Salmon River Backcountry, Expert 4x4 trail in Salmon, ID
    Expert
    Overlanding

    Salmon River Backcountry

    Salmon, ID•Northwest

    Salmon River Backcountry is an expert 100+ miles off-road trail near Salmon, ID, best run July - September. The gear list marks 35"+ all-terrain tires, 3"+ lift, 4WD with low range and Winch (10,000+ lb) as required, and Front and rear lockers as recommended. Stock trucks and Jeeps are not recommended without the required build parts.

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    The Salmon River Backcountry is one of America's most extreme and committing off-road drives. Precipitous dirt roads cling to canyon walls thousands of feet above the river, with no guardrails, no cell service, and no turning back for miles at a time. This is the real deal, remote, exposed, and utterly spectacular.

    Fun Facts

    #1

    The Salmon River Canyon is deeper than the Grand Canyon in some places.

    #2

    Lewis and Clark declared the Salmon River impassable, naming it 'The River of No Return.'

    #3

    The Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness is the largest contiguous wilderness in the lower 48.

    Length
    100+ miles
    Elevation
    3,000 - 8,000 ft
    Best Season
    July - September
    Permit
    Not Required
    Deepest canyonNo guardrailsRiver of No ReturnHot springsExtreme exposure

    🛞 Tires

    required
    35"+ all-terrain tires

    🔧 Suspension

    required
    3"+ lift

    ⚙️ Drivetrain

    required
    4WD with low range
    recommended
    Front and rear lockers

    🪢 Recovery

    required
    Winch (10,000+ lb)
    No cell service for help

    🛡️ Protection

    required
    Rock sliders
    required
    Heavy-duty skid plates

    📦 Other

    required
    Satellite communicator
    No cell service for 100+ miles

    Closest campgrounds to Salmon River Backcountry:

    Straight-line distance. Check the map for drive time.

    Where to Camp

    6 campgrounds within 30 miles of this trail

    GPS Coordinates

    45.1834, -113.8956

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    Map of Salmon, ID

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