Boating

Salmon River Take-Out and Put-In sites | Salmon-Challis National Forest River Boating Lottery On-Line Registration

The Mackay Reservoir offers plenty of opportunities for jet skiing, water skiing and sailing. This newly renovated site (Joe T. Fallini Recreation Site) offers a boat ramp which provides access to the Reservoir. There are other boat launches along the reservoir (and one downstream of the dam), operated as Fish and Game Sportsman Accesses.

The segment of the Salmon River within the Challis Field Office (from the Sawtooth National Recreation Area to upstream of Allison Creek) provides a calm, “family-friendly” float trip and its scenic beauty has been recognized for “Wild and Scenic River Designation.” Floating season begins around mid-June but October offers floaters the best chance of seeing wildlife such as mountain lions, deer, bears and elk. For information on finding a river guide, visit the Idaho Outfitters and Guides Association: www.ioga.org.