They demand our full attention but do not pose serious threats to life and limb. Every day we have some good whitewater, interspersed with stretches of smooth water, allowing us to relax, watch the canyon unfold before us, spot wildlife, and get to know each other. The first couple of days on the Salmon the canyon is quite steep and rocky, forested with Douglas fir and ponderosa pine. Then the canyon opens up and the trees become fewer. After we pass the confluence with the South Fork of the Salmon the canyonnarrows and gives us a fantastic display of geologic upheaval and erosion.
Wildlife is common in the canyon.
Big horn sheep wander so close it is hard to believe they are wild. Deer are more shy. Bear may show themselves while we are floating, but avoid camp. Once in a while we see a lone moose, and eagle sightings are common. Human History Lewis and Clark followed the river for a while, but were intimidated by its swift waters and steep canyon walls.