Join our expert river guides on the best Middle Fork trip—an unforgettable backcountry adventure frequently cited as one of the world's greatest river journeys. Begin with a scenic flight deep into Idaho's Frank Church?River of No Return Wilderness, then raft 75 thrilling miles down the iconic Middle Fork of the Salmon River. August departures offer thrilling rapids, swimming, fly fishing, hot springs, waterfalls, and scenic hikes with the option to navigate the river by paddle boat, oar boat, or inflatable kayak. Evenings at camp bring hearty meals, campfires, and stargazing. With expert leadership, stunning wilderness, and top-tier service, this is the best, most all-inclusive Middle Fork of the Salmon River rafting trip you can take in beautiful northern Idaho.
Join our expert river guides on the best Middle Fork trip—an unforgettable backcountry adventure frequently cited as one of the world's greatest river journeys. Begin with a scenic flight deep into Idaho's Frank Church?River of No Return Wilderness, then raft 75 thrilling miles down the iconic Middle Fork of the Salmon River. August departures offer thrilling rapids, swimming, fly fishing, hot springs, waterfalls, and scenic hikes with the option to navigate the river by paddle boat, oar boat, or inflatable kayak. Evenings at camp bring hearty meals, campfires, and stargazing. With expert leadership, stunning wilderness, and top-tier service, this is the best, most all-inclusive Middle Fork of the Salmon River rafting trip you can take in beautiful northern Idaho.
MT Sobek has been running this expert-led trip for more than 20 years and is an equal opportunity employer, operating under a special use permit within the Salmon-Challis National Forest.
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[HighlightText] => MT Sobek has been running this expert-led trip for more than 20 years and is an equal opportunity employer, operating under a special use permit within the Salmon-Challis National Forest.
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Highlights
Have a blast on one of National Geographic's top-rated whitewater rafting trips, deep in the heart of Idaho's Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness
Paddle or float to suit your activity level and choose a new experience every day-this trip is great for all ages and all activity levels; it is like summer camp for the whole family!
Compare the value! We offer the most inclusive Middle Fork trips, with all your travel arrangements, transportation and lodging, carefully orchestrated for a worry-free vacation.
Get ready to raft! Arrive in Salmon, Idaho, by 5:00 pm and check in to the Stagecoach Inn. At 6:00 pm, meet your expert river guides and fellow adventurers on the hotel's back lawn for a fun welcome orientation. Spirits are high as you learn what's ahead on the Middle Fork and ask last-minute questions. A casual picnic dinner follows, with time to get to know everyone and celebrate the start of your adventure. Afterward, head back to your room to pack your provided waterproof river bags —it's almost time to launch into the wild. The excitement is real. You're about to experience the best Middle Fork of the Salmon River trip around.
Accommodation: Stagecoach Inn
Meals: Dinner
Fly into the Wilderness for Middle Fork Rapids
Day 2
Kick off your adventure with a ride to Salmon Airport and a breathtaking flight into the heart of the Frank Church?River of No Return Wilderness. Touch down near Indian Creek, a key access point for your epic river journey. Stop at the historic Indian Creek Guard Station, a 1930s CCC project, before launching onto the river. Navigate your first Class II rapid—Pungo—and take in the wild beauty of the river. Settle into your first riverside camp, where your guides prepare a gourmet dinner. Relax and enjoy your first night in Idaho's remote and rugged backcountry.
Accommodation: MT Sobek Camp-Middle Fork of the Salmon River, Idaho
Activity: 6 hours/6-15 miles rafting Class II to Class IV rapids
Transportation: 40-minute backcountry flight
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Enjoy River Life, Hot Springs & Wildlife
Day 3
This stretch of the Middle Fork offers a calmer pace—the perfect opportunity to truly immerse yourself in the river’s many hidden gems. With more time to explore, you can soak in natural hot springs, get in some fly fishing, or jump in for a refreshing swim. Wildlife is abundant in this wilderness—keep your eyes peeled for mountain goats and bighorn sheep along the canyon walls, and bald eagles, ospreys, and other raptors soaring overhead. Water level permitting, this is a great day for adventurous guests to try inflatable “ducky” kayaks for self-powered solo thrills on the water. Enjoy campfire stories, a delicious dinner, and the stars above to round out the day.
Accommodation: MT Sobek Camp-Middle Fork of the Salmon River, Idaho
Activity: 6 hours/6-15 miles rafting Class II to Class IV rapids
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
See Ancient Pictographs & Pristine River Scenery
Day 4
Start your day with a hot drink and hearty breakfast as the sun rises over the canyon. This section of river brings you to Sheepeater pictographs—ancient rock art left by the region's earliest inhabitants. After exploring the site and learning about their culture, continue downstream through a stunning corridor of pine forests, sculpted rock, and lively rapids. All the while, you have the choice between active paddling on the guide-led paddle boat and kicking back on the guide-paddled oar boat—or if the conditions are right, trying out a ducky. It's all part of what goes into making the best Middle Fork trip, and why our guests rave about it.
Accommodation: MT Sobek Camp-Middle Fork of the Salmon River, Idaho
Activity: 6 hours/6-15 miles rafting Class II to Class IV rapids
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Raft the Middle Fork's Iconic Tappan Falls
Day 5
Today's 15?20-mile stretch delivers some of the Middle Fork's most thrilling rapids and a window into Native American history. Hold on tight as you charge through a series of Class II-IV rapids—Tappan I, the technical drop of Tappan Falls, the splashy excitement of New Tappan, and the rollercoaster ride of Aparajo. Between rapids, keep an eye out for bald eagles, osprey, river otters, and the occasional black bear along the forested banks. Step ashore to explore the remains of Sheepeater pit dwellings—circular depressions that once sheltered the Tukudeka people—and see Kaufman's Cave, where a Scottish prospector once lived alone. It's a day packed with adrenaline, wildlife, and fascinating glimpses into river history.
Accommodation: MT Sobek Camp-Middle Fork of the Salmon River, Idaho
Activity: 6 hours/6-15 miles rafting Class II to Class IV rapids
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Enter the Impassable Canyon
Day 6
Journey through the awe-inspiring Impassable Canyon, where sheer granite cliffs rise dramatically above the river and the wild, remote beauty of Idaho is on full display. The final full day of rafting delivers nonstop excitement with legendary whitewater—including the boulder-strewn chaos of Driftwood, the surging waves of Haystack, and the thrilling squeeze of Goalpost Rapids. Midday, take a short but rewarding hike to Veil Falls, where a delicate sheet of water cascades from high above into a mossy grotto. Visit the historic Earl Parrot homestead before reaching camp and your last night in the wilderness. With unbeatable scenery, rich history, and epic rapids, the Impassable Canyon is the best Middle Fork trip finale.
Accommodation: MT Sobek Camp-Middle Fork of the Salmon River, Idaho
Activity: 6 hours/6-15 miles rafting Class II to Class IV rapids
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Ride Middle Fork Whitewater & Return to Salmon
Day 7
Stagecoach InnWrap up your Middle Fork rafting adventure with a bang—tackling the biggest whitewater of the journey. Foreplay Rapid sets the tone with swift turns and standing waves, followed by the churning hydraulics of Rubber and the powerful, surging drop of Hancock. By now, you've mastered the twists and turns of the river. After the final adrenaline rush, reach the confluence with the Main Salmon River, where you'll leave the boats and the Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness behind. Reflect on your journey as you return to Salmon, Idaho, where you'll enjoy a hot shower and a well-earned celebratory toast with your guides and fellow adventurers. Spend the evening exploring Salmon's charming downtown and small-town Western hospitality.
Accommodation: Stagecoach Inn
Activity: 6 hours/6-15 miles rafting Class II to Class IV rapids
Transportation: 2-3-hour bus transfer
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Depart from Salmon, Idaho
Day 8
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel and depart at your leisure, taking with you memories of your time on the Middle Fork of the Salmon River—a true bucket-list adventure.
MT Sobek has been operating trips on the Middle Fork of the Salmon River since 2007 and Sobek has been a pioneering rafting company for more than 50 years. Join us on one of the world's greatest river trips!
Professional river guides are certified in Leave No Trace principles to maintain a pristine environment and will wow you with their wilderness cooking skills.
Compare the value! We offer the most inclusive Middle Fork trips, with all your travel arrangements, transportation, and lodging, carefully orchestrated for a worry-free vacation.
Itinerary While this itinerary offers a general overview of your rafting trip, each adventure is unique. Water levels and campsite assignments from the U.S. Forest Service can change weekly, which may impact the daily schedule. Think of this itinerary as a helpful snapshot, not a fixed plan.
Accommodations The small-town rural Idaho accommodations on this trip provide great access to the river but are simpler compared to what you'll find on many MT Sobek trips—rooms and amenities are more basic, though Wi-Fi is available. On the river, your dome-style tent—large enough to stand up in—will be set up in a scenic location with everything you need for a good night's sleep, and outstanding meals will be prepared by your guides.
Dates & Prices
2026
Go Private
Go Custom
Inclusions
2026
Scheduled Dates
Price is per person, double occupancy in USD.
The earlier you book, the more choice of available dates you’ll have and once you book, your price is guaranteed.
Gather your favorite travel companions—family, friends, colleagues, or club—and enjoy an exclusive departure that’s easy to book and completely unforgettable.
A 25% non-refundable deposit is required to confirm your private departure.
Minimum age for guests on this trip is 7 years old.
Choose Your Own Travel Dates
August
Private Trip Pricing: 2025
15 guests from $3,969 per person double occupancy
14 guests from $4,169 per person double occupancy
13 guests from $4,469 per person double occupancy
12 guests from $4,769 per person double occupancy
11 guests from $4,969 per person double occupancy
10 guests from $5,269 per person double occupancy
Included Costs:
Internal Airfare (Salmon to River Put-in): $250
Park Fee: $24
Optional:
$275 Single Occupancy
*Seasonal rates may apply.
*Trip pricing on the website is provided as an estimate and is subject to change based on rates at the time of request and seasonality.
Go Custom
Create Your Very Own Adventure
Dreaming of an adventure designed exclusively for you? With insider access and decades of experience, our travel experts create custom tailored adventures that are perfect for families, couples, and large groups. MT Sobek's custom adventures are designed to our exacting standards and led by our award-winning adventure guides.
When to start planning? Earlier is always better when designing a custom trip. More time allows for better availability of preferred accommodations, guides and your desired activities. Ideally, start the conversation with us at least 6 months before you want to travel. If you are looking for a custom trip that departs within three months, chances are greatly diminished in securing requested accommodations and the best guides.
*Custom trips require a 25% non-refundable deposit once an itinerary is agreed upon.
The best people to immerse you in a destination are the ones who live there, which is why we feature local Adventure Guides on our trips. Here are a few that you might meet on this adventure.
Bridger B.
Bridger grew up in Salmon, Idaho, along the banks of the Salmon River. He guided his first multi-day rafting trip at just 15 and has been on the water ever since. Since that first trip, he’s guided rivers from the Tatshenshini in Alaska and Canada to the Rio Grande through Big Bend National Park on the Texas-Mexico border. Bridger has been certified as a Wilderness First Responder and Swiftwater Rescue Technician for the past six years, and he plans to continue expanding his skills in emergency medicine and technical outdoor training. Today, he still calls Salmon home and he proudly holds the title as the worst player on the local beer league hockey team.
Andrew P.
Andrew grew up in Western Colorado with a twin brother, two younger sisters, and parents who all enjoyed camping and exploring the mountains and river valleys of the west. His parents instilled a curiosity and respect about the natural world in him, and an expectation of high academic achievement. After completing his degree in Applied Mathematics from the University of Colorado Boulder, he found his awe of the natural world was what led him forward and began guiding rafting and teaching skiing in 2013. His explorations have taken him to the top of Denali, the rocky crags of Spain, glacial valleys in the French Alps, and rafting as many rivers as possible.
Dominic H.
Dominic is a man of many interests, not the least of which is guiding river trips! He believes nature has a way of healing people and wishes to share the wilderness experience with everyone he meets. He has been guiding on the Middle Fork of the Salmon River since 2021 and looks forward to many more years on the water. When he’s not sharing his love of nature on the river, he is studying literature and philosophy or producing music. Experience Dominic’s positive attitude on our Idaho rafting trips.
Get ready to raft! Arrive in Salmon, Idaho, by 5:00 pm and check in to the Stagecoach Inn. At 6:00 pm, meet your expert river guides and fellow adventurers on the hotel\'s back lawn for a fun welcome orientation. Spirits are high as you learn what\'s ahead on the Middle Fork and ask last-minute questions. A casual picnic dinner follows, with time to get to know everyone and celebrate the start of your adventure. Afterward, head back to your room to pack your provided waterproof river bags —it\'s almost time to launch into the wild. The excitement is real. You\'re about to experience the best Middle Fork of the Salmon River trip around.
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Kick off your adventure with a ride to Salmon Airport and a breathtaking flight into the heart of the Frank Church?River of No Return Wilderness. Touch down near Indian Creek, a key access point for your epic river journey. Stop at the historic Indian Creek Guard Station, a 1930s CCC project, before launching onto the river. Navigate your first Class II rapid—Pungo—and take in the wild beauty of the river. Settle into your first riverside camp, where your guides prepare a gourmet dinner. Relax and enjoy your first night in Idaho\'s remote and rugged backcountry.
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Enjoy breakfast at the hotel and depart at your leisure, taking with you memories of your time on the Middle Fork of the Salmon River—a true bucket-list adventure.
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Activity Level
This trip is rated activity level 2. Previous rafting experience is not necessary. However, you need to be in good physical condition. Since we are in a remote wilderness location. Each day, loading and unloading into the raft can be on sandy beaches or uneven rocky shores. It is a necessity that all travelers are stable and sturdy on their feet in uneven terrain. Learn more about activity levels here.
Activity Snapshot
Day 2
6 hours/6-15 miles rafting Class II to Class IV rapids
Day 3
6 hours/6-15 miles rafting Class II to Class IV rapids
Day 4
6 hours/6-15 miles rafting Class II to Class IV rapids
Day 5
6 hours/6-15 miles rafting Class II to Class IV rapids
Day 6
6 hours/6-15 miles rafting Class II to Class IV rapids
Day 7
6 hours/6-15 miles rafting Class II to Class IV rapids
*Mileage and elevation change information is approximate and may vary slightly depending on trail conditions, weather, and route adjustments, and the guide’s discretion.
Accommodations
A comfortable hotel in Salmon, followed by MT Sobek's deluxe riverside camps, with meals served around the campfire beneath the stars.
MT Sobek Camp-Middle Fork of the Salmon River, Idaho
Your Middle Fork camping experience includes five nights on the banks of Idaho's Salmon River, with full porterage and set up. Our dome-style tents are large enough to stand in, and include cots, pillows with covers and professionally laundered sleeping bags and liners. Portable showers are available for bathing periodically. All camping spots are on beautiful beaches or plateaus next to the river, with fantastic views every day.
A historic gem in the scenic town of Salmon, Idaho, the Stagecoach Inn exudes charm and character. Dating back to the early 20th century, this quaint inn has been a witness to the region's rich history and transformation. The inn's cozy rooms are tastefully decorated, offering a blend of comfort and nostalgia. The Stagecoach Inn's central location in Salmon makes it a convenient base for exploring the nearby natural wonders, including the breathtaking Salmon River and the rugged landscapes of the Salmon-Challis National Forest.
Weather
Summer daytime temperatures range between 60-90°F, and evenings between 40-60°F. June trips are cooler. Salmon River water temperatures average 58-65°F.
Aug
Salmon, Idaho
High
Low
Salmon, Idaho
84
51
Stanley, Idaho
High
Low
Stanley, Idaho
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FAQs
Where do I meet the group on the first day?
Please arrive at the Stagecoach Inn in Salmon Idaho, Idaho by 5:00 pm today. Meet your guides on the back lawn of the Stagecoach Inn for a 6:00 pm welcome orientation meeting followed by a casual picnic dinner. The next morning, you will fly with your group to the remote Indian Creek airstrip on the bank of the Middle Fork of the Salmon River.
Do I need to have prior rafting experience to raft the Middle Fork of the Salmon River?
This trip is rated activity Level 2. Previous rafting experience is not necessary, but you need to be in good physical condition. This trip occurs in a remote wilderness location, where each day loading and unloading into the raft can be on sandy beaches or uneven, rocky shores. It is a necessity that all travelers are stable and sturdy on their feet in uneven terrain.
What is the maximum group size on the Middle Fork of the Salmon River?
For scheduled departures, the maximum number of guests that we can take is 20 and the minimum is 7. You can sign up as a solo, as a couple, or as a small or large group until we max out our space. Looking to take over an entire date for your own private group? Call us on 800-974-0300 for more details.
Is this Middle Fork of the Salmon River rafting trip good for families?
Yes, the Middle Fork of the Salmon river is an excellent trip for small and large families and no prior rafting experience is required. Rafting the Middle Fork of the Salmon offers families a perfect blend of adventure, relaxation, and natural beauty, making it an unforgettable experience for all ages. Check out our current family savings!
Scenic Beauty: The Middle Fork of the Salmon flows through the heart of the Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness, offering breathtaking scenery characterized by towering cliffs, lush forests, and crystal-clear waters. Families can immerse themselves in the beauty of nature and create lasting memories together. Mild Rapids: While the Middle Fork features thrilling rapids, they are generally of moderate difficulty, making it suitable for families with children. Experienced guides navigate the river safely, ensuring an exciting yet manageable adventure for everyone on board. Adventure for All Ages: From children (7+) to grandparents, the Middle Fork provides opportunities for every family member to participate in the adventure. Whether it's paddling through rapids, swimming in calm stretches, or exploring scenic hikes along the riverbanks, there's something for everyone to enjoy. Educational Opportunities: Rafting the Middle Fork offers valuable educational experiences for children, allowing them to learn about river ecosystems, wildlife, and local history from knowledgeable guides. It's a hands-on learning adventure that fosters curiosity and appreciation for the natural world. Quality Time Together: Rafting trips on the Middle Fork provide uninterrupted quality time for families to unplug and reconnect without the distractions of daily life. Professional Guidance & Safety: Professional rafting outfitters on the Middle Fork prioritize safety above all else, ensuring that families can enjoy their adventure with peace of mind. Experienced guides provide thorough safety briefings, instruction on rafting techniques, and are equipped with necessary safety gear to handle any situation that may arise.
What is the minimum age for the Middle Fork of the Salmon River trip?
The minimum age on our family friendly departures is 7. For any other departure, the minimum age is 18.
What is the difference between the 100-mile trip and this 75-mile rafting trip?
The 100-mile trip in June and July starts at Mile 1 at Boundary Creek and runs to the take out at Cache Creek, just after the Middle Fork of the Salmon and main Salmon merge. When the water levels go down in August it is more challenging to run the upper section of the Middle Fork, so we fly into Indian Creek at mile 25. The rest of the 75-mile trip is the same as the 100-mile version, but due to the slower pace of the water we cover a bit less distance each day. The rapids may be a bit less adrenaline pumping, but late summer's clear water and large beaches allow a bit more for more time to kayak, fish, swim, and play. Both MT Sobek Middle Fork options have been created for a stress-free experience, including both pre-and-post hotels and flights.
What is the best month to raft the Middle Fork of the Salmon River?
The best time to run the Middle Fork of the Salmon River is between June and August. Every year varies in weather and snowpack, but the river is highest in June and the water levels gradually recede through July and August. June begins with the most exciting rapids, but some days can still be cool and rainy, and the water is colder. The high water allows for fast travel on the raft and the cooler temperatures are often excellent for hiking. In July, the water is still high enough to float the upper 25-mile section, but the weather and water are warmer allowing for more water play: swimming, using inflatable kayaks, and more. Many of us secretly love August! The water is lower, but the exposed rocks make the rapids more technical and require a skillful guide. The expanded beaches and the crystal-clear water afford lots of opportunities for playing both in and out of the water. MT Sobek runs Middle Fork trips in June, July, and August.
Are meals and camping included on the Middle Fork of the Salmon River?
Yes, your Middle Fork of the Salmon River rafting experience includes all meals and snacks. Wine and beer are not included but can be brought on the trip for personal consumption. We also provide all the camping gear including roomy dome tents, camping pads, and freshly laundered sleeping bags. Each day, our set-up team will raft ahead to ensure that everything is ready for you when you arrive at camp.
What experience does MT Sobek have on the river?
We have been operating trips on the Middle Fork of the Salmon River since 2007 and Sobek has been a pioneering rafting company for more than 50 years. Our operation is fully permitted with the Salmon-Challis National Forest, and we are one of a few commercial outfitters allowed to run the Middle Fork of the Salmon River each year.
Are there any group savings?
Yes, we offer two ways to enjoy group savings on many adventures in North America, including this one. Either bring a group of 10 and receive 10% off per person or opt for an eleventh person to go for free! Call our expert Trip Consultants on 800-974-0300 to discuss group savings options.
