Idaho Whitewater Rafting Market Report
April 2026 — Pricing, destinations, and market data from 71 outfitters.
Pricing by Trip Type
| Trip Type | Avg | Min | Max | Outfitters |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Family Friendly | $1448 | $47 | $8500 | 16 |
| Multi-Day | $1461 | $60 | $8500 | 16 |
| Full Day | $120 | $47 | $339 | 11 |
| Half Day | $120 | $47 | $339 | 10 |
| Overnight | $669 | $60 | $3895 | 10 |
| Extreme | $143 | $85 | $179 | 3 |
River Class Breakdown
Top Destinations
| City | Outfitters | Avg Price |
|---|---|---|
| Salmon | 19 | $1096 |
| Riggins | 9 | $495 |
| Sun Valley | 4 | $8500 |
| Stanley | 3 | $85 |
| Merlin | 3 | $3573 |
| Kooskia | 3 | $179 |
| Boise | 3 | $47 |
| Cambridge | 2 | -- |
| McCall | 2 | -- |
| Twin Falls | 2 | $80 |
Market Insights
Salmon River Basin Snowpack at 112% Forecasts Strong Season
Despite a statewide snowpack at just the 7th percentile as of March 2026, the Salmon River Basin stands out at 112% of normal above 7,500 feet elevation. The Idaho Outfitters and Guides Association forecasts an exciting, long whitewater season with big waves and rapids during peak runoff on the Salmon and Middle Fork rivers.
Middle Fork Permit Lottery Draws 20,000 Applications for 375 Spots
The 2026 Middle Fork Salmon River private permit lottery drew over 20,000 applications for approximately 375 permits, a 55-to-1 ratio. The application window ran December 1, 2025 through January 31, 2026, with results announced February 15. The controlled-access lottery season runs May 28 through September 3, 2026.
Idaho's Outdoor Recreation Economy Reaches $3.7 Billion
Idaho's outdoor recreation economy grew from $2.2 billion in 2012 to $3.4 billion in 2023, with direct travel spending reaching $3.7 billion and generating $475 million in state and local tax revenues. Nearly 10,000 people float the Middle Fork of the Salmon each year, and industry leaders forecast 2-4% year-over-year visitor growth continuing into 2026.
Browse Idaho Outfitters
View all 71 rafting companies in Idaho with trip details, pricing, and reviews.
View ListingsAbout This Report
This report is generated from Whitewatr's directory of verified outfitter listings. Pricing reflects starting per-person rates as reported by outfitters. Data is refreshed monthly.
Own a Rafting Company?
Make sure your listing is accurate. Claim it for free and update your pricing, trips, and photos.
Claim Your Listing