Outdoor Recreation
Recreation in North Central Idaho
Exceptional outdoor recreation in North Central Idaho and in the communities along the Salmon River canyon area between White Bird and Riggins abounds. Swiftwater RV Park is a great campground, with both RV and Tent Camping amenities, not to mention one of the best departures for 4-wheeling and motorbike excursions. Motorcyclists and cyclists are always welcome at Swiftwater RV Park!
White Bird is Idaho’s shortest drive to the Hell’s Canyon National Recreational Area. White Bird is one of Idaho’s historical rural communities, big on western hospitality. Across the Salmon River, the Twin River area in the rural lands from the Salmon to the Snake River systems is now home to many friendly folks. Swiftwater RV Park is a great destination from which to explore, see and experience this true wilderness and rural landscape.
Our park is a perfect area for anyone who loves the outdoors and loves breathtaking scenery.
Things to Do & See
ATV Trails
Direct rides from our campground to hundreds of miles of scenic trails. No need to haul your rigs to trailheads. Swiftwater RV Park is a safe and secure private campground.
Backpacking & Hiking
The surrounding canyons, valleys, ridges, and rivers offer stunning wilderness views that will quiet any restless heart.
Cycling
The TransAmerica Trail, from the Pacific to the Atlantic lists our Park and area within their national bicycling trips. White Bird Grade hosts a bicycle race annually known as “For the Hill of It” in June.
Fishing & Hunting
Anglers arrive here for salmon & steelhead runs, and smallmouth bass, sturgeon, and trout. When in season, hunters come here for prize mule & white tail deer, elk, moose, mountain lion, chukar, blue grouse, and quail.
Horseback Riding
Local area outfitters will put you in the saddle by the hour or by the day. Whether you are an experienced horseman or are looking to learn, our guides and our trails will keep you coming back.
Jet Boat Excursions
We have the finest and most experienced Jet Boat companies in the country. Hells Canyon and its mighty Snake River can only be enjoyed and experienced by boat, and our local jet boat outfitters offer thrilling day trips for people of all ages. Advance reservations are necessary, so let us help plan your trip during your stay here at Swiftwater RV Park in White Bird, Idaho.
Gem Minerals of Idaho
Perhaps no other section of the world has experienced more gem mineral-forming forces than Idaho. The alluvial and glacial deposits of the lake country; the mineral-rich basalts and the Hell’s Canyon and the Seven Sisters; the ancient lava flows of the Snake River Plain are the hunting grounds for the rock hound.
WhiteWater Rafting
The Salmon and Snake Rivers are two of the most famous wild rivers in the nation. We have rapids for everyone, from Class II to Class V; you will not be disappointed. Minimum half-day to week-long trips are available. Let us help you book family-fun whitewater rafting adventures.
Wildlife & Wildflower Viewing
Our mountains have flora and fauna for the horticulturists, botanists, ornithologists, birders, and wildlife gazers. Bring your camera and your loved ones and see what our wilderness has to offer.
Local Attractions
White Bird Rodeo is held in June on Father’s Day weekend. It opens Friday evening and has a 2nd rodeo on Saturday afternoon.
White Bird Days Celebration hosts a Parade on Saturday morning in downtown White Bird, Idaho – only 2 miles from Swiftwater RV Park.
For the Hill of It Bike Ride is an annual fund raising event held in early June for our local hospital. Nearly 100 cyclists come to Hammer Creek – only a few miles away – to start out the breathtaking climb up the White Bird Grade and back!
Hell’s Canyon National Recreation Area is one of the leading recreational areas in the Pacific Northwest.
Swiftwater RV Park is one of the closest private Idaho campgrounds to Hells Canyon and Pittsburg Landing (17 miles)– a popular private and commercial boat launch spot on the Snake River in the heart of Hells Canyon National Recreation Area. The drive (FS Road 493) takes only 45 minutes from Swiftwater over a well-maintained gravel road that is full of incredible views, vistas, and wildlife. The Salmon River Canyon is the second deepest canyon in North America, Hells Canyon is the deepest.
Stibnite Mining Project Links:
Socio-Economic study of Stibnite Gold Mine Released. How reestablishing and expansion of the Stibnite Mine will affect existing established businesses within the mining impact zone. Created by donations of a business cooperative.
Map & Trail Links:
Here’s some (hopefully) helpful information regarding riding ATVs and side-by-sides while camping at Swiftwater. Yes, our guests just hop in their ATVs parked next to their RVs and ride directly out of the campground to explore miles and miles of land in all directions.
National Geographic: free downloadable PDF topo maps that are printable on standard 8.5″ x 11″ paper
Idaho Parks & Rec: ATV rules etc.
Stay on Trails: A very helpful website that includes lots of Idaho riding information. By clicking on this link about where to ride, if you scroll down the list to Rides #44 and 45, you’ll find information about two Hells Canyon Rides.
Hells Canyon National Recreation Area pocket guide: This is extremely helpful to print ahead of time and bring with you.
On a side note, White Bird has an active ATV organization – Idaho Pathfinders Association (IPA) – working for the public to keep trails open. They emphasize efforts to be good stewards of public lands, to keep forests clean, and to help protect individuals’ rights to ride trail machines on Public Lands.
Our Recommended Partners
SNAKE RIVER (Hells Canyon)
Killgore Adventures & Jet Boat Tours is a local Jet Boat Tour Company. They offer great 6-hour jet boat trips on the Snake River in nearby Hells Canyon. We like to recommend these folks because they always launch from Pittsburg Landing, which is 17 miles from the campground and tour down river to the Hells Canyon Dam. Lunch is included. If you request their shuttle service, they will pick you up at Swiftwater the morning of your trip! Book through their website.
Hammer Down River Excursions is a veteran-owned local White Bird business that offers excellent activity hour long+ excursions, a dinner cruise, and/or fishing trips on the Salmon River. You can book through their website or call 208.839.9993. The owner, Homer Brown, is a White Bird native and grew up on the Salmon…he’s got lots of experience and expertise…plus he’s a heck of a nice guy!
RIVER RAFTING
Exodus Salmon River Rafting is Owned by Bill & Kristy Bonner. This is a long-standing Salmon River rafting company known for their excellence, safety and fun. They specialize in family experiences! Bill & Kristy are both excellent rafters and specialize in small, customized trips for folks of all ages…. and skill levels, plus they offer evening rafting trips for guests staying at Swiftwater. Book online at their website or call/text 208.301.1998.
Wapiti River Guides Another long-time river-runner on the Salmon River is Gary Lane with Wapiti River Adventures; He’s been guiding for nearly 50 years and is an expert at adapting the type of rafting trip to the guest’s preference & skill levels. Book through their website.
Hells Canyon Boat Tours will take you on an amazing adventure with our Hells Canyon boat tour through the deepest and most rugged points of the canyon. Your unforgettable Hells Canyon adventure will provide you with breathtaking beauty, amazing wildlife, and a Hells Canyon boat tour filled with excitement. Their USCG Certified jet boats will take you through the most challenging whitewater into the deepest canyon that North America has to offer. Book on their website.
Have fun rafting, fishing and touring our rivers….you’ll have a blast