Whitewater Rafting the Middle Fork Salmon River in Idaho

The Wild and Scenic Middle Fork of the Salmon River is located in northwest Idaho, and by most accounts it sets the whitewater rafting standard in the U.S. I haven’t experienced this river yet, and I’m chomping at the bit to get there. (powers-that-be, if you’re reading this…) I can tell you from the feedback I hear in the O.A.R.S. office, it’s unforgettable, it’s wild, it’s sublimely scenic and the terrain is uber diverse.

The MFS is rated Class III-IV, which means it is exciting and thrilling, but probably not terrifying. O.A.R.S. offers 6-day trips from the end of May through September. (We also offer a special 6-day Hiker Special in September.) We travel 100 miles and charge through 100 rapids. You choose your method of travel: inflatable kayak, paddle raft, oar boat or classic wooden dory (in high water). Some days you might feel brave and want to paddle the inflatable kayak (aka “ducky”), other days you may want one of our stellar guides to do all the work and row you along in a sleek, classic dory.

In speaking with our Idaho Adventure Consultant, Azz, one of the most notable highlights of the Middle Fork Salmon is its constantly changing terrain. Our trip begins at 6000-ft in alpine territory. As the trip continues downriver, the scenery changes significantly and we pass through forested hills and open, rolling grasslands. There are lots of side hikes alongside creeks and to waterfalls and natural hot springs. There are big, sandy beaches that are great spots to play Frisbee, horseshoes and bocce ball or to picnic, read a good book and/or nap. These beaches also make for some incredibly comfortable camping. The last part of the trip flows into a narrow, rocky gorge called Impassable Canyon.

All of our trips include friendly, professional guides who set the gold standard of whitewater rafting safety with unparalleled experience. Many of the folks bringing you down river have been with our company for decades; others are second-generation guides. They will work hard to ensure you experience a quality trip.

Idaho is experiencing a good snow year and the snow pack levels are near 100% of normal. Translation - it should be a good year for whitewater rafting in Idaho!

O.A.R.S. guest in an inflatable kayak, or as we like to call it, a ducky.