We are also entering the second deepest canyon in North America, as the Salmon has cut a path over six thousand feet deep through the mountains of Idaho. This is over 1,000 feet deeper than the Grand Canyon though we don't really get a sense of its depth because the more gradually sloping walls hide the actual rim from view. 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 canyon narrows 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.