Salmon (Main)
Location: Central Idaho (about 145 miles northeast of Boise). Undammed and remote, the Main Salmon cuts across the 2.3-million-acre Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness Area.
Length of trips: 77 to 91 miles in four to six days.
Season: May to mid-September. The water flow usually peaks between mid-May and mid-June. River runners share the river with jet boaters.
Weather: Daytime temperatures climb into the high 70s (F) in June and into the 90s and 100s in July and August. A sudden rainstorm can cause shivers, so bring layers of clothing to ward off the rain and chilly nighttime temperatures (50s to 60s). As water flows decrease and temperatures rise in summer, much of the wildlife moves higher up the canyon slopes. With water temperatures in the low 70s, a refreshing swim offers relief from the hot canyon air.
Lodging: Prime campsites on sandy beaches near clear side streams.
Boats: Dories, kayaks, oar boats, paddle rafts.
Rapids: Class II, III, and IV. Cold, clear water.
Special features:
- Topography changes dramatically from alpine forest to high desert.
- First-rate hikes to abandoned homesteads and Native American pictographs.
- Good fishing for whitefish and trout (cutthroat, lake, rainbow, steelhead) in larger side streams.
- Many wildflowers in spring and early summer.
- Swimming in summer.
- Black bears, mountain lions, bobcats, coyotes, mule deer, elk, moose, river otters, mountain bighorn sheep, waterfowl, ospreys, bald eagles, golden eagles, wild turkeys.
- Previous rafting experience is recommended for trips early in the season.
- Later in the season the Main Salmon is a relaxing float for all levels of rafters, including families, seniors, and the physically challenged who are comfortable in and around the water.
Nearby excursions:
- Continental Divide Trail.
- Big Hole Battlefield.
- Trail of Tears.
- Big Horn Crags.
For a list of outfitters:
- USDA Forest Service, North Fork Ranger District, Salmon/Challis National Forest, P.O. Box 180, North Fork, Idaho 83466; +1 208 865 2383, fax +1 208 865 2739. Try to book at least two to three months in advance.
- For a list of Idaho outfitters, contact the Idaho Outfitters and Guides Association, P.O. Box 95, Boise, Idaho 83701; +1 208 342 1919 or 800 847 4843, fax +1 208 338 7830.
For more information:
- Idaho Travel Council, 700 West State Street, P.O. Box 83720, Boise, Idaho 83720-0093; +1 208 334 2470 or 800 635 7820, fax +1 208 334 2631. Ask for the Official Idaho State Travel Guide.
- Main Salmon story in NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC TRAVELER, July/August 1989.
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