Middle Fork of the Salmon, Idaho

...in July

July in the mountains of Idaho is magic.  The sun is out and the flowers are in bloom.  The Middle Salmon is a natural river, nothing obstructs its flow from the  headwaters to its confluence with the Main Salmon. 

The timing each year of “ideal Middle Fork conditions” varies with the amount of snow in the mountains.   The past few years the Middle Fork has peaked in mid to late June.  This years Idaho snow pack looks to be very similar.  

So, if you are lucky (or you plan right) your 6 day trip down the Middle Salmon is on a mid range water level (3 to 4 feet on the Boundry Creek gauge) and warm sunny weather.  Early to mid July is when you want to go rafting in Idaho.

By July the river is clear and beautiful …great for fishing and…swimming…and taking a river trip.  This is one of the great rivers of the West.  Every river enthusiast has the Middle Fork on their list.  Oh, did I mention the hot springs?  Or the polished granite gorge that reminds me of Yosemite?  Incredible.  

We take a wide variety of boats on the trip - oar boats (where a guide rows), paddle boats (where you have a paddle and a guide works with you to negotiate the rapids), or small inflatable kayaks (where you are put to the test with the guides support from afar).  Are you confused yet?  OK.  In other words, lots of ways to go down river and have fun.   

The outfitter, Echo, who I have enjoyed working with over the past few years, provides great food, all the gear, and professional crew members who are as excited to be on the Middle Fork as you will be.  They will keep you safe and warm and smiling until it hurts.

There are lots of places to hike, Indian paintings to see, pine trees to smell, birds to hear, and some of most fabulous campsites I have ever seen and …

If this sounds like your type of trip?  And the timing is right…well…let’s go.

You’ll need to get to Idaho…

Most folks fly to Boise the day before, and then take a small plane to the lovely little town of Stanley at the base of the Sawtooth Mountains, where you will spend the night.  The next morning you drive to the river where you’ll spend 5 nights.  The following afternoon we leave the river and take you to civilization in the form of Salmon, Idaho.  It is possible to fly on to Boise and beyond, although most people stay that night in Salmon. 

The cost is $1,750.

I'll  look forward to hearing from you.