Salmon, Idaho Travel Guide
Introducing Salmon, Idaho! Located near the Montana border, Salmon is home to around 3,000 residents. The town is most well known for being the birthplace of Sacagawea, as well as its proximity to the Salmon River, which is often referred to as the “River of No Return.” Visitors flock to Salmon to go whitewater rafting, paddle, and fish, but the town also offers great shopping, skiing, and scenery. Salmon is driving distance from Missoula, MT (2hr 45min, 140 miles), Butte, MT, (2hr 30min, 140 miles), and Idaho Falls, ID (2hr 30min, 160 miles). Whether it is a day in nature or a weeklong stay, come and see all that Salmon has to offer!
No trip to Salmon is complete without time in or around the Salmon River. Visitors come to whitewater raft and fish, and the town has a plethora of outfitters for tours, including Idaho River Journeys, Solitude River Trips, Rawhide Outfitters, and Salmon River Recreation. If you’d really like to escape, consider spending time in the River of No Return Wilderness to disconnect. Head to Williams Lake for fishing and boating, or for some winter fun, ski the slopes at Lost Trail Powder Mountain. Looking to stay out of the woods? Consider booking a tee time at Salmon Valley Golf Course. Doing any of the above recreation activities is sure to leave you feeling sore. Be sure to soak your cares away at Goldbug Hot Springs and Sharkey Hot Springs!
For the non-outdoor folks, Salmon is still a cool spot for you! Enjoy the mountains from your vehicle by driving the 160-mile-long Salmon River Scenic Byway. For history, head to the Sacagawea Interpretive Center for information about her life. Also, check out the Lemhi County Historical Museum to learn more about the local area! Have some downtime? See a movie at River Cinemas or consider going shopping. Get fishing essentials at Salmon River Fly Box, pet items at Rags + Wags, handmade jewelry from Goodenow Designs, and unique items from Cornerstone Gifts and Antiques.
With so much to do in Salmon, you’ll find yourself hungry quick! Start with breakfast from Wally’s Cafe and coffee from Rise and Shine Espresso. For lunch, grab a filling meal from The Dusty Mule Bar & Grill, The Salvage Grill, or Junkyard Bistro. Savor the afternoon with craft brews from Highlander Beer and Bertram’s Salmon Valley Brewery, or have an afternoon pick-me-up pastry from Odd Fellows Bakery. For dinner, consider fish from Shady Nook Restaurant & Lounge, pizza from Last Chance Pizza & Pasta, or steak from 28 Club.
Need a place to stay in Salmon? Consider booking a room at Salmon Gypsy Bed and Breakfast, Twin Peaks Guest Ranch, Sacagawea Inn, or Stagecoach Inn. Want a whole rental to yourself? Consider booking a Vrbo. Here are some of our favorites: Log Cabin for 3, Downtown Home for 10, and Salmon River Home for 6.
Want to visit Salmon but not sure when? Consider coming during one of their many festivals! Come to Bands and Brews, a local adult beverage and live music festival, or spend time on the water during the Salmon River Fest. Whatever you’re into, Salmon, Idaho has something worth seeing. We hope this travel guide gives you a glimpse into life in Salmon that can inspire a future visit.
Happy Travels!
The Modern Travel Guide
