Middle Fork of the Salmon Hiking

Trip Highlights

MEETING PLACE: Stagecoach Inn, Salmon Idaho

MEETING TIME: 7:00 PM MST
RIVER RATING: Class III-IV
TRIP MILES: 80 Miles
PUT-IN: Indian Creek
TAKE-OUT: Confluence of the Main and Middle Fork Salmon River
RETURN TIME: 5:00 PM MST Salmon, Idaho

TRIP LENGTH: 6 days
AGE LIMIT: Minimum age is 10 to 12 depending on ability
BOAT TYPE: Paddle Raft, Oar Raft

TRIP INCLUDES: Services of our talented adventure consultants and professional guides, all meals/beverages as indicated in the itinerary (including beer and wine), all rafting/camping gear, transportation to/from river meeting points.

DOES NOT INCLUDE: Airfare/transportation beginning and ending points, gratuities, travel protection plan, pre-& post-trip hotel, items of a personal nature, Indian Creek ﬂights (if required)

Sample Itinerary

Daily on the Trail
The Middle Fork Canyon is a place of superlative beauty. Your interpretive guide will point out prehistoric cave and rock paintings from the days of the Tukudeka, or Sheepeater Indians. You will hike through granitic pine-studded mountains rising to a sky of magnificent dimension and often enjoy transparent views to a golden pebbled river bottom. There are several hot springs along our route and we’ll stop to enjoy them, perhaps even making camp at one.

In this unspoiled land, we’re very likely to see bighorn sheep, probably more than once as they use licks along the river. We’ll also see eagles, hawks, songbirds and waterfowl and if we’re lucky, we’ll have sightings of deer, elk, mountain goats, mink, and river otter.

Raft Supported
This trip offers luxury camping and fine dining. Around 4:00 pm we arrive at camp. The cargo boat has gone ahead of the walkers and has the kitchen set up as well as the spacious 2-person tents that ROW provides. All you have to do is carry your personal gear to the tent of your choice and roll out your thick sleeping pad and sleeping bag. This leaves plenty of time to relax, climb a mountain, read a book, take a dip, watch for birds, throw out a fishing line or soak in the rays of the sun.

On the fifth day of our adventure, we enter Impassable Canyon, a narrow, granite-walled canyon of spectacular dimension. When the trail was being built by the CCC in the 1930’s they got through just eight miles before they gave up to the vertical walls of granite and turned the trail west to head up Big Creek.

On our last day, you enjoy a long day of whitewater fun on the river. For about 20 miles we are in a narrow granite-walled gorge of spectacular dimension, the constriction of the river, coupled with the large volume of water makes for an exciting day. Then a 2-hour bus ride will put everyone in the town of Salmon at about 5 pm. We make hotel reservations at the Stagecoach Inn that evening. Therefore, you can make your return travel plans the next day.

Gourmet Eating
Enjoy our gourmet hors d’ oeuvres and meals. dinner. The quality of our food reflects the quality of the wilderness environment in the Middle Fork canyon. We hand-select the freshest fruits and vegetables we can find and pack them carefully in huge ice-coolers. Likewise, these coolers carry fresh dairy products and meats. From these ingredients, we prepare bountiful, healthy meals. Sustainably harvested wild Alaskan Salmon served with a fresh garden salad; Prime Rib combined with a fresh salad and Idaho mashed potatoes or made-on-the-river lasagna is a few possible entrees. Big salads of vegetables and fruit add color and variety to every meal. Desserts are made each evening in our Dutch ovens and range from authentic cobbler and pineapple upside-down cake. We serve juice each morning and moderate amounts of bottled wine with dinner. We also provide two beers and two sodas or juices per person per day. There's always plenty of cold water, lemonade mix, tea, coffee, and cocoa. You're welcome to bring your own beverages or alcohol as well. We always have plenty of ice to keep your drinks cold.

When to Go
The cooler months late August and September have been our guest's favorite for hiking the Salmon.

Travel Arrangements

For trips in August and September, our trips start and end in Salmon. This is because in most years the river’s flows have become too low by late July for us to float from Boundary Creek. This means we take a backcountry flight to the put-in at Indian Creek. Stanley is more difficult to access than the town of Salmon and starting and ending in the same town eliminates the need for a vehicle shuttle, therefore creating cost savings. If you fly, it’s easy to fly to Missoula, Montana, rent a car and drive to Salmon, 2.5 hours south. This ends up being more economical than flying to Boise and then taking an air taxi to get to Salmon, then another one at the end of the trip to Boise.

MEETING TIME:

The evening before the trip we meet you at the Stagecoach Inn located in Salmon, Idaho.

At 7 pm MST ROW’s Team Leader will meet you for a one-hour orientation, to answer last-minute questions and give you your waterproof bags to pack. This is an important meeting, so please be on time. The next morning, we meet at the designated time set by your Team Leader and transport you to the river.

Please have breakfast on your own before we meet. At the end of the trip, we return you to the Stagecoach Inn in the town of Salmon by 5 pm where we encourage you to spend the night. The Stagecoach Inn will be happy to provide transportation to the airport in the morning after your stay.

Note: As noted above, in a typical year, the first 23 miles of the Middle Fork becomes too low to float by late July or early August. Logistics are explained above. The additional expense for this flight (about $160 per person) will be billed to each trip member.

IF YOU DRIVE:

Drive to Salmon, Idaho, and leave your car in the parking lot of the Stagecoach Inn. There is currently no charge for this.

IF YOU FLY:
The nearest major airport is Missoula, Montana. The most economical solution is to rent a car and drive 2 ½ hours south to Salmon where you leave your car during the trip.

Another option is to fly into the Boise, Idaho airport. From Boise, take an air taxi to Salmon, Idaho. Round trip flights are available for roughly $400 per person. Please contact Gem Air online or call 208-756-7382 or Sawtooth Flying Service at 208-634-7774 to make these reservations.

EXTRA LUGGAGE:
If you have luggage that you won’t need on the trip can be left in your car or at the Stagecoach Inn.

LAST-MINUTE PHONE NUMBERS:

If you need to reach ROW at the last minute, try our office first at (208) 765-0841.
Stagecoach Inn in Salmon: (208) 756-2919

Weather

We highly recommend checking the weather prior to your trip for an updated forecast and current conditions. We recommend the followinng websites.

Weather in Stanley and Salmon Idaho - Weather Underground

Middle Fork of the Salmon River - Find Local Weather

Getting Ready

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Here at ROW Adventures, our first and foremost goal is for you to have an enjoyable and safe experience. While most of our trips are suitable for beginners, some of our trips are more active than others and it’s important that you understand the physical requirement of the trip you choose.

All of our multi-day rafting trips are active adventures that involve some level of physical exertion and possible exposure to the elements including but not limited to wind, rain, heat, sun, cold temperatures and cold water conditions. ROW Adventures is able to accommodate people with physical limitations, disabilities, and medical conditions; please speak with your Adventure Consultant if you think you will require any additional assistance while on the trip. We ask that you consult your Doctor if you have health or medical conditions that could impact your ability to participate in an active and outdoor adventure. In general, all trip participants must be able to do the following:

Wear all protective and safety equipment that is required by ROW Adventures and recommended/required by industry-wide standards.

Load and unload, on their own or with the aid of a qualified companion, the bus and/or van providing transportation for ROW Adventures activities.

Reach the river access points (put-in and take-out) on their own, or with the aid of a qualified companion.

Enter and exit the raft, kayak and/or inflatable kayak on their own or with the aid of a qualified companion.

Remain seated and balanced in a floating raft, canoe, kayak or inflatable kayak w/ the aid of adaptive equipment, if necessary.

Perform all on water activities, including following instructions that like paddling commands from the guide in class I and higher whitewater on their own or with the assistance of a qualified companion.

Float on their back when entering moving and still water. The participant must be capable of turning from face-down to face-up in the water with the aid of a Personal Floatation Device and must be able to hold their breath while underwater.

Remain calm and keep breathing under control in the event of a whitewater swim.

Get out from under a raft, whether the raft is up-right or capsized, in moving water.

Climb into the raft, with the help of another person, should an involuntary swim happen at any point on the river.

Make progress toward the shoreline or a raft by swimming in moving water and must be able to exit the river and ascend the shoreline once reached.

Participate as an active paddler when instructed by the guide for the duration of the trip.

Move about the campsite on their own or with the aid of a qualified companion on all trips that include overnight camping and/or lunch.

Packing list

Packing properly for a river trip is CRITICAL to your enjoyment while on the river. We recommend that you prepare yourself for three basic scenarios:

A cool day on the river.
A warm day on the river.
Time spent lounging in camp.

Take care of these, and you are free to let the river and the canyon work their magic.

Weather in the northwest is unpredictable. You must come prepared for the cold/wet weather and hot/sunny weather – sometimes even on the same day! The following information will help you be prepared for the expected as well as the unexpected events of your trip. You may not use all of the gear listed below, but we recommend bringing it all!

DRYBAGS THAT ROW PROVIDES

One large waterproof bag (16” in diameter x 33” tall) per person. This will contain your sleeping bag as well as your personal clothing and items. This bag is NOT accessible during the day as it goes ahead of the group with our cargo raft.
Note: This bag will also contain additional gear provided by ROW: Sleeping bag, flannel liner & pillow
A small daypack (9” in diameter x 20” tall) for items you want to access during the day such as rain gear, sunscreen, camera, medications, etc.

WHAT YOU SHOULD PACK:

All of your personal items should be packed into a soft-sided duffle bag approximately 12” x 13” x 24” in size. Due to weight allowances and raft space, please limit your gear to 20-25 pounds. (This is especially important for late July and August trips where we’ll most likely be flying in small airplanes to the put-in at Indian Creek!) This bag will then go inside of your large waterproof bag provided by ROW.

ITEMS FOR ON THE TRAIL / RIVER

Two T-Shirts (1 quick dry and 1 cotton for a hot day)
One light long-sleeved shirt for sun protection and cool evenings. Popular options are a rash guard or sunscreen shirts.
Two pairs of shorts (nylon quick drying always better than cotton).
Light pants are great for sun protection or on a windy day. Lightweight zip off pants works great.
Swimsuit – two-piece suits are easier for women - tankinis with river shorts are a great option.
One pair of river sandals (must have an ankle strap, no flipflops!) Velcro is okay if in good condition. Popular name brands include Chaco, Teva, Keen, or Merrells. Tennis shoes with polypro socks are a good option if your feet tend to get cold. These shoes are for creek crossings and the last 20 miles through Impassable Canyon where raft ride is required.
Well broken in high top boots.
Water bottle with carabiner.
One Cap, Sun Hat or Visor (ROW hats are available when you arrive.)

ITEMS GOOD TO HAVE IN YOUR DRY BAG ON THE TRAIL / RIVER

One rain suit, jacket & pants (windbreaker without cotton liner works well, but no cheap ponchos)
Mid-weight to light-weight long underwear tops and bottoms. Best worn over a swimsuit and undershorts.
One synthetic or wool mid-weight sweaters for layering on the river on cool days.
Sunglasses with retaining cord/device
Bee Sting kit for those allergic to bees
Sun Screen
Water bottle with carabiner
Extra Cap, Sun Hat or Visor

ITEMS FOR TIME AT CAMP

Two Short sleeve shirts (Enjoy clean and comfortable)
One pair of pants (lightweight nylon, cotton or fleece)
Pair of shorts
One synthetic mid-weight sweaters for cool evenings
Underwear and socks
Flashlight or headlamp with extra bulb and batteries
Skin lotion, lip balm, waterproof sunscreen, etc.
Toilet kit - toothbrush and paste, soap ( biodegradable is best, no soaps can be used in the river), camp towel, washcloth, comb, handkerchief, a small pack of tissues, small mirror, moist towelettes, shaving stuff, feminine sanitary supplies, etc.
Extra eyeglasses and/or contact lenses strongly suggested. ALL glasses need a head strap!
One pair of tennis shoes or walking shoes for cooler weather and hiking. (We don’t recommend you bring large hiking boots as they take up too much space and aren’t necessary.) Flip-flops are also comfortable for easy walking on sandy beaches!
Stocking Cap/ Beanie for cool nights

ADDITIONAL CLOTHES FOR COOL WEATHER (Early and late season – June & September)

Two pair wool or polypro socks to wear on the river
One additional synthetic pile or wool shirt
Wool or poly gloves & wool or poly cap (like a skiing hat)

OPTIONAL ITEMS

Camera – waterproof digital with extra batteries & memory card recommended. Many guests use smartphones (there is NOT cell service on the river). A waterproof case is also highly recommended for protection and ease of use.
Hiking gaiters.
Paddling Gloves
Sarong – many uses for both ladies and men
Sundress for camp – ladies
2-3 Carabiners for clipping items to the boat
Binoculars
Plastic garbage bags (2-3 for separating dirty/wet clothes in your waterproof bag)
Cards, games, books, musical instruments, journals
Fishing gear and Idaho fishing license if you plan to fish - must be in a protective case & disassembled. We suggest you buy lures at the Stanley Fly Shop (208-721-7151) as they have daily updates of what the fish are hitting. Only catch and release fishing with single barbless hooks is allowed!!

LAYERING FOR OUTDOOR COMFORT
Clothing layers are the thermostat of the wilderness. As you get ready for your river trip, think about dressing in layers. By adding and subtracting layers you can keep yourself perfectly comfortable. If you were to look into the dry bags of a well-prepared river guide you would see packing for three weather scenarios -- cold, wet days; hot, summer days; and cool evenings and mornings in camp. All of your on-river clothing should be made from synthetic fabrics with names like fleece, pile, polypropylene, Capilene™ or polyester. A cotton T-shirt is used occasionally on hot, sunny days, but cotton clothing is best saved for on-shore camp use.

LAYER #1: The layer next to your skin should be close-fitting and thin. Start with a swimsuit and/or swim trunks and synthetic or wool shirt as a base layer. You do not want to wear cotton on the river on cool rainy days. The evaporation of water from a wet cotton layer will actually make you colder! Synthetic fibers maintain insulative properties when wet and "wick" moisture away from your skin.
LAYER #2: The next layer should also be made of a synthetic fiber, but should be a bit heavier in weight. If you get too warm you can always peel this layer off.
LAYER #3: The outer layer is what is known as the "barrier" layer. This layer should be waterproof and loose-fitting enough to give you a good range of motion. The idea of this layer is to seal out water, and seal in the warmth generated by you and insulated by layers # 1 and # 2. A good rain suit can do the job, or a good paddling jacket and pants. Not only will this protect you from rainstorms, but chilly water temperatures when running rapids as well!

WETSUITS
ROW provides Farmer John style wetsuits for our cold weather trips through July 6 (long legs, but no sleeves). These are often worn with your polypro long underwear underneath for extra warmth. You will still need your fleece sweater and rain jacket for warmth on your upper body. Wool or fleece socks can also be worn with the booties if your feet tend to get cold.

FISHING

If you plan to fish, please bring your own fishing gear (with a protective case), as we do not have any to loan. An IDAHO fishing license is required if you plan on fishing. You can pre-purchase a license by going to the website https://idfg.idaho.gov/license/purchase-options. You can purchase a license in Stanley at the Stanley Fly Shop. Click on the link for current information or you can call the fly shop at 208-721-7151. You must have a current driver’s license to purchase a license.

LIQUOR AND PREFERED BEVERAGES

ROW packs moderate quantity of soft drinks as well as wine and beer for legal age guests. If you bring liquor, please give it to your guide in a labeled plastic container (Nalgene, Platypus soft bottle). Beer should be in cans - No glass beer bottles please. Bottled wine is fine. All liquors in IDAHO are sold in State Liquor Stores with limited hours. Please be aware we have limited space on our rafts therefore moderate quantities, please. If you are arriving after 7 pm BE SURE TO PURCHASE your liquor at home and bring it with you.

GRATUITIES:

Like anyone in the service business, river and outdoor adventure guides appreciate gratuities. Our guides are some of the best and most highly trained in the business. They not only guide your raft down the river, but set up camp, cook and serve gourmet meals, provide interpretation on the natural and cultural history of the area and strive to provide the highest level of hospitality. Tipping is ultimately a personal decision, however if you appreciate the service your guides provided, then as a guideline we suggest a gratuity of 10-20% of the trip price.

Tips can be given to the ROW Team Leader at the end of the trip in the form of cash or personal check. The Team Leader distributes them equally among the guides and gives a portion to ROW’s behind-the-scenes, unsung heroes like our drivers and food shoppers.

Helpful links

Middle Fork Reading List - Some of our favorite books at the Middle Fork and Salmon River.

Boise Guide - Helpful ideas on what to do before or after your trip.

Middle Fork Salmon River Flow - See how the River is running.

Weather Report - Check the local weather before you go.

Trip Photo Album - Browse a photo album from a recent trip.

Trip Advisor - Read guest reviews.

Save our Wild Salmon - Get educated - Join the cause.

Terms and Conditons

Please see our full Terms & Conditions HERE.

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