You will start your river vacation on the Middle Fork of the Salmon from the historic capital town of Boise, Idaho. This town offers a wide variety of activities including fishing, golfing, hiking, biking, rollerblading, tennis, shopping and fine dining. Many of our guests spend an extra day or two either before or after their raft trip exploring the area. For area information visit the Boise Chamber of Commerce on their website at www.boisechamber.org.

Horizon and Delta Airlines provide direct air service to Boise, Idaho. Various hotels offer airport shuttles that operate throughout the day. You should plan on arriving in Boise by early afternoon the day before your trip starts. Your return travel plans should be made for the day after the final day of the trip if at all possible.

If you are driving to Boise or will have a rented car and wish to drive instead of flying back to Boise, you may arrange to shuttle your vehicle. You can arrange this car shuttle by visiting www.rivershuttles.com or by calling 800-831-8942. The cost varies depending on where you are having your car shuttled from, in which you will pay the shuttle company directly. It is best to have this payment made in advance as only cash will be accepted in Stanley on the launch day. You will drive your car to Stanley, Idaho the morning of the launch date after meeting in Boise. You will check in at the Mountain Village Lodge to fill out shuttle paperwork. Your car will be shuttled from Stanley to Salmon, Idaho and will be left at the Salmon airport. You will note on your paperwork that your keys should be left at the McCall Air desk. This is the air carrier the rest of the guests will be flying home on, and where we will be bringing you after we get off the river. You will arrive in Salmon, Idaho at approximately 3 pm on the take-out date of your trip. Guests that drive back should expect a 7 hour drive from Salmon to Boise and will usually be leaving Salmon by about 3:30 pm.

You will automatically be billed for the return flight to Boise on your final invoice unless you call us and notify us that you will be shuttling your vehicle.

* We do offer a special package for guests with a limited time schedule directly out of Boise to and from the river (see the Trip Dates page and call us for more info).

• Getting There
  
  
• Lodging
  
  
• Trip Orientation
  
  
• Equipment and Packing
  
  
• Water and Weather
  
  
• Trip Itinerary
  
  
• FAQ's
  
  
• Printable version

We would like to recommend the Spring Hill Suites Marriott located at 424 East Park Center, Boise. They offer a special rate for our guests. You will need lodging the night before your trip starts and the night you get off the river. For example: If your trip is July 16th -21st, you would need to have lodging arrangements for July 15th and July 21st. Please make your reservations early! For reservations call (208) 342-1044 and be sure to tell them you are our guest and ask for our company discount! Also, for those of you driving to Boise, you can park your cars at the Hotel at no extra charge. In order to use their airport shuttle service, call the hotel ahead of time so they can pick you up from the airport. The shuttle service is a complimentary feature and does not have a set schedule so you will need to call them ahead of time with your pickup needs. Our orientation meeting before the trip will take place at the Spring Hill Suites Marriott and we will depart from the hotel on the morning of the launch. There are also additional lodging options in the Boise area-call us for details and a list will be sent out to you with your confirmation packet. You may leave your extra luggage at your hotel while you are on the river. If you have valuables you may leave them with us and we will have them for you when you return to Boise.

We will meet at the Spring Hill Suites on Park Center Blvd. in Boise at approximately 6:00 PM the evening before your trip starts. This is a group meeting where you will have the opportunity to meet your fellow travelers. We will discuss river safety, low impact camping and river procedures to follow for the duration of your trip. We will provide you with two waterproof duffels for your personal gear and instructions on how to pack (see How to Pack instructions below). We will have available souvenir T-shirts, hats, cookbooks, maps and books on the Middle Fork. Fly Rod rentals packages are available through a local fly shop, www.idahoangler.com. If you are interested in renting a fly rod, please call us ahead of time to reserve your rod as a limited number are available. Rental fee is $100.00 per week and includes 10 flies, floatant and an extra leader.

• We supply one large tent for two people for optimum room and comfort. Private tents may be provided upon request.
• We supply a deluxe Therma-Rest self-inflating sleeping pad for everyone.
• We encourage you to bring your own sleeping bag and pillow as you may be more comfortable with your own gear. Your sleeping bag must fit into at 10" x 20" dry bag that we supply. If you do not want to bring your own, we will provide you, at no charge, a freshly cleaned, warm sleeping bag, fleece blanket and small pillow. We will automatically supply you with a sleeping bag unless you notify us that you are bringing your own.
• Dining utensils, souvenir cups and water bottles are furnished on the trip.
• We provide you with three waterproof bags: one for your clothing and overnight gear, one day bag, and one for the sleeping bag. See "How to Pack" below for bag sizes and packing recommendations.
• We provide a highest quality, Coast Guard approved Type V life jacket.
• We have a limited number of high quality water proof camera boxes for guests to carry expensive cameras. Inquire about these.
• Wet suits will be provided on June trips and whenever weather demands. Feel free to bring your own for fit and comfort. Exceptionally large or small sizes may not be available. We will bring a selection of wetsuits on the river throughout July and August for those of you using inflatable kayaks.
• We send our gear boat ahead daily to set up camp including dining tables, comfortable chairs and your tent.
  We are fully equipped with extensive first aid kits in all boats.
  Our guides are trained in First Aid and CPR.

We give you two waterproof bags to pack your gear in. The smaller day bag is 12" W x 24" H and holds the items such as rain suit, sunscreen and camera; i.e. anything you might need during the day. The larger gear bag is 18" W x 26" H for your clothing and personal items. These bags travel in our gear boat. This boat goes ahead of the group to set up camp so once the bags are loaded in the morning they are unavailable to you until evening. You may find it easier to pack your things in small, soft duffels that slip right into the bigger bag or pack several stuff-type sacks in order to keep clothing organized. Try to limit your gear to our pack list. Remember the environment, you will want to be comfortable rather than fashionable, leave the designer clothing and valuables at home.

We recommend a layering system of clothing for most river days, so you can adjust your clothing as the day warms or the weather changes. On a typical day you would wear a swim suit or nylon shorts, a "quick dry" type top-short sleeve or long sleeve for sun protection, a fleece top (for the morning when it is cooler-it can be put into your "day" bag when it warms up) river sandals or tennis shoes that are comfortable when wet, a hat, sunglasses with strap and plenty of sunscreen. Follow the packing list below and you will have everything you need and not be over packed.

• Hats (Warm and Sun)
• Quick Dry clothing for river use (nylon shorts and/or swimsuit 2+ pairs, short and long sleeve shirts 1-2 each, lightweight pants 1 pair)
• Good Rain Gear (jacket and pants) Important!
• River Shoes (river type sandals with heel strap or tennis shoes)
• Camp Shoes (lightweight hiking boots or tennis shoes)
• Long Underwear: polypropylene top and bottom
• Warm Jacket-pile or polarfleece
• Camp Clothes: long pants or sweat pants 1-2, T-shirts short and long sleeve 1-2 each, sweatshirt or any type warm top- 1)
• Underwear and Socks ( include 1 pair wool socks or neoprene socks to wear on river for chilly days)
• Gloves: wool or polypropylene for camp and neoprene for rafting (optional).
• Personal Toiletry Items, small towel, washcloth and moisturizing lotion
• Travel pack of handi wipes or sanitizing gel
• Sunscreen, chapstick
• Sunglasses with strap (spare pair recommended)
• Small flashlight and batteries ("head-lamp" type flashlight is very handy)
• Camera
• Special medications, prescriptions (bring two containers)
• Extra Contacts or glasses
• Your Musical Instrument!
• Good book
• Personal wine, beer, liquors and soft drinks

Optional:
• Wet Suit and or neoprene socks-if you want your own
• Small day pack for hikes
• "Funky" costume for last night
• Pillow case (bring from home-our camp pillows are small. You can put our camp pillow plus some soft clothing into a pillowcase to make a comfy pillow.)
• Disposable waterproof camera for river shots and ziplock bags for other small cameras to be kept in your day bag.
• Personal Solar Shower-we will fill and heat in the sun during the day
• If you have questions about or need to purchase any of this gear, check out this website for information: www.rivertraveler.com

Tips are appreciated but discretionary. Your guides are the best on the river, giving you unequaled service and they work very hard to make your trip the best. A tip of 10-20% of your trip price may be appropriate. You may bring cash or check to give the lead guide on the trip, or you can arrange to have a gratuity put on a credit card by talking with Liz Hilton, our manager, before or after the trip.

Every trip on the Middle Fork is unique. Each week will have many unforgettable moments and all of these are because of the wonder of the river and our guests and guides regardless of the weather or the water levels. There is no way to predict the weather or water level for any week on the river, so our packing lists ensure that guests come prepared for all conditions.

In general, in early June the water level is the highest and will be the biggest, wildest whitewater of the year. The weather for the early June trips can be changeable spring type weather-hot and sunny one day, colder the next. Later June and into July is typically when the water level starts to come down, the wildflowers bloom and the weather becomes warmer. An afternoon temperature in July might be 80 degrees with overnight lows 45-50 degrees. In mid July and into August the water warms significantly and guests enjoy swimming and fishing in the clear water. Late August and September trips are chilly in the mornings and evenings with warm days for great fishing. Most days will be spent in shorts or swimsuits and short sleeves, but rain gear and extra layers will always be packed in your day bag for changeable mountain weather.

Depending on the season, high or low water levels and snow conditions can dictate that we launch from Indian Creek or other wilderness launch points instead of Boundary Creek, which is our regular launch point. Only small airplanes access these wilderness airstrips. Please be aware that if we must fly in to an alternative launch site there will be an additional fee of approximately $85.00 per person. In a typical season our trips starting in early August will require flying in to one of these airstrips. For all trips starting with our August 9th launch, we will include the flight-in charge with our final invoice. For other trips where a flight in is required we will ask you to pay the air charter directly by cash, check, VISA or MasterCard. We will take payments at our orientation meeting the evening before your trip.

Launch Day 1: We will depart by airport shuttle from the Spring Hill Suites in Boise at 7:30 am on our launch day. We will launch from either Boundary Creek or Indian Creek depending on water and weather conditions (see Water and Weather for more info). If we depart from Boundary Creek we will fly to Staley from Boise and take a bus to the Boundary Creek, in which bus travel time is about 2 hours with a rest stop (breakfast provided). If we launch from Indian Creek we will fly to the Indian Creek airstrip and launch point. The boats will be loaded, you will be briefed on river safety and we will be on our way down the river, usually between 10 and 11 am.

Our camps are different on every trip, so our daily mileage will vary. We will stop for lunch and depending on that days mileage, we will arrive in camp between 4 and 6 pm. Our large gear boat travels ahead of the group, so when we arrive camp is ready-tents are set up, appetizers are underway and you are free to get settled and enjoy yourself while a gourmet dinner is prepared.

A Typical River Day: Our guides rise early, around 6 am, and get coffee going right away. So if you are an early morning person, we will be ready! If not, stay snuggled in your tent and you will hear a call for breakfast which is usually served around 8 am. We break camp and are usually on the water by 10 am each day. Guests choose which boat they would like to be in, but are free to switch throughout the day. Guests may choose from oar boats for sightseeing, relaxing and fishing, paddle boats to paddle and maneuver through the rapids and inflatable kayaks for the ultimate challenge of paddling on your own. Each day consists of great whitewater, majestic scenery, wildlife viewing, fishing, stops for side hikes to historic, geographic or scenic highlights, hot springs soaks and swimming. We will always take time to stop and relax for a delicious lunch. And there is a trail that follows the course of the river so we always encourage hiking for anyone interested. There is something for everyone of all ages and every river day flies by...

Final Day 6: The Middle Fork will keep you enthralled every mile. The character of the river and its canyon change from beginning to end. On our final day, we enter the Impassable Canyon and run some of the biggest whitewater of the trip between impressive granite walls. At the confluence with the Main Salmon, we leave the Middle Fork behind-take a moment to look back upstream at the spectacular canyon that has been your home for the last 6 days. We "take-out" at the confluence of the Middle Fork and the Main Salmon. Lunch will be served at the take-out and changing rooms and rest rooms are available. We take you by bus from the confluence to the airport in Salmon, Idaho. From here, you will either fly back to Boise or pick up your car if it has been shuttled. We are usually in Salmon by 4 pm and back to the Spring Hill Suites/Boise by approximately 6 pm.

• What makes Middle Fork Wilderness Outfitters Unique?
• How many people/rafts go on each trip? Can I book a private trip?
• Do you have discounts/specials?
• What is the best time of year to go on the Middle Fork?
• When should I make a reservation?
• What ages are appropriate for the Middle Fork?
• Can I Fish?
• What is the food like? Do I need to bring anything?
• Is there a toilet? Shower?
• Can I use a cell phone? Can I be reached in case of an emergency?

We are a small company that specializes in running the Middle Fork of the Salmon, so this is where we put our energy and attention, ensuring you a full service river expedition where every detail is thought of and taken care of for you. We take only 22 guests and 7+ guides, which is fewer guests and more guides than most other outfitters. Also, we operate out of Boise, Idaho, a wonderful town with many vacation amenities available for guests who want to spend an extra day or two at the beginning or end of their trip. You can fly directly to Boise making your travel simple and convenient. But most of all it is our unique team of guides and our dedication to making your trip your best ever that makes us a great choice for your Middle Fork adventure.

We take a maximum of 22 guests and 7+ guides. We take a large "sweep" boat that goes ahead of the group with all of the gear on board so that when you arrive in camp your tents are set up, the bar is ready for cocktails and the appetizers are underway! On the river we have three oar boats in which the guide is rowing and you are free to relax or fish, two paddle rafts that have the guests paddling and maneuvering the raft through the rapids with the guide in back, and up to six inflatable kayaks. You will be given a choice of any or all of the raft types throughout each day so you can experience the Middle Fork whichever way you please!

Many of our trips are made up of groups that book the entire trip. We work closely with these groups and any special occasion they might be celebrating to make sure we accommodate everything they are looking for. Private groups need to book early as they need to reserve a date before there are others booked on that date. We also offer 10% discounts for groups of 10 or more.

We offer 10% discount to youths (17 & under), 5% discount to Seniors (62 & over) and 10% discount for groups of 10-23. Families of 4 or more receive a discount of 10%, applicable - June 4, 13, 22, Aug 9, 17 and 25.

Every trip date is different and has something to offer. Early June has the biggest whitewater with cooler weather; Late June through August offers warm weather and fun water. Late August offers excellent fishing. September trips are reserved for specialty fly fishing trips and bird hunting trips.

Trips typically start to fill up a year in advance, so it is best to book early for the best selection of trip dates. Call us anytime to check availability 800-726-0575. We ask for a $400 deposit per person to reserve your space.

We have taken kids as young as age 5, but recommend age 7 as a guideline for younger kids on the Middle Fork. And we have taken active seniors in their 80's! There is something for everyone on the Middle Fork and it promises the adventure of a lifetime for all ages!

If you have an interest in fishing, we strongly encourage you to do so. The Middle Fork of the Salmon is known as one of America¹s premiere river for Native Cutthroat trout. You can fish from our oar boats, but may need to take turns with other guests that are interested in fishing or photographing, etc. from the oar boats. If you want to fish exclusively, we recommend chartering one of our private fishing boats, see ³The Fishing² page for more info. Or consider one of our Fall specialty fishing trips.

We take great pride in our menu and all of our meals are designed to have something for everyone, prepared from the freshest ingredients. Breakfasts include egg dishes, meats, fruits, fresh baked pastries, and cereal choices. Lunches are always comprised of a beautiful "spread" of meats, cheeses, breads, fresh salads, fruits, chips and treats. Appetizers will start off your evening in camp each night. Dinners will feature savory grilled meats, chicken or fish, fresh salads, vegetables, a variety of side dishes and Dutch oven specialties-such as fresh baked bread and desserts. We are happy to accommodate any special dietary needs requested.

We serve juice, coffee, tea or hot chocolate for breakfast; juices and ice tea for lunch; and quality red and white wines for dinner. We always have plenty of drinking water available. During happy hour we provide a limited supply of beer, soda, vodka, gin, scotch, whiskey, club soda and tonic water as well as fresh limes and lemons. Because we can't anticipate how much or what type people prefer we ask that if you want to make sure you have a supply, please bring your own soda and beer. Please bring it in cans when possible and mark it with your initials to avoid confusion. You may also bring additional wine and/or premium liquors if desired and these may be in glass. You can give us your beverages on the morning of departure and we will pack them for you.

A portable potty is set up each afternoon at camp with a privacy tent. It is typically located in a private place away from camp. A paddle will be left on the trail to the potty to signal occupancy-when you go to use the potty, you take the paddle with you and bring it back when you are finished! The potty is for solids. For urinating, the Forest Service has requested that we urinate directly into the river or in the wet sand near the river-"Dilution is the Solution" is the motto. Hand sanitizer and hand washing stations will always be set up. If you need the potty during the day, please ask a guide and one will happily be set up for you.

For bathing, we will stop at least once at a hot springs during the trip for a soak and we will bring buckets so that you can bathe with the warm water from the hot springs. All bathing must be done at least 150 ft away from any water source and above the high water line.

There is no cellular phone service on or near the river. We carry a satellite phone for emergency use only. We check in with our office manager once during each trip for any important messages. Please leave our office number 800-726-0575 for anyone that would need to reach you in case of an emergency-the phone is answered 7 days a week.