmon River tours, lunch is enjoyed right on a beautiful river beach or at China Bar Lodge.
In Hells Canyon, we stop for lunch at the historic Sheep Creek Cabin.
Great food, incredible scenery, and zero effort on your part—just sit back, relax, and enjoy the moment.
Absolutely—wildlife sightings are basically guaranteed! 🐏🦅 Along the river, you’ll most often spot bighorn sheep and bald eagles, and if you’re lucky, you might catch glimpses of bears, otters, or osprey.
We love aiming for the ultimate “hat trick” of sheep, eagles, and bears—and more often than not, the river delivers. While we can’t promise exactly what you’ll see, one thing’s for sure: Idaho’s wilderness is full of unforgettable encounters, and your camera is going to thank you. 📸🌲
Absolutely—capture every splash and scenic moment! 📸 We love when guests bring cameras or phones but remember this is a full-on jet boat adventure, so things can get wet. We highly recommend a waterproof case and keeping it securely attached to the handle.
We encourage you to snap away, but safety comes first—so while your photos can be epic, we can’t guarantee your device will stay bone-dry or dropped in the river.
Keep it casual, comfy, and adventure-ready! 😎
Check the weather first! Be prepared for whatever Idaho throws at you—sun, wind, or a sudden splash of river water.
Summer days: Shorts, a t-shirt, and a hat are perfect.
Cooler days: Long pants and a light waterproof jacket will keep you cozy.
Swimming suits: Great for a splash, but we recommend wearing clothes over them.
Your adventure might include swimming, beach time, and hikes to historic sites, so wear layers and shoes that can handle a little exploring. And don’t forget—every passenger wears a life vest during the bigger whitewater sections, keeping safety and fun at the forefront! 🦺
