Salmon River
Middle Fork Salmon River
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.
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Weather Forecast
What's the daily forecast at the put-in for Middle Fork Salmon River?
Current River Conditions
What's the current CFS for Middle Fork Salmon River based on the nearest USGS gauge?
Current Water Level
2,920CFS
Updated Mar 28, 10:00 PM
Ideal Water Level
700–10,000CFS
Flow Trend
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Road Conditions
Additional Resources
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.
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
Permit System
recreation.gov
Notes
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
Permit cancellations on Middle Fork Salmon River are claimed fast — often within minutes. Sign in to see real-time availability and get notified the moment a permit opens.