Middle Fork of the Salmon
Overview:
The Middle Fork of the Salmon River, located in Idaho's Frank Church Wilderness is by far one of the most captivating and iconic multi-day kayak trips in the world. With its challenging class III-IV whitewater, breathtaking canyons, abundant hot springs, and gorgeous camp sites, there are few kayak trips that compare. One of the most notable aspects of the Middle Fork river experience is the dramatic transformation the river goes through each day. Beginning high in alpine forests and descending deep into desert canyons, this trip is truly like no other. If you are searching for an unforgettable western kayaking experience then this trip is for you!
Highlights:
100 miles of wilderness whitewater
Natural hot springs
Fun and exciting class III and IV whitewater
Rich pioneer and Native American history
Fun Surf Waves
Delicious, hearty and healthy campfire meals
Knowledgeable kayaking guides
Details
Our adventure begins at the base of the Sawtooth Mountains in Stanley, Idaho. An experience in itself! This is where we will have our trip orientation the night before we launch. At the orientation we will discuss the logistics of the trip. As well as answer all of your questions regarding the river, gear, camping, fishing, etc. After the orientation you will get a chance to relax or explore the Idaho mountain town of Stanley.
The next morning marks day one of our trip. We will load up and drive to the put-in at Boundary creek where the rest of our team will have everything ready to launch. Once everyone is situated and ready to hit the river, we will go over safety topics of the trip, as well as Forest Service guidelines for traveling through the wilderness corridor. After covering these topics, it is time to hit the river. You will quickly notice that the whitewater begins right out of the gate. The first 24 miles is very continuous class III-IV whitewater with many named rapids such as Pinball, Hells Half Mile, Rams Horn, Powerhouse, and the infamous Velvet Falls. Not to worry though, our expert guides have spent countless days running all of these rapids and know every detail along the way. They can help tailor the whitewater experience you are looking for!
After a delicious and healthy lunch, we will continue our way downstream. With more whitewater, beautiful scenery, and abundant wildlife along the way. Eventually, we will arrive at our reserved camp for the evening. The Middle Fork is known for its beautiful campsites. All of our campsites are reserved throughout the trip, so we can take as much time on the water as we'd like each day before arriving at our home for the night. At camp you will get a chance to relax, unwind, and take in all the natural beauty this place has to offer. Our guides will prepare excellent meals and keep the fire warm and stoked for everyone to enjoy.
Over the next few days the whitewater begins to mellow out as we descend out of the alpine forest and into a desert climate. This is usually when the magnitude of this adventure really sets in. It can easily feel like traveling back in time. There are several old homesteads in the canyon that all have their own fascinating story, as well as many historical Native American pictograph and campsites. The side hikes and hot springs in this section of the river are outstanding. Ranging from quick walks from the river to longer more adventurous hikes. And did we mention the superb fishing? The Middle Fork is listed as one of America's Blue Ribbon trout fishing rivers. So feel free to bring your rod or we can help provide one for you.
As we descend deeper into the canyons of the Middle Fork the whitewater begins to pick back up again. With the many side streams and tributaries that have been feeding in along the way the volume of the river increases substantially. The style of whitewater transforms considerably as well. Now being more of a higher volume "pool- drop" river as opposed to the lower volume "continuous" style whitewater of the previous days. It is truly a very unique western kayaking experience.
Eventually we will find ourselves entering the Impassible Canyon. Known as the crown jewel of the Middle Fork experience, this canyon will not disappoint! Beautiful waterfalls pour into the canyon from high above the river as you descend through some of the best whitewater in the west. With towering vertical walls, and gorgeous scenery, this is definitely a must see experience for any kayaker.
The further we descend through the Impassible Canyon, the bigger the rapids become. With one of the of the trip only a mile from the take out. No other river builds up the way the Middle Fork does. It is truly a world class kayak trip from beginning to end, with every style of whitewater in between.
Once we reach the take-out at Cache Bar we will have floated over 100 miles and descended over 2700 vertical feet! Few rivers anywhere can give you such an experience. After our final lunch at the take out we will load up drive into Salmon, Idaho where our shop headquarters is located. Depending on individual's travel itineraries, we like to get together in Salmon for one last dinner and evening together. After a long deserved shower first of course!
*guided trips on the Middle Fork Salmon are offered through Wilderness River Outfitters and Trail Expeditions. WRO is licensed and permitted to offer these guided activities in the state of Idaho.
Photo Gallery
Q and A
Q: When is the best time to kayak the Middle Fork?
A: That depends a little on the experience you are looking for. If you are looking for more exciting whitewater, June is best. If you are looking for warmer water and more pool drop style whitewater the end of June or throughout July is a great time.
Q: What should I wear while kayaking on the Middle Fork?
A: In June, it is best to be prepared for the cold water and potentially chilly weather, so a drysuit is recommended. The days can be hot in June as well, so maybe having a dry top as a backup in case the suit is over kill. By July the water is normally starting to warm up and the weather is hot and sunny. Often in July a shorty top or rash guard is plenty.
Q: How is the best way to get my kayak to Idaho?
A: At Riverside we try to have plenty of kayak options on hand so you don’t have to go through the hassle of traveling to Idaho with you kayak. Bring your paddling gear and we will have a boat waiting for you.
Q: What should my kayaking ability be to join a Middle Fork trip?
A: A solid roll is a great start! The Middle Fork rapid action starts right below the put in with First Bend Rapid and over the first 25 miles is pretty continuous class II-III with a handful of class IVs. So action starts off quick. If you are unsure of your ability level, you can always arrange to ride of the raft the first day and half, then as the whitewater mellows during the middle of the trip, jump in your kayak then.
Q: What if I have a friend that wants to come, but they don’t kayak?
A: All Riverside trips are run through Wilderness River Outfitters and there will be rafts along on all the trips. So a friend that doesn’t kayak is still more than welcome to join you on the Middle Fork.
Q: Should I paddle a play boat, river runner or creek boat on the Middle Fork?
A: There are several great surf waves along the 100 miles and we can try to camp near surf waves when possible. There are also many great waves for wave wheels and other playboating opportunities along the way. On thing to remember is, the Middle Fork is a 100 mile trip, so you want to be in a boat that is comfortable. Also the Middle Fork can seem a little pushy at high water, so often people enjoy a boat with a little more volume.
Q: Is there cold beer?
A: Yes, we have plenty of rafts that carry all our personal gear and coolers to keep the beer cold. We do not provide alcoholic beverages, but we can certainly make room for whatever you would like to bring.
Q: What kind of food is provided on these trips?
A: We eat amazing meals prepared over the open campfire. We have full breakfasts, example Pancakes with real maple syrup, bacon, eggs to order, fruit and yogurt. At lunch time, we have a full spread of snacks both sweet and healthy to go along with a deli sandwich spread or a fresh salad to put in a pita wrap. For dinner we have an appetizer maybe something like baked brie with apples and crackers. Fresh prepared salads (example: spinach, chopped strawberries, blueberries, mandarin oranges, walnuts and poppy seed dressing on the side). Wild rice dish, grilled wild sockeye salmon prepared either with lemon and onion or brown sugar glaze. Yeah, we eat good!