The Middle Fork of the Salmon River, Idaho

A major headwaters section of the longest free-flowing river in the lower 48 states. Designated by Congress in 1968 as a Wild and Scenic River, bounded by four National Forests and the Idaho Primitive Area, it is truly great to experience Nature at her best. It boasts the second-deepest canyon of any North American river. From our put-in below Dagger Falls, at Boundary Creek*, to our take-out on The Main Salmon, at Cache Bar, 100 miles later, the river drops over 3,000 feet. From riffles to falls, there are 341 rapids sufficiently exciting to have designations---23 Class III, seven Class IV.

You may choose to run the river in a McKenzie drift boat where you and another guest will enjoy a deluxe fishing trip with a professional guide. The drift boat allows a fly fisherman to stand comfortably to fish. For those who want to learn, our full-time guides are excellent instructors. The fishing is catch and release, and experienced anglers have caught as many as 100 fish in a day. Or, you may choose to ride in an oar-powered raft in which the guests relax and enjoy the rapids and scenery while the guide rows them down the river. Or, you may choose a paddle raft in which the guests help get the raft through the rapids with our expert guidance. Each craft is designed with safety and comfort in mind.

You'll see osprey, golden eagles, red-tailed hawks, cliff swallows, dippers, killdeer, kingfishers, merganser, chukar, grouse, doves, owls, and humming birds. Our guides will help you spot bighorn sheep, otters, pika, and colorful ground squirrels. We occasionally see (or see evidence of) black bear, mule deer, elk, moose, coyote, cougar, bobcat, and mountain goat.

Its spectacular scenery, breathtaking rapids, beautiful campsites, caves and falls and hot springs, rich history of miners, military, and Indians, ancient pictographs, great hiking trails, fantastic fishing---all of the river's features are well known to our guides and are happily shared with our guests. With all the beauty and excitement that Nature affords, many of our guests' most pleasant memories of their Helfrich Middle Fork adventures are of the care with which they were treated by our guides---the setting up of camp, happy hour, and those fabulous meals. We feature the finest in outdoor cooking: menus featuring steak, chops, Dutch-oven biscuits and desserts, and fresh salads, served in fine Western manner.

If you look for excitement, relaxation, solitude, companionship and fun in a trip, The Middle Fork of the Salmon River, Idaho, has it all. This is truly the premier whitewater trip of the Northwest. It's called "The River of No Return," but you'll want to return many times.

Air service provided by McCall Air , and car shuttles provided by River Shuttles are available when you arrive in Idaho. Shuttle fee and plane fare are not included in the trip cost.

The night prior to the start of the trip should be spent in Stanley to assure an early start the next morning. We recommend Mountain Village Lodge (800-843-5475). Advance reservations are required.

* We leave Stanley as close to 9:00 AM aspossible. Water levels determine our launch point. If we bus to Boundary Creek, we cover the transport costs. If we must fly in to another launch site, each person must cover his own airfare, usually around $100 per person.

RAVE REVIEWS

Many thanks for a fabulous trip down the Middle Fork of the Salmon. You are the best - everything was perfectly run and coordinated. Food, fishing, guiding, accommodations - everything was spectacular! I hope we will have a chance to join you again soon. - Sincerely, James Gaither

Tom, the boys and I wanted to thank you and your crew for a fabulous, adventurous, spectacular, memory making trip down the Middle Fork.  The kids are still talking about the “big one” that got away, “ottering” down the river, jumping off a 40’ bridge narrowly escaping with their lives, hiking to a hot springs hot tub, navigating the (I think we are up to level 10) rapids on the JP Pirate ship, cliff jumping, and heavily debating if melted chocolate is better on s’mores. 

I’ll remember all that as well as the highly orchestrated river team who behind the scenes worked diligently and patiently to give us an awesome vacation to remember.  A team who kept the kids engaged and in line, provided empathy and insight on dealing with the benefits and trials of being the youngest (I know Peter really appreciated it), turned missing lasagna noodles into one of the best spaghetti dinners ever, commandeered 2 of the 3 blown away tents out of the river, somehow managed to get a daypack left behind at a lunch sight returned the next day in the middle of the river, brought us back to the college days (not sure if that was a good thing), and did it all with a smile.

I’ll miss the bright stars and the pure beauty and serenity of the river – you’re so lucky to be able to enjoy it as often as you do.

Thanks again for everything – you guys are great!  Wishing you continued success and safe travels down the river.  Lisa Evans

Helfrich Middle Fork Salmon Trip start dates are:
June 17, July 12, July 20, July 28, August 5, August 13, August 21

A Helfrich Outfitter, LLC
1950 Yolanda Avenue
Springfield OR 97477

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