Hell’s Half Mile Hell’s Half Mile is a long, technical rapid between Ramshorn and Velvet Falls. At lower flows the entrance is tricky and the entire rapid is challenging. At higher water it’s a fun series of waves with a few holes to avoid. When the water is up you’ll want to be careful so you’re ready to [...]
Pistol Creek Rapid at High Water Pistol Creek rapid is one of the bigger rapids on the Middle Fork of the Salmon. This photo was taken at high flows (about 6.5) feet when the rocks of the S-turn are covered up and replaced by turbulent water and big waves. This rapid is typically scouted at the same time as Lake Creek [...]
Rafts at Camas Creek Sunrise at the Camas Creek Campground. This is one of the more beautiful campsites along the Middle Fork. From this camp you can hike along the Middle Fork trail and up the trail that follows the picturesque Camas Creek. Ponderosa Pines are abundant and rugged peaks dominate the landscape.
Inflatable Kayak at Tappan Falls An inflatable kayak flies through the hole at Tappan Falls. This hole flips many kayakers that venture into it, but this brave soul powered through it! The rocks behind the rapid are part of the Casto Pluton, a pink granite common in this section of the Middle Fork.
Velvet Falls Velvet Falls is one of the larger rapids on the Middle Fork. It gets its name from Velvet Creek which is seen here entering on the opposite side of the river. This photo was taken at 6.5 feet – at this flow the hole on river right can flip any raft and is difficult to [...]
Veil Falls Veil Falls is an iconic place along the Middle Fork. It’s a short, but steep climb among boulders to a huge alcove resembling an amphitheater of sorts. Native American pictographs are visible in some places. The waterfall spills over the rocks above creating a misty shower that shifts with the wind. It’s a great place [...]
View From the Raft One of the best parts of a river trip down the Middle Fork of the Salmon are the views from the rafts. This rugged scenery is typical in the lower 35 miles below the Flying B Ranch. This photo is from a paddle boat where a crew of 4-6 paddlers is responsible for paddling through [...]
Raft Through Impassable Canyon This photo was taken just above Redside Rapid in the granite heart of the Impassable Canyon. There are no trails along the river here, just a handful of cozy campsites with amazing views of the river canyon. This is a favorite spot among Middle Fork river runners.
Earthquake Rock in Jack Creek Canyon Earthquake Rock Rapid (also known as Jack Creek #1) was formed in 1983 when an magnitude 7 earthquake shook a rock loose that tumbled into the center of the river. This rapid creates at least one moment of indecision for most Middle Fork boaters.
Big Horn Sheep Big Horn Sheep are commonly seen along the Middle Fork. This photo of a Big Horn was taken high on the right side of the river in between Marble Left Camp and Marble Creek. We also commonly see river otters, mule deer, and osprey near this spot.
Hell’s Half Mile Hell’s Half Mile is one of the iconic rapids of the Middle Fork. It’s a non-stop technical challenge between boulders at low water or a long section of huge waves at high water!
Clear Water and Green Trees Perhaps the Middle Fork is most famous for its amazingly clear water. This is especially evident in the first 25 miles, where the river resembles a mountain stream and the surrounding forest of Douglas firs and lodgepole pines is dense. This photo was taken just below the Boundary Creek Launch Site.
The Impassable Canyon at Big Creek The Middle Fork of the Salmon River just above the confluence with Big Creek. Below Big Creek, the Middle Fork enters the famous Impassable Canyon. The Middle Fork Trail ends here leading hikers out of the canyon along Big Creek. No roads or trails make Impassable Canyon only passable by raft or kayak.
