The Lower Gorge section of the Salmon River includes the river’s final miles, as it drops to under 1,000 feet above sea level to join the Snake on the Oregon border. This is epic territory: with the peaks of the Seven Devils mountains rising to the south, four separate deep basalt gorges, this section of the Salmon is only miles as the crow flies from the spectacular Hell's Canyon, and passes through similar terrain. Less famous than other sections of the Salmon, the Lower Gorge region is just as scenic and undeveloped as the rest of the river.

Though there are several knuckle-whitening rapids along the way, for the most part this stretch of the river is calmer and quieter than the raging waters upstream. The mountain melt off has had time to thaw and warm, making for warmer waters. The terrain varies from towering basalt gorges to rough grassy hills, and there are sandy beaches at many of the pull-out points. Remnants of visitors past can be seen, from 19th century camps of Chinese miners to ancient Native American rock art.

Trips through the Lower Gorge usually last between 3 and 5 days, and most take out at Heller Bar or Eagle Creek, a few miles upstream from the confluence with the Snake. Grangeville is the nearest town to both launch and take-out points, and many outfitters who run this stretch of the river are based there.

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