Riggins lies deep in a canyon at the confluence of the Salmon River and the Little Salmon River in west central Idaho. Riggins has a great reputation as a year-round center for outdoor and vacation fun. Riggins is also the host to many annual events that are fun for the whole family. Best Western Riggins Idaho.
Things to do in Riggins
Brundage Mountain Resort
Ski area and summer recreation area located 45 miles south of Riggins. 1300 acres of lift-served alpine ski and snowboard terrain with a reputation for the best snow conditions in the Northwest. The area features an excellent ski school program, Kid's Center with daycare and ski programs, equipment rentals, and meals and snacks available at the lodge. CatSki adventures take groups skiing on the backcountry of the Payette National Forest for half day, full day or multi day trips. Call 800-888-7544 for more information.
P.O. Box 1062, McCall, ID 83638
Fishing
A variety of fishing opportunities are available in the Riggins area. Steelhead fishing is available on the Salmon River and the Snake River, generally from September through March. Trout fishing is available in the mountain lakes and streams. Sturgeon fishing is also available on the Salmon River and Snake River, on a catch and release basis.
P.O. Box 289, Riggins, ID 83549
Heaven's Gate Lookout
Breathtaking views of the Seven Devils Mountains, Hells Canyon, and four states - Oregon, Idaho, Washington, and Montana. Picnic facilities, hiking trails, fishing lakes. Call 208-628-3916 for more information.
P.O. Box 832, Riggins, ID 83549
Hell's Canyon National Recreation Area
This national showcase holds 652,488 acres of beauty and adventure. The landscape of Hells Canyon is a study in contrast, from the steep desert like lower slopes and sandbars edging the Snake River - the deepest gorge in North America - to the rugged peaks and alpine lakes of the majestic Seven Devils Mountains - towering almost 8,000 feet above. Call 208-628-3916 for more information.
P.O. Box 832, Riggins, ID 83549
Hunting
Surrounded by wilderness, national forests, and steep mountain terrain, the Riggins area offers some of the best big game hunting in the United States. Hunt for trophy elk, mule deer, whitetail deer, cougar, black bear, moose, big horn sheep, or mountain goat. Upland game bird hunting includes chukar, Hungarian partridge, pheasant, and grouse. Chukar populations thrive along the steep river corridors and can be hunted by float-boat or jetboat. The lower Salmon River has the earliest open season in the country. Call 208-628-3778 for more information.
P.O. Box 289, Riggins, ID 83549
Jetboating
Jetboating on the Salmon River is an adventure unlike any other. Travel through the Wilderness Areas and see spectacular, untouched mountain scenery, wildlife, and historical homesteads and mining sites. Fish for steelhead, hunt for chukar, or go for the thrilling ride and sights along the way. Call 208-628-3778 for more information.
P.O. Box 289, Riggins, ID 83549
Nez Perce National Historical Park
This unusual Historical Park encompasses battlefields, campsites, and trails spanning the four states of Oregon, Idaho, Wyoming and Montana. Throughout the summer and early fall of 1877 the US Army pursued Chief Joseph's band of Nez Perce over 1,100 miles before early winter weather forced them to surrender just short of the safety of the Canadian border at Bears Paw Battlefield, Montana. Sites near Riggins include the White Bird Battlefield and the Park Office and Visitor Center in Spalding. Call 208-843-2261 for more information.
RR 1 Box 100, Spalding, ID 83540
Old Time Fiddlers Jamboree & Salmon River Art Guild Fall Show
The last weekend in October Riggins plays host to the Idaho Old Time Fiddlers Association for a fall get-together. Fiddle contests, jam sessions, dancing, and entertainment for the whole family are on the agenda. The Salmon River Art Guild holds its annual fall show on this same weekend, spotlighting the best works of local and regional artists. Call 208-628-3778 for more information.
P.O. Box 289, Riggins, ID 83549
Rapid River Salmon Hatchery
In a picturesque canyon, seven miles southwest of Riggins lies the Rapid River Salmon Hatchery. Chinook Salmon return to Rapid River in the spring completing their journeys up the Columbia, Snake and Salmon Rivers, and finally arriving at the Little Salmon River and the Rapid River. Adult salmon begin arriving at the hatchery in May and are held until August before they spawn. Release is done during high water time between mid-March and mid-April. The hatchery crew welcomes visitors every day of the year, 8am to 5pm. A beautiful day use picnic area and restroom facilities are available. Call 208-628-3277 for more information.
Riggins Hot Summer Nights
Some like it hot! Riggins' deep canyon setting really heats up the last weekend in July for this classic car and hot rod weekend. Prizes are awarded for the show and shine, road rally, and main street cruise. Check out the cars at the City Park on the Salmon River where live bands play all afternoon and evening. Call 208-628-3778 for more information.
P.O. Box 289, Riggins, ID 83549
Riggins Rodeo
Wild West action can be found at the annual Riggins Rodeo the first weekend in May. The steep canyon wall provides a natural stadium for all the action. A parade on Sunday morning sets the stage for the final shoWest. There's two days of roping, bullriding, saddle bronc and bareback riding, wild cow milking, and barrel racing - a real western shoWest. Call 208-628-3686 for more information.
Salmon River
The Salmon River is the longest free-flowing river in the lower 48 states. It winds its way through the River of No Return Wilderness and the Gospel Hump Wilderness Areas, alongside the town of Riggins, on its way to meet the Snake River. The river provides exciting whitewater rafting, jetboat rides, spectacular sightseeing, historical sites, hunting and fishing. Call 208-628-3778 for more information.
P.O. Box 289, Riggins, ID 83549
Salmon River Jetboat Races
The third weekend in April means world class jetboat racing on the Salmon River. Riggins annually hosts the first leg of the United States Championship Jetboat Races. The unpredictable whitewater is a true test for these sleek racing boats and their crews. This event is a favorite with fans and racers alike, drawing boats from as far away as Canada, Mexico, and New Zealand. On Saturday the boats muscle their way upstream through roaring rapids and on Sunday they absolutely fly back downstream to White BiRoad Also this same weekend are the annual US Sprint Boat races at Box Canyon, not far from Riggins. Call 208-628-3778 for more information.
P.O. Box 289, Riggins, ID 83549
Whitewater Rafting
Riggins is Idaho's Whitewater Capital. The Salmon River has beautiful scenery, lined with towering cliffs, and rugged canyon walls nestled with white sandy beaches. Experience whitewater thrills with plenty of action, interspersed with quiet pools. A variety of guided trips are available, from half day up to 6-day trips. Call 208-628-3778 for more information.
P.O. Box 289, Riggins, ID 83549