Salmon River (Middle Fork)

America Outdoors outfitters offer a wonderful whitewater rafting trip through four distinct microclimates down the Middle Fork of the Salmon Wild and Scenic River in the Salmon-Challis National Forest.  Other activities include fishing, hiking and wildlife viewing.

Welcome to the remote and rugged mountains that surround the Middle Fork of the Salmon River, located in the heart of the Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness.  Each year, approximately 10,000 people float the Middle Fork of the Salmon River.

The Middle Fork of the Salmon is 98 miles of free-flowing river in the heart of the Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness, originating 20 miles northwest of Stanley, Idaho, with the merging of Bear Valley and Marsh Creeks, and it traverses northeast through the remote and rugged mountains of central Idaho.

The river moves through a variety of climates and land types; from alpine forest to high mountain desert to sheer rock walled canyon; the third deepest in North America. Because of its remote location, man's presence in the area was somewhat limited, leaving it in the condition we see today. Only a few trails, landing strips, private ranches, and Forest Service stations are evidence of man's intrusion.

The Middle Fork is now an internationally recognized whitewater/wilderness float trip. Known for its scenic beauty and crystal clear whitewater, it is floated by more than 10,000 people each summer. It is a non-motorized floating experience, with many technical rapids. These class III and IV+ rapids offer boating excitement for both families and hard core adventure types. Hiking from the river campsites offers a taste of the wilderness experience, and you may be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of the past and present inhabitants.

• Rapids: Class III and IV (Medium to Difficult)
• Length: 98 miles