The Middle Fork of the Salmon River

It’s safe to say that the Middle Fork of the Salmon is one of the top rated rafting trips and one of the most sought-after float permits in the west. Rafting parties launch in the alpine forests near the Sawtooth range of central Idaho, and ride the Middle Fork highway as it winds its way down and to the north, through the heart of the Frank Church Wilderness. Challenging rapids, great campsites, crystal clear hot springs, historical artifacts, cutthroat trout, and wonderful wilderness vistas abound. It's common for trips in the late summer to fly into the airstrip at Indian Creek and launch there to avoid shallow sections in the upper 25 miles of the run.

Put-In: Boundary Creek (or Indian Creek)

Take-Out: Cache Bar (on the Main Salmon)

Miles: 96

Managing Agency: USFS Salmon-Challis Ranger District

Campsites: Middle Fork Salmon Campsites

Stories:

  • Six Tough Miles on the Middle Fork - 2008 - Will Hansen (.pdf)
  • Boatmen and Bedlam - Marsh Creek 2005 - Kerry Walsh (.pdf)

Links:

  • Cramer Rapid
  • The view from a cliff above Woolard Camp on the Middle Fork of the Salmon as it winds through the canyon
    A rafting trip stopped for lunch at Elk Bar with red and white umbrella and perfect weather
    The view of the Middle Fork of the Salmon from high above
  • Lower Grouse Camp
    Fly Camp
    Solitude Camp
  • The adventure begins at Boundary Creek, getting your raft down the ramp!
    Little Soldier Camp, Middle Fork of the Salmon
    Middle Fork of the Salmon Scenery
  • Simplot - Loon Creek Ranch
    Loon Creek Camp
    Middle Fork of the Salmon Scenery
  • Sweep boats are a common sight - this one is approaching Pistol Cr Rapid
    Running Dagger Falls on an early season trip
    The Middle Fork cuts through avalanche debris from the winter
  • The vista downstream from Trail Camp
    Cats stopped for ice cream at Flying B Ranch
    Johnnie Walker Camp
  • Looking downstream from Lower Grouse Camp
    Middle Fork of the Salmon Scenery
    Stopped for lunch above Veil Falls
  • Joe Bump Camp
    Looking down on Otter Bar Camp during high water
    Sweep boat coming into Pistol Creek Rapid - remember, they have no brakes!
  • The usual circus at Indian Creek
    The Middle Fork has the best hot springs - this one is Sunflower
    Enjoying the trough at Sunflower Hot Springs
  • Loon Creek Hot Springs
    Tappan Falls
    Redside Rapid
  • Middle Fork of the Salmon Scenery
    Middle Fork of the Salmon Scenery
    Tappan Falls
  • White Creek Camp
    Looking downstream from Elk Bar
    Middle Fork of the Salmon Scenery
  • Middle Fork of the Salmon Scenery
    Middle Fork of the Salmon Scenery