McCall Idaho Real Estate

and All Surrounding Area Property

Riggins

Riggins Idaho stands as the gateway to spectacular mountains, canyons and rivers of west central Idaho. Home to some of the best whitewater rafting anywhere, everything from day trips to back country wilderness floats via raft or jet boat are available. Perfect access to the Salmon River, the famous River of No Return and the Snake River in nearby Hell’s Canyon offers a once in a lifetime experience. To learn more, visit: http://rigginsidaho.com/

Riggins History

In 1863, white men first happened on the area and discovered gold in a land where until that time, Nez Perce Indians had used the area as a preferred camping ground. Although he left before digging into the find, he returned a few years later to stake a claim. In 1893 though, he sold his claim and built the first house in the area for himself, his wife and five boys. Around that same time, Charley, John and Bud Clay moved to the area to develop an irrigation ditch to help with their mining plans and by 1894, the population had grown enough to need a school, with 14 local children beginning that year.

By 1901, Missouri native John Riggins had established a ferry on Lightning Creek to travel north and his son, Richard had moved to the town site, establishing a post. The younger Riggins later became one of the town’s most respected businessmen. Serving as a jack of all trades, from stage drive to freights, Dick made major contributions to the town’s development and the residents eventually named the town after him.

Continuing to grow when a wagon road was completed to the settlement in 1902, hotels, houses, churches and stores soon began to join Dick’s businesses. The town today is ranked as Idaho’s white water capital, with hundreds of thrill seekers launching their Salmon River excursions from Riggins every summer.

City of Riggins
For more details about Riggins, visit: http://www.rigginsidaho.org/

River Information Guides Riggins River Activities

Find the best places to spot our feathered friends at: Salmon River Area Bird Guide