Middle Fork Region

This area encompasses trails, trailheads, camping and other recreation opportunities on the District that are generally reached from or near the Dagger-Boundary Road #568, the Artillery Dome Road #550, or other roads/routes along the western wilderness boundary.

There are two campgrounds, Boundary Creek and Dagger Falls, in this area. Boundary Creek is a popular campground for boaters beginning their float trips on the Middle Fork of the Salmon River. The Transfer Camp is a trailhead for the Middle Fork Trail and a long-term parking area for boaters.

This area encompasses trails, trailheads, camping and other recreation sites surrounding the Beaver-Loon Road #172, the Loon Creek Road #007 and the Indian Springs Road #004. This area is roughly bordered by the Middle Fork of the Salmon River to the north, Loon Creek and Warm Springs Creek to the east, the Wilderness boundary to the south, and the Seafoam country on the west.

Access roads are single-track dirt roads with high-elevation passes that are closed by snow during the winter. The Indian Springs Road #004 is steep, narrow, rough, and does not receive annual maintenance. There is a backcountry dirt airstrip (Upper Loon) near the end of the Loon Creek Road and near Tin Cup Campground and the Phillips Creek Trailhead.

This area generally encompasses trails, trailheads, camping and other recreation opportunities that are west/northwest of the Middle Fork of the Salmon River. It is roughly bordered by the river on the south and east, Marble Creek to the west, and the Payette National Forest to the north.

Allowed uses for this area include: Backpacking, Hiking, Horseback Riding; however, users should check the  Trail Condition Report before attempting. This trail is typically cleared annually, but users should be prepared for rock fall and downed trees. Portions of the trail are flooded by high water in the spring.

This trail is within the Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness. Wilderness regulations apply to all users, and visitors should follow the “Leave No Trace” land ethic.

This trail is also within the Wild & Scenic River Corridor; special regulations apply to all users within the 1/4 mile-wide river corridor. Everything must be packed out, including human waste and ashes. Fires must be contained within a fire pan. Use high-lines for stock outside of camp areas.

The river is heavily used by float boaters, who are assigned to stay in specific camps along the river. Other users may need to share camp space if a group of boaters is assigned to their camp.

Carry a saw and a shovel, appropriate clothing, a supply of food and water, and first aid gear. Cellphones do not have service in this area, and help is not readily available.

Designation of a trail or road should not be interpreted that the trail or road is passable, actively maintained or safe for travel. Seasonal weather conditions and natural events may render roads and trails impassable for extended periods. Many designated roads may only be passable by high-clearance or four-wheel drive vehicles. Maintenance of trails and roads will depend on available resources, and many may receive little maintenance. Users should exercise caution and take appropriate gear for the anticipated conditions and weather.

Hiking these trails, or portions of these trails, may include travel on or around private land. It is the landowners right to restrict access on their private land. Please respect private property. For more information or landowner contact information please contact the local County Assessor’s Office.

Click here for Information on Floating the Middle Fork of the Salmon River

Welcome to the remote and rugged mountains and rivers of Central Idaho. Each year, approximately 10,000 people float the Middle Fork of the Salmon River. The Middle Fork is a 104-mile free-flowing river in the heart of the Frank Church--River of No Return Wilderness, originating 20 miles northwest of Stanley, Idaho, at the confluence of Bear Valley and Marsh Creeks.

It was one of the original eight rivers in the nation designated as Wild and Scenic on October 2, 1968. The river moves through a variety of climates and land types; from alpine forest to high mountain desert to sheer, rock-walled canyon, the third deepest in North America.

The Middle Fork is administered under a permit system to provide a quality wilderness experience and to protect the river corridor from excessive human impacts. Part of that protection asks you, the user, to learn and practice Leave No Trace ethics. Because of its remote location, man's presence in the area was somewhat limited, leaving it in the condition we see today.

Only a few trails, landing strips, private ranches and Forest Service stations are evidence of man's intrusion. The Middle Fork is now an internationally recognized whitewater/wilderness float trip, known for its scenic beauty and crystal clear whitewater. It is a non-motorized floating experience with many technical rapids. These class III and IV+ rapids offer boating excitement for both families and experienced adventurers.

Hiking away from the river offers a taste of the wilderness experience and visitors may be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of how past inhabitants lived.

The Middle Fork of the Salmon River is usually not floated during the winter due to harsh conditions, low water levels and access difficulties. The river freezes over and ice and snow bridges are to be expected on the river and its tributaries during this time.

In the spring, road access to the Middle Fork is usually limited by snowdrifts and trees across the road. Depending on the amount of snow, spring weather and temperatures, the road to Boundary Creek may not open until sometime in mid-June. High water levels are also a concern once the runoff begins.

This area encompasses trails, trailheads, camping and other recreation sites that are generally accessed from the Seafoam area on the Middle Fork Ranger District. The Seafoam “bubble” is non-wilderness and contains the Josephus Campground and trailhead for the Soldier Lakes area. Be aware of the Wilderness boundaries.

This area encompasses trails, trailheads, and other recreation options originating mainly around the Sleeping Deer Road #086, a “cherry-stem” road west of Twin Peaks Saddle that is surrounded by the Frank Church--River of No Return Wilderness. This area is roughly bordered on the east by Camas Creek and Meyers Cove, by Loon Creek and Warm Springs to the west, the wilderness boundary to the south, and the Middle Fork of the Salmon River to the north. This area has seen a lot of fire activity over the years.

The Sleeping Deer Road is a single-track, high-elevation dirt road that opens late and closes early due to snow.