Middle Fork Salmon River Rafting Idaho
Idaho White Water Rafting…Unforgettably Wild, Once In A Lifetime Experience
A Middle Fork Salmon River rafting trip in the Frank Church Wilderness is one of the paramount outdoor adventures of North America, and is one of the only remaining experiences that is both comfortable and truly “wild”.
The Middle Fork carves its way through one of the largest wilderness areas in the United States, the Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness, in the heart of central Idaho. Rafting the Middle Fork of the Salmon River will thrill you – from being awed by the majestic cliffs that hem the river canyon and to being lulled to sleep by coyotes laughing and owls preaching.
Late spring runoff makes June the highest and most adrenalized whitewater month as warm summer weather reaches the deep snowpack high in the mountains. As the summer progresses, the rapids calm and slow. In the course of our 106 mile Middle Fork Salmon rafting trip, you will encounter more than 300 rapids. Some are gentle Class I riffles, accessible to beginning paddlers. Others are the heart-pounding Class III and IV sections that have made the Middle Fork of the Salmon River one of the most prized whitewater rafting rivers in the world, featuring: Velvet Falls, Pistol Creek, Hells Half Mile, Devil’s Tooth, Ski Jump, Tappan Falls, House of Rock. You will experience all of these exciting and historic rapids.
If you’re looking for a more mellow river experience, our September scenic float is scenic Salmon River Idaho White Water Rafting without any crowds. We often see the colors of the canyon foliage turn bright yellows and reds during this time.
A typical day on the river begins with the stunning alpenglow on the mountainous canyon walls and the sounds and smells of the Rocky Mountains coming to life. As you enjoy a gourmet breakfast around the fire, our professional guide staff will be working behind the scenes to break down your tents and load the boats.
Each day of floating on the Middle Fork holds fresh opportunities and activities; you can choose to explore and learn or to relax and transcend. Deciphering Native American Pictographs, revitalizing in natural Hot Springs, catching trout, and hiking to glorious look-outs, or simply lounging by the water are just a few of the available activities.
Calm stretches interspersed with smaller rapids lie between the notorious whitewater sections, giving less seasoned rafters a chance to paddle, swim, or just kick back and enjoy the scenery. We’ll stop for lunch mid-day, and by late afternoon, we will arrive at that evening’s camp, which is ready for your arrival.
After a leisurely “happy-hour” around camp, an elaborate dinner will be served – Pacific Salmon, our famous Fried Chicken, or one of the best Pork Chops you’ve ever had. After dinner, there’s a chance for conversation, perhaps some music, and a chance to drink in the beauty of the crystal clear Idaho night sky.
Duration and Pricing
Spring Rafting Trips
Summer Rafting Trips
Duration
5 Days, 4 nights
Departure Dates:
June 5
Price
$3,250 per person
($1,800 deposit)
Duration
6 Days, 5 nights
Departure Dates:
June 14
June 23
July 1
July 9
July 17
July 25
August 2
August 10
August 18
Price
$3,550 per person
($1,800 deposit)
Our trips are Full-Service and All-Inclusive!
All fees are included: 3% of adjusted revenue is for a commercial land use fee on National Forest Lands; and $4/person/day Recreation Enhancement Act Fee
The only things not included in the trip price are gratuities for our spectacular guide staff (typically 15% of the trip price), Trip Cancellation Insurance, and Airfare if water levels require a flight into our wilderness launch site.
We take bookings 2 years in advance, and often prime season trips fill 12 months in advance. It’s never too early to make a reservation.
Inclusions
- All fees are included: $4/day Recreation Enhancement Act Fee, and 3% of the company’s adjusted gross revenues are for a land use fee for operating commercially on National Forest Lands
- Round Trip transportation: Air and ground transportation provided from and to Stanley ID, except when low water requires a flight into the wilderness from Stanley
- Fresh and Gourmet Food: We fly fresh food into the wilderness so that we can have fresh produce, bread, and cookies until the last day of the trip
- Luxurious Camping Accommodations
- Professional Guiding and Full Service on and off the river
- All necessary gear, including: sleeping bag, deluxe wilderness mattress, life jacket, roomy four-person tent for every two people, camp chairs, dining table, complimentary water-resistant duffel for your personal gear (yours to keep), waterproof container for your day use items, eating utensils, drink cup, water bottle, plenty of ice, wine with dinner, and an ample supply of cold beverages.Premium Orvis fly fishing gear: rod, reel, and our go-to flies. If you have favorite rods and reels, please bring them along with hard cases. Read more.
F.A.Q.s
The following are physical and mental eligibility criteria for all participants on any Middle Fork
of the Salmon river trip. You must:
- Be at least twelve years of age to be on a river trip in June and eight years of age in July,
August and September. - Have the ability to get on and off of the raft independently or with the assistance of a
designated companion. This may include maneuvering your body over and across tubes
and fixed objects. - Have the ability to wear a Type V Coast Guard approved personal floatation device in
accordance with manufacturer recommendations. - Have the ability to remain in a seated position for greater than one hour.
- Have the ability to hold on to taut lines or handles through rapids.
- Have the ability to assist in self-rescue in the event of an unexpected swim. This includes
the ability to hold your breath and control your breathing while being repeatedly
splashed with or submerged in water; the ability to orient yourself to new “in-river”
surroundings; the ability to get out from under an overturned boat; the ability to swim
into the current and float on your back; the ability to swim towards a boat or shoreline
which may be greater than 50 yards away; the ability to receive a rescue rope, throw
cushion, paddle, or human assistance, and possibly let go of the same. - Have the ability to swim 50 yards in flat water.
- Have the ability to walk under low branches, around vegetation, and on uneven, slippery,
rocky, and sandy ground unaided or with the assistance of reasonable additional
equipment, or with the assistance of a designated companion. This includes the ability to
maintain your balance near precipitous ledges or cliffs. - Have the ability to position yourself from standing, to sitting, to ground level and back to
standing independently or with the assistance of a designated companion. - Have the ability to carry personal gear from shore to camp and back to the boats
independently or with the assistance of a designated companion. - Have the ability to maintain your own safety in an environment where allergen exposure
and cross-contamination may occur. - Have the ability to manage all personal care independently or with a designated
companion. - Have the ability to participate in all activities of daily living such as eating, toileting, and
dressing independently or with the assistance of a designated companion. - Have the ability to manage all personal medications, including dosing and
administration, independently or with the assistance of a designated companion. - Have the ability to comprehend and follow all verbal and non-verbal instructions given
by crew in all situations, including during stressful or dangerous situations, and to
effectively communicate with crew. - Have the ability to effectively communicate with other passengers.
- Have the ability to remain adequately fed, hydrated, and properly dressed so as to avoid
environmental injuries such as heat-related illness and sunburn. - Have the ability to participate in a group setting, in a remote environment, without
negatively impacting or jeopardizing the health or safety of the other trip participants or
crew.
Our trips are small and personable so they fill fast.
Salmon River Rafting Trip Reviews
Contact Details
Solitude River Trips
P.O. Box 6614 | Ketchum, ID 83340
+1 (208) 806-1218
solitude@rivertrips.com
Orvis Endorsed since 2003
