Basics
- Location:
- In the Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness of central Idaho
- River:
- Salmon River
- Class:
- Class III - IV
- River Length
- 96 miles
- Time:
- 4 to 6 days
- Season:
- May to August
Description
Six to eight day trips begin at Boundary Creek, on the edge of the wilderness area. This is the highest upstream the Middle Fork can safely be rafted, and early in the season may not yet be open. Shorter trips begin at Loon Creek, after a beautiful flight in a private plane.
In either case, rafters will float through pine-covered mountain slopes and narrow gorges, surrounded by wildlife and untouched natural splendor. Thrilling and frequent rapids of up to Class IV difficulty will keep rafters on the edge of their seat throughout the length of the river, and some of the technical stretches are not recommended for first-time rafters. At the end of the day, riverside hot springs invite a relaxing soak, and those wishing to stretch their legs can make use of hiking trails that adjoin the river.
Most trips end at Cache Bar, just after where the Middle Fork joins the Salmon River proper. From there, it’s about a 90 minute car ride to civilization in Salmon, Idaho.
