Winding 100 miles through the heart of the Frank Church–River of No Return Wilderness, the Middle Fork of the Salmon River is widely considered the crown jewel of American whitewater. The journey begins in high-alpine forests at nearly 6,000 feet, plunging through over 100 rapids—including famous drops like Velvet Falls and Tappan Falls—as the landscape shifts into dramatic, sheer-walled granite canyons. Beyond the adrenaline of Class III-IV whitewater, the river is world-renowned for its crystal-clear water, frequent sightings of bighorn sheep, and numerous riverside natural hot springs.
Snapshot
Important information for this section of river
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Current Availability
The following dates have one or more sites available
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Last checked about 13 hours ago
Water Level
FAQ: What's the current water level for Middle Fork Salmon River?
1,070 CFS
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FAQ: What's the ideal range for this section of river?
700 – 10,000 CFS
Key Dates
Here are some key dates to remember for Middle Fork Salmon River.
May 28 – Sep 3
Aug 8 – Sep 15
Permit Details
Permits are required year-round for individuals wishing to float the Wild section of the Salmon River, which extends from Corn Creek to Long Tom Bar. The lottery control season extends from June 20 through September 7. Reservations for pre/post season launch dates open around October 1 at 8 AM Mountain Time
Common Questions
What paddlers most often want to know about Middle Fork Salmon River.
How do I get a permit for the Middle Fork of the Salmon River?
Middle Fork Salmon permits are managed through Recreation.gov via a weighted lottery. The lottery control season runs June 20 through September 7. Reservations for pre- and post-season dates (when permits are not required) open around October 1 at 8:00 AM Mountain Time for dates the following spring.
How many days does a Middle Fork Salmon River trip take?
The classic Middle Fork Salmon trip from Boundary Creek to Cache Bar covers 100 miles through the Frank Church–River of No Return Wilderness, typically completed in 5–7 days. Most groups average 15–20 miles per day depending on flows.
What class of rapids does the Middle Fork of the Salmon have?
The Middle Fork Salmon features over 100 rapids ranging from Class I to Class V, including landmark drops like Velvet Falls and Tappan Falls. The overall character is Class III–IV with a few Class V moves, and the continuous nature of the run demands consistent paddling skill throughout.
Are there hot springs on the Middle Fork Salmon River?
Yes — the Middle Fork Salmon is famous for its accessible riverside hot springs, including Loon Creek Hot Springs, Shower Bath Hot Springs, and several unnamed soaks accessible directly from camp. Hot springs are a defining part of the Middle Fork experience.
What is the ideal flow range for the Middle Fork Salmon River?
The Middle Fork Salmon is runnable from roughly 700 to 10,000 CFS. Flows of 1,500–4,000 CFS are generally considered ideal — providing excellent Class III–IV action through the major rapids while keeping the river technically interesting but not overwhelmingly powerful.
Weather Forecast
What's the daily forecast at the put-in for Middle Fork Salmon River?
Outfitters & Guides
Offers transportation from Boise, or vehicle shuttles for the Salmon River, Middle Fork of the Salmon, Snake River in Hells Canyon, and Payette River