Local Outfitters & Things to do in the Area

Things to Do

Jet Boat Tours

Several local outfitters provide jet boat tours of the Salmon or Snake River.  If you are lucky enough to own your own jet boat all registered guests can park or overnight their boat on one of our beaches.

Snowmobiling

The park is located approximately 50 miles from McCall.  McCall is well known for its beautiful landscapes and the best snowmobiling in the Northwest; with hundreds of miles of groomed snowmobile trails and destinations to see it makes an unbeatable place to explore.

Skiing and Snowboarding

A short 50 minute drive from the park is Brundage Mountain Ski Resort.  Located high in the mountains of Central Idaho, Brundage Ski Resort is known for its powder-packed glades and luxuriously wide groomed runs.  Blessed with over 320 base area inches of snowfall annually, Brundage has an undisputed reputation for the Best Snow in Idaho.

Fishing

The Salmon River offers excellent bass, trout, Steelhead, and Salmon fishing.  A favorite local steelhead fishing hole is just a few steps away from the property.  A family favorite bass hole is just off of one of the parks beaches.  The confluence of the Little Salmon and the Main Salmon Rivers is a popular fishing spot when the Chinook Salmon are running in the spring.  Bass fishing is excellent on the Salmon River from April to September.  For more information on fishing seasons, rules, and where to purchase a license please visit the Idaho Fish and Game Website.

Hunting

Hunters can enjoy the close proximity to their favorite hunting spots in Central Idaho.  Unit 14 is literally out the park door.  Elk, deer, bear, and chukar are frequently seen from the park.  For hunting rules and regulations please visit the Idaho Fish and Game Website.

Hiking

The possibilities are endless, just make sure you bring plenty of water!  The task may be daunting hiking up 2,000 + feet to the top of one of our many peaks but we guarantee the view will be worth it!  Loads of hiking trails are within minutes from the park.  Just stop by the Hells Canyon NRA Office for trail maps when passing through Riggins or swing by the Park Office so our staff can point you in the right direction!

ATV/UTV Scenic Rides

There are several popular ATV/UTV rides the Carlson Family can recommend.

  • The drive to Florence “aka” the drive that never ends will take you through Idaho’s original mining town.  All that is left of the old mining town is some old mining tools spread over the mountain and the cemetery.  Age and wildfires have destroyed any buildings that were still standing.  The Forest Service has been able to protect the historic cemetery.
  • The drive up French Creek climbs 3,000 + in elevation.  A good turnaround would be at the Burgdorf Hot Springs (and go for a soak) or Secesh Stage Stop or The Baum Shelter in Warren, Idaho (and have a cold beverage or warm meal).  Fuel is available at the Secesh Stage Stop during business hours.
Hot Springs

The Burgdorf Hot Springs is a great day trip during the late spring to early fall.  You can reach the hot springs by travelling through McCall or taking the back road through French Creek just 35 miles from the park.  The route through McCall takes just over 2 hours, the back road is slightly faster when the roads are in good condition.

Cycling/Walking

The Salmon River Road is the perfect place to take a cruise on your bicycle or a casual stroll along the river.  The road is paved in both directions of the park.

Swimming

The park and cabins boast several private access beaches.  All beaches have white sand and are just steps from your rv space or cabin door.  All of the beaches on the park and cabin area are some family favorites.  Please be aware that all of the beaches change with high and low water.  Please keep all children in life vests when playing around the river.  The river currents can be very fast and dangerous for our kiddos.

Paddle Boarding

There are several beaches nearby that are excellent to start paddle boarding from.  Just swing by the office for a recommendation.