MIDDLE FORK OF THE SALMON (4 Rivers), ID
01 Middle Fork of the Salmon
Notice:
The Indian Creek office plans to begin issuing permits on May 11th.
OBTAIN YOUR PERMIT and camp assignments by presenting your confirmation email to the Indian Creek launch personnel during office hours, 8 am to 4:30 pm daily. Boaters flying into Indian Creek must have an employee check all boats before they go into the eddy. Employees are not available after the office closes. Do not launch without your permit.
The road to Boundary Creek is not open yet. Boaters using Marsh Creek for access to the river will need to use extreme caution and watch for trees and other hazards. Also, ensure your boats are clean and dry before launching. Boaters will need to stop at Indian Creek during office hours (8 am to 4:30 pm) to obtain their permit; until reaching Indian Creek, camps will be first come, first-served. Do not proceed past Indian Creek without your permit.
If you are launching DOWNSTREAM of Indian Creek Guard Station, contact the Middle Fork Ranger District at 208-879-4101 at least 3 work days before your launch date.
River Description
The Middle Fork of the Salmon River is 104 miles of free-flowing wild & scenic river in the heart of the Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness. The Middle Fork is a non-motorized floating experience, with many technical Class III and IV rapids, and is known for its scenic beauty and crystal clear whitewater.
Originating 20 miles northwest of Stanley, Idaho, the Middle Fork flows northeast through the remote and rugged mountains of Central Idaho, and was one of the original eight rivers in the nation designated as Wild and Scenic on October 2, 1968. The Middle Fork is administered by the Forest Service under a permit system to protect the resource and the experience from over-use.
Know Before You Go:
The Middle Fork of the Salmon River is usually not floated November 1 - March 31 due to winter conditions, low water levels, and access difficulties. Ice and snow bridges are to be expected on the river and its tributaries. In the Spring, road access to the Middle Fork is usually blocked by snowdrifts and trees across the road. Depending on the amount of snow and the spring weather and temperatures, the road to Boundary Creek may not open until sometime in early June. High water levels are also a concern once the runoff begins.
