Other Rivers

Rafting the Lower 48’s Last Great Wild River

A rafting trip on the Middle Fork of the Salmon is one of the great wilderness experiences left in the lower 48. The Middle Fork carves its way through one of the largest wilderness areas in the United States­the 2.4 million-acre Frank Church/River of No Return Wilderness in the heart of central Idaho. Rafters running the Middle Fork may hear the cries of wolves as they settle into their comfortable sleeping tents; they’ll certainly thrill to the majestic cliffs of Idaho batholith that line the river canyon.

And then there are the rapids!

In the course of our 106-mile float, you’ll encounter more than 300 rapids. Some are gentle class I riffles accessible to beginning paddlers; others are heart-pounding class III and IV runs, rapids that have helped make the Middle Fork one of the most prized white water rivers in the world. Names like Velvet Falls, Pistol Creek, Hells Half Mile, Powerhouse and Rubber are legendary in white water circles; you’ll experience them all as we make our way down the river.

A typical day will begin with a hearty camp breakfast. As you enjoy a meal around the campfire, our staff will be working behind the scenes, breaking down your tent and packing everything away, so all you have to worry about is having a great day on the river. We’ll cover an average of 15 miles a day, taking time to enjoy some of the Middle Fork’s wonders­Native American petroglyphs and revitalizing hot springs, to name a few. While we’ll run some considerable rapids, the Middle Fork is not all unrelenting white water. Calm stretches interspersed with small rapids let less-seasoned rafters try their hand at paddling, swimming, or just kicking back and enjoying the scenery. We’ll stop for lunch mid-day, and pull into that evening’s camp by late afternoon, permitting time for a leisurely happy hour before dinner­Pacific salmon, grilled chicken, or one of the best pork chops you’ve ever had­is served. (If you bring your fishing rod along, you can try your luck for the Middle Fork’s prized cutthroat trout around camp.) After dinner, there’s a chance for conversation, perhaps a bit of music, and certainly an opportunity to drink in the beauty of an Idaho night sky.

NOTE: For families or groups that include eager anglers, combination fly fishing/rafting trips are available. Anglers will fish from our drift boats and spend extra time at productive fishing spots, and meet up with the rafters at the appointed camp spot.

Print out a Reservation Form for this trip.

" We have floated the Middle Fork many times. Al and Jeana are incredible hosts. We leave the river peaceful and energized. Each time is a different experience, and everytime is terrific. "
David and Lexa Ayer
Beverly Farms, Mass.

Quite Simply . . . The Best!