A DAY-BY-DAY GUIDE

Middle Fork Itinerary

Day 1: Launch Day

Your adventure begins with a morning meeting at the Salmon Airport, where you’ll be informed of the exact time during your orientation the evening before. Depending on water and weather conditions, we’ll either launch from Boundary Creek or Indian Creek Campground (refer to the Water and Weather page for more details).

If we depart from Boundary Creek, we’ll fly into Bruce Meadows Airstrip, where a shuttle will meet us for the final stretch. For a launch from Indian Creek, we’ll take a 25-minute flight to the airstrip and launch point. After the boats are loaded, you’ll receive a brief on river safety, and we’ll set off, typically between 10 a.m. and 11 a.m.

We’ll stop for lunch around noon and usually reach our camp between 4 p.m. and 6 p.m., depending on the miles covered. Our gear boat will travel ahead, ensuring that camp is set up and appetizers are ready soon after you arrive. Take your time settling in while our team prepares a gourmet dinner.

A Typical Day on the River

Our guides get an early start, typically around 5:30 a.m., to prepare coffee and get ready for the day. If you prefer to sleep in, no worries—breakfast is served around 8 a.m. We’ll break camp and be back on the water by 10 a.m. each day, with a relaxed stop for a delicious lunch along the way.

During the day, you’ll have the choice to ride in an oar boat for sightseeing, fishing, or relaxing; paddle through rapids in a paddle boat; or tackle the river solo in an inflatable kayak depending on river conditions. Expect a mix of thrilling whitewater, stunning scenery, wildlife viewing, fishing, swimming, hot spring soaks, and opportunities for hikes to explore historic, geographic, and scenic landmarks. A trail runs alongside the river, making for a great hiking option each day.

Day 6: Final Day

As your journey on the Middle Fork nears its end, you’ll experience the dramatic Impassable Canyon with some of the most exhilarating whitewater of the trip, framed by towering granite cliffs. At the confluence with the Main Salmon, we’ll take a moment to reflect on the breathtaking canyon that has been our “home” for the past six days. Our “take-out” point will be at either the confluence of the Middle Fork and the Main Salmon or Cache Bar. Here, lunch will be served, and there will be access to changing rooms and restrooms. Afterward, we’ll shuttle you back to Salmon, Idaho, to begin your journey home.

Ready to Plan Your Adventure?

Let us help you make your journey to the Middle Fork seamless. Whether you need travel tips, lodging recommendations, or packing advice, we’re here to assist every step of the way.