“Come for the races. Stay to explore.”
THURSDAY – WELCOME TO RIGGINS
• Check into a local riverside lodge, cabin, RV Park or campground - Browse Riggins & White Bird area lodging
• Grab dinner at Summervilles Café or Seven Devils Steakhouse.
• Enjoy an easy walk along the Salmon River and watch the sunset over the canyon walls.
Insider tip: Arrive early to snag river-view lodging—this weekend books up fast! Nearby Grangeville offers excellent options as well...browse options.
FRIDAY – HIKE + RELAX BEFORE RACE DAY
• Morning hike up the Rapid River Trail – wildflowers, wildlife, and rushing waters. Winding through a dramatic canyon carved by crystal-clear waters, the Rapid River Trail offers a peaceful and scenic escape just minutes from Riggins. This out-and-back trail features a gentle incline on the way in and an easy downhill return. Expect sweeping views of rugged wilderness, spring wildflowers, and the soothing sound of rushing water. Some sections can be overgrown with tall grasses and brush, so long pants are recommended. Parking is available at the trailhead on Rapid River Road.
• Book a 1/2 day fishing charter on the Salmon River or a thrilling jet boat adventure from Pittsburgh Landing through Hells Canyon, North America's deepest river gorge. See wildlife, ooh and ahh over the views, and hear the stories of homesteaders, miners, and early explorers.
• Evening bonfire, live music, or a casual meet-up with racers. You can find live music and good food at many of the restaurants along the main road.
SATURDAY/SUNDAY - RACE DAY!
Bring your camp chairs, sack lunch and choose a riverside spot from Time Zone bridge to Salmon Rapids Lodge and beyond.
SUNDAY AFTERNOON
• Take a scenic drive along the Salmon River to White Bird for lunch at 1906 Brews and enjoy their wonderful selection of Idaho wines and craft brews.
• Walk Through History at White Bird Battlefield: Drive the Old White Bird Highway and take a short, peaceful hike through rolling hills where the opening battle of the Nez Perce War took place in 1877. Interpretive signs along the trail share the story from both Nez Perce and U.S. Army perspectives. It’s a quiet, reflective walk with sweeping views of White Bird Canyon and the Salmon River below.
Explore More of North Central Idaho
After the thrill of the Jet Boat Races, take a few extra days to explore the scenic byways, historic sites, and small-town charm of the region—all within a couple hours north of Riggins.
Grangeville
Step into Idaho’s prehistoric past at Tolo Lake, where the remains of a Columbian mammoth were discovered in 1994. A full-scale replica stands in the visitor center just off Highway 95, with interpretive signs sharing its Ice Age story. In downtown Grangeville, explore local shops and grab a bite or coffee at Crema Café. Don’t miss the Bicentennial Historical Museum, featuring Nez Perce artifacts, pioneer exhibits, and rotating displays.
Cottonwood
High on the Camas Prairie, Cottonwood offers both quirky roadside charm and rich history. Snap a photo at the iconic Dog Bark Park Inn, then head to St. Gertrude’s Monastery, home to a welcoming Benedictine community and the impressive Historical Museum at St. Gertrude. The museum houses artifacts from the Nez Perce people, early settlers, and frontier life.
Don’t leave without taking a scenic drive to view the Camas Prairie Railroad trestles, towering wooden structures once called the “Railroad on Stilts.” These engineering marvels stretch across canyons and hillsides and make for incredible photos.
Nezperce & Craigmont
Small but full of heart, Nezperce is surrounded by open farmland and rolling prairie. Its quiet charm makes it a great stop for a relaxing drive or a picnic in town. Just down the road, Craigmont offers beautiful views over the prairie and quick access to more backroad adventures. Both towns are great examples of rural Idaho hospitality.
Winchester
Nestled near the Camas Prairie, Winchester Lake State Park is a peaceful spot for camping, hiking, fishing, kayaking, and wildlife watching.
Kamiah & the Heart of the Monster
Travel east to Kamiah, where the Heart of the Monster—a site sacred to the Nez Perce people—tells the tribe’s creation story through interpretive signs and a short, reflective walking trail. The surrounding Clearwater River corridor offers beautiful views and a peaceful place to connect with the land’s cultural significance.