Rafting Trips on the
Middle Fork Salmon River
Trip at a glance
Our Trips on the Middle Fork Salmon River
5 or 6 days
·
$750 deposit to reserve
·
Guides, gear, camp & meals included
Late May – August
Rafting
Whitewater, hot springs, Sheepeater pictographs, hikes and riverside camps every night.
September
Fly fishing
Exclusively fly fishing for westslope cutthroat. Trips are limited to 12 anglers.
Where trips start: Late May – July 24 trips begin and end in Stanley. August and September trips start in Salmon, with a scenic backcountry flight to the river.
Itinerary
Your trip, day by day
Day 1
8:00 AM · Depart for the launch
10:30 · On the water
4:00 · First camp
Day one starts with an 8:00 am departure for the launch. When we arrive, you’ll meet the crew, who’ll walk you through a safety briefing, the boating options and the plan for the day. There’s time to adjust your layers, top off your water bottle and get settled. Chores and briefings usually take about an hour. Once your gear is stowed on the supply boat, we push off downstream. Expect to be on the water by 10:30, stop for lunch in the early to mid-afternoon, and pull into our first camp around 4:00.
Days 2–4 or 5
Every day on the river is a little different. Water levels, miles to camp and side stops change, but the rhythm stays the same. The crew’s up early, and breakfast is usually ready around 8:00. Over breakfast, one of the guides will walk you through the day ahead: the rapids, side hikes, historic sites and other highlights along the way. Depending on the day, we’ll visit Native American pictograph sites, stop for hikes, run exciting rapids and, when one’s open, soak in a hot spring along the river. Want to paddle? Hop in a paddle boat or an inflatable kayak. Prefer to sit back? Our oar rigs are a relaxing way to take in the scenery.
Day 5 or 6
Early · On the river
Midday · Take-out & lunch
Afternoon · Bus to Salmon & Stanley
Your last day runs a little differently. At dinner the night before, the lead guide will go over the plan for departure day. We’ll get on the river earlier than usual and typically float 10–15 miles to the take-out, with some of the most exciting whitewater of the trip on this last stretch. Lunch is waiting at the take-out, along with time to change into dry clothes, repack and say goodbye to the crew. Shortly after lunch, we’ll board our bus 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.
2027 & 2028 trips
The crew
Your Middle Fork Salmon River Guides
Guides make the difference between a good trip and a great one. Our crew brings years on the river, deep knowledge of the Middle Fork and a real love for this place. The men and women of the IRJ crew come from all kinds of backgrounds, and the seasons they’ve spent together show in how well they work as a team. They’re role models for the kids on the trip and good stewards of the river, and guests tell us again and again how welcoming they are. We’re proud to have them on the IRJ team. Get to know them before your trip on our guides page.
Camp meals
Our Food
Good food is a big part of every trip on the river.
We put a lot of care into the meals we serve on the river, from sourcing our food, to detailed preparation before your trip, to the IRJ crew cooking over open fires and Dutch ovens while on the river. Our menu emphasizes quality ingredients and well-prepared food suited for active days outdoors. Learn more about our menu process and the food we serve.
Off the river
Hiking on the Middle Fork
The Middle Fork Salmon River trail originates near Boundary Creek and follows the river until it splits at Big Creek, river mile 80. This trail, running along the river for most of its course, offers you the freedom to explore various paths leading into canyons and creeks. Whether you’re up for a quick stroll from camp or a trail run along a tributary, there’s an adventure for everyone.
During your rafting trip, the IRJ crew will schedule hiking stops at several points of interest along the river. These hikes are crafted to be enjoyable and accessible, requiring no special equipment. If there’s a plan for a more strenuous hike, the crew will inform you beforehand, providing an option to either join the hike or float leisurely to the next camp.
Fishing
Middle Fork Fly Fishing
One of the wonderful aspects of a Middle Fork Salmon vacation with IRJ is the variety of activities available. When you combine Idaho fly fishing with all of the other elements of a Middle Fork trip, it’s a vacation that you’ll never forget, and you’ll want to come back again, and again, and again. Many of our guests have never tried fly-fishing before but we make it easy to learn. We will outfit you with everything you need except an Idaho fishing license, which you should get before the trip. Our guides will teach you the basics and have you catching (and releasing) trout after a few practice casts. You can fish from our boats or from shore at camp or during lunch stops.
Questions about the trip?
Have a question about logistics, booking or what to expect? You’ll be in direct contact with Skip and Julia.