North Fork Canyon (River of No Return)
McCall, Idaho
Camp, Canoe, Cave, Hike, Horseback, Mountain Bike, and Whitewater
Known as "The River of No Return," the Salmon River is the longest free-flowing river (425 miles) within one state in the lower 48. It originates in the Sawtooth and Lemhi Valleys of central and eastern Idaho, and snows from the Sawtooth and Salmon River Mountains in the south, and the Clearwater and Bitterroot Mountains in the north, feed this river. The upper section passes through the Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness, while the lower section forms the southern boundary of the Gospel-Hump Wilderness. In recognition of the river's many outstanding values, including scenery, recreation, geology, fish, wildlife, water quality, botany, prehistory, history and cultural traditional use, Congress designated 46 miles of the river, from North Fork to Corn Creek, as a recreational river and 79 miles, from Corn Creek to Long Tom Bar, as a wild river.
Never modify trail features. Ride trails when they're dry enough that you won't leave ruts. Speak up when you see others on the trail and always yield to hikers, horses, and others coming uphill. Always ride on the established trail.
Read MoreBe courteous, informed, and prepared. Read trailhead guidelines, stay on the trail, and don't feed the wildlife.
Read More
- Plan Ahead and Prepare
- Travel & camp on durable surfaces
- Dispose of waste properly
- Leave what you find
- Minimize campfire impacts
- Respect wildlife
- Be considerate of other visitors
Directions
From McCall, Idaho
- Head east on E Lake St toward N 3rd St (135 ft)
- E Lake St turns right and becomes ID-55 S/N 3rd StContinue to follow ID-55 S(65.0 mi)
- Turn left onto County Hwy 17/Banks Lowman RdContinue to follow County Hwy 17(33.3 mi)
- Turn left onto ID-21 N (58.1 mi)
- Turn left onto ID-75 N (54.9 mi)
- Turn left onto US-93 N (60.3 mi)
- Turn left onto US-93 N/Main St (signs for Hamilton/Missoula)Continue to follow US-93 N(21.6 mi)
- Turn left onto NF-30/Salmon River Rd (19.8 mi)
The river turns abruptly north at the confluence with the Little Salmon River at Riggins, about 87 miles (140 km) above its mouth. From there the river flows almost due north, passing White Bird, before looping northwest and south to its confluence with the Snake River north of Hells Canyon, 15 miles (24 km) south of the Washington border and 40 miles (64 km) south of Lewiston.
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