DISCOVER YOUR AMAZING SALMON RIVER TRIP
If you want just the right mix of adventure and relaxation, exploration and luxury, you won’t find a better value for rugged adventure along with pampered comfort than with Adventure Sun Valley! We offer guided raft tours on the Middle Fork Salmon River in Idaho.
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Enjoy the best wilderness whitewater river!
The Middle Fork Salmon River stretches 104 miles through Idaho’s vast wilderness and is recognized as one of the world’s premier whitewater rivers. Flowing through 2.3 million acres of the Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness, this iconic river winds through the largest roadless and federally protected wilderness in the continental United States, offering an unparalleled adventure in pristine, untouched nature.
Experience the Ultimate Middle Fork Salmon Adventure
The Middle Fork of the Salmon River is one of the most breathtaking and sought-after rafting destinations in the world. Flowing through the heart of Idaho’s Frank Church – River of No Return Wilderness, this legendary waterway offers over 100 miles of pristine, free-flowing river, packed with more than 300 exhilarating rapids, crystal-clear fishing waters, and stunning canyon landscapes.
At Adventure Sun Valley, we specialize in luxury rafting trips on the Middle Fork Salmon River, combining world-class whitewater adventure with our signature Pampered Camping™ experience. From gourmet meals and expert guides to fully equipped campsites and a free Boise airport shuttle, we ensure a seamless and unforgettable journey from start to finish. Whether you’re seeking high-adrenaline whitewater in early summer or a relaxed, family-friendly float with exceptional fishing opportunities, our Middle Fork Salmon expeditions offer the perfect balance of excitement and comfort.
Book your adventure today and experience the Middle Fork Salmon River like never before!
MIDDLE FORK SALMON RIVER TRIP FAQs
Why Choose ADVENTURE Sun Valley?
Simply put, you won’t find a better value than this trip of a lifetime. We’re careful to keep our amazing trips reasonably priced while providing luxury service and comfort along with a stellar safety record. Unlike other rafting trips you may have been on, we won’t ask you to bring any camping gear or help with camp chores. We won’t serve you “camp food” and we won’t make you ride in a hot, dusty bus. Check out the options for getting to Stanley, including our air-conditioned motor coach.
For over 25 years, our company has chosen to run just this one legendary river, allowing us to focus on perfecting the pampered adventure experience. This is evident in our safety-trained and experienced guides, top-notch equipment, gourmet cuisine, and guide to guest ratio. Our guide to guest ratio allows us the luxury of taking care of you, whether it’s customizing a rafting trip for your family or business group, assisting with flights and lodging, tying on a fly, grilling a steak to your order, coaching you in an inflatable kayak, setting up a hot shower, or providing whatever support you may need along the way, all you have to do is ask. Of course, our repeat customers are the best endorsement of all. Check out our customer testimonials or feel free to call/e-mail us for additional information or references.
Will this trip be right for me? (Given my age, inexperience, disability, health, fears, hygiene habits, etc.).
We want all our guests to have a safe and enjoyable experience, but the truth is that no one knows you better than you — that’s why Brad or Diana are available anytime to answer your questions and learn more about your specific needs and expectations. If you have safety concerns or physical limitations due to age, disability or otherwise that require accommodation, let us know and we can determine the best way to accommodate your specific situation. We can help you choose the best month for your group to come based on weather and water levels or talk to you about the different boat options that will be available to you on your trip (oar rafts, paddle boat, inflatable kayak and upon request dedicated fishing boats). We have taken guests as young as six (6) years of age and as old as 88 years of age, guests with back issues, joint replacements, sleep apnea concerns, and serious food allergies. Private, sanitary toilet facilities are made available in camp and at lunch, however, special needs can be accommodated during the day. Hot showers will be available in camp, but many guests find that a soak in the hot springs or swim in the river keeps them feeling clean and refreshed. Your tent, cot & sleeping bag will be set up and waiting when you arrive in camp each day. Remember, it’s our pleasure to pamper you whenever we can. We feel confident that any pre-adventure concerns you may have had will quickly melt away amid the scenic grandeur, adventure, professional care and camaraderie of your journey.
Where is the middle fork of the salmon river?
The Middle Fork of the Salmon River is located in central Idaho, running through the Frank Church–River of No Return Wilderness. It is one of the premier whitewater rafting rivers in the United States, known for its remote wilderness, crystal-clear waters, and exciting rapids. The river flows for about 100 miles, beginning in the Salmon-Challis National Forest near Stanley, Idaho, and eventually joining the Main Salmon River.
The Middle Fork is famous for its pristine scenery, hot springs, world-class trout fishing, and rugged canyon landscapes, making it a bucket-list destination for rafters and outdoor adventurers.
How Do I Get To My Adventure?
ASV FREE AIRPORT SHUTTLE
No other outfitters offer free shuttle service for guests between Boise Airport and Stanley, Idaho. As an extension of our exclusive ‘Pampered Camping’ amenities, enjoy complimentary shuttle service in our air-conditioned motor coach. We meet at 3:30 p.m. the day before their trip begin and return them to Boise Airport by 11:30am the day after they get off the river. Guests can plan their flights to leave Boise at noon or later. Contact us with any questions, concerns, or special travel details you may need.
DRIVING A VEHICLE
Guests driving a personal car or rental car will meet us in Stanley, Idaho the evening before the trip begins. Those guests may leave their vehicles in Stanley while they are on the river for a nominal fee. Guests may also book a shuttle car company to drive their vehicles to the take-out location if they are going in the opposite direction after the trip ends. Driving from any direction is extremely scenic and this works especially well for guests wanting to extend their stay in this beautiful area.
HIRING A PRIVATE CAR SERVICE
Guests may hire a private car service to drive them from Boise to Stanley.
BY AIR TAXI
Some guests desire to skip the drive, and those guests may book a flight with Gem Air. Gem Air flies between Boise to Stanley (where our trip starts), as well as between Salmon and Boise (near where our trip ends). Guests can choose to fly only one of those directions (either before or after the trip) or round trip (both before and after the trip), please contact us for more details on this option.
FLYING TO SUN VALLEY OR IN A PRIVATE PLANE
Guests flying to Sun Valley can use a car service for the 65-mile drive between Sun Valley and Stanley.
Stanley does have an airstrip (2U7), but it is more rugged, and you should speak with your flight operator to determine if your plane can land at this strip. After the trip private planes may pick you up at the Salmon Airport (SMN), this small airport which easily accommodates most aircraft.
Is there an orientation before our trip?
We hold an orientation meeting with guests the night before launch at River 1 Sporting Goods Store in Stanley, Idaho at 8:00 p.m. River 1 is an exceptional place to get gear for your adventure, with a terrific selection of appropriate clothing and gear at great prices. At orientation we will give each guest their own dry bags and instructions for the next morning. Guest’s personal luggage will be stored the next morning before we leave for the river.
Is this safe for my family/kids?
Remote wilderness travel presents many potential risks and hazards. That is why it is critical to experience it under the supervision of highly trained guides familiar with the river and terrain. We have over 25 years of experience and have taken hundreds of families with children down the river without serious issue. Guest safety is our MAIN CONCERN! These are also the best trips, to introduce teenagers and young children to this wilderness and watch them play in the water without a care in the world is a true gift.
Will cell phones work on the river?
No!! Yeah!! That is one of the very best parts of this experience. It is amazing how I see people (kids and adults) almost go into withdrawal the first day or two and then they really come alive as they connect emotionally with others in a REAL way. Somehow they realize that the world always continues to spin without them. Many people have gone years since they have been digitally disconnected for more than just a few hours. This is universally a gift to everyone! Please note that we do carry a satellite phone for emergencies.
What if someone from home needs to contact us while on the river?
Guests are given an emergency contact number to share with family and friends prior to the trip. In such a situation, our ground staff will get in touch with the Lead Guide as soon as possible and we will work with you to handle the situation. You can rest assured that we will do everything possible to facilitate communication between you and your family/friend and if necessary, make the arrangements to transport you out of the back country.
Will i be comfortable in camp?
Absolutely! We have taken many guests who expressed hesitation about camping or being in the wilderness for six (6) days. If this is you, we understand – but we have witnessed those very people enjoying the experience more than their trip mates. You will be very comfortable. We have amazing amenities all set up and waiting for you each day. Comfortable tents, cots, full pillows, warm fleece lined sleeping bags…and a HOT SHOWER!! The list goes on and on. “Pampered Camping” is our Flagship Service.
The one caveat if you are concerned about being warm is you may want to delay your adventure until after mid-June when early season high-water run off is done. That is a wilder, slightly colder experience than the rest of the season.
What happens before and after the Launch of our trip?
Please feel free to contact us if you have any specific question(s). We truly are passionate about our amazing trips and love sharing information, so don’t be shy about reaching out to us for more information.
Day 0
Flying into Boise? No problem. We’ll pick you up!
A pre-trip orientation will occur on the back deck of River 1 in Stanley, Idaho at 8:00 p.m. This is where you will meet the other guests, as well as members of the ASV team who will answer last-minute questions and prep you for the trip. Each guest will receive a dry-bag to take back to your room for repacking of your personal gear and then grab a dinner or drink and enjoy the gorgeous Sawtooth Mountains that surround Stanley.
Day 1
We will meet in the parking lot of the Mountain Village Lodge at approx. 8:00 a.m. (you will be given the time at orientation). We will make the 90-minute scenic drive over Banner Summit and down into the Middle Fork corridor to the launch site (this is the last road access until we take out on Day 6). When conditions require it (usually in later summer), we will board a small air taxi in Stanley and fly to an airstrip down river. This does not affect the duration or experience you can expect on the trip, in fact the flight is quite exciting. Either way, rafts and guides are already there, awaiting your arrival.
Days 2 thru Morning of Day 6
Charmed days on the river. Highlights may include rapids, hiking, Indian sites, hot springs, swimming, wildlife sightings, catching trout, trying out an inflatable kayak, swapping stories with new friends around the campfire, or watching the some of the darkest sky space in the lower 48 states (the milky way looks a mile wide).
Day 6 (Afternoon)
When we reluctantly pull the boats ashore, our motor coach will be waiting. After lunch, we drive you 2 hrs. to Salmon, Idaho, and drop any guests departing from Salmon. Then we proceed an additional 2.5 hrs back to Stanley, arriving at approximately 5:30 p.m.
Day 7 (and the rest of your life)
Guests riding our motor coach back to Boise depart for Boise in the morning (the driver will provide you with the departure time when he drops you off on Day 6). Arriving by 11:30am for your commercial flights home.
WHERE DO WE STAY IN STANLEY, IDAHO?
We recommend the Mountain Village Lodge; it is the largest hotel in Stanley and is the starting point for our river trip. Stanley is a very small town, but there are also a few other hotel options and everything in town is within walking distance. You may want to book a room for the night before your trip begins (those riding ASV’s Airport Shuttle will arrive in Stanley at approximately 6:30pm). Depending upon your plans after the trip, you may also need a room in Stanley on the day we get off the river (guests riding ASV’s Airport Shuttle will need a room that night).
