Middle Fork Salmon

The following is a photo journal of a self support trip on Idaho’s Middle Fork of the Salmon River. The Middle Fork was one of the original eight rivers in the Nation designated as Wild and Scenic on October 2, 1968. It originates 20 miles northwest of Stanley with the merging of Bear Valley and Marsh Creeks. The river flows 106 miles northeast through one of the deepest gorges in North America before joining the Main Salmon River. The 2.3 million-acre Frank Church – River of no Return Wilderness – through which the river runs – includes parts of the Bitterroot, Boise, Challis, Nezperce, Payette, and Salmon National Forests and is one of the largest roadless areas in the lower 48. For wilderness runs, the Middle Fork is surpassed only by the Grand Canyon in terms of popularity (and difficulty obtaining a permit). The class III – IV rapids keeps things exciting and the scenery is outstanding. Our group launched on July 31, 2008 and consisted of 5 kayakers and 2 SOAR boats.

Day 1:

Boundary Creek Launch

Pinned SOAR Boat

Camp Visitor

Day 2:

Fun Rapids

Black Bear

Two cubs

Dolly Lake Camp

View from Dolly Lake Camp

"Reflections on the groover"

Day 3:On the water

Sunflower Flat Camp

Natural hot springs - Sunflower Flat Camp

John enjoying the hot springs

Day 4:

Group shot - beach at Big Loon Camp

Natural hot spring

Camping at Cow Creek

Day 5:

Tappan Falls

Paul styling one of the Tappan rapids

Day 6:

Another typcial view from the water

Day 7:

Big Horned Sheep

Taking in the view

Looking forward to a shower, a bed, and non-freeze dryed food