Rafting the Middle Fork Salmon River, Idaho
A rafting trip on the Middle Fork of the Salmon is one of
the great wilderness experiences left in the lower 48. The Middle
Fork carves its way through one of the largest wilderness areas
in the United States - the 2.4 million-acre Frank Church/River
of No Return Wilderness in the heart of central Idaho. Rafters
running the Middle Fork may hear the cries of wolves as they
settle into their comfortable sleeping tents; they’ll certainly
thrill to the majestic cliffs of Idaho batholith that line the
river canyon.
And then there are the rapids!
In the course of our 106-mile float, you’ll encounter more than
300 rapids. Some are gentle class I riffles accessible to beginning
paddlers; others are heart-pounding class III and IV runs, rapids
that have helped make the Middle Fork one of the most prized
white water rivers in the world. Names like Velvet Falls, Pistol
Creek, Hells Half Mile, Powerhouse and Rubber are legendary
in white water circles; you’ll experience them all as we make
our way down the river.
A typical day will begin with a hearty camp breakfast. As you
enjoy a meal around the campfire, our staff will be working
behind the scenes, breaking down your tent and packing everything
away, so all you have to worry about is having a great day on
the river. We’ll cover an average of 15 miles a day, taking
time to enjoy some of the Middle Fork’s wonders - Native American
pictographs and revitalizing hot springs, to name a few. While
we’ll run some considerable rapids, the Middle Fork is not all
unrelenting white water. Calm stretches interspersed with small
rapids let less-seasoned rafters try their hand at paddling,
swimming, or just kicking back and enjoying the scenery. We’ll
stop for lunch mid-day, and pull into that evening’s camp by
late afternoon, permitting time for a leisurely happy hour before
dinner - Pacific salmon, grilled chicken, or one of the best pork
chops you’ve ever had - is served. (If you bring your fishing
rod along, you can try your luck for the Middle Fork’s prized
cutthroat trout around camp.) After dinner, there’s a chance
for conversation, perhaps a bit of music, and certainly an opportunity
to drink in the beauty of an Idaho night sky.
NOTE: For families or groups that include eager anglers, combination
fly fishing/rafting trips are available. Anglers will fish from
our drift boats and spend extra time at productive fishing spots,
and meet up with the rafters at the appointed camp spot.
Print out a Reservation Form for this trip.
"We have floated the Middle Fork many times. Al and Jeana
are incredible hosts. We leave the river peaceful and energized.
Each time is a different experience, and everytime is terrific."
David and Lexa Ayer
Beverly Farms, Mass.
