Middle Fork of the Salmon River

This Middle Fork Salmon River rafting trip utilizes the put-in at Boundary Creek and the take-out point just below the confluence with the Main Salmon River, we descend nearly 3,000 feet. Along the way we stop to explore historic sites, soak in natural hot springs, fish and take in the beauty that surrounds us. ​
Length
6 Days
Miles
100
Starts at
$2,775
Starts at    $2,775
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Our Middle Fork Salmon Trips

Our Middle Fork Salmon River trips are as much about exploring the surrounding area as it is about the time on the river. On this Idaho river rafting trip, you will be encouraged to explore and learn about the largest intact alpine Wilderness Area in the Lower 48 – the Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness Area.

The Frank Church-River of No Return is made up of 2.3+ million acres. The crew is well versed in talking of all things Wilderness as well as Wild and Scenic Rivers. The Middle Fork of the Salmon the crown jewel of the Wild and Scenic Rivers System, and one of the first 8 original river sections designated with the passage of the Act in 1968. It is one of the United States’ healthiest trout populations, making Middle Fork of the Salmon River fly fishing world-renowned. This experience is available at Idaho River Adventures.

What you’ll see

  • Natural hot springs such as Sheepeater Hot Springs, Sunflower, Loon Creek
  • Fly fishing for native Westslope cutthroat trout
  • Native American cultural sites including pictographs, house depressions, hunting blinds
  • European American cultural sites including homesteads, mining sites, trappers cabins
  • Wildlife including Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep, mule deer, river otter, osprey, bald eagles
  • Points of natural wonder including, Veil Cave, Rattlesnake Cave, Johnson Point
  • Learn about the environment with daily presentations by the crew on flora and fauna, history, geology, salmon, and steelhead

Being part of a group that has the opportunity to spend 6 days on a Middle Fork Salmon River raft trip together, whether you all knew each other before the trip or you are traveling solo and are meeting people for the first time, you will notice very quickly that the sense of community built might be the most special part of the experience. We invite you to join us on one of our wonderful departures.

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Reviews from our guests

Dustin and his team of guides made our week on the Middle Fork of the Salmon amazing! Every detail was taken care of, and the guides were knowledgable, funny, and willing to do anything necessary to make sure our family of two parents and four somewhat rowdy teenage boys had a great time! The river was fun, the food was excellent, music and wine in the evenings made for a truly memorable trip. Highly recommend!

Kerri S. Sammamish, WA

Planning and putting together a trip for a family of 6 is difficult at best and many times too daunting to overcome. When I first contacted Dustin it was very obvious his love for the rivers of Idaho and the Middle Fork in particular, and his devotion to providing a first class experience in the land he loves. Our kids can not stop talking about the trip and it is becoming clear we have 4 future raft guides on our hands.

Bonnie C. Seattle, WA

ANSWERS TO ALL OF YOUR QUESTIONS

DO WE NEED TO BRING SLEEPING BAGS, TENTS AND OTHER CAMPING GEAR?

No, Idaho River Adventures provides all that is needed for the trip with the exception of personal items such as clothing and toiletries.

HOW DO WE GET THERE?

Trips beginning June 1st through June 22 will meet in the small mountain town of Stanley, Idaho. You will need to plan to be in Stanley by 6:30 pm the evening prior to your launch date at the Mountain Village Lodge. We will start pre-trip orientation in the Mountain Village meeting room at 7 pm.

Mountain Village Lodge, 208.774.3661, www.mountainvillage.com

Trips beginning July 30th through the end of the season will meet in the town of Salmon, Idaho. You will need to plan to be in Salmon by 6:30 pm the evening prior to your launch date at the Stagecoach Inn. We will start pre-trip orientation at the Stagecoach Inn at 7 pm.

Stagecoach Inn, 208.756.2919, www.stagecoachinnmotel.com

Directions and other information can be found here.

WHAT DO WE DO WITH LUGGAGE THAT DOES NOT GO ON THE RIVER WITH US?

We will have it transported between the hotel in Stanley, ID and the hotel in Salmon, ID while you are on the river so it is waiting for you when the trip concludes.

CAN WE BRING BEER, WINE AND/OR LIQUOR?

Yes, we have room to transport it and ice to keep it cool. We do ask you to bring beer in cans but wine and liquor in their glass bottles is fine. Idaho

CAN I FISH ON THE TRIP?

Yes, we encourage anyone who has the interest to purchase a license and fish as much as you like. Idaho River Adventures provides some fly fishing gear for those who do not have their own or who do not want to travel with it.

HOW MANY PEOPLE ARE THERE IN A TENT AND IF I AM TRAVELING ALONE AM I REQUIRED TO SHARE A TENT WITH SOMEONE?

We provide roomy 3 and 4 person tents intended for 2 people to occupy. You are more than welcome to add others to your tent if you like, there is room for kids to sleep with parents.

If traveling alone you will have your own tent, we never expect or ask anyone to share with anyone they do not want to share with.

CAN YOU PROVIDE MENU OPTIONS TO ACCOMMODATE SPECIAL DIETARY NEEDS SUCH AS GLUTEN FREE, VEGETARIAN, ETC?

Yes. You will be asked to complete a trip application that, among other things, will ask for any dietary needs. We are happy to work with people to make the food choices on your trip fit your needs.

HOW LONG DURING THE DAY ARE WE ON THE RIVER?

We typically spend between 9:30am and 12 floating, then 1:30 to 4:30 floating. We do stop for lunch as well as for hikes, to visit a point of interest and to soak in a hot spring.

I HAVE MOBILITY ISSUES, CAN I STILL JOIN A MIDDLE FORK TRIP?

Absolutely! We pride ourselves on offering space to anyone who has the interest in seeing the Middle Fork Salmon and the Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness Area, regardless of physical abilities. You will not ever be required to hike, paddle in the paddle boat, or participate in the camp set-up or break-down unless you are wanting to do so.

IS IT TYPICAL TO OFFER THE CREW A GRATUITY AND IF SO WHAT IS THE TYPICAL AMOUNT?

Yes, the crew does appreciate gratuities, though we do not expect it. If you are able and have had an experience that warrants a gratuity the industry standard is 15% to 20% of your trip cost. Cash is always the best but we can accommodate a personal check or even credit card for the gratuity.

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Let’s get you on the river

We can tailor all the details of a Middle Fork Salmon River raft trip to your group. We will handle every detail. All your group needs to do is sit back and soak in the wonders of the river.

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