 .........Which to Choose The Middle and Main Forks of the Salmon River have all the right ingredients for the perfect wilderness river trip -- outstanding scenery, great weather, and fun whitewater. Each has its own personality, and one is bound to match yours. If you can't choose, do them both as a combination trip.
The remote Middle Fork runs cold, clear, quick, and steep, through changing terrain, past cliffs and hot springs. More a roller coaster than staircase, the Main Salmon is a muscular river -- big water, but big beaches and pools, too. Its water is warmer and its rapids user friendly, which is great for families with children.
The time of year you choose to take your trip makes a big difference in your experience. Some folks prefer the raging rivers of early June, while others want a more mellow float in late summer. Both rivers mellow as summer progresses: The water warms and rapids become tamer. The difficulty of both rivers is rated Class III to IV on the international scale of I to VI. (Class I is moving flat water and Class VI is almost impossible without serious consequences). We think you'll agree it's hard to pick a favorite between them, so try both on a combination trip with an overnight between at a riverside guest ranch. One river isn't better than the other, just different. To put all this in perspective, check out a Map of Idaho. |
