Idaho's Middle Fork of the Salmon River

A visit to the Middle Fork of the Salmon River will amaze even the most avid hikers, rafters, and campers. As part of the Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness, this incredible section of Idaho remains a top destination among outdoor enthusiasts and is included in the famed 1,000 Places to See Before You Die by Patricia Schultz. The Wild & Scenic Rivers Act, signed into law in 1968, has protected this river from development and has retained the rugged character of this beautiful waterway.

This site is meant to offer general information for anyone hoping to raft through this incredibly scenic wilderness area. You will find helpful tips on how to make the most of your visit to this rugged location, as well as information on travel, lodging and what not to miss on your visit. Everyone will find something to delight the senses, from fishing and rafting to history and hot springs!

The River

The Middle Fork of the Salmon River originates with the merging of Bear Valley and Marsh Creeks. It begins as a small, quick stream close to 6000 feet above sea level. The flow increases more than five-fold as it flows north over 100 miles before its confluence with the Main Salmon River. The upper river runs through a tight canyon covered with Douglas fir and lodgepole pine. As the canyon opens, the landscape features ponderosa pine, sagebrush and mountain mahogany. The Middle Fork travels through 3 National Forests: Challis, Payette and Salmon.

For the last 20 miles, the river tumbles through the famed Impassable Canyon, which features almost vertical batholith granite walls that tower thousands of feet over the river bed. Here the hiking trails head out past Bear Creek and only rafters and kayakers can journey through this section. As you exit this canyon, the Middle Fork meets the Main Salmon River, which journeys west and eventually joins up with the Snake River.