Salmon (Middle Fork)

Location: Central Idaho (about 75 miles northeast of Boise). The Middle Fork of the Salmon descends nearly 3,000 feet through the heart of the 2.3 million-acre Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness Area.

Length of trips: 100 miles in five to eight days.

Season: Mid-May to early September. The spring runoff, which usually peaks in early June, makes for a wet and sometimes hazardous ride.

Weather: Daytime temperatures climb into the high 70s (F) in June and into the 90s and 100s in July and August. A sudden rainstorm can cause shivers, so bring layers of clothing to ward off the rain and chilly nighttime temperatures (50s to 60s). As water flows decrease and temperatures rise in summer, much of the wildlife moves higher up on the canyon slopes. With water temperatures in the low 70s, a refreshing swim offers relief from the hot canyon air.

Lodging: Prime campsites on grassy benches and sandy beaches.

Boats: Dories, kayaks, oar boats, paddle rafts.

Rapids: Mostly Class IV. Cold, clear water.

Special features:

  • A premier white-water river in a wilderness setting, with scenic vistas of deep, rugged canyons and forested mountains.
  • First-rate hikes along side trails.
  • Excellent catch-and-release trout fishing (cutthroat, rainbow).
  • Wildflowers in late June.
  • Swimming in summer.
  • Many hot springs along the river.
  • Black bears, bighorn sheep, mountain lions, mule deer, black-tailed deer, elk, bobcats, gray wolves, martens, river otters.
  • Wilderness solitude.
  • Suitable for adventurous first-time rafters in good shape, as well as intermediate and experienced boaters. Late summer is a safer bet for novice and intermediate rafters, as well as families (check with your outfitter about age limits for children).

Nearby excursions:

  • Dagger Falls, near the Boundary Creek put-in.
  • Sawtooth National Recreation Area.
  • Redfish Lake.
  • Craters of the Moon National Monument.

For a list of outfitters and more information:

  • USDA Forest Service, Middle Fork Ranger District, Salmon/Challis National Forest, P.O. Box 750, Challis, Idaho 83226; +1 208 879 5204, fax +1 208 879 4198. Try to book up to a year in advance, but usually a month or two will do. Check for last-minute openings.
  • For a list of Idaho outfitters, contact the Idaho Outfitters and Guides Association, P.O. Box 95, Boise, Idaho 83701; +1 208 342 1919 or 800 847 4843, fax +1 208 338 7830.

For more information:

  • Idaho Travel Council, 700 West State Street, P.O. Box 83720, Boise, Idaho 83720-0093; +1 208 334 2470 or 800 635 7820, fax +1 208 334 2631. Ask for the “Official Idaho State Travel Guide.”

 
 
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