Rafting the Middle Fork Salmon
River
Idaho
Whitewater Rafting Logistics
This information is below is intended to
help in preparation for your upcoming raft trip down the Middle Fork of the
Salmon River. Suggestions for travel, equipment, clothing, accommodations, etc.
as well understanding of the Middle Fork Salmon river trip itinerary are all
important ingredients in making this an unforgettable and enjoyable outdoor
experience.
Transportation
Beautiful Stanley
Idaho, (elev. 6200') is our trip start point so it is best to arrive here the
day before your trip. Boise is the nearest airport served by major airlines for
those wishing to arrive by air. From Boise over to Stanley we use the services
of Salmon Air Service. They will also transport you from Salmon back to Boise
after the trip. Their round trip fee is $259.00/person. Their pilot will meet
you near gate 1 at the west end of the main terminal. This fee can be paid at
their office in the Salmon Airport after your trip. We will assist in making
all the arrangements with Salmon Air Service (800-448-3413) and you will need
at least 7 days advance reservations for the lowest rate. When low water
conditions make it necessary for us to make the 25-minute flight into Indian
Cr. Airstrip to start the trip, the fee is $80.00/person for this short flight
from Stanley.
Car Shuttle
A Middle Fork car
shuttle from our launch at Boundary Cr. Landing to our final destination of
Cache Bar landing involves 215 miles of driving with 45 miles on gravel and
dirt. To prevent wear and tear on your vehicle we recommend the following
services for your shuttle needs: For those driving into Stanley we use the
services of River Shuttles based in Salmon for private car shuttles. They will
drive your car from Stanley to Salmon for $100.00, a distance of 110 miles or
all the way to the Cache Bar Landing for $200.00, a distance of 170 miles. Your
car will be parked in a safe place at the Mountain Village Lodge and shuttled
to Salmon or Cache Bar on the morning we end our trip. Arrangements and
payments for these shuttles can be made when we meet on your arrival in
Stanley. On the morning your trip starts Caldwell Transportation will provide
bus transport from Stanley to Boundary Creek. On the day your trips ends they
will also supply bus transport from our take-out at Cache Bar back to Salmon,
all for $25.00/person. This fee is added to your final payment in June to Tight
Lines.
Rental Cars
Rental Cars are
available at the Boise Airport through Dollar Rentals at 208-345- 9727. There
are no rental drops in Stanley but River Shuttles can return it to Boise for
$145.00.
For those driving from the west one can
reach Stanley from Boise via hwy. 21 through Idaho City and Lowman. This is a
145-mile very scenic drive and takes about 4 hours. The Payette River route
from Ontario is also an option. As your travel plans take shape other shuttle
variations may be necessary as we will assist in making these arrangements.
River Shuttles 1-800-831-8942 or 208-756-4188, Salmon Air Service
1-800-448-3413 or 208-756-4713.
To the River - (Put-in):
Upon
arriving in Stanley check in at the Mountain Village Lodge where we will have
reservations for you. We will meet you here in the evening and discuss any last
minute details and also distribute waterproof bags for your duffel if needed.
Our bus transportation will meet us at the Lodge at 8:00 am the morning of
launch. It is best to have all details with shuttles, fishing licenses or last
minute items taken care of the night before as most stores are not open this
early. You can stop by the liquor store if needed, the Riverware store next to
the Motel has clothing items and the Casino Club has refreshments and dinner.
Fishing licenses are a must if you wish to fish --- get a 6-day license for
$36.50 at River 1 or the Sawtooth Mercantile. Kids under 14 yr. old do not need
a license. Other items you may wish to purchase are fishing related gear,
flashlight batteries, film, snacks and drinks. We supply soft drinks, plus beer
and water in each individual raft, however if you think you may drink more than
the norm it is a good idea to pick up extra. You may also let us know if there
is a specific drink the group likes and we will supply it. Remember alcohol
beverages and mixes are not supplied except for beer and dinner wine. Everyone
is welcome to bring his or her favorite wine or liquor and mix. In regards to
liquor, wine, or beverage storage we will provide special storage boxes for the
safekeeping of these items.
The Boundary Cr. Launch site is 45 miles
from Stanley and will take approx. 1.5 hrs driving time. Because we share our
start with other outfitters and private boaters, the landing may seem crowded
at times but the river parties soon separate after lunch. Each of our overnight
campsites is reserved with the Forest Service before we depart. Your camp
equipment and personal gear will be stowed aboard the baggage raft for the trip
to the first night’s camp. Be sure to keep your small daypack with you.
On the River:
A suggestion for
leaving Stanley is to dress for cool weather. Mornings are very chilly here and
it can stay cool while on the river in the morning. You may want to have shorts
underneath or change at lunch. Have your small day bag or pack ready with items
you may need throughout the day such as, rain gear, camera, coat, fishing
license, water bottle, lipbalm, or sun lotion. Our baggage raft will carry the
bulk of equipment and clothing ahead to camp.
Rrafts will handle from 4 to 5 as we drift
15-20 miles each day. The rafts usually depart camp each morning before 10am,
stop for lunch and arrive at camp close to 5pm. All rafts are equipped with
life jackets, seat cushions and backs, splash tarp, coolers with ice water and
beverages.
Our Camp:
Upon arrival at Middle
Fork Salmon River camp you will find your gear located close to the tent area.
Each couple will be provided a four-person tent, each with two cots and two
self-inflating pads for your sleeping comfort. Our kitchen will be set up close
by and we provide chairs and tables for your dining and relaxation. Dinners are
normally served around 7:30pm while breakfasts about 8:30am. We carry a shower
that we will normally set up from two to three nights per trip. Also, we carry
top of the line outdoors toilets, his and hers, which are set up at each camp.
Food:
When it comes to culinary
delights of the trip we spare no time, effort or expense. The guides and camp
crews are experts in the use of the Dutch oven and the techniques of open fire
cooking. Fresh supplies, ice and beverages will be air shuttled to us mid-way
through the trip. We will cater to your special beverage requests or any
dietary restrictions you may have. Please inform us of any special occasions
such as birthdays, anniversaries, etc. for which we can plan a special river
camp celebration.
First-Aid:
We supply first aid
equipment for the whole group but if someone needs specific medication or has
allergic reactions to anything such as bees or nuts be sure to let us know. If
you bring prescription medication for an ailment it is very wise to bring extra
that we can carry in our master first aid kit for emergency use.
Fishing:
Don’t worry if
you’ve never fished before. We promote fly fishing and have excellent
instructors for those who are unfamiliar with this type of fishing. The river
has been catch and release since the early seventies and all fish will be
released unharmed by your guide. Each guide carries a rod and tackle for your
use while on the river. Be sure to carry your fishing license on you or in your
day bag.
Take-out:
We generally reach our
final destination on the sixth day 11am- 12am at Cache Bar on the Salmon River.
The guides will assist in loading luggage in your private car, shuttle service
van or bus for the 2 hour drive back to Salmon. If you plan to fly back to
Boise it is best to do so, early the following morning as the afternoon heat
creates turbulent skies for smaller aircraft.
Use Fee:
The forest service
charges us a 3% use fee. This is a tax by the federal government for use of
federal lands. Also a fee demo of $30/person is charged to us for each
individual. These fees which combined are over $100.00 are included in your
total. We collect and then pay this fee to the feds.
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