The Beauty of Fall Rafting

As the summer winds down and fall colors start to emerge, not many people consider the idea of going on a whitewater rafting adventure. However, on a lot of rivers, fall can actually be the most enjoyable time of the year to embark on a whitewater rafting trip. Unlike the summer months, fall rafting offers mild temperatures and fewer crowds. In Idaho for example, rivers like the Salmon and the Snake can reach extreme temperatures during the summertime. These rivers will often exceed an air temperature of 100 degrees Fahrenheit during the day. By choosing to do these sections of river during the fall, one can expect temperatures in the 60’s and 70’s, beautiful fall colors, more wildlife, and much fewer people on the river.

Views from Hells Canyon on the Snake River

The Lower Salmon River in particular is one of the best sections to do an autumn multi-day whitewater trip. This 4-6 day stretch in central Idaho has beautiful dynamic scenery, changing from wide-open rolling hills to narrow and deep canyons. A personal favorite canyon of mine is known as “Cougar Canyon”. In this beautiful canyon, the river gets very narrow and the rapids become more pool-drop style instead of the big water feel that most of the rapids have. Even though the water level is much lower in the fall, there are still plenty of big waves and splashes to be had. Rapids such as the class IV “Snowhole” rapid will pack quite the punch, and bring a lot of excitement throughout the day.

Waking up on the Lower Salmon River

Fall in central Idaho means mild temperatures, few insects, and sunny days. This brings an awesome opportunity to sleep without a tent if you are feeling brave. With the many sandy beaches of the Lower Salmon River, it doesn’t get much better than sleeping out underneath the stars and waking up to a beautiful sunrise.

The Lower Salmon offers such a unique and amazing rafting experience, especially during the months of September and October. To book your own 5 day trip on this must-see 70-mile section, reserve a whitewater rafting trip with GuideTime and see this river for yourself!