Salmon Falls is a former rapid on the Main Salmon River in Idaho County, Idaho, in the Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness. It was tamed with dynamite and then drowned in 2011 by Black Creek Rapid just downstream.
The falls
Salmon Falls is a minor set of rapids just below the mouth of Arctic Creek and is not counted as a waterfall. It was rated Class II at mile 20.25 of the Main Salmon run, but the pool backed up by Black Creek Rapid, half a mile downstream, has submerged it.
Getting there
The site is reached by river. Float trips on the Main Salmon launch at Corn Creek, and most take out at Carey Creek above Riggins, 78 miles and usually six to seven days later. The Salmon-Challis National Forest requires a permit year-round for the Wild section from Corn Creek to Long Tom Bar; the lottery season runs June 20 to September 7, with a $6 application fee and $4 per person per day.
When to go
June through September is the main river season; winter limits trips from December to March.
On site
Black Creek Rapid, rated Class IV, is a powerful rapid on the run, and its boulders shift from season to season.
History and name
The rapid was first called Black Canyon Falls. Hugo Vater died there in mid-August at low water when his boat struck a rock at the top, and men later dynamited the rapid repeatedly until it became manageable. In spring 2011 a thunderstorm sent trees and boulders down Black Creek, leaving Salmon Falls under several feet of water.
Nearby
Mallard Creek Falls is about 15.2 miles away, Noble Creek Falls about 15.4 miles and Fountain Creek Falls about 20.8 miles.
Distances are straight-line.