Whitewater Packraft - Salmon River (Lower): Hammer Creek to Heller Bar

Overview

The Salmon River is one of the longest free-flowing rivers in the lower 48 states, passing through one of the country’s deepest canyons on its way to the confluence with the Snake River. Hammer Creek to Heller Bar is 72 river miles - 52 on the Salmon and 20 on the Snake. 

River Difficulty

There are 9 Class III rapids and one Class IV. Paddlers should have at least some Class III experience. See the Mountaineers route description and American Whitewater for further details. 

Expenses

The self issued permits for this stretch are currently at no cost. Projected expenses are:

• Transport to/from the river, depending on carpool arrangements
• The car shuttle, which ranges from $250 to $300/per vehicle. 
• Camping at Hammer Creek the night before launch, $10/person

Goals

• Welcome all members of the Mountaineers packraft community including those relatively new to packraft trips
• Be safe and make decisions with risk management in mind. Make it safely to our cars at the take-out.
• Have fun and enjoy being on the trip regardless of conditions
• Enjoy one another’s company and create a positive culture of mutual support, respect, and kindness
• Explore archaeological sites, side canyons, and other places of interest
• Everyone feels their trip goals were met at trip end

Expectations

• Actively contribute to achieving the group’s goals
• Participate in group decisions and abide by decisions made by the group or the leader
• Spend 5 days in your boat, covering about 15 miles/day
• Be able to assess whether you can safely paddle a rapid versus portaging
• Maintain group awareness and positioning to help one another when river conditions are more difficult
• Don’t take risks, on or off the river, that other group members don’t support

Style

• Daily routine will be to get up about when the sun hits camp and be on the water about 9:00 - 9:30 am depending on the day’s objectives. 
• Make camp by 3:00 to 5:00 pm for a relaxed evening
• Spend some time outside of our boats exploring side canyons, archaeological sites, and other features of interest
• Decision-making will be collaborative and by consensus whenever possible
• Planning some shared meals or meal items is encouraged but everyone is free to plan food as they wish
• No fires

• The drive to the put in at Hammer Creek is approximately 6.5 hours. We will plan carpools in advance. 
• We will plan to camp at Hammer Creek on Saturday, 7/18 to accommodate an early put in. We will plan to meet at the put in at 9:00 am on 7/19. 
• The takeout is at Heller Bar on the Washington side of the Snake river. Note that a Discovery Pass is required for vehicles shuttled to or left at this location.