Trip Highlights
- Soak in the numerous hot springs
- Pictographs and homesites of the native Sheepeater Tribe
- Homesteads of early western settlers
- Jumping rocks
- World-class rainbow and cutthroat trout fishing (all catch and release)
Idaho’s Wild and Scenic
Middle Fork of the Salmon
Six Days of Exceptional Water and Wilderness
Middle Fork of the Salmon River Trips
- Length: 75 – 100 miles / 6 days
- Season: June through September
- Activities: Class III+ Rafting, Hiking, and World-Class Fishing
- Minimum Age: 16 in June, 11 in July, and 7 in August
- Includes: Professional guides, exceptional food, camping equipment, and flight into Indian Creek (if required)
- Meeting Place: Stanley, Idaho
- Trip Cost: $3595
Wildly Exceeded my Exceptions
★★★★★
“ This AMAZING trip, our incredible guides, the delicious meals, the awe-inspiring Middle Fork, the beautiful campsites, out of the world terrain, the rapids, the side hikes and hot springs, the friendships made all wildly exceeded my exceptions. Thank you for such an unforgettable experience. I can't wait for Craig and I to join in another one!”
- Pam Kravetz
The Middle Fork of the Salmon River offers one the best multi-day rafting trips in the world. Its well deserved notoriety is due to scenic alpine terrain, stream-side hot springs, cascading waterfalls, and the imposing sheer granite walls of Impassable Canyon. The Middle Fork carves a path through the second largest wilderness area in the lower 48 states, the Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness.
When to Go Rafting
The Middle Fork has nearly continuous whitewater for the entirety of the trip. With no dams controlling its flow, the river changes character throughout the summer. Early season, when flows are the highest, is the best time to come if you are looking for a wild ride.
By August, after the peak runoff, the river mellows (just a bit) to still-fun, but wider-spaced rapids. This is an excellent time for families, especially those with young kids, because the thrills are high for everyone and no one feels intimidated.
The Middle Fork of the Salmon River
Whatever time of year you decide to come, a Middle Fork of the Salmon River rafting trip is an unparalleled wilderness rafting experience. Historic sites, including Native American petroglyphs and more recent mining and homesteading ruins, offer a captivating glimpse into the Middle Fork’s past.
As the sun sets, its canyon walls light up in brilliant colors. Away from civilization, the night sky is unlike any you have seen before. Alone any one of the amazing sights or adventures on the Middle Fork of the Salmon River will make your visit worth it. But combining them together creates a once-in-a-lifetime wilderness experience that will leave an impression on hearts young and old.
Located in Central Idaho, the Middle Fork is within driving distance of Boise and locations throughout the Pacific Northwest. It can also be reached from airports in Stanley and Salmon, Idaho or Missoula, Montana. Many traveling to the area combine their trip with a scenic drive through the nearby Sawtooth Mountains.
River Rhythm
Early season the river is fast and continuous for the the first 20 of the 100 miles. After that it eases up and gradually builds up again until the last two days which is full of great rapids. In late season, the river gradually gets more difficult each day, ending with the biggest rapids on the last day.
Off the Rafts
Off the rafts, there are many chances to explore by foot and immerse yourself in the surrounding wilderness. In camp, the guides prepare healthy food and assist everyone in finding the perfect home for the night.
Several hot springs offer a relaxing way to cap off a day on the move. Longer hikes to a few beautiful viewpoints are also available for anyone still looking for more action in their day.
Flora & Fauna
Black Hawthorn, Mountain Alder, Cottonwood, Ponderosa Pine. Cutthroat trout, deer, elk, bear, river otter, bald eagles, osprey, Big Horn Sheep, and if we’re super lucky we’ll see mountain goats.
Land Acknowledgement
Our trips on the Middle Fork of the Salmon River travel through the ancestral, traditional, and contemporary lands of the Shoshone Tuka-Deka peoples (Mountain Sheepeaters). In particular, we travel through land ceded in the Treaty of 1879. We recognize current indigenous peoples and those who were removed from their homelands.
We are licensed by the Idaho Outfitters and Guides Licensing Board and operate under special use permit with the Salmon-Challis National Forest. Additionally, we are an equal opportunity provider.