Rafting Trip Logistics and Details 

All Middle Fork Trips begin in Stanley, ID and end in Salmon, ID.

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Getting There

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How to get to Stanley:

We will have a pre-trip mandatory meeting at 6:00 p.m. the night before your launch date. Please plan to arrive in Stanley by 5:00 p.m. that evening.

  • Boise and Sun Valley are serviced by major U.S. carriers and provide ready access for corporate aircraft. Additionally, a smaller backcountry air charter can get you to Stanley, as well.

  • OR rent a car and enjoy the scenic mountain drive from either Boise (about 2.5 - 3 hours) or from Sun Valley (about an hour). There are shuttle services available to assist with getting your personal car or rental car from Stanley to the ending point in Salmon, Idaho. The cost typically runs approximately $150.

How to get to Thomas Creek Airstrip near Middle Fork Lodge if that is your starting point: 

Thomas Creek Airstrip is located approximately 100 miles northeast of Boise and approximately 35 miles from Stanley.  It is on the banks of the Middle Fork of the Salmon River and in the heart of Idaho’s famous 2.3 million acre Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness Area.

Access to Thomas Creek is by charter plane. A veteran backcountry pilot can fly you from Boise, Sun Valley, Salmon, Stanley or McCall airports. Your flight time will be approximately 45 minutes from Sun Valley, an hour from Boise and thirty minutes from Stanley, Cascade or McCall. You will be greeted by our staff once you land at Thomas Creek Airstrip. 

Charter planes to Thomas Creek Airstrip should be scheduled to arrive at 9:00 a.m. the morning your rafting trip begins.   

BACKCOUNTRY AIR CHARTER:  

Lodging

Lodging Before & After Your Trip : 

As mentioned above, you will need to arrive in Stanley, ID the night before your trip begins. We ask that you please make your reservation with ample time before your trip. Stanley is a busy place in the summer!  At the end of your trip with us, we will transport you back to Salmon, ID. We plan to be back in Salmon by approximately 3 p.m. on the last day of your trip. It is from there that you can set up your departure plans either back through Sun Valley, Boise or another point of origin. 

STANLEY LODGING: 

  • Mountain Village Lodge: 
    * Centrally located 60 Room Hotel and meeting spot the night before your trip | mountainvillagelodge.com | 800-843-5475

  • Redfish Lake Lodge: 
    * Scenic lodge and cabins on Redfish Lake | Located 8 miles south of Stanley | redfishlake.com | 208-774-3536

  • Idaho Rocky Mountain Ranch: 
    * Artfully renovated cabins and lodge rooms, elegant dining, hot springs | Located 10 miles south of stanley | idahorocky.com | 800-843-5475

SALMON LODGING: 

VEHICLE SHUTTLE SERVICE: 

View from the Idaho Rocky Mountain Ranch Porch

View from the Idaho Rocky Mountain Ranch Porch

What We Do

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MFL Rafting Company Provides the Following: 

  • Transportation from Stanley to Boundary Creek, the river put-in 

  • Transportation from the river take-out at Cache Bar to Salmon, ID 

  • Large dry bag for personal gear, smaller dry bag for essential items to keep handy on the raft

  • Sleeping Bag

  • Sleeping Pad

  • Sleeping Cot

  • Pillow

  • Camp Chairs

  • River-gourmet meals, snacks and beverages including beer, wine, coffee, tea, juice, water

What You Do

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Guest Responsibilities - Personal Gear | Packing List : 

•   Rain Jacket & Rain Pants
•   Fleece Jacket
•   Sun Hat
•   Swimsuit 
•   Sun Protection (sunscreen, bandana, long sleeve shirt)  
•    Sunglasses w/ Strap
•    Quick dry shorts (2 pair)
•    Quick dry shirts (1 long sleeve, 1 short sleeve) 
•    River Sandals | closed toe = best  (Teva, Chaco, Keen ) 
•    Hiking or Casual Shoes for Camp 
•   Socks (1-2 pairs) 
•   Comfortable Pants, Skirts, Cotton Shorts for in camp 
•   Long Underwear
•   Beanies & Gloves
•   Headlamp/Flashlight
•   Journal/Notebook/Book
•   Small Camera (+ waterproof case) 
•   Personal Medications
•   Water Bottle w/ Carabiner
•   Insect Repellent 
•   Small Towel 
•   Toiletries
•   Small day pack (optional) 
•   Fishing Gear and License

Guest Responsibilities: 

  • Personal Gear (see list below) 

  • Transportation to the beginning point either to Stanley, ID or Thomas Creek Airstrip. 

  • Transportation from the ending point in Salmon, ID. You will be transported by bus from the take-out point at Cache Bar to Salmon, Idaho. With prior arrangements, your car can be waiting in Salmon or we can drop you off at the Salmon airport for your air charter back back to Boise, Sun Valley or other point of origin.

  • Conditions may require us to fly into an alternate airstrip in rare situations | Typically $125/person 

  • Tipping river guides: Gratuities are always appreciated, but optional. Tips are generally 15% of your total trip cost.

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Weather

Weather in the Frank Church Wilderness can vary greatly. You can experience a wide range of temperatures from cold and rainy to hot, dry and sunny. The area is semi-arid and summer daytime temperatures range from 75 to 95 degrees with evening temperatures dropping down into the 40s and 50s. Summer thunderstorms can occur. Quality gear for diverse conditions will be your best bet for a comfortable trip.

Types of Boats

Types of Boats on the River :

  • Oar Boat | Operated by a professional guide, carries up to four people, smoothest river experience, most common

  • Paddle Boat |   Designed for more active participants. Each participant has a paddle to help negotiate the raft down the rapids. A professional guide is on board, also paddling, and sits in the rear of the boat calling commands for all paddlers. Prior to the trip, please let us know if you are interested in this option.    

  • Inflatable Kayaks | Available upon request, IK’s give you the control. Guides will provide directions, but are not on board. 

  • Gear Boats | 2 gear boats per party that will travel downstream to set up camp for your comfort

Fishing

If you plan on fishing during your river trip you will need to secure a license. This can easily be done by visiting: https://id.outdoorcentral.us 

The entirety of the Middle Fork Stretch of the Salmon is under catch and release laws and single-barbless hooks are used when fishing. If you plan on fishing please feel free to bring your own gear and please call our office for more detailed gear recommendations.  

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The River Awaits