Solitude River Trips FAQs
Q: When is the best time to float the Middle Fork?
We feel that each month (June, July & August) and each week
is best in its own way, and yet there are some generalities
that can be made. Early June trips encounter the biggest and
fastest whitewater, mainly due to run off from the melting winter
snow pack. By the middle of June the run-off has peaked and
the river begins to drop a little each day. No children under
age 12 are allowed on our June trips, however, there are exceptions,
and people should be in good physical condition for the early
June trips. July trips feature hotter weather and while the
river is lower than in June, the levels are challenging and
quite exciting. Children age 8 or older can be on trips during
the first two weeks of July. By mid July and throughout August
and September the Middle Fork is at its "summer prime": hot
weather, warmer water, and lower levels ideal for fantastic
fly fishing results. Children as young as 6 are welcome on these
trips.
Q: How experienced is your company?
Solitude River Trips has been operating on rivers in Idaho and
Oregon since 1972. The ages of our guides range from the mid
20's to the mid 50's, with 5-35 years of experience guiding
on the Middle Fork. Solitude's owner, Al, began guiding on the Middle Fork in 1978, and is on almost every trip. Our guides are cheerful,
courteous, professional, and attentive to personal service.
We call our guides "personal service guides." They go out of
their way to assist you in anyway they can, from adding historical
insights to just plain helping someone in or out of a boat.
Q: How is the camping? I have never camped before.
Camping with Solitude is easy and fun! It's our goal to make
your time in camp your time to spend doing whatever you want,
be it hiking, fishing, socializing, reading, or relaxing. We'll
do the camp chores for you! Each day a large supply boat (called
a sweep boat) forges ahead of the group and that crew sets up
camp. When you get to camp, your tent has been set up for you.
Sturdy chairs and tables and a drink cooler are at every meal,
every camp. For nighttime comfort, Solitude provides each guest
a plush, warm sleeping bag and a thick super comfortable sleeping
pad and pillow. In the morning, the sweep guides will take down
your tent, and proceed downthe river to make our next camp.
Q: What do I need to bring from home?
Only some various clothes, your toiletries, and on-going medications.
In our literature is a complete list of what you can and should
bring along with a list of what Solitude will bring and supply
you with for the trip. Various clothing and river gear can be
rented or purchased in Stanley, Idaho, where you'll stay the
night before your river trip. Obtain Fishing License in advance
Idaho Fish & Game at 1-800-554-8685.
Q: What about toilet facilities and sanitation?
Camp toilets are either a Forest Service two sided pit toilet
with seat and lid or our own porta potty. A hand wash system
is always available. Quick hot baths are available at each
camp at pre-determined times, as using soap in the river, streams
and hot springs is not allowed. There is no soap made that is
biodegradable. However, soap and shampoo can be used above
the high water mark.
Q: What is the food like?
Solitude has built a reputation for outstanding food, and guests
never go away hungry. There is always plenty! Our meals feature
fresh vegetables, lunch and dinner salads, salmon, chicken,
New York steaks, two inch thick pork chops grilled over mountain
mahogany coals, and Dutch oven cooking (biscuits, rolls, desserts)
that is second to none. Let us know if you have a special diet
and we'll do our best.
Q: References?
By all means ask. We will be more than happy to give you the
names of some past guests to call. We are the ONLY company on
the Middle Fork that is endorsed by Orvis, the very prestigious
fly fishing and outdoor clothing company.
