City: Elk Bend, ID
County: Lemhi County
Type: Boat Ramp
Location: 44.93203894, -113.96188026
Air Temp: --
Location
Live Webcam
Nearby Gauge Conditions
Real-time data from USGS Water Services
Whitewater Runs on Salmon River
9 runs (2 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
This location is on this run
4 - E. Fork of Salmon to Town of North Fork
110.0 mi
III
Downstream from here (32.7 mi to put-in)
5 - North Fork to Corn Creek
46.0 mi
These whitewater runs are on the same river but located more than 50 miles from this access site.
III-IV
58 mi away
6 - Corn Creek to Carey Creek
80.0 mi
III
64 mi away
3 - Rough Creek Bridge to Torrey's Hole River Access
12.0 mi
II
74 mi away
2 - Stanley to Rough Creek Bridge
9.3 mi
II-III
84 mi away
1 - Hellroaring Creek to Redfish Lake Creek
12.6 mi
III-IV
142 mi away
7 - Carey Creek to Riggins
23.0 mi
III
166 mi away
8 - Riggins to White Bird
30.0 mi
II-IV
172 mi away
9 - Hammer Creek to Snake River confluence
55.0 mi
Whitewater data from
American Whitewater
About This Access Site
Waddington Creek provides boat and kayak access to the Salmon River near Elk Bend in Lemhi County, Idaho. This access point serves as one of several launch locations along this major river system, which is a substantial waterway with an average flow of 13,100 cubic feet per second and notable gradient of 23.1 feet per mile. The Salmon River at this location is characterized by swift current (averaging 5.22 feet/second), making it suitable for experienced paddlers and boaters. Current protocols require users to get in and out of boat ramps as quickly as possible.
The surrounding area offers multiple recreation opportunities, including nearby Williams Lake Campground (reservable campsites available within 10 miles) and the Kilpatrick Day Use Area, which features additional boat launch facilities and fishing access. Those interested in extending their visit can explore Goldbug Hot Springs, accessible via hiking trail from a nearby trailhead. For detailed information about current conditions, facilities, and regulations at Waddington Creek or other access sites along this stretch of the Salmon River, contact the BLM-Salmon Field Office at (208) 756-5400.
The surrounding area offers multiple recreation opportunities, including nearby Williams Lake Campground (reservable campsites available within 10 miles) and the Kilpatrick Day Use Area, which features additional boat launch facilities and fishing access. Those interested in extending their visit can explore Goldbug Hot Springs, accessible via hiking trail from a nearby trailhead. For detailed information about current conditions, facilities, and regulations at Waddington Creek or other access sites along this stretch of the Salmon River, contact the BLM-Salmon Field Office at (208) 756-5400.
Nearby Recreation Areas
Kilpatrick Day Use Area
Located within
Goldbug Hot Springs
Located within
Elevenmile Day Use Area
Located within
Eightmile Day Use Area
Located within