Blake Walsh

16 Best Things to Do in Riggins, ID

  • Published 2022/07/18

Idaho is a land of opportunity for the outdoor enthusiast, and there is no better place to enjoy the state’s natural beauty than Riggins.

Nestled 1,800 feet in a canyon where the Salmon and Little Salmon rivers converge, Riggins features excellent fishing and outdoor adventures.

Head to Riggins if you want to experience some of the best fishing areas in the state.

Thousands of salmon make their way through these rivers to their yearly spawning grounds.

Anglers from all over come to try their luck at reeling them in.

The fishing season kicks off at different times of the year, so timing is vital if you want to make the most of it.

But even outside the peak season, you can still catch plenty of fish.

While fishing is the main point of interest for many visitors, it’s not the only thing to do in Riggins.

There are plenty of outdoor and indoor activities to keep you busy during your stay.

Here are the best things to do to make your Riggins vacation much more memorable:

Go Fishing at Lower Salmon River

Scenic view of Lower Salmon River

Jim Black / Shutterstock.com

Since Riggins is known for fishing, it would be a crime not to start this list with this activity.

The Lower Salmon River is one of the best places to fish and is an excellent spot for both beginner and experienced anglers.

Ths 425-mile Lower Salmon River is one of the longest free-flowing rivers in the country.

It’s also one of Idaho’s most popular fishing spots, thanks to the abundant fish that call it home.

You can fish for salmon, steelhead, and trout here, and there’s even a section of the river reserved for fly fishing only.

Whether you’re using bait, lures, or flies, you will have a great time.

Go on a Boat Tour with River Adventures, Inc.

The Salmon River is the main attraction of Riggins, and what better way to experience it than by going on a boat tour?

River Adventures, Inc. is a bout tour agency that offers fishing trips, historical tours, and more.

One of the most popular boat tours is the Hells Canyon Scenic tour.

This tour takes you downriver to the Snake River, and along the way, you’ll see some of the most beautiful scenery in Idaho.

You’ll also learn about the area’s history and see some of the fantastic wildlife that calls Hells Canyon home.

Other popular boat tours include the Steelhead Fishing trip and the Salmon River “River of No Return” tour.

Experience Jet Boat Fishing with Idaho’s Big River Outfitters

Idaho’s Big River Outfitters is one of the state’s premier fishing and hunting guides.

They offer various services, including jet boat fishing trips, guided river tours, and boat rental.

Jet boat fishing is a great way to experience the Salmon River, and Idaho’s Big River Outfitters will ensure you have a great time.

They offer half-day and full-day trips, and you can choose to fish for salmon, steelhead, or trout.

They also offer a variety of other tours, including the Idaho Steelhead fishing Trips and the Guided Salmon Fishing Trips.

So if you want a fun and memorable river adventure, make sure to choose Idaho’s Big River Outfitters.

Go on a Rafting Trip with Mountain River Outfitters

Riggins offers a plethora of outfitters to choose from when it comes to guided river tours.

However, one of the best is Mountain River Outfitters.

They provide rafting trips, including half-day, full-day, and multi-day trips.

One of their most popular trips is the Lower Salmon River Rafting trip.

This trip takes you through the Salmon River Canyon; along the way, you’ll see some iconic views of Hells Canyon.

You’ll also have the chance to see some wildlife, including bighorn sheep, eagles, and ospreys.

So if you’re looking for an adventure-packed trip, look no further than Mountain River Outfitters.

Spend a Day at Riggins City Park

If you’ve had your fill of outdoor water activities and prefer something a little more low-key, spend a day at Riggins City Park.

Located in downtown Riggins, this park is perfect for picnicking, playing fetch with your dog, or relaxing in the sun.

The park has a playground for the kids and a pavilion for picnics.

You can also follow a walking path that winds through the park.

It’s also right next to the Salmon River, so you can always go for some fishing if you’re up to it.

Riggins City Park also hosts fun activities for kids and the entire family.

There is pace painting, cardboard cutouts, bubbles, and various games for kids.

Occasionally, the park hosts live entertainment, such as a talent show and car show.

Visit the Rapid River Fish Hatchery

Built in 1964, the Rapid River Fish Hatchery is one of the premier fish hatcheries in Idaho.

It’s located in Rapid River Roads, Riggins, a 16-minute drive from downtown.

It’s the largest collecting, spawning, and rearing facility for spring Chinook Salmon in the state.

The Idaho Power Company owns and finances the Rapid River Fish Hatchery.

Meanwhile, the Fish and Game Department handles operations.

You can join guided tours of the facility.

It’s a great way to learn about how the incubator works and see some of the fantastic fish raised there.

Taste Some Fine Beer at Heaven’s Gate Brewery

Located in downtown Riggins, Heaven’s Gate Brewery is the perfect place to relax and enjoy a cold beer after a long day of exploring.

They offer a variety of different beers, all of which they brew in-house.

Their most popular beer is the Salmon River Lager, a light and refreshing beer perfect for a hot day.

They also have a variety of other beers, including the Jalapeno IPA and Garden City Wheat.

If you’re hungry, they also have a menu of pub-style food, including burgers, sandwiches, and salads.

Whether you’re looking to drink some beer or eat some good food, Heaven’s Gate Brewery is the place to go.

Pass through the Hells Canyon Scenic Byway

Hells Canyon is one of the most beautiful and scenic places in Idaho.

The best way to see it is by driving the Hells Canyon Scenic Byway.

Drive along the Byway and explore the Wallowas, Hells Canyon, and the Salmon River Country.

You’ll see some fantastic views of Hells Canyon, the Wallowa Mountains, and the Salmon River along the way.

The Byway is a great way to see some of Idaho’s best scenery.

Add it to your list of things to do in Riggins and make sure you have your camera ready.

Dine at Seven Devils Bar & Steakhouse

Located in downtown Riggins, Seven Devils Bar & Steakhouse is a great place to dine and spend time with friends, family, and friendly locals.

The steakhouse is known for its delicious food and excellent service.

They have a wide variety of menu items, including steaks, burgers, pasta, and seafood.

They also have a full bar to enjoy a drink with your meal.

The atmosphere at Seven Devils Bar & Steakhouse is casual and relaxed.

It’s the perfect place to unwind and enjoy some good food after a long day of exploring Riggins, ID.

Go Kayaking with Orange Torpedo Trips

Kayaking is one of the best things to do in Riggins, and the best outfitter to go with is Orange Torpedo Trips.

They offer various kayaking trips; experienced guides lead all the trips.

Their most popular trip is the Hells Canyon Scenic float, which takes you through some of the most beautiful sceneries in Riggins and nearby areas.

They also offer a variety of other trips, including the Salmon River float and the Snake River float.

No matter your trip, you will indeed have a great time kayaking with Orange Torpedo Trips.

Try Yoga at Inbody Expeditions

Book a relaxing Reiki healing session or do some yoga at Inbody Expeditions.

Located in downtown Riggins, this is the perfect place to unwind and relax after a long day touring Riggins and its beautiful outdoor areas.

Inbody Expeditions offers various yoga classes; experienced instructors lead all the classes, too.

They also offer Reiki healing sessions, which are a great way to relax and rejuvenate your mind and body.

If you’re looking for a place to relax and de-stress, add Inbody Expeditions to your list of things to do in Riggins.

Buy Souvenirs at Idaho Banana Co.

You can’t leave beautiful Riggins without buying something from Idaho Banana Co.

This is the perfect place to buy souvenirs for friends and family back home.

Located in downtown Riggins, Idaho, Banana Co. offers a variety of different souvenirs.

These items are all proudly Idaho-made.

They have a wide selection of t-shirts, hats, and other apparel.

Likewise, they have a wide selection of Idaho-themed gifts, including keychains, mugs, and magnets.

Stop by Idaho Banana Co. and pick up some souvenirs before you leave Riggins.

Drop by the Mountain River Outdoor Center Espresso Shop

If you came to Riggins without bringing any outdoor gear, don’t worry.

The Mountain River Outdoor Center has you covered.

They offer a wide range of outdoor equipment, all available for rent or purchase.

They also have an espresso shop, the perfect place to get a pick-me-up from a cup of coffee after a long day exploring Riggins and its surrounding areas.

Since it’s located in downtown Riggins, Mountain river Outdoor Center Espresso Shop is also a great spot to make friends with the affable locals.

Go Fishing Again with Epley’s Whitewater Adventures Day Tour

Before you leave Riggins, make sure you go on one more fishing adventure.

This time, join the Epley’s Whitewater Adventures Day Tour.

What’s unique about Epley’s is that they offer both fly fishing and conventional fishing trips.

Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced fisherman, Epley’s has a trip that’s perfect for you.

Since they offer both full-day and half-day trips, you can easily find one that fits your schedule.

Other Things to Do Nearby

Spend a Day or Two at Canyon Pines RV Resort

The Canyon Pines RV Resort is in Pollock, Idaho, a short 14-minute drive from downtown Riggins.

This Resort is the best place to unwind and de-stress.

Likewise, they offer various amenities designed to make your stay as comfortable and enjoyable as possible.

They have a wide range of RV sites, all fully equipped with hookups.

They also have a variety of cabins and villas that you can rent.

If you’re looking for something to do, they have a wide range of activities, including hiking, biking, and fishing.

So if you’re looking for a place to relax and enjoy the great outdoors, add Canyon Pines RV Resort to your itinerary.

Buy Quality Meats at Cross O Meats

Wrap up your Riggins vacation with a visit to Cross O Meats, the area’s premier store for high-quality meat products.

Cross O Meats is a family-owned business that has operated since 1890.

You’ll find them in Pollock, 14 minutes from Riggins.

It has gone through five generations of family ownership.

So you can be sure they know a thing or two about meat.

They offer a wide range of meat products, all grass-fed and finished to perfection using local non-GMO barley.

The people behind Cross O Meats have one goal: to ensure people know where their food comes from.

If you’re looking for quality meat products to bring home, add Cross O Meats to your list of places to visit near Riggins.

Final Thoughts

From fishing to river tours, Riggins is all about the great outdoors.

Its location and natural scenery make it the perfect place to relax and unwind.

With so many things to do, you’ll never find boredom in Riggins, ID.

Make sure you’re up for outdoor fun and adventure in this booming city.

Otherwise, you won’t make the most of your time there.

Add all of these activities to your itinerary to enjoy the best vacation in Riggins.

Book your trip today!

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