Additional Information:
About the River:
The Middle Fork of the Salmon is the classic mountain river. For 97 pristine miles in the heart of the Idaho backcountry, the river cuts through a canyon of remarkable history, beauty, and solitude, providing the setting for one of the finest wilderness whitewater vacations available.
The Middle Fork is diverse and unpredictable. The upper reach, (which we only run on May, June and July trips), is intricate and intimate, as the creek-like stream cascades over rocky ledges and winds through an evergreen forest. The middle section, (where we begin our August and September trips), is more open and arid with longer vistas of expansive hillsides and isolated stands of giant pines. The lower stretch is awe-inspiring as the river cuts through the impressive rock walls of Impassible Canyon. All along the way, the river provides plenty of excitement with rapids that range from short abrupt drops to long, technical boulderfields. Velvet Falls, Powerhouse, Haystack, Redside, Rubber and Hancock are a few of the river's better known rapids.
But whitewater is only one of the Middle Fork's special attractions. The canyon boasts an abundance of natural phenomena as well as occasional reminders of the area's interesting human history. We will stand beneath shimmering waterfalls, soak in miraculous hotsprings, and swim in water too clear to believe. We will also marvel at the pictographs of the Sheepeater Indians, as well as smile at the legends and leftovers of the Middle Fork's early pioneers. There will be time to hike, explore, fish, relax, and thoroughly enjoy this unique region.
Itinerary:
Day 1: We will meet at the Mountain Village Lodge in the morning and be transported either to the launch site at Boundary Creek, (1½ - 2 hours, May - mid-July trips), or to the airport in Stanley for the 30 minute flight to Indian Creek, (August and September trips). After a short safety and orientation briefing, we will launch around noon.
Days 2 - 5: Although there is no such thing, a typical day on the Middle Fork starts with coffee and a hearty breakfast before we pack our bags and load on to the rafts. We will float an average of 15 - 18 miles, (5 - 6 hours), each day, stopping for a picnic lunch and perhaps to take a short hike, soak in a hotsprings, or explore an historical site. Camp will be made in the late afternoon with early evening available for hiking, fishing, swimming or relaxing.
Day 6: An early morning prepares us for some of the Middle Fork's biggest rapids as we finish the Impassible Canyon and float on to our take out at Cache Bar on the Main Salmon. We will de-rig the rafts and have our final lunch at Cache Bar before heading back to Salmon for an early evening, (4:00 - 5:00), arrival at the Stagecoach Inn or Salmon Airport.
Local Attractions:
Within a day's drive of Salmon are Gla?cier, Yellowstone, and Grand Teton National Parks, as well as Sun Valley resort and numerous western guest ranches.
Types of boats:
On the Middle Fork we offer three types of boats in which to ride:
Oar rafts are 18 feet long, carry all of the overnight gear and up to 5 guests. They are rowed by a guide using oars attached to a metal frame. Guests ride in the front, hang on through the rapids and relax in the calm stretches.
Paddle rafts are 14 feet long and carry 6 paddlers who actively paddle through the rapids and down the river. Everyone has a paddle, sits on the outer tube of the raft and follows the commands of the paddle guide who sits in the rear.
Inflatable kayaks are 10 - 12 feet long and are paddled by 1 or 2 people using double-bladed paddles. They are fairly stable, require no previous experience and allow you to feel the thrill of independently paddling the river.
We usually have 2 paddle rafts and no inflatable kayaks in May, June and July, and 1 paddle raft and 4 to 6 inflatable kayaks in August. Please note that we do not guarantee space in paddle rafts or inflatable kayaks. If there are more people who wish to ride in these boats than there are spaces, we will rotate so that everyone gets a chance to participate.
Fishing:
The fishing along the Middle Fork is excellent, with an abundance of 12 - 16 inch cutthroat trout. This is a "catch and release" river, so only single, barbless hooks are allowed, and all fish must be released alive. Fishing is better after the water level drops in mid-July. Poles should be protected in sturdy cases and only a small amount of tackle is needed. Dry flies, (Caddis, Grasshoppers and Irresistibles), and small spinners, (Mepps, Panther Martins) work well. You do not need waders or nets. If you want to fish you must have a valid Idaho State Fishing License. Fishing gear, licenses, and good advice are available from McCoy's Tackle in Stanley, 208-774-3377, which is open 7 days a week.
Meals:
ARTA meals are well-balanced and consist of quality foods with fresh meats, fruits, and vegetables. The guides double as camp chefs and the menu includes a wide variety of dishes. Lunches usually consist of hand-foods and are served picnic-style at riverside stops. Dinners and breakfasts are cooked over an open fire and often include tasty Dutch Oven baked treats. If you have special dietary requirements or are celebrating a special event during the trip, please let us know in advance.
Drinks:
ARTA provides fruit drinks at meals. If you would like soda, beer, wine, or liquor with your dinner, please bring your own in unbreakable containers, (beer and soda in cans, wine and liquor in plastic bottles). Due to weight and space restrictions, we ask that you limit the amount of canned drinks to a moderate amount.
Camping:
During the course of the trip, everyone is encouraged to participate as much as they desire, whether that be on the river, collecting firewood, or helping out in the kitchen. We have found that the more involved you become with your trip, the more rewarding your trip becomes. Overnight camping will be at riverside beaches or flat benches above the river. All sites afford spectacular views of the river and canyon. Some campsites have Forest Service pit toilets; at others ARTA will set up portable toilets. There is usually a central kitchen and campfire area, and trip members pick out spots in the surrounding area to pitch their tents or lay out their sleeping bags.
Weather:
The weather in the mountains of Idaho is difficult to predict; we have encountered snowstorms in August and heatwaves in May, so please read the equipment list and come well prepared for a variety of conditions. Rain, usually in the form of spectacular, afternoon thunderstorms, is common; good rain gear and a reliable tent are strongly advised. Generally, summer temperatures range between 65 to 75 degrees on the upper reaches of the river and up to 90 degrees in the lower canyon. Nighttime temperatures can dip into the 30's, particularly in June. Brief, spectacular thunder?storms are fairly common. The water temperature of the river is about 50 degrees early in the season and 60 degrees later on.
Suggested Reading:
The Middle Fork, A Guide by Johnny Carrey and Cort Conley is an interesting book about the river and the history of the area. It is available in Stanley or online through amazon.com. The Forest Service has a handy map which is available in Stanley or directly from the Forest Service 208/879-5204.
Travel Insurance:
We recommend that you purchase short-term travel insurance that provides trip cancellation and medical coverage for you and your family. Please request a Travel Insurance packet from ARTA if you have not already received one.
Gratuities:
We want you to feel like a guest in our home and tipping is never expected. It is certainly appreciated, however, and is accepted as recognition of an outstanding trip or exemplary service. Normal tips range from 5% to 10% of the trip cost and are usually given to the Lead Guide who splits them equally among the entire crew.
Whether and how much you tip should depend on your satisfaction with the guide service, your financial means, and your feelings about tipping in general.
More Information
If there are any questions we haven't answered, please feel free to contact us. Our office staff enjoys telling folks about our trips, so don't hesitate to call 800-323-2782.
|
