Middle Fork of the Salmon

River Stats

The Middle Fork of the Salmon River is the quintessential river trip. It begins as a small stream near 6000 feet above sea level at Boundary Creek and drops nearly 3000 feet before meeting the Salmon River near Cache Bar. Over the course of 100 miles it has nearly continuous whitewater that varies from Class III to Class IV depending on river levels with plenty of more mellow sections to take in the scenery and relax between the thrill of bigger whitewater. 

In addition to world class whitewater the Middle Fork of the Salmon is also famous for trout fishing and is one of the best places in the U.S. to learn to fly fish.  Their is no feeling like have one of these strong trout grab your dry fly and almost pull your rod out of your hand.  Many a passionate angler started their obsession as a kid on the Middle Fork of the Salmon.  This section of river is also known for hot springs, clear water, extensive history, and amazing hiking. It is one of the great all-around river trips in the U.S.

The Middle Fork was one of the original eight rivers designated as a Wild and Scenic River by Congress in 1968. It has also been protected by the immense Frank Church - River of No Return Wilderness. Floating the Middle Fork is a great way to see one of the most protected and pristine places in the American West. Trips here are usually 6 days.

Outfitters

  • Idaho River Journeys

    Idaho River Journeys

    Family owned and operated. Idaho River Journeys has been an outfitter on the Middle Fork Salmon River for over 40 years. Join us for an exceptional rafting and fly fishing vacation.

  • ROW Adventures

    ROW Adventures

    ROW Adventures has been Idaho's premier rafting outfitter since 1979

  • Idaho Wilderness Company

    Idaho Wilderness Company

    Idaho’s finest multi-day wilderness float & fishing trips!

  • Solitude River Trips

    Solitude River Trips

    Orvis Endorsed Expedition!  The Most comfortable, convenient and unforgettable wilderness fly fishing and rafting experience in North America.

  • Mackay Wilderness River Trips, Inc.

    Mackay Wilderness River Trips, Inc.

    Fully outfitted 6 day rafting adventures on the Middle Fork of the Salmon and the Main Salmon. 

  • Northwest Rafting Company

    Northwest Rafting Company

    Our guides have the best dad jokes in the industry.

  • Aggipah River Trips , LLC

    Aggipah River Trips , LLC

    We've known the Salmon River country for over 50 years, headwaters to mouth, mountain top to river, and look forward to sharing it with you. We specialize in first class trips featuring local, natural, and cultural history, camp-fire and dutch-oven meals, and top of the line equipment. Local, family owned and operated. Private, theme, and lodge trips available. 1-6 day trips.

  • Rocky Mountain River Tours

    Rocky Mountain River Tours has a rich history of amazing guides, award winning food and top-shelf customer service

  • Mountain Travel Sobek

    Mountain Travel Sobek

    Join MT Sobek for an epic 7-day rafting vacation on the Middle Fork of the Salmon River in Idaho. Expert river guides, amazing food, camp comforts, spectacular wilderness, and loads of fun. It's the best summer adventure!

  • Middle Fork Wilderness Outfitters

    Middle Fork Wilderness Outfitters

    MFWO offers a once in-a-lifetime experience down the Middle Fork of the Salmon. 6 days of rejuvenation and reconnecting with nature in Idaho’s Frank Church Wilderness. From gourmet food, blue-ribbon fishing, comfortable sleep set ups, you will find all that you need and more while we guide you down one of the most spectacular places in all of the US

  • Hughes River Expeditions, Inc.

    Hughes River Expeditions, Inc.

    Hughes River Expeditions is a family owned and operated business that has been outfitting world-class river rafting and fly fishing trips on rivers in the West since 1976. You will find us on some of the Idaho's most spectacular whitewater and fishing rivers: Idaho's famous Middle Fork of the Salmon, Main Salmon-River of No Return, Salmon River Canyons & Selway Rivers.

  • Middle Fork Lodge Rafting Company

    Middle Fork Lodge Rafting Company

    Exclusive charter rafting with luxury cabins at Middle Fork Lodge

  • Helfrich River Outfitters

    Helfrich River Outfitters

    Your experience is our top priority! Family owned and operated since 1922. Let us guide you on the most relaxing yet exciting and deluxe vacations anywhere. Choose between fly fishing, whitewater rafting or enjoy a combination of both as you relish the wonders of Idaho’s Middle Fork Canyon. Our luxurious camps include amenities like dining tables, arm chairs, big tents, cots and we even have hot showers! 

  • Canyons River Company

    Canyons River Company

    Our 6 or 12-day river adventures offer a unique, human-powered way to travel through the largest wilderness area in the lower 48 states. Whether you are traveling with family, friends or solo, are a newbie rafter or a Class V kayaker, are a bacon lover or a vegan, we provide you with your own personalized VACATION OF A LIFETIME inclusive to all.

  • Middle Fork River Expeditions

    Middle Fork River Expeditions

    Our mission is to allow river travellers the opportunity to unplug from modern society and reconnect to oneself, family, and friends through nature’s lens. This adventure allows you to have a digital detox from technology and reconnect to a more simple and fulfilling pace of life.   There is no Wi- Fi in the wilderness, but we promise you will find a much deeper and rewarding connection

  • Middle Fork River Tours

    Middle Fork River Tours

    World class river trips on the middle fork of the salmon river. 

  • ARTA River Trips

    ARTA River Trips

    Non-profit and friendly since 1963.

  • Idaho River Adventures, Inc.

    Idaho River Adventures, Inc.

    Family owned and operated business offering Middle Fork and Main Salmon trips.

  • Wilderness River Outfitters

    Wilderness River Outfitters

    Wilderness River Outfitters is a family-owned and operated business based in Salmon, Idaho, founded by Joe and Fran Tonsmeire in 1972. Almost half a century later, WRO is still providing quality outdoor adventures on some of the finest wilderness rivers in Idaho, from the rugged desert canyons of the Owyhee basin to the pristine mountain streams of the Frank Church. 

  • OARS

    OARS

    Join OARS for a wild & scenic river adventure in Idaho