Float the Middle Fork of the Salmon River

The Middle Fork of the Salmon River is a gem located in Idaho’s Frank Church Wilderness. One of the largest wilderness areas in the Lower 48. This Class IV Middle Fork of the Salmon River drops approximately 28 feet per mile, going from high alpine down to an overall warmer climate where you will float the 2nd deepest canyon in the Lower 48. For five or six fun-filled days, you will continuously witness dramatic changes in geology and scenery.

World-class whitewater rafting and fly-fishing.
Class 2, 3 and 4 rapids on gin-clear water through canyons deeper than the Grand Canyon.
Soak in riverside hot springs
Professional licensed guides
Everything supplied. You just bring your personal items.
Primitive, yet comfortable tent camps on sandbars along the river. You will be surprised how comfortable they make them.
Gourmet river cuisine. Your guides will create dishes that will blow your mind. It doesn’t seem possible to cook such great food in such a remote, rugged atmosphere and over an open fire.
June – August
Arrive day prior, spend the night in Stanley.
5 or 6 Day Floats
On the last day you will be shuttled back to Stanley where we recommend staying and leaving the next morning.

SKU: oi-iwc2a Categories: Corporate Retreats, Family Friendly Vacations, Idaho, Outdoor Photography, Whitewater Rafting and Paddling, Wilderness Adventure, Wildlife Viewing Tags: Blue Ribbon Fishery, Frank Church Wilderness, Middle Fork of the Salmon River

This trip is a family friendly whitewater rafting adventure on the Middle Fork of the Salmon River in Idaho’s Frank Church Wilderness area.

Frank Church Wilderness Area

The Frank Church Wilderness is an awe inspiring place to get away from your phone, computer, and the rest of the “real world”. You will see cultural and historical sites, pictographs, the guides will tell you about the mining history, early settler history, you’ll learn about the Sheepeater War, swim, hike, run trails, experience stories around the campfire, there are inflatable kayaks and paddle boat opportunities, as well as deluxe fishing boat options. This trip has been described as “life changing” by many of our clients.

The Middle Fork of the Salmon River

The wild, free flowing Middle Fork of the Salmon River is located in one of the largest wilderness areas in the lower 48. If you float the entire Middle Fork of the Salmon, your whitewater float trip will be five or six days and up to 100 miles! For a wilderness experience, you will be surprised how comfortable your guides will keep you during your float. You will have all of the amenities you need. An added bonus is that the fly fishing is EXCEPTIONAL! You can catch and release hundreds of fish… literally.

The Whitewater

Whitewater is often the biggest concern when planning your vacation… and these concerns are valid. However, don’t be discouraged from enjoying what countless families described as the “greatest vacation they’ve ever experienced.” This Class IV Middle Fork of the Salmon River drops approximately 28 feet per mile, going from high alpine down to an overall warmer climate where you will float the 2nd deepest canyon in the Lower 48. For six fun-filled days, you will continuously witness dramatic changes in geology and scenery.

The Middle Fork of the Salmon River has over one hundred classified rapids with several of the highest being Class 4 and the rest being Class 1 to 3. The guides work hard to strike a balance between fun and safety. Traditionally, the highest water levels are late May and early June. This is the time to come for the big water.

Bring your family.

If you want a “mellower” trip come later in the summer. By the end of June the water levels have usually dropped considerably, but there is still plenty of action. Many of the rapids are actually more fun at lower levels. Your Middle Fork of the Salmon River wilderness adventure is more than whitewater. This float can make for an incredibly relaxing family vacation. It has something for everyone in the family. If you like to fish, the flyfishing for wild cutthroat trout is INCREDIBLE! Or, maybe you are wanting to do something amazing with your significant other… there are numerous hot springs along the way and they can make for the perfect soak for the two of you.

Children are welcome! This is an amazing family vacation. There are swimming holes everywhere, as well as ancient native American history. Kids love to explore the canyon for pictographs left behind by the Sheepeater Indians.

The Middle Fork of the Salmon River has Blue Ribbon Fly Fishing.

Catch and release literally hundreds of wild Cutthroat Trout, Rainbow Trout, Bull Trout, Juvenile Salmon and Steelhead, and whitefish. You can fish from the boats, camps, or the many stops we make throughout the day. If you are just learning the art of fishing, the guides are willing and knowledgeable instructors. You will be fishing for Cutthroat Trout, Rainbow Trout, and Whitefish which range from 4-18 inches in length. All fishing on the Middle Fork is catch and release.

Fly fishing or spin casting equipment are both acceptable. You must fish with artificial fly or lure with a single barbless hook. Lures with treble hook must have 2 hooks removed and flatten barb on the third. For flies you only have to flatten the barb.

Wildlife

The Middle Fork is teeming with wildlife, including: Bighorn sheep, moose, elk, mule deer, bears, wolves, and many smaller animals including the always popular river otter. A bird watchers paradise, you will see a multitude of birds as well.

You will have all of the amenities you need.

Primitive, yet comfortable tent camps on sand bars along the river. You will be surprised how comfortable they make them. Your guides will create dishes that will blow your mind. It doesn’t seem possible to cook such great food in such a remote, rugged atmosphere and over an open fire.

Guides

A good guide is what will make or break a trip, and this outfitter has the best guides around. First and foremost, they are there to keep you safe on your adventure. Your job on this trip is to relax, enjoy all that Mother Nature has to offer and have a great time.

They are licensed boatmen with whitewater rescue and first aid training. Your safety, comfort and fun are their first priorities.
Ideal hosts, fun, gracious, great at navigating whitewater, helping you fish, have exceptional outdoor culinary skills, and not to mention great storytellers.
For a wilderness experience, you will be surprised how comfortable your guides will keep you during your float.
The outfitter uses excellent equipment, self-bailing rafts, and well trained, extremely qualified guides. They have an excellent river safety record.
The outfitter runs a “cargo boat” called a Sweep boat that carries most of the gear. It goes ahead while you are having fun in the rapids with your friends and family. When you arrive at the camp spot for the night, camp will usually be set up and dinner will be started.
The outfitter provides everything except for your personal items. A gear list will be provided upon booking your trip.