Bucket List, Camping, Summer

Rafting the Rivers around Sun Valley

Rafting on any of the numerous sections of rivers surrounding the Sun Valley area can be the experience of a lifetime. Taking in the beauty of Idaho from the swirling waters of its beautiful rivers is truly a unique experience to our area. Several local outfitters offer single or multi-day river trips for rafters or kayakers, complete with nights around the campfire and food fresh from the Dutch-oven. There are plenty of half- and full-day rafting opportunities in the Sun Valley area and the gentle but exhilarating rapids on the day-stretches of the Salmon River are perfect for families looking for a little excitement.

Day trip whitewater
Courtesy White Cloud Rafting

Half and Full day trips

A short one-hour drive from Sun Valley, rafting on the Salmon in Stanley offers fresh air and pristine canyon water. Multiple companies offer various sections of the Main Salmon River, for a span of abilities in both kayak and rafts. From mellow stretches for the family all the way up to spring high water class IV rapids there is a trip for you and an outfitter to make it an unforgettable experience.

Middle Fork salmon
Courtesy Far & Away Adventures

Multi Day Trips

Idaho is home to some of the most premier multi-day stretches in the country. The crown jewel is the Middle Fork of the Salmon River and is the ultimate wilderness experience. Flowing over 100 miles through the largest wilderness area in the lower 48 states, this trip usually last between 5 and 7 days and transforms from high mountain forests to the 3rd deepest canyon in the country.

  • Based out of Sun Valley Far and Away Adventures offers multi-day trips down the Middle Fork of the Salmon with an emphasis on luxury. Also in the early season they run 5-day trips on the Owyhee and 4-day trips on the Bruneau Canyon.
  • Rocky Mountain River Tours based out of Stanley since 1978 is another great outfitter on the Middle Fork.
  • Idaho River Journeys is a family-run business based in Salmon, Idaho and was named by Nat Geo as “One of America’s Top Adventure Travel Companies.”
  • There are slew of other multi-day guides based in the Stanley area as well!
Bruneau Canyon
Bruneau Canyon
Courtesy Far & Away Adventures

Swimming Holes

Whether it is a high mountain lake in the sawtooth, a boat day on Redfish, or a secret spot along the rivers sun valley has your swimming needs covered.

Dock Days
Dock Days in the Summer

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