(208) 806-1218

Early Season Rafting Trips

Overview

Dates

June 5 & 14

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Duration

6 days/ 5 nights

Location

Stanley, ID

Class

III-IV

Min Age

12 years old

Price

From $3550

Spring Rafting Trips

Experience the lush beauty and exhilarating whitewater during a Middle Fork of the Salmon River rafting trip. Unplug from daily life and immerse yourself in the canyon’s brilliant display of wildflowers, verdant hillsides and breathtaking rapids. June is a mythical time to float the Middle Fork of the Salmon River, when the river canyon has re-awakened to life after a long regenerative winter. These trips offer a world-class whitewater experience, with seemingly endless rapids. Depending on road and river conditions, we access the Middle Fork either by road at the Boundary Creek launch point, or with a 25-minute scenic flight from the town of Stanley to the Indian Creek airstrip.

Due to the fast-moving water at this time of year, these trips emphasize full days of both on-river and off-river activities.  This is a great time to hike, relax in hot springs, and explore the hidden gems of the Middle Fork wilderness. Teens & young adults especially thrive at this time of year on the Middle Fork. If you and your group are eager to engage in the adventure, history, biology, geology, hydrology, swift water safety, and endless whitewater, this is the time of the year for you.

early season rafting on an oar boat on the Middle Fork of the Salmon River.

Trip Itinerary

What’s Included

1 Day Before Your Trip

Meet in Stanley. We will greet you at our orientation meeting at 6pm.

Fly or Drive Into The Wilderness

Begin your journey into the largest contiguous wilderness in the lower 48. If water levels and conditions permit we will drive drive into Boundary Creek. Or we will take an incredibly scenic backcountry flight into Indian Creek.

6 Days of Rafting Down Middle Fork of the Salmon River

Enjoy the most unforgettable wilderness vacation of your life.

Take Out at Cache Bar

Enjoy one last gourmet meal and say farewell to your wonderful guides.

Return to Stanley by Bus

Enjoy the ride back to Stanley in our luxurious private shuttle bus.

What’s Included

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Professional Guides

Our Middle Fork Salmon River guides are the most fun, knowledgeable, and talented guides in the business.

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Backcountry Comfort

Enjoy our deluxe four person tents, raised cots, plush sleeping pads, full sized pillows, and freshly laundered sheet and sleeping bags. Our specially designed river shower provides the opportunity to enjoy a warm, private shower in the evening.

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Wilderness Gourmet

Three fresh and delicious meals a day, carefully crafted by our talented backcountry guide chefs.

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Round Trip Transportation

We provide all air and ground transportation between Stanley or Salmon and the river. Whether we drive or fly into the wilderness, we have you covered. Our luxurious private shuttle bus will transport you back to Stanley or Salmon at the end of your trip. No need to shuttle your vehicle!

*Flight costs included in trip price begining in 2027. Guests are resposnible for price of airfare if flight is required into our wilderness launch point for trips in 2026. 

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Premium River Gear

All neccessary rafting gear inlcuding, life jacket, helmet, neoprene wetsuit (for spring trips), oar rafts, paddle boats, inflatable kayaks (water level dependent). We will also provide you with a complimentary insulated water bottle, coffee mug, and duffel bag for you to keep. 

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All Fees Included

Because nobody likes hidden fees, our trip prices include all fees associated with recreating on public land.

Not Included

Travel Insurance

We highly recommend purchasing CFAR travel insurance. Learn more by contacting our trusted partner Global Rescue.

Gratuities For Your Spectacular Guides

Typically 15%-20% of the trip price.

watercolor painting of a cliff on the Middle Fork of the Salmon River

Dates and Prices

Prices are per person

We require a 25% deposit to secure a reservation. Full payment is due 120 days prior to your trip date. 

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.

watercolor of a log on the Middle Fork of the Salmon River

Frequently Asked Questions

How cold is the water in June?

Snowmelt makes the water cold, but we provide high-quality wetsuits, splash gear, and river-specific layering advice to keep you warm and comfortable. The reward is well worth the chill!

What’s the weather like during spring trips?

Spring weather can be unpredictable. Expect a mix of sunshine, cool air, and the chance of afternoon storms. Sometimes we get amazing, warm weather in early June. But it is usually a mix over the course of the 6-day trip.

Dressing in layers and having good rain gear is key. We’ll keep you dry, warm, and well-fed no matter what the skies do. Seeing the beauty of the canyon and the experiencing the high water is worth any weather condition. 

Is spring rafting safe?

Yes, your safety is our top priority. Spring trips mean high water, fast currents, and big waves, but with our experienced guides and well-established safety practices, you’ll be in good hands. These trips are best for those looking for a more adventurous ride.

Are spring trips less crowded?

Spring trips offer more solitude on the river, fewer groups at campsites, and a quieter wilderness experience overall. If you’re looking to unplug and truly get off the grid, this is one of the best times to go.

Can our group reserve both fly fishing and rafting seats?

Absolutely! Many groups choose to do this. You may reserve as many fly fishing or rafting seats as we have available. Throughout the trip your group members are able to switch in and out of the fishing and rafting spots as you prefer. You will have a chance to switch around at lunch each day, so every day can have 2 sessions of either rafting or fly fishing.

What type rafting boats are available?

Our rafting experience includes 3 types of boats: Oar Boats, Paddle Boats, and Inflatable Kayaks.

The Paddle Boat is the most popular rafting boat and provides a lot of excitment. This boat has a guide in the back, with 6-8 guests paddling through the rapids.

The Oar Boat is a large raft rowed by a guide with comfortable seating in the front and back for anybody who wants to take a break from kayking or paddling. This is often a great way to sit back, relax, and experience the beauty of the river.

The inflatable kayak is the most intimate river experience you can have. We will instruct you on best practices and introduce you to kayaking in small rapids, and if you are eager to hone your river skills you can try more challenging rapids as your trip progresses.

How many people are on the trip?

Per our USFS Special Use Permit, our maximun total group size is 30 people. This includes guests and guides. Our trips are usually between 20-23 guests and 7-10 guides. Our Fall Fly Fishing Trips tend to be a bit smaller, usually 14 guests and 9 guides. 

What if I want to charter a whole trip?

Booking a whole trip for yourself and your group is definitely possible. The minimum number needed to book an entire trip is 20 people. This can be a combination of fishing and rafting seats. Chartering a whole trip allows you to customize many aspects of your trip, including departure location. Please contact us for more information.

What is the camping like?

At Solitude River Trips we believe that just because you’re in the wilderness doesn’t mean you need to sacrifice comfort. We provide deluxe four person tents that make spacious double occupancy river side homes. Our comfortable combination of raised cot, plush sleeping pad, full sized pillow, and freshly laundered sheet and sleeping bag will ensure you are able to recharge between days of rafting, fishing and exploration. Our specially designed river shower provides the opportunity to enjoy a warm, private shower in the evening. Large, supportive chairs will allow you to enjoy your time around the dinner table and camp fire each evening. Find out more on our Accommodations page.

Can I shower?

Yes! Our specially designed river shower provides the opportunity to enjoy a warm, private shower in the evening.  

How does the toilet system work?

Our toilet is designed with your privacy and comfort in mind. It is located discreetly away from both camping and dining areas and covered by a privacy tent. These are robust, metal containers equipped with comfortable seats and tight-sealing lids for hygienic transport. At each camp, the guides will set up a fresh and clean toilet facility, complete with an adjacent hand-wash station to ensure cleanliness and convenience. 

How far do we go each day?

We usually travel between 10 and 16 miles a day. 

Can I bring a CPAP machine?

Yes. Since we do not have a generator or anyway to recharge or plug in a CPAP or any other electric device, you will need to bring a travel CPAP with enough battery power to last the duration of the trip. Please contact us if you need to bring a CPAP machine. 

What beverages are provided?

We bring enough alcoholic beverages for each person to have a couple cold beers , and/or a couple glasses of wine at camp each evening. We also provide coffee and tea in the morning, tea in the evenings, and non alcoholic beverages (soda and sparkling water) at any time. You are welcome to bring any additional alcoholic or non-alcoholic beverages that you like. You may bring any quantity of beverages, we only ask that beer come in cans (wine and liquor in glass bottles is ok). We have a cooler and system to keep you beverages cold, accessible, and intact during your river trip. You can find a decent selection of beer, wine and liquor in Stanley or Salmon. This is a good thing to do on the afternoon before the trip when you arrive in town.

What is your cancelation policy?

Please review our Reservation and Cancelation Policy page. 

Our trips are small and personable so they fill fast.

June Rafting Trips Reviews

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The only Orvis Endorsed Fly Fishing Outfitter on the Salmon River

Orvis Endorsed Since 2003

Solitude River Trips

P.O. Box 696

Salmon, ID 83467

(208) 805-1218

solitude@rivertrips.com

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