Winter Activities in Riggins | 5 Things To Do On your trip To Idaho!
Riggins, Idaho
Get out of the snow and get into the canyon
If winter has you buried in snow and counting the days until spring, here’s your move: drop into Riggins and visit the Salmon River Canyon. Riggins sits in Idaho’s “banana belt,” known for mild winter weather compared to the rest of the state. Low elevation and a desert climate keeps the snow gone and the temperatures up so you can actually get outside, breathe, and feel human again.
Whether you’re coming for a weekend reset or a full-on winter escape, here are five “can’t-miss” ways to do Riggins right. Oh, and yes - you’re going fishing at least one of the days!
#1 - go Steelhead Fishing (from a drift boat)
If you thought we weren’t going to plug ourselves in our own blog - think again!
Steelhead fishing is the real Idaho classic. They’re some of the hardest fighting fish, the most exciting to catch, and they’re darn tasty, too! Long before it became a sport, it was simply a way of life for the folks who lived along these rivers. And chasing them from a drift boat? Doesn’t get much better than that.
Whether you’re a die-hard angler, or you’ve never held a rod in your life, a day of fishing on the Salmon River has a way of turning into something bigger than fishing. It’s the laughs, the stories, and that moment when the rod buries and everything else disappears. The Salmon has a way of making relationships stronger, and starting new ones - regular days feel like memories in the making.
This is our home river — where we grew up — and it’s still one of our favorite things to do (even when we’re off the clock). Until you’ve floated the Salmon in a drift boat, held a wild steelhead, and sipped coffee as the sun creeps over the ridge, you won’t truly understand what “River Time” means.
#2 - Do the scenic drive
Want a day that feels like a mini-adventure without doing anything complicated? Do the canyon drive up Salmon River Road to Vinegar Creek and back. 27 easy miles of canyon views! Start right in Riggins, and end right on the edge of the “Frank Church - River Of No Return Wilderness”
This road is famous for “just one more corner” views. A few highlights (of the MANY we don’t have room to list) on the way to Vinegar Creek:
Manning Crevice Bridge (about 14 miles upstream from Riggins) — a dramatic bridge crossing in a steep V-shaped canyon and an awesome quick photo stop.
Wind River Pack Bridge (about 23 miles up the road) — quick leg-stretcher, great photos, and a gateway to the Gospel-Hump Wilderness
Wildlife watching — Late Fall & Winter are prime times for glassing the ridges, looking towards the river, and up in the trees. It’s not uncommon to see Bighorn Sheep, Bald Eagles, White Tail & Mule Deer, & Elk on this drive. Actually, it would be uncommon if you didn’t see almost all of these animals!
The Salmon River Road is maintained well, but there are still blind corners, occasional rockfall (not landslides) and washboards. It can be easily done in a 2-wheel drive car, but just remember that you won’t have cell phone service (you probably need to get away from the phone anyways). Go prepared, drive smart, and bring some snacks - it’s well worth it.
#3 - Hike the Rapid River Trail
Rapid River Trail is one of those hikes that feels tailor-made for a Riggins winter escape. There’s big scenery, steady sounds of nature, and just enough climbing to earn the views without turning your day into a suffer-fest. The trail follows Rapid River through a rugged canyon, with rock walls, forest pockets, and constant glimpses of fast water cutting through the landscape. It’s the kind of place where you can show up for “a quick walk” and end up lingering, because every bend looks like a postcard.
What makes this trail especially appealing in the colder months is how doable it can be when higher-elevation trails are buried. You’ll often find yourself hiking in cool, comfortable air instead of deep snow, and the canyon gives you that sheltered, sunny feel on the right day. This is a perfect trail for slow pacing, photo stops, and enjoying the quiet that winter brings.
Plan on a few hours if you’re going out-and-back, and don’t be surprised if the trail turns into a wildlife-spotting session. Deer tracks, birds, and the occasional eagle overhead are all part of the experience, especially when the canyon is calm and the crowds are thin. It’s an easy way to add a true “Idaho Canyon” moment to your trip without needing skis, snowshoes, or a complicated plan.
#4 - Canyon Shopping & Food
Don’t drive through the Salmon River Canyon without shopping local. This easy day-trip loop from Riggins to White Bird (and back) highlights canyon owned spots that keep our small tourism economy strong. Check out a few, or hit them all!
#1 Blue Tick Coffee (Riggins)
Make this your first stop - Grab some seriously good coffee and a bite to eat before you start your day!
#2 Idaho Banana Co. (Riggins)
A one-of-a-kind gift shop packed with Idaho-made products, locally handcrafted gifts, and a solid beer & wine selection. It’s the perfect place to browse, grab a souvenir, and stock up on snacks for the day.
#3 Unique Antler Design (Riggins)
A family-owned antler art business creating handcrafted antler décor. From statement pieces (like chandeliers/lighting) to rustic home accents - made right here in Riggins. Their showroom is a fun stop if you want to see truly unique wildlife-inspired craftsmanship up close. This is a must-stop for some of the most amazing art you’ll find in Idaho! (Check out Grandpa Fred’s bowls while you’re in there, too!)
#4 Killgore Adventures (White Bird)
Killgore Adventures is an easy, can’t-miss stop on the way to White Bird. They’ve got a gift shop with fun local swag, good coffee, and milkshakes, plus great views of the river that make it worth pulling in even if you’ve only got a few minutes. It’s the perfect quick break to stretch your legs, grab a treat, and keep rolling. An easy pit-stop right next to their shop is the twin bridges boat ramp! Check out the Salmon River smolt counter and throw a couple rocks in the river on the beach!
#5 1906 Brews (White Bird)
Make this your lunch anchor - the best sandwiches in the canyon and a place you’ll want to linger. It’s also a great tackle and swag shop, so you can grab something fun (or useful) before you head back to Riggins. Don’t forget to check out the HUGE Sturgeon they have mounted in the shop!
#6 Seven Devils Steakhouse & Saloon & The Salmon River Heritage Tour (Riggins)
Finish the day at Seven Devils for dinner and a couple drinks. The Sevin Devils hosts classic steakhouse/saloon vibes, and a perfect way to end the day. Meet some locals, hear some stories, and head home for the night. Afterward, take a mellow stroll through town and hit a the plaques along Main Street on the “Salmon River Heritage Walking Tour” for an easy, feel-good way to wrap the night while learning about Riggins & our beginnings.
#5 - soak it all in
Leave 20 minutes earlier than planned. Pull over and, walk down to the beach, listen to the river and soak it all in. Head back knowing that you did it all, and plan that next trip back. Maybe in the summer?
the best Places to stay
Situated right in the heart of town and at the confluence of the Main Salmon & Little Salmon River. Clean and up to date rooms, an amazing view of the river, a great breakfast & lounge. Don’t forget to get a “Riverside” Room!
The RV Landing @ The Carlson Ranch
An amazing venue upstream of town. Riverfront full-service RV Park & Dry Cabins. Check out the amazing “Gus Creek Cabin” Perfect for groups, and some amazing views of the river. We can even end our day drift boat fishing here, and you’ll walk right up to your cabin!
Our friends at Whitewater Expeditions rent out two amazing “Domes”. This “glamping” to the max. This will by far be your quietest night to sleep, besides the perfect sound of the river flowing by!
If you’re bringing an RV or camper and prefer to be closer to town - this is the perfect spot to stay. Nestled at the far end of Riggins right along the Little Salmon River you’ll have great privacy and even better views.