Idaho Wilderness Company - Rafting, Fishing, and Hunting in Idaho!

Idaho Wilderness Company

800-581-0856

Middle Fork of the Salmon River

Floating or Fishing the Middle Fork of the Salmon River

Frequently Asked Questions

We can answer any questions you may have, however our past guests are the best resource available to you. Contact us for a complete list. Don't feel uncomfortable about calling anyone on this list. Everyone on the list has graciously agreed to volunteer their time and memories to help you become a part of this truly spectacular trip. They will be only too happy to answer questions, dissipate your fears, and probably just remember their own trip with you.

Questions:

  1. Do guests get hurt on rafting trips?
  2. Can I handle a "Wilderness float/camping trip" if I have never been camping before?
  3. You have a list of gear that we are recommended to bring. Is it all necessary - are you sure that's all I will need?
  4. When should I begin to plan my Middle Fork Adventure?
  5. Will it be safe for my children?
  6. What are the bathroom facilities?
  7. Is 6 days too long? Will we get bored?
  8. How many people will be in my tent?
  9. Can I receive a reference list?
  10. Can I bathe, shower, maintain my personal level of hygiene, etc?
  11. Why do prices vary between the different rafting companies on Middle Fork trips?

Answers

  1. Do guests get hurt on rafting trips?
    As with other aspects of your life, anything can happen. However, our safety record speaks for itself. The worst injury we have had is a dislocated finger, which occurred on land.
  2. Can I handle a "Wilderness float/camping trip" if I have never been camping before?
    Yes! Our guides are very experienced and can help you with almost every aspect of your vacation from learning how to fish to helping you through your first rapid in an inflatable kayak or even learning how to set up your own tent. Idaho Wilderness Company will do everything we can to ensure your first trip into the wilderness won't be your last. We are also available anytime to answer your questions and help with your pre-trip planning.
  3. You have a list of gear that we are recommended to bring. Is it all necessary - are you sure that's all I will need?
    We have put a great deal of time and thought into this list. (We also listen very carefully to past guest's suggestions) We feel very confident that if you bring what is recommended, you will have done your part for having a fantastic trip.
  4. When should I begin to plan my Middle Fork Adventure?
    The sooner, the better. Many peak season dates are filled over one year in advance. If you are date specific or you have a large group, contact us for available dates. It is never too late to start planning your trip.
  5. Will it be safe for my children?
    Our guides are extensively trained and extremely qualified as well as being licensed by the State of Idaho. All of our guests including children are issued a life jacket and are required to wear it at all times while floating the river. If you have concerns for the safety of your family, friends or yourself, we suggest you speak with some of our past guests. We can provide you with as many references as you would like. Contact us to request references.
  6. What are the bathroom facilities?
    Don't let the idea of primitive bathroom facilities overwhelm you. Thousands of guests have been pleasantly surprised with the convenience, privacy, and sanitary techniques you will utilize on your vacation. There will be some type of toilet facility at every camp.
  7. Is 6 days too long? Will we get bored?
    Most past guests say their 6-day trip was the perfect length. If you can only do a 3-4 day trip you will most likely have a sense of remorse knowing that you have missed any part of this trip. There are many activities for everyone on the Middle Fork. The Fishing is excellent. The Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness is the largest wilderness in the lower 48 states. It is just waiting to be explored by you. Perhaps you are looking for a quiet place for you and sweetie. You will have no problem finding your secluded hide away. Don't forget the guides are all wonderful storytellers, who are always willing to talk, if they have an audience. ("I had the best time of my life. The guides were great and so was the trip!" Parker Quinn, 10 years old) There is also many games that have been invented along the banks of the Middle Fork. ("In seventeen years, I have never had a guest who wished they had spent less time on the river." Steve Zettel)
  8. How many people will be in my tent?
    We furnish 4-man tents and supply enough that there will only be 2 people per tent. Most people, after they experience our arid climate and lack of insects, generally opt for several nights under the stars.
  9. Can I receive a reference list?
    Contact us and we will be happy to furnish you with a complete list. We can identify past user groups for you, be it mothers, families, professional groups, senior, etc.
  10. Can I bathe, shower, maintain my personal level of hygiene, etc?
    Hygiene is a real concern for everyone, and it should be. The reality regarding hygiene and Middle Fork is that it is easy and effective to maintain. A float trip is a surprisingly clean environment. Most days on the river involve swimming and bathing by using any one of the many natural hot springs or clear pools, along the river.
  11. Why do prices vary between the different rafting companies on Middle Fork trips?
    We feel that any trip you take down the Middle Fork of the Salmon will be a fantastic one. The outfitters on the Middle Fork all provide quality trips. Beware however, that no two outfitters will do things the same. Their service will vary with trip specifics such as: menu, trip length, provided or unprovided gear, rules, pre and post trip services, such as: hotels, meals, travel and most importantly price. It is our observation after 17 years of experience on the river that a higher priced trip does not necessarily equate to a higher quality trip. We are very specific in our information about what we include. If you have any questions contact us.
    The following are some reasons why prices vary:
    1. Some companies provide additional services such as hotel rooms or airfare.
    2. There can be different trip lengths as well as different times to go. We offer discounts for trips that are not as convenient (perhaps) for everyone's schedule. We also offer group discounts. Please contact us for more information.
    3. There are specialty trips ran by some companies who may charge more for this service. For example: some companies feature specialized fishing trips, others do kayak support trips. Please contact us with your specific needs.
    4. Sometimes the basic services vary. Be sure to check out the gear we provide as well as our food and beverage page. This is a good way to see what you are getting for your money.
    5. Sometimes there is no noticeable reason. Different companies just charge different rates.
    6. Price gouging is also possible. Be sure to know what you are going to receive for the cost of the trip.