Much of the Main Salmon River runs through the Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness and access to the river within this area is controlled. Currently there are no significant restrictions on the number of private powerboaters accessing the river during the fall, winter, or spring. But a “Control Season” is in place from June 20th until September 2, each year. During the Control Season, there are limitations on the number of private powerboats that can be on the river within the wilderness area at any given time.
Rock and current hazards are present through the full extent of the Main Salmon River. And there are numerous rapids – several quite large – that should be navigated only by experienced jetboaters. As with all rivers, the difficulty of the whitewater changes with the water level and volume of streamflow. From Spring Bar to 5 Mile Bar, there are five major rapids: Cary Falls, Vinegar Creek, Chittam, Dried Meat, and Ludwig. Numerous other rapids and hazards pose challenges at the different water levels. Car Wash Rapids, House Rock, Little Growler Rapids, Cottontail Rapids, and the infamous “CAN-OPENER” rock all keep jetboaters on their toes.
Currently there are four usable boat launches on the Main Salmon. One of the most popular is at Spring Bar, 14 miles east of Riggins, Idaho. Further up river, and still outside the western boundary of the Frank Church-River of No Return wilderness are the ramps at Cary Creek and Vinegar Creek. Shortly above the Spring Bar launch, the access road turns to dirt and gravel. Immediately thereafter, there is a very tight turn at a bridge crossing which makes further progress extremely difficult for individuals towing boats longer than 25 feet or so. The Cary Creek ramp is used primarily as a float takeout, but can be used by jetboaters. The Vinegar Creek launch is located at the end of the road, another 2 miles up river. The Corn Creek launch is located west of and down stream from Salmon, Idaho.