Salmon Backpacking and Rafting
Dive into your next big adventure: climbing mountains and paddling rapids in the Idaho backcountry.
Duration
28 days
Age
16+
Overview
About this course
Explore the Lemhi Mountains & River of No Return
Dive into your next big adventure: climbing mountains and paddling rapids in the Idaho backcountry. Backpack along high ridges and scramble up rugged peaks, pausing to admire the view at the top. Camp beside clear alpine lakes and try your hand at fly fishing. As you travel, keep an eye out for wildlife, including moose, elk, and mountain goats. Then, swap your hiking boots for a raft or oar rig and set off on a whitewater expedition on the Salmon River. In the evenings, share stories and laughter by the campfire, then fall asleep under the stars.
You’ll start with the basics of outdoor living, like reading maps, cooking on a campstove, and developing your paddle technique. As the course and your skills progress, move on to more advanced topics, like navigating with a compass and learning river rescue procedures. You may also have the opportunity to participate in a service project with the U.S. Forest Service.
This expedition isn’t just about gaining outdoor experience. It’s also about growing your leadership skills. Develop your communication skills while working with your team to raft a tricky stretch of whitewater. Practice effective problem-solving and decision-making while navigating off trail or scouting a rapid. Head home with the confidence to lead in the outdoors and beyond.
*The Salmon River is one of the original rivers protected by the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act of 1968.
Resources
Resources & downloads
Schedule
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Detailed daily objectives and skills progression
Complete packing & equipment checklist
Sample student journal from Unaweep Canyon
Pre-course preparation guide
Course Session Dates
No Course Sessions enrolling.
What graduates say
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Financial aid & Scholarships
NOLS supports a variety of outside financial aid options:
- AmeriCorps
- 529 College Savings Plans
- Veteran's Benefits (only for courses fully in the state of Wyoming)
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