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Middle Fork of the Salmon River Itinerary

Most of our Middle Fork of the Salmon River trips are 6 days. Although we follow a general itinerary for rafting and hanging out in camp, our guides tailor each trip with different activities, side hikes, lunch spots, and great campsites.

Pre-Trip Meeting in Stanley, Idaho

We meet the night before the trip begins at the Mountain Village Lodge in Stanley, Idaho, for a pre-trip meeting. You’ll be welcomed by the head guide for an orientation and be given camping equipment and dry bags.

Day 1

After a hearty breakfast, we head to the river. Depending on river conditions we either drive to Boundary Creek or fly into Indian Creek (if a flight is required, we cover the cost.).

Middle Fork of the Salmon River trip beginning at Boundary Creek
Middle Fork of the Salmon River trip beginning at Boundary Creek

Once we make it to the river put-in, we have a safety talk, discuss boat selection, and get on the river. Lunch happens mid-day. We typically arrive at camp around 3 PM and our guides help you get acquainted in camp.
Riverside Camping (L,D)

Days 2, 3, & 4

The next few days are full days on the river. Coffee is ready by 7:00 AM and breakfast is served around 8:00 AM. After fueling up for the morning, we pack up camp, load the boats, and hit the river. We often go hiking along one of the side creeks or stop to visit a hot spring.

Enjoying Sheepeater Hot Springs on the Middle Fork of the Salmon River
Enjoying Sheepeater Hot Springs on the Middle Fork of the Salmon River

There are many places to stop and visit. We are sure to stop at hot springs including those at Loon Creek. A hiking trail along the river allows for many great hikes during the day or from camp.
Riverside Camping (B,L,D)

Day 5

We begin Day 5 like the others with morning coffee and a hearty breakfast. Today we pass Big Creek (the largest tributary) and enter the famous Impassable Canyon.

Rafting through the Impassable Canyon on the Middle Fork of the Salmon River
Rafting through the Impassable Canyon on the Middle Fork of the Salmon River

There is no trail next to the river here and we are in this narrow canyon for the rest of the trip.
Riverside Camping (B,L,D)

Day 6

Our last day on the river has some of the best whitewater of the trip. The Middle Fork runs into the Main Salmon and our last four miles are on the Main Salmon. Our final rapid, Cramer Creek Rapid, was created when Cramer Creek flash-flooded in 2003 and dammed the river which created this big and very fun water challenge.

We finish at Cache Bar around noon and drive to Salmon, Idaho.

(B,L)