READING LIST
A few great river reads…
All of these books can be ordered though our closest independent, woman owned bookseller:
River of No Return, by Johnny Carrey and Cort Conley (Backeddy Books, 1978)
This book is the definitive work on Salmon River history. Reading this book will greatly enhance your experience…if you choose to read one book, make it this one.
Thousand Pieces of Gold: A Biographical Novel, by Ruthanne Lum McCann (Beacon Press, 1991)
This book is a beautiful fictionalized account of the life of Polly Bemis, who made her home along the Salmon River. This moving true story offers insight into the homesteaders of the Salmon River country, as well as the struggles of a Chinese woman at the turn of the century. Highly recommended. Polly's homestead has been preserved as a living museum and is a favorite stop along the river. This story has also been turned into a feature film available at most major video stores.
The River’s Daughter, by Bridget Crocker (Spiegel & Grau, 2025)
Bridget’s coming of age autobiography highlights the challenges for women in career previously defined by men.
The Organic Treadmill, by Steve Zettel (self published, 2024)
Autobiographic account of 50 years in the wilderness and developing a wilderness ethic.
Merciless Eden: a River of No Return Homestead, by Doug and Phyllis Tims (Ferry Media, 2013)
A thorough account of the pioneers of Campbell’s Ferry pioneers in the heart of the Salom River Wilderness.
Sunk Without a Sound, by Brad Dimock (Fretwater Press, 2001)
The tragic Colorado River Honeymoon of Glen and Bessie Hyde, with stories from the early days of Salmon River boating.
Never Turn Back: The Life of Whitewater Pioneer Walt Blackadar, by Ron Watters (Great Rift Press, 2003)
The compelling life story of Dr. Walt Blackadar, a physician from Salmon. At the age of 49, he shocked the outdoor world when he made a solo kayak journey down Turnback Canyon on the Alsek River in Canada. Blackadar's accomplishment was the river equivalent of the first ascent of Everest, and when excerpts from his Alsek journal were published in Sports Illustrated, he became an instant sensation. He was at the top of his sport at an age when most athletes are long retired.
Last of the Mountain Men, by Harold Peterson and Sylvan Hart (Backeddy Books, 1994)
This book details the life of Sylvan Hart, known along the river as Buckskin Bill. Bill was a true eccentric and his hand-built compound is another favorite stop along the river. The museum at his home features hand-made guns and cast-iron cookware, and his home has been left as is for visitors to see.
Haven in the Wilderness, by Carol Furey-Werhan (Never Summer Ranch Publications, 1996)
This is the story of Frances Zaunmiller Wisner, who made her home at the backcountry outpost of Campbell's Ferry along the Salmon River from 1940 to 1986. Frances maintained a weather station for the National Weather Service, and offered hospitality to travelers along the river and trail for forty-five years. She served as a correspondent to the Idaho County Free Press, where her witty backwoods commentary gained national attention.
I Will Fight No More Forever: Chief Joseph and the Nez Perce War, by Merrill D. Beal (University of Washington Press, 1966)
An excellent historical account of the tribe that dominated the Salmon River Canyon, its proud leader, and their unsuccessful flight to Canada.
Idaho Loners: Hermits, Solitaries, and Individualists, by Cort Conley (Backeddy Books, 1994)
Conley details the lives of several fascinating Idaho recluses, from the aforementioned Buckskin Bill to outlaw Claude Dallas. This is an interesting book with several stories that relate to the Salmon River country.
Undaunted Courage: Meriwether Lewis, Thomas Jefferson, and the Opening of the American West, by Stephen E. Ambrose (Simon and Schuster, 1996)
Our river trip begins where Lewis and Clark decided to turn back and pursue a northern land route to the coast. This recount of their epic journey details the opening of the western frontier.