Middle - Main Combo

~ 180 miles,
> 3700 foot elevation drop,
± 65 named rapids,
∞ memories.

ARTA's Middle-Main Combination trips allow you the unique opportunity to experience an entire river system. Beginning within 20 miles of the Middle Fork's headwaters and ending within 40 miles of the Main Salmon's confluence with the Snake, we will cover over 180 miles of river and drop an astounding 3,700 feet through the heart of the Idaho backcountry. The trip begins on the clear, free-flowing Middle Fork, famous for its scenery, rapids, fishing, and hotsprings. Flowing almost due north for 100 miles, the Middle Fork offers a diverse river experience. The upper stretch travels through dense alpine forests and contains many small, technical rapids. The middle portion is more open, with grassy slopes, glorious hotsprings and fewer rapids. The last section takes us through Impassable Canyon where big cliffs dominate the shore and big rapids dominate the river.

After 100 miles of northward travel on the Middle Fork, we will head west. The Main is much bigger and warmer and moves at a slightly slower pace. The rapids, although farther apart, are generally bigger and are renowned for their roller-coaster waves. The scenery is a mixture of new and old, with sections that are reminiscent of the Middle Fork as well as new stretches filled with big boulders, talus slopes, and soaring mountains.

Our six-day Express Trips are scheduled during the early season high-water period and are fast, exciting, adventures for whitewater enthusiasts. Our 12 day trips seamlessly combine two standard six-day Idaho trips into an incredible two week journey. Both trips begin in Stanley, Idaho (population 150 or so) and end in McCall, Idaho (population 2600 and growing).

"These were the best 12 days of my life.
I hope I get to go again."

Peter Sawyers