MT Sobek

Idaho Middle Fork of the Salmon River 75-Mile Rafting

Join our expert river guides on this epic backcountry adventure, frequently cited as the world’s best river trip! A scenic flight takes you deep into the Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness before rafting 75 miles down the Middle Fork of the Salmon River in Idaho. This sparkling waterway was one of America’s first designated Wild and Scenic Rivers. Our trips are filled with a variety of exciting activities from whitewater rafting to swimming, fly fishing, relaxing in natural hot springs, and optional hiking. Choose to actively participate on a guide-led paddle boat, sit back on the oar boat, or try an inflatable kayak. At the end of each day, pull into camp to feast on delicious food cooked by your guides and enjoy an evening of fun and camaraderie.

Highlights:

  • Have a blast on one of National Geographic’s top-rated whitewater rafting trips, deep in the heart of Idaho’s Frank Church?River of No Return Wilderness
  • Paddle or float to suit your activity level and choose a new experience every day-this trip is great for all ages and all activity levels; it is like summer camp for the whole family!
  • Compare the value! We offer the most inclusive Middle Fork trips, with all your travel arrangements, transportation and lodging, carefully orchestrated for a worry-free vacation.

Important Trip Details:
Previous rafting experience is not necessary. However, you need to be in good physical condition. Since we are in a remote wilderness location. Each day, loading and unloading into the raft can be on sandy beaches or uneven rocky shores. It is a necessity that all travelers are stable and sturdy on their feet in uneven terrain.

Minimum Age: 7

05/16/2025 through 08/13/2026
05/16/2025 through 08/24/2026

Day 1

Idaho, known for its rugged landscapes and outdoor adventures, offers visitors a blend of natural beauty and cultural charm. Boise, the state capital, is a vibrant city that boasts a thriving arts scene and a rich history. Explore the Boise Art Museum, which features contemporary and modern works, or take a stroll along the Boise River Greenbelt for scenic views and recreational opportunities.

For those seeking outdoor thrills, Idaho’s landscapes are a paradise. The Sawtooth National Recreation Area, with its striking mountain peaks and clear alpine lakes, offers unparalleled hiking, fishing, and camping experiences. The nearby Sun Valley area is renowned for its world-class skiing and summer activities, making it a year-round destination for adventure enthusiasts.

A fun fact about Idaho: it's home to the famous Idaho Potato Museum in Blackfoot, where you can delve into the history and significance of this iconic vegetable. The museum showcases everything from potato farming to the role of potatoes in Idaho’s economy. Visitors can also enjoy unique exhibits such as the World’s Largest Potato Chip!

Whether you’re exploring Boise’s cultural offerings, hiking in the Sawtooths, or learning about Idaho’s agricultural heritage, this state provides a diverse range of experiences that appeal to both urban explorers and nature lovers.


Day 2 BIG is the word that comes first to mind in describing Idaho's Salmon River. Big river, big canyon, big
wilderness, big camping beaches. The Indians called it Tom-Agit-Pah, or Big Fish Water, because of
its bountiful supply of large salmon.

The Salmon canyon is quite steep and rocky, forested with Douglas fir and ponderosa pine. Canyons
open up ant trees become fewer in places. After passing through the South Fork of the Salmon the
canyon narrows and gives fantistic displays of geologic upheavel and erosion. Wildlife is common in
the canyon. Big horn sheep wander so close it is hard to believe they are wild. Deer are more shy. Bear
may show themselves, but avoid camps. Once in a while you can see a lone moose, and eagle sightings
are common.

Lewis and Clark followed the river for awhile, but were intimidated by its swift waters and steep canyon
walls. They backtracked to find their historic northern route to the Pacific. Native Americans lived in
the canyon, and you will see their pictographs (wall paintings) in a few locations. Deserted cabins dot
the level land along the river, often surrounded by old fruit trees, survivors from the orchards planted
by homesteaders.

Rapids on the Salmon are generally what are called hydraulic rapids, or rapids consisting mainly of
large waves, caused by steep drops in the river bed and rocks several feet under water. Bailey Falls,
Devil's Toe, Ludwig, Dried Meat and Vinegar, to name a few, are hydrolic rapids, where the trick is
to enter them correctly, then keep the bow of the raft facing waves. The nice thing about the rapids
on the Salmon is that they are generally good clean fun. They demand your full attention but do not
pose serious threats to life and limb. There is good whitewater, interspersed with stretches of smooth
water, allowing you to relax and watch the canyon unfold before you.
Day 3
Day 4
Day 5
Day 6 BIG is the word that comes first to mind in describing Idaho's Salmon River. Big river, big canyon, big
wilderness, big camping beaches. The Indians called it Tom-Agit-Pah, or Big Fish Water, because of
its bountiful supply of large salmon.

The Salmon canyon is quite steep and rocky, forested with Douglas fir and ponderosa pine. Canyons
open up ant trees become fewer in places. After passing through the South Fork of the Salmon the
canyon narrows and gives fantistic displays of geologic upheavel and erosion. Wildlife is common in
the canyon. Big horn sheep wander so close it is hard to believe they are wild. Deer are more shy. Bear
may show themselves, but avoid camps. Once in a while you can see a lone moose, and eagle sightings
are common.

Lewis and Clark followed the river for awhile, but were intimidated by its swift waters and steep canyon
walls. They backtracked to find their historic northern route to the Pacific. Native Americans lived in
the canyon, and you will see their pictographs (wall paintings) in a few locations. Deserted cabins dot
the level land along the river, often surrounded by old fruit trees, survivors from the orchards planted
by homesteaders.

Rapids on the Salmon are generally what are called hydraulic rapids, or rapids consisting mainly of
large waves, caused by steep drops in the river bed and rocks several feet under water. Bailey Falls,
Devil's Toe, Ludwig, Dried Meat and Vinegar, to name a few, are hydrolic rapids, where the trick is
to enter them correctly, then keep the bow of the raft facing waves. The nice thing about the rapids
on the Salmon is that they are generally good clean fun. They demand your full attention but do not
pose serious threats to life and limb. There is good whitewater, interspersed with stretches of smooth
water, allowing you to relax and watch the canyon unfold before you.
Day 7
Day 8

Idaho, known for its rugged landscapes and outdoor adventures, offers visitors a blend of natural beauty and cultural charm. Boise, the state capital, is a vibrant city that boasts a thriving arts scene and a rich history. Explore the Boise Art Museum, which features contemporary and modern works, or take a stroll along the Boise River Greenbelt for scenic views and recreational opportunities.

For those seeking outdoor thrills, Idaho’s landscapes are a paradise. The Sawtooth National Recreation Area, with its striking mountain peaks and clear alpine lakes, offers unparalleled hiking, fishing, and camping experiences. The nearby Sun Valley area is renowned for its world-class skiing and summer activities, making it a year-round destination for adventure enthusiasts.

A fun fact about Idaho: it's home to the famous Idaho Potato Museum in Blackfoot, where you can delve into the history and significance of this iconic vegetable. The museum showcases everything from potato farming to the role of potatoes in Idaho’s economy. Visitors can also enjoy unique exhibits such as the World’s Largest Potato Chip!

Whether you’re exploring Boise’s cultural offerings, hiking in the Sawtooths, or learning about Idaho’s agricultural heritage, this state provides a diverse range of experiences that appeal to both urban explorers and nature lovers.


08/01/25 - 08/08/25

Starting At $3,495

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08/09/25 - 08/16/25

Starting At $3,495

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08/17/25 - 08/24/25

Starting At $3,495

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08/01/26 - 08/08/26

Starting At $3,495

Get A Quote

08/09/26 - 08/16/26

Starting At $3,495

Get A Quote

08/17/26 - 08/24/26

Starting At $3,495

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Prices subject to availability and change without notice. Some restrictions may apply.

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