Salmon Falls
By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrain
Photo Credits (5)
Trail Length
1.9 miles
About Salmon Falls
Salmon Falls sits in a quiet, forested corner of Idaho managed by the U.S. Forest Service within Payette National Forest. The waterfall is reached from the Salmon River Trail (USFS Trail name: SALMON RIVER, Trail #96.2), and the approach threads through native forest and seasonally wet corridors that give the falls a peaceful, tucked-away feel. Hikers coming from nearby mountain towns such as Elk City, Yellow Pine, or Conner will appreciate the remote setting and the steady, moderately paced climb to reach the viewpoint. Note that “Salmon Falls” is a common name: Wikipedia lists several different Salmon Falls across the U.S., including the Upper and Lower Salmon Falls on the Snake River near Hagerman, Idaho. This entry refers to the waterfall accessed via the Payette National Forest’s Salmon River Trail, not the Snake River falls. The setting and trail are managed by the USFS, and the route is best enjoyed by hikers prepared for native-surface singletrack and typical backcountry conditions.
The Setting
Salmon Falls sits at 2,677 feet within Payette National Forest, fed by the Mf Salmon River, in the hills of Idaho.
Trail & Hike Details
The Approach
The moderate hike follows Salmon River (#96.2), a 1.9-mile out-and-back trail over natural surface. The trail is moderately developed (Class 2).
USFS Trail
SALMON RIVER #96.2
Trail Class
Moderately Developed
Surface
Avg Grade
USFS Segment
1.80 miTrail Description
USFS route: Salmon River Trail (Trail #96.2). Trail class: 2. Surface: NAT (native material). Typical grade: 8–10%. USFS GIS length for Trail #96.2 is about 1.8 miles; the commonly recorded outing is an out-and-back of roughly 2.4 miles with about 350 feet of elevation gain. Difficulty: moderate. Expect an unpaved, natural tread with modest grades—suitable for hikers comfortable on native-surface singletrack.
What to Expect
Visitors can expect a tranquil and remote waterfall surrounded by dense forest. The area is likely to be quiet and less crowded, offering a peaceful retreat into nature.
Accessibility
Accessibility information is not available. The area may not be suitable for visitors with mobility challenges due to rough terrain and lack of developed trails.
Frequently Asked Questions
🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Salmon Falls?
❌ Dogs are not allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Salmon Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Spring and early summer are ideal times to visit, as water flow is typically higher due to snowmelt. Fall offers beautiful foliage, while winter access may be limited due to snow.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Winter access may be limited. Check with Payette National Forest for seasonal road closures.
Safety Information
Visitors should be prepared for remote conditions. Bring adequate supplies, inform someone of your plans, and be cautious of slippery rocks near the waterfall. Wildlife encounters and sudden weather changes are possible.
Current Water Conditions
Based on a USGS gauge 24.1 miles away
1,060 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
About average for this time of year
Based on 32 years of record
31.01 ft
Water depth at gauge
7-Day Discharge Trend
What does this mean for your visit?
Flow is about average for this time of year.
About This Gauge
This gauge is on a regional waterway. Conditions at the falls may differ, especially after local rain.
7-Day Flow Outlook
Based on the USGS gauge MF SALMON RIVER AT MOUTH NR SHOUP, ID (39 km away).
Today
Barely Flowing
1060 cfs
5/10Tomorrow
Barely Flowing
1051 cfs
4/10Mon
Barely Flowing
1060 cfs
5/10Tue
Barely Flowing
1060 cfs
5/10Wed
Barely Flowing
1060 cfs
5/10Thu
Barely Flowing
1060 cfs
5/10Fri
Barely Flowing
1051 cfs
5/10Best window: Today — barely flowing flow, mostly sunny (trip score 5/10).
Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from mid April to mid July, peaking in June.
How we calculate this
This is a transparent outlook, not a precise forecast. We take the waterfall's current flow strength (how it ranks against its historical normal for today, from the nearest USGS stream gauge), carry that ranking forward along the gauge's seasonal curve, and nudge it for forecast rain. Confidence is highest for the next day or two and falls further out. Always check official conditions and your own judgment before visiting — high flows can be dangerous.
Know when to go.
Get a free email alert when waterfalls near Elk City hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.
Weather Forecast
The Terrain, Seen by LiDAR
Aircraft-mounted lasers measured this ground to within inches. Trees and buildings are digitally stripped away, leaving the bare shape of the land the water has carved.
1-meter lidar shows Salmon Falls dropping about 242 feet in a single sheer step. The brink sits at about 2,651 feet above sea level.
Steep ground runs through the entire stretch: about 363 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the pin and 154 feet in the 500 feet below it. Facing north, the falls stay mostly shaded, with soft, even light all day.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 2,651 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 242 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- North
- Mostly shaded, so the light stays soft and even all day.
A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading north).
Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.
Location & Access
Getting There
Salmon Falls is located approximately 34.6 miles from Elk City, Idaho. The coordinates for the falls are 45.4985, -114.999. Access typically involves driving on forest roads, which may be unpaved and require a high-clearance vehicle, especially during wet seasons.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
Parking availability is limited and may consist of informal pull-offs along the road. Visitors should ensure their vehicle is parked safely without obstructing traffic.
Elevation
2,677 feet above sea level
Coordinates
45.498525° N, -114.998996° W
Land Management
Managed by USFS
Visitor Tips & Gear
Check road conditions before visiting, as access roads may be rough or impassable during certain seasons. Bring a map or GPS device, as cell service may be unreliable in this remote area.
Where to Stay
Browse vacation cabins and private rentals nearby
Unique outdoor stays — tents, yurts, and treehouses
Rent a campervan or RV for your waterfall road trip
Some links are affiliate links. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Nearby Campground
Wendover Campground
10.2 miles away · 0 sites
Wendover Campground is situated on stretch of land along the Wild and Scenic Lochsa River off the Northwest Passage Scenic Byway and All American Road (US Highway 12) at mile post 158.2. With 27 campsites all positioned within a mature, moss covered pine forest and centered around a small stream, this campground offers a serene spot for camping, picnicking, fishing, hiking, nature viewing and most importantly, relaxing. Hosts are provided when campground is open. The Campground will accomodate
Book on Recreation.govNearby Hot Springs
Hot springs near Salmon Falls, Idaho
Barth Hot Springs
Barth Hot Springs pours out at 140 degrees Fahrenheit deep in the Payette National Forest, over 10 miles from the nearest road....
Running Warm Springs
Running Warm Springs flows at 106 degrees in the Nezperce National Forest at 4,140 feet, carrying some of the most alkaline wat...
Red River Hot Springs
Red River Hot Springs produces 131 degrees Fahrenheit water at 5,040 feet elevation in Idaho County's Nezperce National Forest,...
Horse Creek Hot Springs
Horse Creek Hot Springs surfaces at 109°F within the Salmon National Forest at 6,080 feet in Lemhi County, accessible roadside ...
Marten Hot Springs
Marten Hot Springs sits deep in the backcountry of the Nezperce National Forest, more than 8.4 miles from the nearest road. Als...
Owl Creek Hot Springs
Owl Creek Hot Springs sends 122°F water to the surface at 3,760 feet in Lemhi County, requiring a 1.7-mile hike from the neares...
Looking for a soak after your hike? Explore more hot springs near Salmon Falls, Idaho on SoakingSprings.
Explore Idaho springsAdditional Information
Nearby Attractions
Nearby attractions include the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forest and the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness, which offer additional hiking and outdoor activities.
Wildlife
The area is home to diverse wildlife, including deer, elk, and various bird species. Visitors should be aware of potential encounters with bears and take appropriate precautions.
Other waterfalls named Salmon Falls
6 other waterfalls share this name across the U.S.
Writing about Salmon Falls? Embed this waterfall on your site for free.