Family-run since 1978
Raft & fish the Middle Fork of the Salmon River
Multi-day wilderness trips through Idaho’s Frank Church–River of No Return Wilderness, with guides who know every bend.
Who we are
Idaho’s Middle Fork Salmon River Outfitter
Join us on Idaho’s Middle Fork of the Salmon River for an acclaimed whitewater rafting or fly fishing vacation. Established in 1978, Idaho River Journeys is proud to be one of the most respected Middle Fork of the Salmon River outfitters, enjoying a reputation for running top-quality, bucket-list trips with exceptional fishing & rafting guides. We are a family run business based in Salmon, Idaho, and excited to show you why National Geographic named us “One of America’s Top Adventure Travel Companies.”
Men’s Journal
“Best Outdoor Guides in America”
National Geographic
“One of the Top Adventure Travel Companies”
Tripadvisor
Travelers’ Choice Award
Trips
Choose your trip
We run trips from late May through September. Itineraries and experiences change with the season, so there’s a trip for every kind of adventure.
Whitewater Rafting
5–6 DAYS · LATE MAY–AUGUST
Paddle rafts, oar rigs and inflatable kayaks through 100 miles of wild, free-flowing river.
September Fly Fishing
6 DAYS · SEPTEMBER · FROM SALMON
Dry-fly fishing for native westslope cutthroat, with rods, reels and flies provided.
Private Charters
YOUR GROUP, YOUR TRIP
Book a whole launch for family reunions, friends and company groups.
Why IRJ
What sets us apart
Locally Owned and Operated
Julia Hatch and Skip Volpert, residents of Salmon, Idaho, are hands-on owners who operate exclusively on the Middle Fork Salmon River.
Guest Loyalty Speaks Volumes
Nearly 70% of our bookings are repeat guests or referrals. We’re proud of that.
A Strong Guiding Culture
We value a balanced crew of both women and men and have intentionally cultivated a strong guiding culture—one where each guide is deeply knowledgeable about the river corridor and passionate about connecting guests to the landscape.
Fresh, Local, and Handcrafted Menu
Delicious, carefully prepared meals cooked in Dutch ovens and on the campfire.
Premium Gear
New paddle rafts, oar rigs, inflatable kayaks and camping equipment, for comfort and safety.
Varied Itinerary with Diverse Activities
A fun itinerary with something for everyone.
Trip basics
How a Middle Fork trip works
From booking to the last eddy, here’s what to expect.
1
Book your trip
Planning a river trip takes some coordinating, and we’re here to help you find the right fit. Book online, or give us a call. We’re happy to answer questions or hold spaces while you organize your group. A $750 deposit per person confirms your space.
2
Meet in Stanley or Salmon
Late May through July 24, trips begin and end in Stanley, Idaho. August and September trips start in Salmon with a short backcountry flight to the river. We meet the night before at 6 PM for a pre-trip meeting: on the deck at River 1 in Stanley, or on the back lawn of the Stagecoach Inn in Salmon. Your booking details will tell you which nights to book lodging.
3
Five or six days on the river
Over five or six days, you’ll float deep into the Frank Church–River of No Return Wilderness, through forested canyons to the granite walls of Impassable Canyon. Along the way: whitewater, hot springs, Sheepeater pictographs, hikes and riverside camps every night. See the full itinerary.
4
Back to town
On the last day, our bus brings you back to Stanley or Salmon, depending on where your trip launched. We’re usually back in Salmon by early to mid-afternoon, and in Stanley by early evening.
See more Middle Fork photos ↓
From the blog
Stories from the river
Trip reports, guides’ tips and Middle Fork history.
Questions? Talk to the owners.
Have a question about logistics, booking or what to expect? You’ll be in direct contact with Skip and Julia.