Access Site
ID
South Butte
City: Clayton, ID
County: Custer County
Type: Boat Ramp
Location: 44.24921202, -114.45409600
Air Temp: --
Location
Interactive access map
Loads when you reach this section.
Live Webcam
Nearby Gauge Conditions
Real-time data from USGS Water Services
Whitewater Runs on Salmon River
9 runs (4 nearby)Difficulty Classes
I Easy
II Novice
III Intermediate
IV Advanced
V Expert/Extreme
VI Unrunnable
Position relative to this access site:
Put-in at this location
This location is on the run
Take-out at this location
Downstream from here Upstream from here
Downstream from here Upstream from here
II
Downstream from here (8.9 mi to put-in)
4 - E. Fork of Salmon to Town of North Fork
110.0 mi
II-III
Downstream from here (29.5 mi to put-in)
1 - Hellroaring Creek to Redfish Lake Creek
12.6 mi
III
Upstream from here (9.6 mi from take-out)
3 - Rough Creek Bridge to Torrey's Hole River Access
12.0 mi
II
Upstream from here (23.3 mi from take-out)
2 - Stanley to Rough Creek Bridge
9.3 mi
These whitewater runs are on the same river but located more than 50 miles from this access site.
Whitewater data from
American Whitewater
About This Access Site
South Butte provides public access to the upper Salmon River approximately 3 miles west of Clayton, Idaho. This 2-acre site features 4-5 campsites and is suitable for kayakers, canoeists, and small boats, though RVs over 30 feet are restricted due to limited turnarounds. Access crosses Thompson Creek Mine private lands, so please respect this arrangement and follow posted boundaries. Two reservable campgrounds (Whiskey Flat and Holman Creek) are located within 10 miles for extended visits.
The Salmon River at this location is a major river with substantial flow (averaging 13,100 cubic feet per second) and a steep gradient of 23.1 feet per mile, indicating fast-moving water with significant current. Paddlers should be experienced and prepared for the river's power and speed. Note that seasonal closures and construction work may occur; contact the BLM-Salmon Field Office at (208) 756-5400 for current conditions and access updates. The site sits near the White Clouds Wilderness Area and Deadman Hole Recreation Site, offering excellent opportunities to combine river recreation with backcountry exploration.
The Salmon River at this location is a major river with substantial flow (averaging 13,100 cubic feet per second) and a steep gradient of 23.1 feet per mile, indicating fast-moving water with significant current. Paddlers should be experienced and prepared for the river's power and speed. Note that seasonal closures and construction work may occur; contact the BLM-Salmon Field Office at (208) 756-5400 for current conditions and access updates. The site sits near the White Clouds Wilderness Area and Deadman Hole Recreation Site, offering excellent opportunities to combine river recreation with backcountry exploration.
Nearby Recreation Areas
White Clouds Wilderness Area
Located within
Deadman Hole Recreation Site
Located within
Amenities
parking
restrooms