Lower Salmon River - River Etiquette

Although you may find solitude on the Lower Salmon River, you will not be alone. Your actions will directly affect the experience of others on the river. And their actions will impact yours. Following a few simple guidelines will help ensure that the journey down the "River of No Return" is a positive experience for everyone on the water.

Ramp Manners

Because river trips start and end on the boat ramp, your experience there can set the tone for the entire voyage and color your memories of the adventure long after it ends. If the ramp is busy, be patient and wait your turn. When your turn comes, use the ramp only for loading and unloading. Put your gear and boats together and take them apart off the ramp. Allow others to go before you if all they have to do is put a loaded boat in the water and take off. Be friendly, helpful and considerate and enjoy this part of your trip.

River Encounters

Communication and common sense are the keys to successful interaction with other river users. Your trip will be much safer and more enjoyable if you give other boaters a lot of space, especially in rapids. Power boats have always been allowed on area waterways. Although they are infrequent on the Lower Salmon River, they are very common on the Snake. Down-stream drift traffic has the right-of-way, but remember that a jet boat powering through a rapid can't simply stop. Float boats that meet a power boat should move toward the side of the channel to give them room to operate safely. The river is large enough to accommodate both float and power boats. Avoiding confrontational behavior, water fighting and making heavy waves or wakes will help ensure peaceful coexistence.

Camping Protocol

Small groups should leave large camps, marked on the maps with a camping symbol for bigger groups. "Camp running," or sending a boat ahead to secure a camp, is not allowed. It creates the stress of hurrying, exactly what most boaters go down the river to avoid. There are usually plenty of camp spots. Set your own leisurely pace, select a camp that fits your group size and relax. On rare occasions, you may be asked to share a camp with a late arrival. Be courteous, make new friends and enjoy your trip!