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Middle Fork Salmon River

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Middle Fork Salmon River Rafting 6-Day Travel Planning

BEGINS: Stanley or Salmon, Idaho
TRIP LENGTH: 6 days, 100 miles
SEASON: June - August
MINIMUM AGE: 12 (7 based on water levels)

FEATURING: Frank Church Wilderness

RAFTING: Class III-IV whitewater combined with calm stretches
BOAT TYPE: Oar Boat & Paddle Raft
HIKING: Short walks to longer, more difficult hikes (all optional)
CAMPING: Sleeping pads, tents, sleeping bags, chairs & water-resistant bags
MEALS: All meals are prepared for you between departure & return
TRANSFERS:
June 1 - July 22 trips: bus from Stanley, ID to put in. Bus from take out to Salmon, ID.
July 30 - Aug 31: flight from Salmon, ID to Indian Creek put in. Bus from take out to Salmon, ID.

ENDS: Approximately 4:30 PM - Stagecoach Inn, Salmon, ID

Middle Fork Salmon River Map

Physical Requirements on a Middle Fork Rafting Trip

Please consider carefully any medical or health condition that would endanger yourself, or others on the trip, or diminish the enjoyment of an adventure vacation such as this. Factors of age, weight, lack of conditioning, heart or other disease can become exacerbated by the environment, remote distances from a hospital, and physical challenges of a rafting adventure. It is critical that you are in reasonable health and physical fitness at the time of departure so that our staff can focus their attention equally on all trip participants.

Itinerary & Travel Details

Among river runners, the Middle Fork of the Salmon River is a legend. One-hundred miles of pure, clear, free-flowing river drop 3000 feet through the remote and spectacular River of No Return Wilderness, the largest roadless Wilderness in the lower 48 states. Natural and untamed, the Middle Fork of the Salmon River has shaped its course through a land so rugged that any attempts at settlement have failed.

Little remains of man’s brief presence other than prehistoric cave paintings and dilapidated log cabins dotting this land in Idaho. A Middle Fork Salmon River rafting trip draws visitors from around the globe to experience over 100 Idaho whitewater rafting rapids, fish clear alpine waters, relax in natural hot springs, hike to magnificent waterfalls, and camp in mountain meadows.

DAY BEFORE »

For trips departing June through July 22, arrive in Stanley by 7:00 pm MST to meet ROW's team leader at the Mountain Village Lodge for a one-hour orientation meeting.

For trips departing July 30 through August 31, meet in Salmon, Idaho by 7:00 pm MST at the Stagecoach Inn for the one-hour orientation meeting.

We'll answer any last-minute questions and provide waterproof bags for your gear. Dinner on your own.

DAY ONE »

Check out of your hotel, meet your guides at the designated time and place given the night before at the orientation meeting. A two-hour ride by bus to Boundary Creek begins the trip into the Idaho wilderness. Fir and Spruce fragrances fill the crisp forest air at 6,000 feet above sea level. After orientation and loading of personal gear, you'll choose a raft (paddle boat or oar-boat) and climb aboard. The Middle Fork rapids come fast and steep for the first fifteen miles, coming in quick sequence. Enjoy a riverside lunch stop where you'll learn about caring for the wilderness environment. We arrive at camp at about 4:00 pm, having traveled roughly a dozen miles the first day. Enjoy free time for fishing, reading, hiking or simple relaxation. Hors d'oeuvres are served about 6:00 pm and dinner around 7:30 pm. After dinner, enjoy the warmth of a campfire and the shared stories of life and the river.

DAY TWO & THREE »

Freshly brewed coffee will greet your morning at about 7:00 am. Enjoy breakfast, then break down camp and prepare for a day of spectacular scenery and fun. Visit a couple of pioneer homesteads during the first few days. Wildlife, miner's claims and bird watching are fare for the day. Scores of fun rapids fill the day as the river plunges through the steep mountain valleys. Sunflower Flat Hot Springs will be a welcome reward, with half a dozen pools above the river tumbling over a cliff, creating the perfect natural shower. Settle into camp life again around 4:00 pm, enjoying your free time. Stargazers will enjoy being lulled to sleep after another delicious meal cooked by the guides

DAY FOUR »

Rapids fill each day with excitement. Scan the shores for natural mineral licks, where big horn sheep are usually seen. Fishermen in the group will find the river stocked with trout, while birdwatchers may see falcons and golden eagles. A dip in Hospital Bar is mandatory if you want it's healing power. Tappan Ranch is a highlight of the day as well.

DAY FIVE & SIX »

One of the most dynamic rapids on the river, Haystack Rapid, is the challenge of the day. This rapid stands at the head of Impassable Canyon. Constricted by the narrow walls, the river becomes a wild bucking bronco, filled with whitewater action. Waterfall Creek is the reward of a steep hike into the Bighorn Crags. Find refreshment under the falls and finish cooling off with a jump in the river. Neck-bending panoramas greet the river traveler where the river has carved into the Idaho batholith – the largest single piece of granite in North America. A visit to Veil Falls- a grotto graced by the spirits of ancient pictographs will convince you that you are among some of the most incredible scenery on earth.

Learn of Impassable Canyon's legendary hermit- Earl Parrot- whose story is as tall as the mountain valleys themselves, adding yet another dimension to the lore of the Middle Fork River.

A sprawling sand beach several miles upstream of the confluence with the Main Salmon provides a place for the final lunch stop. At the takeout, gather your personal gear and board the waiting bus that will take you to the town of Salmon. You can make your plans to spend the night in Salmon or continue on with your travel plans.

WHERE/WHEN TO MEET

»

For trips departing June through July 22 each year:

LOCATION:
Mountain Village Lodge
220 Eva Falls Ave, Stanley, ID 83278
Meet the day before trip departure for an orientation meeting at 7:00 PM

NOTE: For those choosing to stay somewhere other than the Mountain Village Lodge, it is your responsibility to arrive at the designated time and place mentioned above.

*If you drive to Stanley, ID, be sure to arrange a shuttle in advance to transport your vehicle to Salmon, ID.

DEPARTURE: 7:30 AM Shuttle from the Mountain Village Lodge to the river.

RETURN:At the end of your Middle Fork of the Salmon rafting adventure, a bus will shuttle you to the Stagecoach Inn in Salmon, ID, by 4:30 PM

For trips departing July 30 through August 31 each year:

LOCATION:
Stagecoach Inn
201 Riverfront Drive, Salmon, ID 83467
Meet the day before trip departure for an orientation meeting at 7:00 PM

NOTE: For those choosing to stay somewhere other than the Stagecoach Inn, it is your responsibility to arrive at the designated time and place mentioned above.

*Complimentary Bag Storage for guests of the Stagecoach Inn

DEPARTURE: Shuttle from the Stagecoach Inn to the Salmon Airport for a scenic flight to Indian Creek, where you will begin your rafting journey.

RETURN:At the end of your Middle Fork of the Salmon rafting adventure, a bus will shuttle you to the Stagecoach Inn in Salmon, ID by 4:30 PM

Getting there...

“Anticipation. In love and travel, getting there is half the fun. The lustful impatience, the passionate daydreams, the nerve-wracking waiting… lovers and travelers are all alike when they find themselves on the brink of a new adventure”

Vivian Swift

Expedition Guide & Packing List

Want to download (almost all) of this info?

The Expedition Guide for each trip contains the packing list, and most of the info seen on this page. Combine the "offline" handiness of the Expedition Guide with the online resources of this travel planning page.

Keep the PDF on your phone, or print it out for quick "offline" reference.

Download Guide

The Morning of Your Rafting Trip

Come dressed and ready to raft (see diagram on Packing List)
Check out of your accommodations
At your orientation the night before, your guide will give the Day 1 meeting time
If you have driven to Stanley, ID, be sure your vehicle shuttle to Salmon, ID has been arranged

Items Provided

Professional, licensed guides
All meals between trip departure and return
All eating utensils and souvenir insulated bottle
Unlimited water
Freshly laundered sleeping bag and sheet
Tent and ground cover
Water-resistant dry bag for sleeping gear and personal duffle bag
Custom rafts
US Coastguard approved whitewater life jackets
Wilderness First-Aid kit

Get the Gear with Redrock Outfitters

Through several decades of experience on the river, Western knows what clothing and gear will keep you smiling every second of your adventure. Specifically, we’ve bundled “The Works” for him, for her and one for gear in general. For your convenience, you can order all these items online with Western’s retail division Red Rock Outfitters.

Things to Bring on the River

Duffel bag (approx. 12”x13”x24”), packed with personal items outlined on the packing list
Extra drinks, if desired. (Water is available in unlimited quantities on the boats and in camp. Beer and wine in limited amounts are available in camp).
Extra snacks, if desired. (Snacks will be provided during the trip)
Photo ID, a major credit card, and cash for gratuities.
Camera(s) - Phones as cameras in waterproof cases/sleeves (Cell service unavailable)

Things NOT to bring on the River

Unnecessary electronic devices (game devices for kids, etc.)
Extra Luggage
Valuables

Valuables

You will need a photo ID, a major credit card, and some cash for gratuities. All other valuables and jewelry should be left at home or in a safety deposit box at your hotel. In addition, as a safety precaution we suggest that you not wear rings on the river. Also, each year a few of our guests traveling on airlines arrive without luggage. With this in mind, we recommend keeping medications, prescription glasses, and any essential items you can't easily replace with you.

Extra Luggage

Transfer all your clothing and gear which you will need on your rafting trip to a small, lightweight duffle bag. Identify the duffle bag with label, and leave any extra suitcases or luggage in your vehicle or at the lodge. Please DO NOT BRING SUITCASES on your river trip. As part of your camping equipment package, we provide a water-resistant bag in which you will place your duffle bag as well as the sleeping bag that we provide.

How to Pack for your Rafting Vacation

Get a better idea of each of the items on your packing list. See an example of each item and understand why we recommend you pack it for the river.

PACKING LIST

Do you REALLY need "Quality" Rain Gear?

Western River Expeditions sent two of our intrepid guides to answer the question once and for all: "What is Quality Rain Gear and Why Do I Need it?"

Post-Trip Travel Information »

Middle Fork Salmon River Rafting Flotilla 2

On the last day of a Middle Fork of the Salmon rafting trip, we run one of the most dynamic rapids on the river, Haystack Rapid.

This rapid stands at the head of Impassable Canyon. Constricted by the narrow walls, the river becomes a wild bucking bronco, filled with whitewater action. A sprawling sand beach several miles upstream of the confluence with the Main Salmon provides a place for the final lunch stop.

At the takeout, gather your personal gear and board the waiting bus that will take you to the town of Salmon. You can make your plans to spend the night in Salmon or continue on with your travel plans.

Rafts on the Middle Fork of the Main Salmon

The most of the friendly rapids of the Main Salmon afford the opportunity to paddle your own inflatable kayak in addition to riding aboard a comfortable oar rig piloted by skilled guides.

The Oar Rig

Guides adeptly maneuver four to six passenger oar rigs. These specially designed 18-foot boats offer a comfortable ride and are “self-bailing” which means that any water that comes into the raft immediately flows back out.

Paddle Raft

In conjunction with Oar rigs, the Main Salmon trip also offers paddleboats which provide “hands-on” excitement in conquering the waves with a spirited team of 6 to 8 rafters. Paddlers need not have any prior experience as guides will provide ample instruction and ensure everyone’s success.