KAYAK SUPPORT TRIPS
DISCOVER OUR KAYAK SUPPORT TRIPS
The Middle Fork Salmon River is truly one of America’s finest multi-day kayaking rivers. If you’re a hardshell or inflatable kayaker we’d love to have you join us. We also welcome guests wishing to canoe or stand-up paddle board the Middle Fork. You can bring your own boat or SUP, rent one or use one of our inflatable kayaks. In every case, our experienced guides will provide you with a strong lead while receiving the same Pampered Camping™ experience we offer all of our guests. We take care of all logistics, camping and cooking equipment, hauling of gear and unbelievable gourmet meals. In fact, camp will be set up and waiting each day with a fire going as you get out of your kayak. Your only job is to focus on your amazing vacation!
When should you come? For the adventure seekers, early June offers the exhilarating rush of peak level water as the snow recedes in the high country and exciting flows can last well into July. For a slower river experience with plenty of time to surf waves, work on your skills or just enjoy the solitude of the river, try mid- to late- summer. We will work with you to assess your skills, our shuttle driver can pick up your rental boat, and in every case our experienced guides will be there to provide you with strong guidance and assistance every step of the way. Check out our Launch Dates and Pricing.
How Does Your Kayaking Skill Level Match the Middle Fork?
If you have a reliable river roll and are very comfortable running Class III water, you will find the Middle Fork of the Salmon River enjoyable at June flows. This time of year would compare to the skills required to run the Lower Yough, the Cheat and New at lower levels or the Ocoee, Wenatchee and South Fork of the American, Little Falls or Mathers Gorge of the Potomac at medium flows. If not, consider coming in mid- to late- summer when conditions are more mellow and you will have plenty of opportunity to play in your boat, surf great waves and improve your skills.
What Type of River Is The Middle Fork?
The Middle Fork is typical of a Western River. The upper section starts as a boisterous mountain stream with continuous gradient of over 50 feet per mile. Unlike Eastern rivers that may have a heinous drop requiring solid boat control and a pool at the bottom, the Middle Fork in spring is a continuous Class II wave train with forgiving features. A few Class III rapids with must-miss holes are interspersed.
The middle section of the Middle Fork sees the river mellow out a bit. The gradient decreases and the river widens out. A few signature rapids, many with great surfing spots, appear. For the most part however, you can drift in your boat with an occasional paddle stroke to change your view of the scenery.
As the lower section of the Middle Fork enters Impassable Canyon the river becomes more constricted in the manner of many desert river canyons. Many drops are not formed by gradient, but by constriction. Powerful eddy lines and fun reactionary waves dominate the river. As always, our guides will be there to provide you with strong lead throughout the trip.
WHAT IS PAMPERED CAMPING?
Our amazing trips feature gourmet food and a hot shower along with our “You Don’t Lift a Finger Service” ! At the end of each day, you’ll find a welcoming camp to greet you after a fun day on the river. The camp will be ready with tents, chairs, fire circle, toilet facility, hot shower and wash stations. Land on the beach, select your tent and a guide will deliver your bag so you can lay out your warm sleeping bag, change your clothing and settle in for the night. When you’re ready, join the group for appetizers, cold drinks and a warm fire … or if you prefer, relax in your tent, read a book or explore the area. After a delicious guide-prepared meal, most guests linger around the campfire sharing stories, stargazing, playing games and soaking up the magnificent scenery.
RIVER MENU DAY 1 & 2
RIVER MENU DAY 3 & 4