The West’s Premier Wilderness Rafting Adventure!

Our Middle Fork of the Salmon whitewater rafting trip takes you down North America's premier wilderness river, where you'll raft 100 rapids in 100 miles! And the fun doesn't stop at the river's edge. Hike up side canyons, catch glimpses of wildlife from bighorn sheep to black bears, relax in natural hot springs, fly-fish to your heart's content, and encounter the past, from old homesteads to Sheepeater Indian pictographs. You'll also have the exhilarating option of self-propelled fun through the rapids in an inflatable kayak. Comfortable camping includes awesome food, hot showers, and fine wines. But the best part of this whitewater rafting trip is Mountain Travel Sobek's world-class guides, whose 100+ years combined experience means you're in the best hands ever.

Note June departures feature higher water; July and August departures are best for using the inflatable kayaks and best for fishing.

Activities

Idaho whitewater rafting includes Class II/IV rapids (Class II/III in August). Oar boats, paddle boats, inflatable kayak option. Easy to moderate day hikes; Minimum age is 6 (12 during high water - May and June departures).

TRIP HIGHLIGHTS

• One of the greatest whitewater rivers in North America—more than 100 rapids in 100 miles—big fun!
• Relax on an oar boat, get wet with a team of paddlers, “fly solo” on one of our inflatable kayaks, or try all three
• More than a whitewater rafting trip—hike, fish, relax in hot springs, visit Native American rock art sites all in one of the largest wilderness areas in the U.S.
• Easy living—comfortable camping, awesome food, hot showers, and fine wines
• A great family vacation!

2011 Prices
$1,050 - $1,995 (6–23 members)
$74 - $84 US forest Service use fee
$200 child discount (for 5 & 6 day trips)
$100 single supplement

Duration: 6 days Start Location: Stanley End Location: Salmon Best time to go: June - August

Itinerary

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  Day 1 : Meet in Stanley, Idaho

  Meet in Stanley, Idaho, a quaint mountain community at 6,500' at the edge of the Sawtooth Mountains. Fly or drive to the put-in on the Middle Fork of the Salmon River, launch boats, and begin your whitewater rafting trip.

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  Day 2 : On the River

  More rapids enliven our journey, with Class III+ Pistol Creek highlighting the day. We'll also take time to relax, hike, swim in the river, lounge in the sun, play horseshoes or bocce ball on the beach, appreciate the beautiful high alpine scenery, and go fishing (catch-and-release).

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  Day 3 : On the River

  Rapids today don’t let us down, and hot springs await at Sunflower and/or Loon Creek—just the ticket for those kinks in your paddle-weary muscles!

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  Day 4 : On the River

  Big water day, starting off with the Class III series rapids at Tappen Falls and continuing into Impassable Canyon. Haystack Rapids kicks it off, followed by drops at Jack Creek, Waterfall Creek, and Porcupine

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  Day 5 : On the River

  About a dozen rapids saturate us in adrenaline today. But that’s not all, there are more historic sights to ponder as well. We might make a special hike up to the homestead where the legendary hermit Earl Parrot lived between about 1910 and 1942.

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  Day 6 : Depart for home

  Take out at Stoddard Creek , drive to Salmon, and travel homeward. (Note - pre- and post-trip hotel nights may be required.)

Properties shown are representative of the accommodations we use on this trip, may not be inclusive of all accommodations we use, and are subject to change.

Expert leadership is the key to an exciting, unforgettable experience. Our trips feature gifted leaders for whom leading trips is a true vocation. Besides showing you wonders you’d never find on your own, they make sure everything runs smoothly and safely without a hitch. They are knowledgeable about all aspects of your trip, and take great pleasure in sharing their insights with you. More than just guides, they positively elevate your experience by being teachers, companions, and the best of friends. You’ll be in good hands with them every step of the way.

• Jimmy Butts

  Jimmy Butts hails from Challis Idaho, located along the Salmon River drainage halfway between Salmon and Stanley (our river put-in and take-out). Running rivers is in his blood—at one time or another his entire family has worked on the Middle Fork of the Salmon. In addition to rafting, Jimmy was the top wrestler in Idaho for the 135 pound division, and received offers from Stanford University and Fort Lewis College in Durango, but decided to stay close to home and attended Boise State where he graduated with a B.A in business. He has studied abroad in Germany and Argentina, and this winter traveled through South America co-guiding our Patagonia Fitzroy and Galapagos trips. Jimmy has a great knowledge of natural history and geography of the river. Plus, he makes the best omelets in central Idaho! He’s sure to make your rafting experience unforgettable!

• Roger Rowles

  Roger Rowles also grew up in Challis, Idaho where he discovered his passion for rivers and the outdoors and travel at a young age. In high school he was a foreign exchange student in Switzerland, and in college studied abroad in Argentina and participated in a Semester at Sea program, studying on a boat while traveling around the world. In 2009 he graduated with a degree in English and Classical Studies, spent time teaching English in Austria, and started a private language institute in Boise. After working as a guide in Oregon he has finally returned to his own backyard to work with good friends on an incredible river.

photo credits: ©Chad Case / MTS