middle fork links

middle fork lodge gauge

middle fork mouth gauge

wilderness outfitters at simplot ranch (loon)

flying b ranch

blackadar shuttles

salmon air

the middle fork of the salmon river ranks right near the top according to most people.   the top of what is the only real question.  lets just say it has great balance.  it's not too difficult and it is not too easy.  its flows range from rather treacherous to rather technical and everything in between.  the scenery is great.  it exists in a huge wilderness area.  it is 100 miles of enjoyment.

floating down marsh creek or floating in very high and dangerous flows (or both) many rafters do what they can to float this river.

permits are always required and can be difficult to obtain during may, june, july and august, the prime floating season.

in all flows the upper 20 miles are much more difficult than are the remaining 80 miles.  in higher and lower flows this difficulty is somewhat increased.  in medium flows this river can certainly cause havoc, but a reasonably experienced oarsman can manage by staying alert and using good river sense.   at any flow even a reasonably experienced oarsman would feel a sense of relief to be accompanied by someone who knows this river well.

log jams and mud slides often create surprises with varying degrees of danger and difficulty.  these occur almost annually and often in multiples.  for many years, however, the remnants of these have washed away a little more each year leaving all but cramer to hold an elevated status of a named rapid that people treat with respect.

why work in the yard for the weekend when you could be floating the middle fork?  it is a valid question!