Among river runners, the Middle Fork is a legend. 105 miles of pure, clear, free-flowing river drop 3,000 feet through the heart of the River of No Return Wilderness - the biggest in the lower 48. Remote, spectacular and untamed by man, the Middle Ford has been protected by Congress as one of America's first Wild and Scenic Rivers. The trip begins at nearly 6,000 feet above sea level, surrounded by a thick forest of fir and spruce. The cool, clear water sparkles like a diamond. With paddles and oars in hand, you launch. The river is narrow and shallow at first, but soon numerous side creeks deepen the way. The rapids are frequent and challenging, with names that boatmen speak with reverence - Velvet Falls, Ramshorn, Pistol Creek, Porcupine - over 100 in all. Late the second day the river widens and pine-studded mountains tower above. Rafts drift quietly over deep pools of transparent water, home to native cutthroat and rainbow trout. Along the shore you’re likely to see Bighorn sheep, mule deer and maybe a playful river otter. The Middle Fork is rich in history and you'll stop often to visit Indian rock paintings and pioneer homesteads. Hikes underneath Waterfall Creek and up to Veil Falls are highlights of your trip. Row's cargo raft and guide go ahead each day and set up camp. When the rest of you arrive around four in the afternoon, there's still plenty of time for fishing, reading and bird watching, or an after-dinner walk to a nearby hot spring to soak under a moonlit sky. Further downstream, you'll enter Impassable Canyon. Vertical granite mountains of staggering dimensions slice into a cobalt sky. It becomes apparent how the ruggedness of this canyon discouraged settlement while the rest of the West was being homesteaded.
Trip Details
Duration
4-6 Days
Location
Middle Fork of Salmon River
Season
June - September
Trip Type
Paddle & Oar
Nearest City
35 Miles from Stanley, ID
Physical Condition Required
Good
Destination(s)
Idaho, United States
Rated Classes
III-IV
Guest Capacity
23
Minimum Age Limit
7 (12) Minimum age given in parenthesis is minimum recommended age during high water.
Distance Traveled
105 Miles
Inflatable Kayaks
Available with Instruction Provided
Additional Activities
Fishing, Swimming, Off River Hiking/Exploring
Dining
All Meals Included
About Liquor
Beer and wine provided for evening and/or BYOB.
Rates
$1,445.00 - $1,865.00per personCurrency Converter (Rates shown are in US Dollars. Rates and terms are subject to change.)
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