Idaho Middle Fork of the Salmon River Rafting Tour
Epic Rapids, Historic Trails & Comfortable Camping
- Available: June, July, August
- Activity: Level 2
- Accommodations: Comfortable Camping, Comfortable Hotels
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Group Size:
7-20 Guests
Special Savings! Book Now & Save $300 for Kids (18 & Under) on Select Departures.
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.
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's like summer camp for the whole family!
- Camp in style with comfortable tents, thick custom sleep pads, delicious dinners, solar-powered hot showers, and relaxing camp chairs
Itinerary
Arrive in Stanley, Idaho
Day 1
Arrive in the quaint mountain town of Stanley, Idaho by 4pm today. Stanley is located 2 hours north of Sun Valley and 3 hours east of Boise, and is spectacularly set along the banks of the Salmon River at the base of the Sawtooth Mountains. Meet your guides on the back lawn of the Mountain Village Resort for a 6pm welcome orientation meeting followed by a casual picnic dinner. Back to your hotel to pack up your provided waterproof river bags for the early start the next morning.Accommodation: Mountain Village Hotel
Meals: Dinner
Journey to the Put-in at Boundary Creek
Day 2
Ride the bus to Boundary Creek in the Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness and meet your team of river guides. Under their expert captainship you'll climb aboard the oar boat or raft, and set off to encounter the first of the Middle Fork's rapids: Sulphur Slide, Velvet Falls, the Chutes, and Powerhouse. In late afternoon, arrive at one of the Middle Fork's beautiful campgrounds with breathtaking views, natural hot springs, or trails to explore. Every night, you'll enjoy appetizers and a delicious meal prepared by the guides, followed by hot drinks and a campfire.
NOTE: Depending on water levels, extreme high or low water levels may require that we change the put-in location from Boundary Creek to Indian Creek, located 26 miles further down the river. The Indian Creek put-in is accessible only by air. Therefore, in the event that we need to put in at Indian Creek, MT Sobek will arrange internal flights from Stanley to the Indian Creek Airstrip on day-2, for an additional fee. High water can typically occur in early to mid-June, while low water can occur at any point in July or August.Accommodation: MT Sobek Camp-Middle Fork of the Salmon River, Idaho
Activity: 6 hours/15 miles rafting Class II to Class IV rapids
Transportation: 2.5-hour bus transfer (40-minute flight if water levels too high or low)
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Get Started with Pistol Creek Rapid
Day 3
After breakfast, Class III rapid Pistol Creek provides an exciting jump-start to the day. After lunch, water permitting, inflatable "ducky" kayaks are available for thrill-seekers looking to paddle through the rapids on their own (available on all low-water trips). Make a stop at the Indian Creek Guard Station on the river's left bank to learn a bit about the history of the area, then it's back into the boats to traverse Pongo rapid and coast into camp around 5pm. You've traveled about 15 miles downriver today.
Accommodation: MT Sobek Camp-Middle Fork of the Salmon River, Idaho
Activity: 6 hours/15 miles rafting Class II to Class IV rapids
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Explore Sunflower/Loon Creek Hot Springs
Day 4
Marble Falls and Ski Jump rapids start off the day. The calm water that follows makes this a good day to fly-fish or take a refreshing swim. You may also stop at the hot springs at Sunflower or Loon Creek for a relaxing soak while keeping an eye out for mountain goats and bighorn sheep. After lunch, take a short hike to one of the cliffs along the river that bear Sheepeater pictographs. Enjoy few a more rapids before pulling into camp after about 15 miles on the river.
Accommodation: MT Sobek Camp-Middle Fork of the Salmon River, Idaho
Activity: 6 hours/15 miles rafting Class II to Class IV rapids
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Ride the River to Tappan Falls
Day 5
The 15-20 miles you travel today offer some of the Middle Fork's most thrilling rapids, including Tappan I, Tappan Falls, New Tappan, and Aparajo. Look for bighorn sheep grazing along the shore as you paddle by, as well as bald eagles, osprey, herons, river otters, and black bears. You can also see shallow circular depressions in the ground on the riverbanks: the sites of Sheepeater pit dwellings. In the afternoon pass by Kaufman's Cave, where the Scottish prospector Clarence Kaufman lived for four years.
Accommodation: MT Sobek Camp-Middle Fork of the Salmon River, Idaho
Activity: 6 hours/15 miles rafting Class II to Class IV rapids
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Coast into the Impassable Canyon
Day 6
Today brings you into the Impassable Canyon, home to truly spectacular scenery: reddish-gray granite cliffs looming over the water, and sharp rock strata folds — the striking evidence of the canyon's geologically tumultuous past. Get ready to experience some serious whitewater through Driftwood, Haystack, Bernard Creek, Earthquake Jack Creek, and Goalpost rapids. After lunch, make the steep hike to Veil Falls, then back on the river, pass through Weber, Redside and Cliffside rapids and view the 1900s homestead of Earl Parrot. Back at camp, enjoy a special last-night dinner with champagne.
Accommodation: MT Sobek Camp-Middle Fork of the Salmon River, Idaho
Activity: 6 hours/15 miles rafting Class II to Class IV rapids
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Depart From Salmon, Idaho
Day 7
We cap off our adventure by rafting 10 miles of the biggest rapids of the trip: Foreplay, Rubber, Rubber II, and Hancock. After a thrilling morning, reach the confluence of the Middle Fork and the Main Salmon River. Leave your boats behind and board a bus to Salmon for a late-afternoon arrival at the Stagecoach Inn. If you opted to drive to Stanley at the start of the trip, your car and keys will be waiting at the hotel in Salmon. A shuttle service will provide transfers to the local regional airport for any scheduled flights back to Boise. Salmon is also 3 hours west of Jackson Hole, Wyoming, the gateway to Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks if you are looking to extend your adventure in the region.
Activity: 3 hours/10 miles rafting Class II to Class IV rapids
Transportation: 4-hour bus transfer
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Dates & Prices
- 2024
- Go Private
- Go Custom
- Inclusions
2024
Scheduled Dates
The earlier you book, the more choice of available dates you’ll have and once you book, your price is guaranteed.
Special Details
Additional $414 Internal Airfare from Stanley to Indian Creek
Special Details
Additional $414 Internal Airfare from Stanley to Indian Creek
Special Details
Additional $414 Internal Airfare from Stanley to Indian Creek
Special Details
Additional $414 Internal Airfare from Stanley to Indian Creek
Special Details
Additional $414 Internal Airfare from Stanley to Indian Creek
Go Private
Go Private
Gather your favorite travel companions to share an MT Sobek adventure on an easy-to-book Private departure.
Call or email us to get the ball rolling.
*Private trips require a 25% non-refundable deposit.
Looking for a private family adventure?
This trip can accommodate guests with a minimum age of 7.
Private Trip Pricing:
2023 Pricing
10 to 11 guests from $4,995 per person double occupancy
12 guests from $4,495 per person double occupancy
13 guests from $4,195 per person double occupancy
14 guests from $3,895 per person double occupancy
15 guests from $3,695 per person double occupancy
16 guests from $3,495 per person double occupancy
2024 Pricing
10 to 11 guests from $4,995 per person double occupancy
12 guests from $4,495 per person double occupancy
13 guests from $4,195 per person double occupancy
14 guests from $3,895 per person double occupancy
15 guests from $3,695 per person double occupancy
16 guests from $3,495 per person double occupancy
*Seasonal rates may apply.
Additional Costs:
Park Fees: $24
Private pricing excludes potential additional costs such as internal airfare, single supplement, or any park fees that may be required for the trip.
*Private trips require a 25% non-refundable deposit.
Make Your Own Dates in These Months
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June, July, August
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.
Start PlanningInclusions
Price Includes
- Expertise and services of our experienced adventure guides
- All accommodations as noted in the itinerary
- All breakfasts, almost all lunches and dinners as noted in the itinerary
- Snacks and water between meals
- Additional regional guides and experts on many trips
- Comprehensive Trip Planner with detailed pre-trip information
- Private guided tours at historic sites, museums, wineries and other select attractions as noted in the itinerary
- Special events and other select attractions as mentioned in the itinerary
- All gratuities at hotels and restaurants
- Equipment and experienced guides for activities as described in the itinerary
- Park and other entry fees (unless otherwise noted)
- Fares for trains, ferries and other modes of travel as listed in the itinerary
- Select transfers as mentioned in the itinerary
- Baggage transfers and porterage
Price Does Not Include
- International airfare, airport taxes, and excess baggage fees
- Alcoholic beverages (MT Sobek provides wine at select events)
- Gratuities for MT Sobek guides and guide-drivers
- Travel Protection Program
- Personal expenses
Need help picking your next adventure? Call us to answer your questions.
Your Guides
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.
Kevin M.
Kevin —a.k.a. "Thirsty"—has been guiding since he was 17 years old and has been an integral part of MT Sobek's Arctic rivers program for decades. His laid-back manner puts everyone at ease, and he has a wealth of knowledge about Arctic rivers. Although he normally spends his winter months in Colorado's Telluride ski area, he has climbed Denali three times, reaching the summit in 2000. Thirsty is a legend in the MT Sobek circle and endears himself to travelers with his expertise, calm demeanor, and sense of humor.
Andy A.
Andy was born and raised in the great outdoors of Montana. At the young age of 15, he launched his first trip down the Salmon River in Idaho and has never looked back! He spends his summers guiding down the Salmon before heading over to the Colorado River in springtime and fall to guide through the Grand Canyon. Internationally, he has led trips in Nepal, Ethiopia's Blue Nile River, and Madagascar's Mania River. In the off season, Andy works as a ski patroller at Montana Snowbowl and skis with his dog Dani every chance he can get.
Mandela V.
Mandela was raised on a nature reserve at the southernmost point of South Africa, and in the mountains and open plains of Montana. Over her 15-year career as a full-time professional river guide, she has led trips in Montana, Idaho, New Zealand, Morocco, the Grand Canyon and Southern Africa. Mandela also works for the National Wildlife Federation to bring awareness to wildlife conservation, protect public lands, and drive clean water acts. Through films, creative storytelling, and her podcast “The Trail Less Traveled,” Mandela brings the many wonders of the outdoors to life.
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/15 miles rafting Class II to Class IV rapids
Day 3
6 hours/15 miles rafting Class II to Class IV rapids
Day 4
6 hours/15 miles rafting Class II to Class IV rapids
Day 5
6 hours/15 miles rafting Class II to Class IV rapids
Day 6
6 hours/15 miles rafting Class II to Class IV rapids
Day 7
3 hours/10 miles rafting Class II to Class IV rapids
Accommodations
A comfortable hotel in Stanley, followed by MT Sobek\'s deluxe riverside camps, with meals served around the campfire beneath the stars.
Mountain Village Hotel
Begin your Middle Fork adventure in Stanley's Mountain Village Lodge, shadowed by the jagged teeth of the Sawtooth Mountain Range on the Salmon River. The comfortable guest rooms are well-appointed with modern amenities, fitting a mountain inn. You can also enjoy a cold beer at the Mountain Village Saloon with your fellow adventurers.
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 sleeping pads, and professionally laundered sleeping bags. You can even take a sun-heated shower after a day on the water. All camping spots are on beautiful beaches or plateaus next to the river, with fantastic views every day.
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.
Know Before You Book
Itinerary
Actual itinerary routes vary from departure to departure depending on environmental conditions and group abilities. Please call for more details about each departure.
Accommodation
The national park accommodations on this trip provide great access to the top activities in the area. However, they are simpler compared to what we usually consider comfortable lodging—the rooms being more basic. Some buildings date back to the early 1900s and have been minimally renovated to follow park regulations. Overall, the service might feel slower and meal quality and selection much more limited compared to other MT Sobek trips. Keep in mind that internet and cell phone service are very limited throughout the parks.
FAQs
What is the minimum age for this trip?
The standard minimum age for this trip is 18, but check out our family friendly departures and private trip options for groups with younger guests.
How many rafts and paddle boats will there be on the trip?
We use a variety of boats from oar boats, paddle boats and sweep boats. The combination of boats will vary based on the number of people and water levels of each trip.
Will there be showers at the campsites?
We will have a small amount of hot water available in our camp shower each night, but don't expect a shower every evening. But the riverside swimming is always available.
What kind of river and camping gear is provided on this trip?
We provide large stand-up tents, thick sleeping pads, and freshly laundered sleeping bags.
Is this a good trip for families?
This is an excellent trip for families! Highly recommended for young kids and grandparents alike!
What is the toilet situation at camp?
We will provide a portable seated toilet set up in a private setting at each campsite, with toilet paper and hand soap.
If I drive to Stanley, how will I collect my car from Salmon?
A shuttle company will transport your vehicle to Salmon, Idaho where the trip ends.
Is it possible to book a night at the Stagecoach Inn on the last day?
Yes, guests can book directly with the Stagecoach Inn if they wish to stay overnight on Day 7.
