Expeditions

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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Free course guide

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  • Detailed daily objectives and skills progression

  • Complete packing & equipment checklist

  • Sample student journal from Unaweep Canyon

  • Pre-course preparation guide

From

TBA

Tuition varies by location. Financial aid available.

Duration

28 days

Location types

Driggs, Idaho / Boise, Idaho

Equipment Deposit

250

Academic Credit

Start/End

Driggs, Idaho / Boise, Idaho

Fly In/Out

Jackson, WY / Boise, Idaho

Course Session Dates

No Course Sessions enrolling.

What graduates say

Trusted by professionals worldwide

“And so we paddled downstream, our cheerful energy giving us the strength to make it to camp. It was times like that that reminded and continue to remind me of how much a group of determined, positive people can achieve. At times it may seem like something is impossible or too hard, but when you’re surrounded by people who support and believe in you, anything’s possible and everything’s alright.”

— Isabelle M., NOLS Salmon River Adventure grad

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)

Ready

Ready to get certified?

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