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