The Middle Fork of the Salmon River in Idaho is one of the most prized river trips for rafters and paddlers because of its singular beauty but also because of its exclusivity: Access for private boaters is controlled by a lottery permit system, and the odds are against you. If you happen to grab the golden ticket, here’s an in-depth trip planning guide for the Middle Fork. (Check out our comprehensive guide to applying for river permits and tips on picking up river permit cancellations, including on the Middle Fork.)
Even if you’ve been running rivers for a very long time, experiencing the Middle Fork is like entering the forests of Rivendell. Everything about it seems mystical: Arriving at a forested put-in, lowering boats down a wooden ramp on a medieval pulley system (at least until the pulley system was heisted), and watching the river masters navigate sweep boats through visibly impossible channels.
The Middle Fork is so cherished by every boater lucky enough to run it because it has a unique combination of magical qualities. It’s remote. It’s gorgeous. It has serious whitewater. It’s well managed. Also: Hot springs.
Frequently Asked Questions about Middle Fork of the Salmon Raft Trips
The Middle Fork section starts about 20 miles northwest of Stanley, Idaho, and runs a 106-mile stretch through portions of the Challis, Payette, and Salmon National Forests. One of the original eight rivers designated as Wild and Scenic, the Middle Fork is breathtaking at every turn and serves up spicy whitewater and excellent fishing opportunities every day of the trip.
Mid-June to late July is the best time for running the Middle Fork of the Salmon to capitalize on good river flows without hitting insanely high water. Our crew has done the Middle Fork typically in mid to late July, so my perspective on the rapids is based on water levels of about 2.2 to 2.4 feet on the Middle Fork Lodge gauge—definitely on the low side. Low water brings a few challenges as well, but not the white-knuckle experience that a June high-water trip would be. To research water flows at various times of the year, refer to the USGS water levels for the Middle Fork.
For 14-foot rafts, the lowest comfortable level is about 2.2 feet. The section from Boundary Creek (the regular put-in) to Indian Creek is very tight and bony below that level. If you’re looking at a low-water trip in mid to late July or early August, consider getting flights for your crew and gear into the Indian Creek airstrip instead of putting in at the regular launch site at Boundary Creek. It’s seriously tight quarters in the upper stretch at low water, so although that additional layer of logistics seems like a huge drag, putting in at Indian Creek is recommended below about 2.2 feet. At lower water levels, switching to smaller rafts or kayaks will help you navigate the upper stretches. Here’s the link to the USGS water levels for the Middle Fork.
Rapids on the Middle Fork of the Salmon are fairly continuous from start to finish, with a good mix of Class II, Class III, and Class IV rapids. At lower water levels (2.5 feet or below), the Middle Fork is a fun stretch for intermediate kayakers, either in inflatables or hard boaters. This is an excellent river for paddle rafts: The thrills are continuous. (See below for more details about specific rapids.) Note that Middle Fork rapids sometimes change because of timber blowouts, so studying recent accounts and videos or consulting with local outfitters or the check-in ranger about recent changes is wise before you launch.
Permit holders receive an email from the ranger station about 14 days before launch requesting your camp choices (up to 4 for each night). The deadline for submitting your camp choices is about 7 days before the launch date. You’ll also receive a web link to a list of camps with details including the river mile marker, the size of party the camp accommodates, whether the camp has hot springs, and whether layovers are allowed. Here’s a list of Middle Fork of the Salmon camp sites for research purposes, and a link to a USFS video with more informatino about the camp selection process on the Middle Fork of the Salmon.
The Middle Fork is one of the top fishing destinations in the U.S. It is a Blue Ribbon fishery for Westslope Cutthroat Trout. You will need an Idaho fishing license, which is easy to pick up at sporting goods stores in the state, but not available at the launch site. The Middle Fork is most catch-and-release: You can use artificial flies and lures with one barbless hook.
Yes, dogs are welcome on the Middle Fork. Because this is a whitewater trip, you’ll want to consider whether your dog will enjoy the rapids, will stay in the boat, and will refrain from running wild in camp. Lifejackets are essential for dogs on the Middle Fork. Be prepared to clean up after your dog: Pick up and pack out your dog’s poop. Don’t let your dog chase wildlife. For more tips on making your dog’s river trip safe and enjoyable for all, check out “10 Questions Before Your Bring Your Dog on a River Trip.”
If you’re driving into Idaho from out of state, you will be required to stop at any open boat inspection site you pass and have your boats inspected. The US Forest Service rangers will not inspect your boat but will request to see the receipt for your invasive species sticker purchase. You’ll need to buy an Aquatic Invasive Species permit sticker for each boat longer than 10 feet. You can read more about this and buy your Idaho Invasive Species stickers here.
The Middle Fork of the Salmon river permit application period for the lottery season (typically late May through Labor Day weekend) opens on December 1 each year and closes January 31. Results are announced by mid-February. Lottery dates that were declined, cancelled, or not accepted are released on March 16. Permits are required year-round; shoulder-season permits can be reserved through Recreation.gov.
The popular permitted section for paddling the Middle Fork of the Salmon, from Boundary Creek to Cache Bar, is 104 miles. The number of days and nights you can spend on the river depends on your party’s size: For parties up to 10, the limit is 8 days, 7 nights. For parties up to 20, the limit is 7 days, 6 nights. For parties up to 24, the limit is 6 days, 5 nights.
Equipment required by the Forest Service for the Middle Fork include a portable toilet, fire pan, fire blanket, ash container, shovel, bucket, mesh strainer, Aquatic Invasive Species Sticker, life jackets and spare oars and paddles.
Rapids on the Middle Fork of the Salmon
The list of legendary Middle Fork rapids is long (check the end of this post for recommendations of detailed river guides), but here are some of the standouts in my book.
- Velvet Falls (mile 5.1) used to be a straightforward falls, but with recent changes is now a narrow slot on the river right. Here’s a video on Gear Garage of a sweep boat running Velvet Falls in June 2025. The scout is on river right: Keep an eye out for Velvet Creek coming in on the right.
- The Chutes rapid is long boulder garden that gets tricky at low water levels. Here’s a video of a couple of rafts running slightly different lines.
- Pistol Creek Rapid (21.4) has a left-side run that is a sharp drop with a big rock in the middle, and a right side run that is a smooth flush and viable option for rafts down to at least 2 ft. When you’re to the bottom of that first drop (whichever way you got there), you need to make an quick S turn to avoid washing up on a huge boulder pile at the bottom right and stay off the walls on the left. Here’s a video showing a couple of rafts running the left side and one raft running the right side at 2 ft water level in July 2025:
- Marble Creek Rapids (mile 31.7) comes as the river bends sharply to the right, a fairly straightforward shot down the middle with fun waves.
- Tappan Falls (mile 57.9), the biggest in the Tappan “series,” deserves a solid scouting session, which you can do from either bank. It’s challenging at any level because it spills over a curved, uneven ledge of huge boulders that each create various pour-overs and holes. Here’s the view from an inflatable kayak running Tappan Falls:
- Cove Creek Rapid (mile 58.8) is worthy of a scout, which you can do on the right. The basic idea is to enter between two huge boulders at the top (mind your raft oars) and then stay left to avoid a raft-snagging rock just left of center.
- Rubber (mile 91.9) has a sticky, big wave at top and another drop at the bottom—keep an eye on your IK paddlers through this one.
Downsides of the Middle Fork
No river is perfect, though the Middle Fork comes close. Here are points to consider about it:
- Drawing a permit is tough. About 15,000 people applied for Middle Fork permits in 2025, and about 300 received one. Check out our post with deadlines and tactics for applying for permits, and our tips for picking up river permit cancellations.
- Hitting it at the right level for your group is important. The Middle Fork is tough whitewater at high levels, and isn’t easy at low levels. Hitting that sweet spot of 2.5 to 3.5 feet—fun and challenging but not stressful—can be difficult
- Yellow jackets can be a menace. These little bastards can ruin an evening on the river, delivering painful and potentially dangerous stings. They were a huge factor on our first trip, and virtually nonexistent the second (the one exception being an oarsman getting a vicious sting on his knuckle as he was trying to line up for Cramer’s—rude). For a long discussion about the many attempts to conquer yellow jackets (and bees) on the Middle Fork, check out this thread on Mountain Buzz (grab a beer).
- You’ll need to share space at times. Although the campsites are designated, you’ll need to be cool with other parties parading through your camp if you’re at a popular hiking or hot springs spot, particularly Sunflower.
Upsides of the Middle Fork
No way to catalog all the Middle Fork’s stellar qualities, but here are a few for starters.
- Exceptional whitewater throughout. As always, study flow charts before (here’s a guide to analyzing river flows) you go make sure you’re not taking on more than your group can handle. But at mid-range water flows, the Middle Fork is just one interesting rapid after another for rafters and kayakers. If you have the personnel to pull it off, consider running at least one paddle raft: Paddle rafting the Middle Fork has been one of my favorite whitewater experiences ever. (We had a good paddle captain.)
- Scenery. Self-evident in any photo of the Middle Fork, but you really have to go there to feel the vast expanse of forest at your core.
- Fishing. The Middle Fork is a Blue Ribbon fishery for Westslope Cutthroat Trout, and the many tributaries cascading in from either side along the 100-mile stretch just add to the possibilities. T
- Dogs are welcome. Bringing dogs on river trips can add complications, but dogs who get to go on the Middle Fork are lucky indeed. Check out our guide to bringing dogs on river trips before you commit to that.
- Hot springs! Everywhere you turn, just when the air feels the tiniest bit chilly, you’ll come upon a hot spring that bubbles up and takes all your cares away. Hot springs are everywhere—just more delightful sparkles on this jewel of a river.
Middle Fork of the Salmon Trip Tips
Here are a few points about the Middle Fork to keep in mind in your planning. (And check out our guide to river trip planning.)
- Apply for a permit. It’s not easy to get a Middle Fork permit, but that’s the first step to this phenomenal experience. Check our tips (certainly not foolproof—some of us have been applying for 20+ years and not scored one) about how to apply for river permits. Here’s the link to apply for a permit at Recreation.gov. This application period starts on December 1 each year and closes January 31.
- Pay attention to the camp selection email and deadlines. Permit holders will receive an email from the river office about 14 days before launch with a link to the camp request form. You can submit up to 4 camp choices for each night. The email will specify the date by which you need to complete your camp choices, then you’ll receive your assigned camps a few days before launch. This email will also include a list of camps with info about their location, availability of hot springs, whether you can take a layover, and size of group the camp accommodates. Here’s a link to a USFS video that explains the Middle Fork of the Salmon campsite selection process.
- Be prepared for yellow jackets and bees. Be alert, and don’t invite them in. Keep food covered and stowed.
- Pay attention to the water flow. The Middle Fork drastically changes character at different water levels, so pick a date that corresponds to a water level that’s good for your group. And don’t assume that low water flows are easy—some rapids (Tappan Falls) get harder at low water.
- Consider limiting the size of your party so you can spend more time on the river. Groups up to 10 people can stay up to 8 days (7 nights), groups of 11-20 can stay up to 7 days (6 nights), and groups of 21-24 can stay up to 6 days (5 nights). If you can keep your party small without alienating lifelong river friends, do that. You’ll want extra time to seize every opportunity to luxuriate in a hot spring or go for hikes.
Planning your Middle Fork river trip
Here’s a quick rundown of how to plan a Middle Fork trip. If you’re new to RiverBent, check out our river planning section, which includes basic river trip planning guidelines for organizing meals and gear, packing, and more.
- Check out the U.S. Forest Service resources. Home base for Middle Fork planning is here.
- Read the published river guide books. As always, we recommend buying every guide you can get your hands on for every river you’re planning to run. More information is better. (Note: Some of the sources below contain affiliate links.)
- Guide to the Middle Fork and Main Salmon River, Idaho, published by RiverMaps. As with all RiverMaps guides, this is waterproof, detailed, essential.
- Middle Fork of the Salmon A Wild and Scenic River published by the Forest Service.
- The Middle Fork of the Salmon—A Comprehensive Guide
- Handbook to the Middle Fork of the Salmon River
- Middle Fork of the Salmon Fly Fishing Map
- GoRafting’s guide to the Middle Fork on the FarOut apps: This is a phone-based guide that is extremely handy either before or during your trip for researching locations of campsites, rapids, launch sites, and other points of interest. Even if you don’t want to use it on the river (involves bringing and turning on your phone, but doesn’t require cell service), it’s handy for research purposes. (For more trip planning resources, see “Best River Maps, Guidebooks and Apps for Rafters and Paddlers.“)
- Choose your timing. Again, you should carefully choose the window for launch dates in your permit application as the Middle Fork is serious whitewater at any level, but most forgiving at about 3 feet on the Middle Fork Lodge gauge. The timing window for that ideal level is small, about the first three weeks of July. Below about 2.5 feet (typically by late July), the section below the usual Boundary Creek put-in is very bony and you’ll want to consider flying people and gear in to the Indian Creek airstrip. Here’s the link to the USGS water levels for the Middle Fork. And here’s a guide to ciphering water level predictions.
- Apply for a permit. The lottery season is May 28 through September 3, and the application period runs December 1 through January 31 for the upcoming season. Lottery results are announced in mid-February, and permit winners need to confirm their reservation by March 15. You have about a 2% chance of drawing a permit, based on 2023 stats. Only seven permitted groups are allowed to launch each day, which keeps the Middle Fork wild and scenic for all of us. Here’s our guide to applying for river permits, which lists important dates and processes, and tips on picking up Middle Fork cancellations.
- Study the camp site information in your guides. Permit holders will receive an emailed camp request form 14 days before launch, and that form needs to be completed and returned no later than 7 days before launch. For more information, check out the USFS video about the Middle Fork camp selection process. Keep in mind that smaller groups are allowed by the Forest Service to spend more nights on the river: If you’re running at lower water, getting through the Middle Fork in 6 days will seem rushed.
- Reserve your vehicle shuttle. Here’s a list of several outfits offering Middle Fork vehicle shuttles.
- Central Idaho River Shuttles 208-507-1830
- Blackadar Boating 208-756-3958
- River Shuttles 208-756-4188
- Salmon River Shuttles 800-785-7198
- Buy an Idaho Invasive Species sticker for each boat in your party that is more than 10 feet long. Every boat that launches in Idaho waters must have an invasive species sticker, sales of which fund boat inspections, washing stations, and information about how to keep invasive species (such as quagga mussels) out of Idaho. You can read more about this and buy your Idaho Invasive Species stickers here. Although you won’t get a boat inspection from the river ranger at launch check-out, you might be required to show your receipt proving you purchased the stickers (or show the stickers themselves). However, if you’re coming to the Middle Fork from out of state, you will be required to stop at boat inspection sites that you pass.
- Pack and go. For packing ideas, see our river trip planning guide section here.
This post can’t possibly do justice to the experience of running the Middle Fork. We hope you get a chance to see it for yourself. If you are lucky enough to pull a permit, or you’ve already run it a time or two and want to add your tips and advice, jump in here with your comments.
See you on the river!
