Kayaking courses
At Salmon River Adventure Company, our kayaking courses are designed for every level – from the first time paddler to those looking to refine advanced skills. Our experienced instructors bring years of river knowledge, diverse teaching methods, and a passion for helping students build confidence on the river. Whether your joining a 4 day beginner kayaking course, booking private instruction to accelerate your progress, or practicing you roll in our pool (with video review), every session is tailored to your needs. We keep our student to instructor ratios low to ensure personalized coaching, focused on river running, self-rescue, reading the river, decision making, and solid technical skills. Above all, our goal is to help you become a safe, confident, and stoked river runner for life while having a magical time on Idaho’s iconic wild and scenic Salmon River.
KAYAKING
Beginner Kayaking Course
4 Days
Location: Upper Salmon River, Idaho
Adventure Level: Moderate
Minimum Age: 12+
From: $1499
KAYAKING
Intermediate Kayaking Course
Location: Upper Salmon River, Idaho
Adventure Level: Moderate
Minimum Age: 12+
From: $1499
KAYAKING
Women's Beginner Kayaking Course
4 Days
Location: Upper Salmon River, Idaho
Adventure Level: Moderate
Minimum Age: 12+
From: $1499
KAYAKING
Private Kayak Instruction
1 Day
Location: Upper Main Salmon River, Idaho
Adventure Level: Moderate
Minimum Age: 12+
From: $499
KAYAKING
Teen Kayaking Course
7 Days
Location: Upper Salmon River, Idaho
Adventure Level: Moderate
Minimum Age: 12+
From: $1599
KAYAKING
Teen River Running Expedition
6 Days
Location: Main Salmon River, Idaho
Adventure Level: Moderate
Minimum Age: 12+
From: $2499
KAYAKING
Teen Kayaking Course + River Running Expedition
14 Days
Location: Salmon River, Idaho
Adventure Level: Moderate
Minimum Age: 12 – 17
From: $3688
Reviews

We stayed in the large Ponderosa cabin with a comfortable and quiet king bed (and extra twin bunkbed which we didn't use). They supplied a fan (with a light and portable phone charger - bring your own cord) and camping chairs that we used to sit down by the river and throw sticks to Polly's friendly dog, Osa.
Meals are prepared, served and cleaned up "family style" with extra helpings if we wanted.
Due to my recent health constrictions we were able to change our whitewater experience to a relaxing afternoon float with Grace who was knowledgable about the area, including Lewis & Clark trivia.
I highly recommend booking your next river adventure with Salmon River Adventure Company... you'll be super happy just like we are!
We were first timers, now are stoked and would like to do a multi day trip.
We couldn't recommend them more!
If you’re looking for an incredible adventure, I highly suggest a tour with Salmon River Adventures. You won’t be disappointed!
Stew and Olivia, the guides, were exceptional—knowledgeable, friendly, and always prioritizing our safety while ensuring we had a blast. They expertly navigated us through the rapids, providing interesting insights about the local area and wildlife along the way.
If you're looking for a fantastic rafting experience with top-notch guides and a welcoming, family-oriented atmosphere, I highly recommend Salmon River!
If you’re looking for an incredible adventure, I highly suggest a tour with Salmon River Adventure company. You won’t be disappointed!
We ended up booking the lodging option which was not what we expected….. IN A GOOD WAY :). You take a cable car over the river to where you sleep in a nice glamping style tent. Super simple, nothing fancy but clean, comfortable, and on a beautiful piece of land right on the river. Worth the price and some.
No food allowed in tents to help with critters. However they have a camp kitchen and NiNi and the guides / volunteers made us an amazing dinner/breakfast. It was a full family run business. Kids guiding the boats/ kayaks. Parents running the show. Grandparents cooking the food and making everyone feel welcome. Such a special place.
I operate a rafting company on a nearby river and can attest that these folks know what they are doing, love what they are doing, and are passionate about sharing it with the world.
Everyone needs to do a multi-day rafting or kayaking trip once in their lives, and you should do it with the Hilleke Fam!
The food is cooked on site. The bathrooms and buildings are clean and well-maintained. The camp is orderly and well organized. The staff is committed to running the day today as seamlessly as possible. They are knowledgeable, helpful, and very nice. There is a peacefulness about the place. It is the perfect reset vacation. Anyone looking for a wilderness getaway along the Salmon should checkout this amazing camp.
Their camp straddles a beautiful stretch of the river, with cozy and bright glamping tents with views upstream. For the adventurous, a short hike off the back of the property gives you a panoramic view of the camp and river.
The food and accommodations were great, and the owners and staff were friendly and professional. Meals were fun shared experiences where we talked with other guests about our adventures on the river that day. The staff joined in and stuck around to visit with guests and offered suggestions about new places to paddle and skills to learn.
Our family of six, ranging from brand new paddlers to experienced rafters and kayakers had a great time. We all learned something new and look forward to coming back often in the years to come. Thank you, SRAC for a vacation that was both exciting and relaxing for our whole family!
My daughter Lucy was worried she’d be the only girl but it ended up being about half and half and she can’t wait to return. We dropped the kids off and explored the surrounding area. A lifetime of adventure surrounds this place. Hot springs, adventurous mountain bike rides, kayaking, backpacking, you name it.
Sign up early and plan a trip. I’m a big believer in low expectations so my advice is to not talk it up too much to your kids. Get the ball rolling and let it be what it is.
I can’t say enough. We are full of gratitude for the bold dreams and hard work of the Hilleke family, the heartfelt dedication from the staff, and also the heroic efforts of the firefighters to spare this place as the Moose fire burned through.
Thank you! And we we wish you the best!
Sam
Need more help?
Give us a call or send a message — we’re happy to answer questions, check availability, and help you choose the kayaking course that’s right for you.
