Hiking near the Middle Fork of the Salmon River

Hiking around the Middle Fork of the Salmon will not disappoint. Here you can take in some stunning waterfalls, soak in natural hot springs, check out local wildlife, and truly get away from it all. There are ample side hikes from camps along the river if you're journeying down on a rafting trip. You can also head out for whole or half-day jaunts if vacationing around Stanley or Salmon.

Hiking

For those wanting to experience this incredible river on foot there are great trails to explore. The Middle Fork Salmon Trail leads trekkers along the river for 78 miles before reaching Impassable Canyon, which is only "passable" by raft or kayak. Hikers then head out past Big Creek. The trail passes by great waterfalls, hot springs, camping areas and scenic creeks.

If backpacking through the area, USFS regulates campsites so be sure to secure a permit in advance. Special equipment is mandatory for campers including groovers (human waste receptacles), fire pans, ash containers, mesh strainer, shovel and bucket. Campers and rafters are required to adhere to the Leave No Trace guidelines.

There are a few bridges, like the one seen above, that allow hikers and trekkers to cross the river. These also come in handy for those choosing to explore the area on horseback. There are multiple outfitters that offer horseback riding tours of the Middle Fork and surrounding back country. Trips can range from half-day to 10 day excursions through secluded areas around the Middle Fork and some even journey on the trail used by Lewis & Clark in 1805.

Hot springs

There are many amazing soaking opportunities near the Middle Fork of the Salmon making this the best backpacking trip in the country for hot springs enthusiasts. If you aren't journeying down the river, you can access a few hot springs off the Salmon River Scenic Biway east of Stanley.

If rafting or hiking near the Middle Fork, you will be amazed to find many of these steamy springs are riverside or a short hike from popular camping spots. Trail Flats is the first hot spring you will encounter, with many more to follow. A favorite is Big Loon, which is the deepest hot spring you will find and is accessible by 4 campsites: Shelf, Big Loon, White Creek and Cow Creek. It is a hike up Loon Creek from the river, and the creek is great for a cold dip after resting in the 110 degree spring. Sunflower is also popular and is about 35 miles downriver from Boundary Creek, but watch out for the poison ivy!