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RiverBrain

Idaho – US

Class
II to II+
Length
38 Mile(s)
Put-in elevation
4,553 Feet
Take-out elevation
3,927 Feet
Typical season
March to October

Current Flow

1,730 CFS

Gauge height: 2.79 FT

Reading from Jul 10, 2026 9:45 PM

2.50/hr (12h) 1.25/hr (24h)

Running

Hit some laps

Primary gauge
SALMON RIVER AT SALMON ID Gauge detail & alternatives Live gauge ↗ NOAA river forecast ↗

Recommended levels

Minimum800
Average2,000
Maximum6,000

Recommended use

  • Kayaking
  • Rafting
  • Canoeing
  • SUP
  • Packrafting
  • Fishing

Struck-through craft are not recommended for this run.

Flow history — last 6 days

Photos

No photos added for this run yet.

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Description

This stretch is also a nice fishing area.  The river is relatively calm with little to no rapids.  At high water expect swift currents and minimal eddies.  Lots of access points give you a lot of options for day floats or even an overnighter.

Rapids

# Rapid Class Recommended flow Description Scout
1 Bedrock Ledge III to III+ 6,000–—

This is a naturally occurring (almost riverwide) ledge.  It has all the same characteristics as a diversion dam but it is an uplift in the bedrock and is sharp.  If you know where this is it can be easily run on far left.  At highwater or low flows going over the ledge could easily damage rafts or injure swimmers.  Just be aware of it's existence and paddle accordingly.

Access

Type Name Elevation Camping Water Boat ramp Vehicle access Description
Put-In Colston Access 4,553 Feet No No Yes All Vehicles

This is a small dirt parking lot and ramp in between Highway 95 and the river (river right).

Put-In Kilpatrick Access 4,443 Feet No No Yes All Vehicles

This is another small ramp and dirt parking lot but it works.

Put-In Elk Bend 4,341 Feet No No No All Vehicles

There is a small community area at Elk Bend.  You can access the river on the northern portion of the bend.  Basic access here with not a lot of parking.

Put-In Waddington Creek 4,304 Feet No No No All Vehicles

This is a very minimal primitive access point.  It is a steep road getting down to the river from Highway 95 and trailers are not recommended since turning around can be tough.  Probably best as a fishing, kayak, IK or Canoe access area.

Put-In Elevenmile Access 4,141 Feet No No Yes All Vehicles

This is a nice but primitive access point.  There's usually not a lot of people here and there's a good concrete ramp.

Put-In Shoup Bridge 4,033 Feet Yes Yes Yes All Vehicles

This is just south of the town of Salmon and is a pretty busy river access point.  This area is very nice and has camping, concrete ramp and parking, restrooms, water and fishing access.

Take-Out Salmon Island Park 3,927 Feet No No Yes All Vehicles

In the heart of salmon where the river runs through town there is a small island that splits the river.  There is access on this island.  When floating this section, make sure to take the left channel on the left side of the island.  The right channel doesn't typically hold enough water to float all the way through for most watercraft.

Camps

No river camps added yet.

Permit

No permit is required, or permit info hasn't been added yet.

Fishing

No fish species have been associated with this run yet.

Community Run Notes

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