Rafting the Middle Fork of the Salmon River in Idaho is a bucket list trip that runs through the remote Frank Church Wilderness of No Return. The canyon is far removed from civilization and planning a trip of this nature requires forethought to ensure you have all the necessary equipment for this multi-day, 100-mile float depending on the launch site used.

Middle Fork Salmon River Flows

Always check the flows before you go. The Middle Fork has a wide range of navigable flows with the higher being ideal for whitewater and the lower better for fishing. If the river pushes over 10,000 CFS, things are getting pretty dicey. This high range is not common in most years.

The early season flows may peak over 7,000 CFS and this is still really high but runnable As it drops below 7,000 you are entering the normal summer flow range. It will typically do this in June and continually drop throughout the summer.

By mid-June you will see flows drop below 3,000 CFS and continue downward through July into the sub 1,000 CFS range. You still have plenty of water to float below 1k and the fishing is often great. More rocks are exposed however and rowers will be busy at these lower flows.

Best Time to Float

Choosing a time often depends on what you desire. Running the early season flows in May is exciting and that big water is a real rush. If you want the wave trains and wild ride, aim for May or early June. The exact flows are dependent on snow pack and spring melt but May is reliable for bigger water.

As June progresses, moderate flows still offer excellent whitewater but the fishing really begins to turn on. The weather is typically excellent in June with warm days and cool nights. The canyon does ensure cool nights throughout the entire summer though.

The river really changes in July as the high flows recede. It still has plenty of whitewater but the rowing is more technical and the fishing is red hot. July is prime summer rafting with sunshine and long days. This trend continues through August and even early September in the canyon.

Permit Requirements

The 4 Rivers Lottery manages permits for the Middle Fork, Selway, Main Salmon and Hells Canyon Snake River floats. The Middle Fork is a lottery draw with a high number of applicants. Those who do not draw have the option to run outside of the lottery season on self issue permits. Learn about permits for the Middle Fork of the Salmon River and other rivers in the United States here.

Rapids and Float Notes

Boundary Creek – Launch

1 – Murph’s or Gardell Hole – Easy to scout this from the launch. Just walk down river a bit before heading out. The hole forms a hydraulic in high flows. You can typically punch right through in moderate or lower flows.

3 – Sulfur Slide – Class III

4 – Ram’s Horn Rapid – Class III with some boulder dodging

4.7 – Hell’s Half Mile – Actually easier at higher flows. It’s a long, busy rapid.

5 – Velvet Falls – This is a nice big hole that is known for eating boats, especially at high water levels.

7 – Trail Hot Springs 

8 – The Chutes – Class III that can wash at with big flows but becomes technical at low water

11.5 – Powerhouse Rapids – Class III+

13 – Sheepeater Hot Spring

18.5 – Rapid River confluence. Enters on river right

22 – Lake Creek Rapid

22 – Pistol Creek Rapid –

25.5 – Indian Creek Airstrip – This functions as a launch at very low flows. You must pack all the gear into an airplane to reach this launch point.

32.5 – Marble Creek Rapid – Class III with waves and hole. Run the wave or sneak the rapid. Kayakers can surf this wave too.

50 – Loon Creek on river right. You can hike up the creek to sit in a hot spring. This makes it a popular campsite.

57 – Grouse Creek Rapid – Class II+ that is pretty straightforward.

58 – Tappan I – Class III-

58.5 – Tappan Falls – This class III+ has

59 – Cove Creek Rapid –

60 – Camas Creek

68 – Haystack and Bernard Creek

78 – Big Creek – Enters from river left and indicates the beginning of Impassable Canyon.

80 – Veil Falls – Side hike on river right to a waterfall

80.5 – Wall Creek Rapid – Run through the wave trains and keep your eyes peeled for holes

82 – Redside Rapid

82.5 – Weber Rapid

88 – Cliffside Rapid – Class III that is actually two rapids. The river pushes into a wall on the upper and the lower is a straight move.

91 – Rubber Rapid – Class III+ or IV depending on flows. The normal line is right down the middle chute. It has powerful currents at high flows and can flip boats.

93 – Devil’s Tooth – Class III+ rapid with technical moves. Scout this one on river left

93.5 – House of Rocks – Class III+

99.5 – Cramer Creek Rapid – Class IV big water rapid. Scout ahead from river right.

100 – Cache Bar – Takeout here

Hot Springs on the Middle Fork

The Middle Fork of the Salmon River has multiple hot spring sites. Soaking in the springs after swimming and rafting through the cold waters is a wonderful experience. Trail Flat, Sheepeater, Sunflower, Whitey Cox, Loon Creek and Hospital Bar are the primary soaking sites. Sunflower also has a cascading shower that is refreshing.

Shuttle Services

The shuttle is a long haul form the launch at Boundary Creek to the takeout at Cache Bar. Several reliable services run the shuttles for the 215 mile trip. Theft is not exceedingly common at the launch or takeout but it does happen. Lock up valuables and try leaving few or no items in your vehicle. Make sure your trailer and vehicle have good tires and are serviced and ready for the shuttle. It’s a good idea to have quality spare tires and leave special instructions for shuttle drivers if necessary. Expect prices exceeding 300-dollars with potential discounts for group trips.

Central Idaho Shuttles – 208-507-1830

Blackadar Boating – 208-756-3958

All Rivers Shuttle – 800-785-7198

River Shuttles – 208-756-4188

River Specific Fishing Regulations

This is not a catch and keep fishery. No live bait is allowed and fishing is limited to single barbless hooks, artificial lures and flies only. Fly fishing is common and the river is loaded with westslope cutthroat trout. You must purchase an Idaho fishing license in advance. The fishing is very simple and the trout will eat attractor dry flies regularly.

Gear for a Middle Fork Rafting Trip

Like any remote rafting trip, planning your gear is essential. You can go bare-bones and keep it light or pack some serious weight. People run everything from small 12-foot rafts to big 18-footers on the river. Low flows have some technical sections and mid-size rafts and catarafts are ideal. Some outfitters even run dories at high and low flows. Duckies and kayaks are also popular.

Store everything in high quality dry bags and strap it down to minimize carnage in rapids. Tents, sleeping bags and kitchen setups are all important for camp. An awning also makes a big difference for shade and shelter in the rain.

Camp comforts are great but clothing is a huge consideration. Temperature swings are extreme and early season boaters should wear dry suits or wet suits at a minimum. Pack layers and a set of warm camp clothes. Dry clothing is essential and it should keep your comfortable in everything from searing heat to freezing cold.

You will need a waste management system to pack out trash and human waste. No chainsaws, drones, electric pumps or motorized water filtration and showers are allowed.

Get your gear in order and start planning when you draw a Middle Fork of Salmon River rafting permit. Bring your fishing gear and get ready for a wild ride through one of the most scenic canyons on earth.