Middle Fork of the Salmon River

Permits Required

A permit is required year-round to be on the waters of the Middle Fork of the Salmon River. The permitted section begins at Dagger Falls and ends at the confluence with the Main Salmon River.

Launch Date

A maximum of seven float boat parties (commercial and non-commercial) are allowed to launch per day. The launch date on your reservation is the day that you will enter the waters of the permitted stretch. If you launch from a tributary, the launch date still refers to the day that you enter the permitted stretch, regardless of the day that you launched on the tributary. If you fly in, the launch date still refers to the day that you put in the waters of the Middle Fork from that fly-in location. Permit launch dates cannot be adjusted.

How do I make a reservation for a permit?

To obtain a permit to float the river, a person must first make a reservation in Recreation.gov, which handles all Middle Fork reservations, lottery applications, cancellations, and payments. Check Middle Fork of the Salmon (4 Rivers) or call 877-444-6777 to look for an available date and learn more about pre/post season and lottery control season guidelines. 

Lottery Control Season (May 28 - September 3):

Reservations for private boating permits are initially assigned by a randomized lottery. Applications are accepted annually from December 1 through January 31. Boaters are notified on February 14th whether or not their lottery application was successful. All successful lottery reservations must be accepted and confirmed by March 15th, or they will be revoked.

Pre/Post Seasons (before May 28 and after September 3):

Reservations for the next year are available on a first-come, first-served basis beginning October 1 at 8:00 AM Mountain Time.

I have a Reservation. How do I get my Permit?

In 2025, the Salmon-Challis National Forest will issue permits through the River Office by email 5 or 6 days before the launch date. When you reserve a permit on recreation.gov you will receive a confirmation email explaining the new process. Please note that your reservation in Recreation.gov is not the permit itself, which will come separately. 

A reservation is not a guarantee that you will be able to float the river. The Middle Fork of the Salmon is a wild river. Natural events such as wildfire, debris flows, logjams, or other events may prevent you from being able to carry out your trip as planned. The Forest Service cannot guarantee that all access points will be available on your launch date or that the entire stretch of river will be navigable on your launch date.

Reserving a Cancellation

Cancelled reservations are made available on Recreation.gov as follows:

• Cancelled reservations for dates outside of the lottery control season are randomly released within 24 hours of cancellation
• Reservations for dates during the lottery control season that are cancelled during the confirmation period (February 14 – March 15) are released on March 16 at 8:00 AM Mountain Time
• Reservations for dates during the lottery control season that are cancelled after March 16 at 8:00 AM Mountain Time are randomly released within 24 hours of cancellation
• If you pick up a cancellation fewer than 14 days before the launch date, immediately contact the River Office during business hours to request camps and obtain a valid permit at sm.fs.middlefork@usda.gov.

Commercial Allocations

Commercial Outfitters are allocated launches to operate on the Middle Fork and Main Salmon. If you are interested in information about commercial outfitted trips, contact the Salmon-Challis National Forest Recreation Special Uses office at SM.FS.sc_recsu@usda.gov or call 208-756-5100.

Campsite Requests on the Middle Fork of the Salmon

In 2025 the Salmon-Challis National Forest will issue permits in advance through the River Office by email.

For the 2025 boating season, river permits are issued in advance through email. Please watch the 2025 MF and Main Salmon Campsite Requests & Permit Issuance video to understand the new process.

A camp request form will be emailed to the permit holder 14 days prior to the launch date.

For launch dates between May 21 and December 31, a camp request form will be emailed to the permit holder 14 days prior to the launch date. 

The email will instruct you, the permit holder, to finalize your permit reservation details in recreation.gov no later than 7 days prior to the launch date.  Enter all names of people going on the trip, confirm the number of days you will be floating (refer to the Group Size and Trip Length regulations), and pay all fees.

You will request your camps through a Camp Request Form (a link will be in the email sent out 14 days in advance). Camp requests need to be submitted no later than 7 days prior to your launch date. A camp request form can only be submitted once. If a camp request form is not submitted in time or camp requests are not appropriate to assign due to group size or other camp restrictions, the River Clerk will assign the best available option.

When requesting camps, remember the following:

• Refer to the River Camps on the Middle Fork of the Salmon list, or to the table of campsites in the next section of this page.
• Only one hot springs campsite may be assigned per group. A hot springs camp is not guaranteed. If your group requests hot springs camps on multiple nights, be advised you will still only receive, at maximum, one.
• Boaters assigned to stay in heritage campsites will receive additional information regarding restrictions intended to protect cultural artifacts in the area.
• Only one camp may be assigned below Big Creek (Mile 77.9) during lottery control season.
• Layover requests may be approved on a case-by-case basis and are only allowed at camps identified on the River Camp list. During the Lottery Control Season (May 28 - September 3), the River Clerk office will follow strict adherence to campsite size and layovers will be limited.
• Smaller groups are often required to take smaller campsites (groups of 12 or less).
• Assigned camps do NOT guarantee exclusive use. If other users– backpackers, stock users, etc. – are using an assigned camp, your group will need to share the campsite. Be prepared to encounter this around hot springs and airstrips.

The River Clerk will email your permit 5 or 6 days before your launch date. Once you receive your permit, print it and sign it.  You need to have a hard copy of a signed permit with you on the trip.

Permit details and camp assignments are FINAL and cannot be changed once the permit has been issued. Staff at Boundary Creek and Indian Creek will not modify your permit.

When you arrive at the launch site you may be greeted by a River Checker who will:

• Ask to see a signed permit, verify the permit holder’s identification, and ensure that all the required gear is present and meets standards.
• Check that the group is in compliance with Idaho’s Aquatic Invasive Species regulations.
• Give the group an orientation talk.

Permit holders who pick up a cancellation fewer than 14 days before the launch date should immediately contact the River Office during business hours to request camps and obtain a permit: sm.fs.middlefork@usda.gov. Launching without a valid permit may result in a fine, or imprisonment, or both. (Title 16 USC and/or Title 18 USC 3571 (b)(6)).

Review and understand all trip requirements in the Need-to-Know section on Recreation.gov and in the subsequent sections of this page.

The following list of campsites is provided for your convenience. As a permit holder, you should become familiar with the campsites you plan to request through your own experience, other experienced boaters, or your preferred guidebook.

Only one hot springs campsite may be assigned per group. A hot springs camp is not guaranteed. If your group requests hot springs camps on multiple nights, be advised you will still only receive, at maximum, one.

Boaters assigned to stay in heritage campsites will receive additional information regarding restrictions intended to protect cultural artifacts in the area.

"Hot Springs" camps are denoted in bold, while "Heritage" camps are shown in italics.

Duties of the Permit Holder

As the permit holder, you must be present, in possession of your issued permit, and remain with the group for the entire duration of the river trip. You will present your permit upon request of any Forest employee. In addition, you are responsible for the behavior of your group. 

Reservations are Non-Transferable

Reservations are non-transferable and alternate trip leaders are not allowed. The Forest strictly adheres to this policy. Please make a reservation only if you are fully able to commit to the trip. The number of launches each season is limited, and a reservation is very difficult to obtain. Please protect boater opportunities by fully committing to your launch.

Minimum Age

Permit holder must be at least 18 years old by the launch date

Number of Reservations/Permits Allowed per Person

Each person is limited to one permit during the lottery control season and may only hold one reservation for a permit at a time during this season. However, it is possible to hold multiple reservations and be issued more than one permit outside of control season.

Group Size and Trip Length

Group size determines trip length during the Lottery Control Season, regardless of where you put in on the river:

• 1 to 10 People - up to 8 Days (7 nights)
• 11 to 20 People - up to 7 Days (6 nights)
• 21 to 24 People - up to 6 Days (5 nights) 

Outside the Lottery Control Season, the maximum group size is 24 and the maximum trip length is 8 days.

Watercraft limits during Chinook Spawning Season

Between August 8 and September 15, a maximum of 12 watercraft are allowed per permit in order to protect spawning Chinook Salmon. At all other times of the year, there is no limit to the number of watercraft allowed in your group, so long as all have Idaho AIS stickers if required.

Group Members

A complete and accurate list of trip participants must be entered into the Group Member section of the reservation on Recreation.gov prior to permit issuance. Pass holders receiving a discount should be prepared to present their pass and a photo ID.

Definition of a private float trip

A river trip is not commercial if (1) There is a bona fide sharing of actual expenses, including transportation to and from the site; (2) The trip does not include any costs for payment of salaries or expenses of any person to help with the trip or logistics of the trip; (3) Costs shared by trip members may include the costs of damaged or lost equipment, renting or buying minor equipment but not the acquisition of new equipment to the advantage of an individual or an organization. Persons involved in unauthorized commercial operations are subject to a fine and/or imprisonment (Title 16 USC and/or Title 18 USC 3571 (b)(6)).

The permit is non-transferable. Alternate trip leaders are not allowed. If you cannot go on your reserved launch date, you must cancel it.

The launch date and the permit holder’s name on a reservation cannot be changed.

Details such as entry/exit locations, group members, # watercraft, and trip length, are entered in Recreation.gov. The details of your reservation must be finalized in Recreation.gov no later than 7 days prior to your launch date. The River Clerk will email your permit 5 or 6 days before your launch date. Permit details are FINAL and cannot be changed once the permit has been issued. Staff at launch sites will not modify your permit. 

To launch on the Middle Fork of the Salmon River, you must carry the following equipment, at all times of the year, without exception:

• Govt. Issued Photo ID of the Permit Holder
• Porta Potty System
• Metal Firepan (minimum of 144 sq in with 3-in sides) - even if you do not plan on having a fire
• Fire Blanket - New Requirement since 2023
• Ash Container (prefer metal) - even if you do not plan on having a fire
• Mesh Strainer (fine enough to filter coffee grounds)
• Shovel
• Bucket
• State of Idaho Invasive Species Sticker for each boat, as applicable --> https://idfg.idaho.gov/info/boat-stickers

Kayakers - scroll down for information about allowances for space limitations.

Shovel and Bucket

Shovels that fold are acceptable. Buckets can be a large cooking pot.

Firepans and Ash Containers

A firepan can be any metal container with sides that are at least three inches high and that is large enough to prevent your fire and ashes from spilling onto the ground. Unmodified garbage can lids are NOT acceptable.

For an ash container, you must have a metal or hard-plastic container with a sealable lid, such as an ammo-can, five-gallon paint can, or a heavy-duty plastic bucket. Plastic bags or dry bags are not acceptable.

Fire Blankets - New Requirement since 2023

The fire blanket is a heat-resistant cloth that is placed on the ground under the firepan and is meant to catch the embers and charred wood that inevitably escapes to the ground. The blanket makes it easier to meet the requirement of packing out all your ashes and leaving a clean camp for the next visitor. The fire blanket must be in good condition and be of sufficient size to catch coals and ashes around the fire pan.

Porta Potty

All boating parties on the Middle Fork Salmon River are required to carry porta-potties with sufficient capacity to carry out all human and pet feces for their group.

Commercial units are widely available and may be rented or purchased. Another way of transporting solid waste is to use airtight ammo cans (rocket boxes). 

Toilet systems that use disposable bags are only acceptable for self-contained kayak groups or for use as a day potty.

Your equipment will generally include:

• Commercial porta-potty or ammo cans (the big ones – commonly 18ꞌꞌ x 8ꞌꞌ x 14ꞌꞌ). Sand and paint the inside of your potty for ease in emptying and washing. Coat with a non-stick spray or cooking oil before use. The number of people and the length of the trip determines the number of cans or tanks (a person generates approximately 1 lb of waste per day). It usually takes one large ammo can to hold 70 to 80 person-days of waste, so for an 8-day, 10-person trip, you would need at least one ammo can for waste and one for equipment.
• Toilet seat and toilet paper (no wipes in the porta potty!)
• Deodorant chemical that is compatible with the SCAT machine
• Hand-washing bucket, soap, and a garbage container for feminine hygiene items, wipes, and/or other items. Only toilet paper and solid waste goes into the porta-potty. These other items will plug up the SCAT machine.
• Straps to secure the toilet to the SCAT machine for cleaning (usually two 3-foot straps for ammo cans, longer ones for bucket and some commercial types).

Kayakers and Required Gear

Kayakers must carry all the required equipment; however, due to space limits, allowances are made for self-supported trips. Please find below some suggestions for meeting the equipment requirements.

Firepan/Ash Transport Requirements

The firepan must be fire-resistant, provide a minimum fire surface area of 144 square inches, and have sides at least 2 inches higher than the base of the pan. The firepan may be rigid, folding, and/or collapsible.

Suggestions for Firepans: large baking pans, a couple of heavy-duty disposable aluminum roasters with a fire blanket underneath, or homemade sheet metal pans.

The ash container must be metal or hard plastic, have a waterproof seal, and provide 300 cubic inches of storage space. Gallon paint cans or Tupperware-type containers work well. A one-gallon can and a half-gallon can, together, would exceed 300 cubic inches.

Special Consideration for Kayakers and Fire: The fire-building kayaker will need to pay special attention to reducing the volume of ash or charcoal that accumulates during a float trip. When a fire is deemed necessary, the fire should be small, using only small pieces of wood and/or other fuel that will burn completely. The fire should be tended and stirred frequently to encourage complete burn down. The ashes and charcoal from the first fire should be laid under each subsequent fire to finish the burn down process.

When using relatively small firepans, there is increased likelihood that some of the fire may escape from the pan in the form of charcoal, partially burned wood, or ash. Carefully clean the firepan area of all evidence of any fire.

Porta-Potty Requirements

For kayakers, a Porta-Potty can be a plastic pail with a snap-on lid (such as an ice cream container). The lid must seal tightly in order to be approved. Dry Clorox, Pine-Sol, or similar may help reduce odor. The container should have some type of vent to release methane gas build up.

Biodegradable plastic bag systems (e.g., WAG bags) are allowed for self-support trips only if they are meant to be disposed of in landfills. These compact dry toilet systems are not SCAT machine compatible. These systems must be accompanied by a waterproof hard-shell container to hold the used waste bags.

Other Equipment Ideas

Strainer = cheesecloth

Bucket = cooking pot

Shovel = paddle

PFD Requirements

The State of Idaho regulates the use of PFDs. For more information and legal requirements, check these links:

https://parksandrecreation.idaho.gov/activities/boating/life-jacket-safety/#:~:text=Children%2014%20and%20under%20must,skis)%20and%20fishing%20float%20tubes.

http://wow.uscgaux.info/content.php?unit=130-11-04&category=1323385282

https://www.boatsmartexam.com/knowledge-base/article/idahos-life-jacket-laws/

If you cannot make the trip, you must cancel your reservation in Recreation.gov. Do so as soon as possible to maximize boater opportunities to float the river.

During the lottery control season, failure to cancel by 11:59 PM Mountain Time 21 days prior to your launch date will trigger a Late Cancellation Penalty, which restricts you from holding a permit on this river for three years. To calculate the 21 days, start counting backwards from your launch date, where the day before is one day prior and so on, e.g., if launch date is June 22, cancellation must occur by 11:59 PM of June 1.

Outside of the control season, cancellation must occur three days prior to the launch date to avoid the penalty.

Exceptions: a reservation can be cancelled up to three days prior to your launch date under any of the following circumstances, but it still must be cancelled to avoid a No-Show penalty:

• Water levels exceed 5.0 feet, and your launch date is within 14 days
• The road to Boundary Creek is not open, and your launch date is within 14 days
• You purchased your lottery control season reservation within 21 days of your launch date

Recreation fees will be refunded to your credit card within a few days. 

The $6.00 reservation fee is non-refundable. 

No-Show Policy

If you do not launch on your permit date, you will be documented as a No-Show. Failure to submit a cancellation of your reservation also categorizes you as a No-Show.

No-Shows will not receive a refund of any prepaid fees and are restricted from holding a permit on this river for three years.

Control Season Cancellation Scenarios:

Andy won a reservation through the lottery.  Andy’s reservation ENTRY date is Aug 24.  Unfortunately, Andy has a hair appointment on Aug 28 that he cannot reschedule.  According to the cancellation instructions Andy can cancel on Aug 3 by 11:59 p.m. Mountain Time without being penalized. Andy was able to cancel on Aug 1 without any problems.

Judy stayed up all night monitoring recreation.gov for a cancellation.  Judy booked a reservation outside of the 21-cancellation day window.   At 8 a.m. on Aug 3, she picks up a reservation for an ENTRY date of Aug 24.  With all the excitement she forgot about a horse-riding class on Aug 26 that she must attend.  If she does not cancel by Aug 3, 11:59 p.m. Mountain Time she will be penalized.

Hannah booked a reservation inside of the 21-cancellation day window.  On Aug 8 Hannah picks up a cancellation for an Aug 24 ENTRY date.  Hannah is supposed to get married on Aug 27.  Her hope chest has only boat gear in it.  Statistically it’s easier to get married then pull a Middle Fork of the Salmon permit.  Luckily since Hannah’s control season launch is within 21 days of when she reserved it, the reservation can be cancelled 3 days prior to her ENTRY date.

Andy and Judy must cancel their Aug 24 reservation by Aug 3, 11:59 p.m. Mountain Time.

Hannah can cancel her Aug 24 reservation by Aug 21, 11:59 p.m. Mountain Time.

To cancel without being penalized Andy and Judy need to calculate the 21 days, start counting backwards, where the day before is one day prior and so on, e.g., if launch date is Aug 24, cancellation must occur by 11:59 p.m. Mountain Time of Aug 3.  See the calendar below:

Image

To cancel without being penalized Hannah needs to calculate the 3 days, start counting backwards, where the day before is one day prior and so on, e.g., if launch date is Aug 24, cancellation must occur by 11:59 p.m. Mountain Time of Aug 21. 

What are the fees for floating the Middle Fork or the Main Salmon?

Floating either river requires payment of a per-person recreation fee and a reservation fee.

Everyone floating these rivers will pay $4.00 per person per day or have a valid Salmon Rivers Season Pass.

There is a $6 reservation fee that will be charged when booking a reservation in Recreation.gov.

How do I pay my fees?

The reservation holder is responsible for paying fees through Recreation.gov. Trip details, including the number of people and days, should be updated and paid for at least seven days prior to the launch date to ensure issuance of permit by email prior to the launch.

Interagency Passes

A fee reduction of 50% is available to Senior or Access Pass holders. The pass number must be entered into the reservation details in Recreation.gov for each group member with such a pass. Persons receiving this discount must be prepared to present their pass, along with their photo ID, to any USFS personnel at launch sites.

The "America the Beautiful" Interagency Annual Pass does not provide a discount on permit recreation fees.

Salmon River Season Passes

Season Passes are local passes that are available for purchase from the Salmon-Challis National Forest. The cost is $40.00.

The Season Pass entitles the holder (not other members of their party) to float the Middle Fork and/or Salmon Rivers without further payment of Recreation Fees for one year from the date of purchase.

To order, complete this order form and allow 2-3 weeks for processing. 

OR CALL 

Public Lands Center, Salmon-Challis National Forest. phone number:  208-756-5100

North Fork Ranger District, Salmon-Challis National Forest.  phone number:  208-865-2700

To receive the discount, the pass number must be entered into the reservation details in Recreation.gov for that Group Member.

Refund and Change Policy

If you reduce the number of people or days or cancel your reservation in Recreation.gov, your recreation fees will be refunded back to the credit card associated with your Recreation.gov account.

You will not be refunded the $6 application fee.

No-shows (permit holders who fail to cancel or pick up their permit) will not receive any refund of prepaid fees.

The Forest Service does not maintain or publish lists of businesses providing services or equipment. To obtain names, addresses, and phone numbers for shuttle or flight services and/or equipment rental or suppliers, contact the Idaho Outfitters & Guide Association (208-342-1438 or ioga.org) or local Chambers of Commerce.

• Challis Area Chamber of Commerce - 208-879-2771
• Stanley-Sawtooth Chamber of Commerce - 208-774-3411
• Greater Salmon Valley Chamber of Commerce - 208-742-1800

For more information about visiting Idaho, including a free state map, call 1-800-847-4843 or visit this website.

This page is intended for all members of a group to review. The permit holder is responsible for ensuring that their group has read this information. The permit holder is also responsible for ensuring that their group will follow the rules and guidelines described below.

Checking In and Boat Inspection

Boats must be inspected and tagged by Forest Service personnel prior to being put in the water!

Boaters can arrive the afternoon prior to their launch date to begin the check-in process with Forest Service personnel. Do NOT put your boat in the water without a tag.

If launching from Boundary Creek, become familiar with the Boundary Creek Ramp Etiquette.

Please be courteous, considerate, and patient at the launch sites.

Aquatic Invasive Species Prevention

Boats must be CLEAN, DRAINED, and DRY when arriving at the launch sites. Forest Service will inspect your boat prior to issuing your boat tag. You may be asked to clean your boat, if needed.

Idaho State Boating Law requires that all vessels display the Aquatic Invasive Species Permit Sticker to legally launch and operate on Idaho waters. Inflatable, non-motorized vessels less than 10 feet long are exempt. Go to Idaho's Invasive Species web page for vendor locations, to purchase your sticker(s) online, to locate inspection stations, and for additional information. You can also call 800-247-6332 for assistance and purchase options. 

Stickers must be obtained before arriving at the launch site. Proof of purchase (e.g., receipt) is sufficient to meet this requirement. 

What is an invasive species?

An invasive species is defined as a plant, animal, or microbe, including its seeds, eggs, spores or other biological material that is non-native to the ecosystem. The goal of the Salmon-Challis National Forest invasive species program is to reduce, minimize or eliminate the potential for introduction, establishment, spread, and impact of invasive species. Aquatic invasive species that are of the most concern to the Middle Fork of the Salmon River are New Zealand mud snails, Hydrilla, curly-leaf pond weed, zebra mussels, quagga mussels, and whirling disease. Preventing these invasive species that are of most concern will also prevent other species.

How can you prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species?

The small size of some of these species make them very easy to overlook and accidentally transport to new locations.

To minimize the potential spread, follow these simple steps:

• CHECK all recreational gear and clothing that has come in contact with water for any visible signs of sand, mud, or plant fragments which may indicate a tiny hitchhiker.
• CLEAN all gear before leaving a site by scrubbing with a brush and rinsing with water.
• DRAIN all of the water from your boat, trailer, tackle and gear before leaving the area.
• DISINFECT your gear (especially waders and boots) before traveling to a different water body. Freeze your gear for a minimum of 6 hours (< 26°F), soak gear in a hot water bath for 5 minutes (≥ 120°F) (not recommended for Gortex), or soak gear in undiluted Formula 409 for at least 10 minutes.
• DRY your gear completely (at least 48 hours) after each use.
• NEVER transport live fish or any other aquatic plant or animal from one water body to another – it is illegal!
• RESEARCH aquatic invasive species in areas you have been recreating to understand what species could potentially be on your boat or gear.

Aquatic Invasive Species Prevention in the Middle Fork of the Salmon River

Drinking Water

The Forest Service maintains potable water systems at Boundary Creek and Indian Creek Guard Stations. Check the Middle Fork of the Salmon (4 Rivers) page on Recreation.gov where we will post updates if water is NOT available at these locations. 

Do not drink untreated water. Filter it, boil it, or treat it chemically prior to consumption.

Gray Water and Food/Kitchen Waste

Use your strainer to filter out all food particles from your dishwater and cans. Use the buckets to catch the liquid wastes, then toss the water over a broad area above the high-water mark after doing dishes (the soap and bleach help with odors).

Grease and/or oily wastes should be burned or packed out. Do not pour any grease into streams. Pack it out using a sealed container, or burn it in your fire pan.

Protect Wildlife

Food attracts ants, bees, and other critters, including bears. Use a napkin or paper plate to catch food particles, including crumbs, to avoid attracting wildlife and insects. To reduce the temptation for animals to seek out and snack on your food, put away all food and drink items following mealtimes and ensure that storage containers are tightly closed. Please do not feed the wildlife. A fed bear is a dead bear, and our food can spoil the squirrels’ stash of natural foodstuffs.

Avoid pouring out any drinks on the ground, except water. Designate a bucket for unfinished drinks and liquids, and as long as there is no grease or soap in the liquid, you can pour it into the current.

Soap and Toothpaste

Use any soap products, including toothpaste, well above the high-water mark. This is true even for biodegradable soap. Liquids (leftover pop, coffee, etc.) should be diluted and put into the current.

Toothpaste should be diluted then spit above the high-water mark. Diluting prevents white toothpaste splotches around the camps.

Garbage and Recycling

With trash, it’s the little things that count. More than 10,000 people float through this 104-mile stretch of river - if each person left a twist-tie, a cigarette butt, or a gum wrapper, you could imagine what the camps would look like after a month or so. After you have your boats packed, but before you leave camp, have your group do a thorough search for micro-trash, and don’t forget to check tree branches for items that may have been hung up. Leave campsites clean and natural looking.

Garbage dumpsters are available at the Newland Ranch site.

An aluminum recycling station is also available at the Newland Ranch site for your convenience. Proceeds go to the Ronald McDonald House of Idaho for the benefit of sick or injured children.

Human Waste (and Dogs too)

Urine should go into the river or on the wet sand at the river’s edge. For the more modest folks, or for use at night, offer a pee bucket (no TP in the bucket), then dump the urine into the current, not in the eddy or slack water.

Solid waste goes in the porta-potty. If you take any dogs, pack out their feces too. Keep a garbage bag near the potty. Do not put anything in the potty except feces and toilet paper. DO NOT put wipes (not even flushable wipes), tampons, sanitary napkins, sand, ashes, kitty litter, or other foreign matter, in the porta-potty, as these will clog the SCAT machine and create costly repairs and down time. 

Helpful hint: Before loading on the morning of your take-out, add some water to your porta-potty. The sloshing action of the boats and the vehicles helps loosen materials and makes the unit easier to clean at the SCAT machine.

The SCAT machine is installed at Newland Ranch, one mile downriver from the North Fork Ranger Station. This machine dumps and sanitizes 20mm ammo cans, 5-gallon buckets, and high-tech toilets, operating somewhat like a giant dishwasher. Operation of the machine is free (paid by your recreation use fees), but you will need to supply the straps. An RV dump station port is also available for porta-potties that are not compatible with the SCAT machine.

If your porta-potty contains anything but toilet paper and human/pet waste, you cannot use the SCAT machine. Please notify the North Fork Ranger District if there are any problems or issues that need corrected at Newland Ranch.

Camping

Camp in the assigned camps listed on the permit. All group members must camp together. Although assigned to boating parties, this does not imply exclusive use. You may need to share with other Forest users. 

Use of Firepan and Fire Blanket

Fires must be built in a firepan. Carry out ashes.

It is a good idea to use some type of grill with legs to set cookpots on. Barbecue grills make good cooking surfaces.

Bottle or liquid gas stoves may be used but must be accompanied by a firepan and ash container. 

Driftwood to fuel your campfire is often plentiful. Gather only what you will use while in the camp. Avoid creating large piles of driftwood at camps. Gather only dead and down wood (wood that is on the ground). Cutting standing trees (live or dead) is prohibited.

We recommend that you carry a supply of charcoal for your firepan, in case the camps have been cleaned of wood, or fire restrictions go into effect. During periods of extreme wildfire danger, open fires may be restricted to charcoal only in your firepans, or complete closure to open fires.

Recommendations for using your firepan:

• Before the fire is built, elevate pan off the ground three to four inches by using small rocks. This will prevent the scorching of vegetation or leaving a hot spot in the sand for someone to step on.
• Place a ½-inch layer of sand or dirt on the bottom of the pan. This prevents pan burnout and lengthens the life of your firepan.
• Use small wood for your morning fire. Let your fire burn down as completely as possible.
• Scoop ashes into ash container. Pour and stir a small amount of water into ashes to dampen. This procedure will cool down any hot ashes that are left. Pouring water into the firepan causes the pan to warp.
• When you rebuild your fire, place the dampened ashes into your firepan in place of the sand or dirt. Repeating this procedure every day continually burns the old ashes to a fine powder.
• Do not burn plastics or metal. These are likely to produce toxic fumes and it is a violation of Idaho State Law.

Dogs

Dogs are allowed on the Middle Fork, but they need to be under control at the guard stations, launches, and take-outs. Clean up after your dogs. Do not allow your pets to chase wildlife (including squirrels and chipmunks) or to dig holes. Also, keep them out of the poison ivy to prevent the oils from transferring to their coats and then onto you. For more information, please go to the Handle with Care! Kids and Dogs on the River brochure.

Cultural Resources

Must-Watch Video for All Participants

The Antiquities Act prohibits the casual collection of artifacts. Artifacts that you see are for everyone. Protect and leave all archeological artifacts and natural features intact. Take only pictures and memories. Leave only footprints.

Do not touch the pictographs. The oil on your fingers will break down the paints.

Wildlife

We’re in their house. Avoid disturbing the animals, and take precautions to eliminate surprise meetings, such as with snakes, bears, cougars, wolves, etc. Beware of bees and yellowjackets, and wear protection against ticks and mosquitoes, just to name a few.

Fishing and Hunting

Fishing on the Middle Fork of the Salmon River and its tributaries is mostly catch-and-release, using only artificial flies and lures with one barbless hook. The use of live bait is prohibited. Please refer to the Idaho Fish and Game regulations for specifics. A valid Idaho fishing license is required. These are available at most sporting goods and some convenience stores statewide. They are not available at the launch sites. For more hunting and fishing information, contact the Idaho Department of Fish & Game, 1-800-635-7820, or http://fishandgame.idaho.gov/.

Chukar Hunters: Please dispose of game waste in your garbage and pack it out. Do not leave a mess behind, especially in or near camps, which can attract insects and animals.

Use of Drones is Prohibited

The Middle Fork of the Salmon River runs through the Frank Church – River of No Return Wilderness. The use of drones (Unmanned Aircraft Systems or UAS) is not allowed within wilderness. Drones are considered to be aircraft and are both “motorized equipment” and “mechanical transport”. As such, these aircraft cannot take off from, land in, or be operated from, congressionally-designated Wilderness Areas. To learn more, see the USDA Forest Service’s Recreational Drone Tips , and visit Unmanned Aircraft Systems on the FAA’s site.

Ending your Trip at Cache Bar Boat Ramp

You have just experienced an amazing trip down the canyons of the Middle Fork! Showing up at Cache Bar can already be an emotional wave train, but you can make it a better experience with being prepared as you show up to the ramp.

Here are some handy tips and expectations for the Cache Bar Boat Ramp:

• The boat ramp area at Cache Bar can get VERY congested at times. Middle Fork floaters can expect high take-out use at the boat ramp between 9:00 am and 11:00 am from mid-June to mid-August. Although not guaranteed, taking out in the afternoon or early morning is often less congested.
• Communicate with other groups while on the river about take-out plans and begin formulating a de-rigging plan with your group before arriving to Cache Bar.
• There are three areas/lanes at the boat ramp. Two or three groups should be able to de-rig at the same time. Break down as efficiently as possible and do not stay on the ramp longer than needed.
• Floaters can save money and ease ramp/parking issues by choosing to have the least number of vehicles needed on the trip. Please consider bringing fewer vehicles to the take-out. Groups could also explore talking to the shuttle companies and see if unneeded vehicles could be shuttled to Salmon or North Fork rather than all the way to Cache Bar.

Above All - Be Courteous 

There are over 10,000 people recreating within this area every summer. You will see other people, and they are here to enjoy this special place too. Patience and courtesy are encouraged.

All groups are welcome to stop at any of the camps to view cultural resources, visit the hot springs, etc. We do ask that groups not stay in or visit these camps after 7 p.m. as a courtesy to the group that has been assigned there.

The same goes for loud music. Please keep it down after 7 p.m.

If a sweep boat is behind you, let them pass. They are heavy, so they travel faster than other craft, and they cannot brake.

Observe all local, state, and Federal laws and regulations. 

Public nudity is prohibited. 

Most Middle Fork boaters launch from the Boundary Creek or Indian Creek launch sites. Several additional airstrips also provide launch sites. Boaters may also access the river via some of its major tributaries.

Boundary Creek Launch Site

How and When Can I Access?

Boundary Creek is accessed by Forest Service Road #568 from Bruce Meadows. People typically come in via Forest Service Road #579 off of Highway 21, 23 miles west of Stanley, though there are some other viable routes from the south and west. All routes to Boundary Creek feature rough, narrow roads. Your vehicle/trailer should be prepared for at least 25 miles (approx. 40 minutes) of single-lane dirt road.

Snowdrifts usually prevent access to Boundary Creek until late May or early June. Boundary Creek usually opens in late May or early June and is typically staffed until mid-September. By that time, water levels are very low, leading the majority of floaters to launch from Indian Creek. Check Recreation.gov in the spring and fall for updates on the status of these sites. 

In spring, the Boundary Creek ramp is accessible once snow melts enough for the road to be passable by vehicle. It remains usable until snow closes the road again in the fall. 

The bottom ramp boards are removed in the fall to prevent damage from the ice. They are replaced in the spring once the launch site opens.

Is there garbage service?

Garbage service is not available. Pack out what you pack in.

Is potable water available?

Potable water is typically available at the launch site and at both campgrounds. Check the Middle Fork of the Salmon (4 Rivers) page on Recreation.gov where we will post updates if water is NOT available at any of these locations.

Boundary Creek Office and Launch Site

The office is located at the boat ramp and typically staffed seven days a week during the summer.

The launch area is located directly below the campground – within walking distance. The launch is a large drive-through area with room to rig on both sides of the traffic lane. Restrooms, a covered gazebo, and a permit office are the only buildings in this area.

The boat ramp is located next to the office. It is a wooden structure which drops down the side of the bank to the river. A path leads down to the river on the northwest side of the office.

Boundary Creek Campground

This campground is primarily used by boaters preparing to launch on a river trip. It is a fee area, charging $10.00 per unit per night with 15 units, toilet facilities, and potable water.

There are 10 units which are first-come, first-served. There are 5 units that can be reserved for the dates between June 15 and August 15 at Recreation.gov. Reserved sites will be marked with a placard at the unit's site number.

Please consolidate your group into 1 or 2 campsites to make room for everyone. 

Dagger Falls Campground

The turnoff to this campground is located approximately 1.5 miles before Boundary Creek. It is used by boaters and other recreationists who wish to avoid the crowds at Boundary Creek Campground. It is a fee area, charging $10.00 per unit per night with 8 units, toilet facilities, and potable water.

This campground is entirely first-come, first-served. There are no reservable sites. 

A viewing platform offers a fantastic opportunity to see chinook salmon jumping up the falls as they migrate upstream to spawn (numbers usually peak in late June or early July). There is a bridge above the falls that crosses the river and provides trail access.

Transfer Camp and Long-term Parking Area

These are located about a mile before Boundary Creek. This site consists of a long-term parking area; a toilet; and horse facilities that include a ramp, stalls, and a nearby stream. There are a few campsites above the parking lot in the trees. There is no water and there are no fees charged for using this site. This site is also a trailhead for the Middle Fork Trail.

Indian Creek Launch Site

How and when can I access Indian Creek?

The Indian Creek Launch site is a fly-in location within the wilderness. Several flights are often required for large groups.

The office is usually staffed and operational from early May into October. Check Recreation.gov for updates on the status of the office in the spring and fall. Boaters often use this launch site when water levels are low or when the road to Boundary Creek is blocked by snow.

Is there garbage service?

Garbage service is not available. Pack out what you pack in.

Is water available?

Potable water may or may not be available. Check the Middle Fork of the Salmon (4 Rivers) page on Recreation.gov where we will post updates on water availability at any of these locations.

What facilities are available?

The launch area consists of a boat ramp, a composting toilet, and an administrative workstation that includes an office, a public water spigot, three private residences for employees, a barn, and several other administrative structures. The station is located on one side of the airstrip. The boat ramp, composting toilet and beach are on the opposite (river) side of the strip.

Can we camp at Indian Creek if we fly in a day prior to our launch?

Most groups fly in the night before their launch and set up camp on the beach. Please do not block the ramp or other boaters’ access to the beach. This beach is very busy during the summer, so when you set up camp take only the minimum amount of space needed and allow space for other boaters. If you desire more privacy, set up camp below the runway on a bar downstream from the ramp. 

When the Indian Creek Airstrip is very busy, extreme caution is advised around the airstrip. Camping is prohibited within 75 feet of the sides of the airstrip and 500 feet from each end. Your flight service will drop your gear off at or near the ramp to facilitate your launch.

Special Considerations for Indian Creek

Unlike Boundary Creek, the Indian Creek launch site is within the boundaries of the Frank Church - River of No Return Wilderness, and certain rules apply at Indian Creek that do not apply at Boundary Creek.

Battery- or generator-operated pumps to inflate your boats are prohibited. You must use a non-motorized manual pump.

When using the composting toilet, do not dispose of any plastics, glass, metal, or sanitary napkins/tampons in the toilets. These do not compost and must be manually removed.

Airstrips

Thomas Creek Airstrip, Lower Loon Airstrip, and Bernard Airstrip are some other ways to access the river. The airstrips are located at mile 35, 50, and 68, respectively, and are primarily used for river access when the road to Boundary Creek is closed by snow or when water levels are low. Contact the private flight services to get more information.

Tributaries

Bear Valley, Marsh, Camas, Loon, and Big Creeks are tributaries to the Middle Fork and are usually only navigable during higher water. Marsh Creek is sometimes used to access the Middle Fork before the road opens in the spring, since it can be accessed just off Highway 21. These creeks are ever-changing and swift runs. They should only be used if you have small craft and excellent boating skills. USE EXTREME CAUTION! They frequently have debris and log jams, and, if the water is too high, you may not be able to get under the pack bridges.

Tributaries are key spawning habitat for trout and salmon, so boaters must be mindful of their redds. Boaters should avoid floating the tributaries, including Marsh Creek, during low flows to avoid dragging through or stepping on redds. Section 9(a)(1) of the ESA prohibits taking of endangered species without a permit or exemption. Any action that harasses, wounds, or kills an individual of a listed species or harms a species by altering habitat in a way that significantly impairs its essential behavioral patterns is a taking (50 CFR 222.102). Civil penalties can be up to $25,000 per violation, and criminal penalties can include fines up to $50,000 and/or a year in prison per violation. Oaring or dragging a watercraft of any sort over a redd can damage/kill the eggs and could be subject to penalties under the ESA.

Marsh Creek

Skilled, experienced boaters sometimes use Marsh Creek to access the Middle Fork of the Salmon River, typically when the road to the Boundary Creek launch site is still blocked by snow and they wish to avoid flying into a wilderness airstrip.

Marsh Creek is a very challenging way to access the Middle Fork, especially during high water. From Highway 21, it is approximately 15 river miles to Dagger Falls and Boundary Creek. The creek is fast, steep, technical, and prone to natural hazards such as fallen trees across the channel, snow bridges, and log jams. There are very few eddies for boaters and many blind corners.

Large fires that have occurred in the area increase the risk of hazards in the stream, such as downed trees spanning the creek, as well as avalanche and debris slides. These may be the result of weather and/or seismological events.

If accessing the river via Marsh Creek, be sure to update your entry point in your float reservation.

Idaho’s Department of Fish and Game installs a fish trap in Marsh Creek annually. The trap is located approximately 1.5 miles downstream from the creek access at the bridge, just off Highway 21. The trap is installed each year in March as part of an ongoing 20-year study of juvenile migratory fish moving downstream in Marsh Creek. This is a large, screw-style fish trap. There is an anchor cable across the creek and guy wires attached to stabilize it in the stream for best performance. The Fish and Game installs signs to help warn boaters about this fish trap.

Selecting a Launch Date if Launching from Marsh Creek

Permits are required to be on the waters of the Middle Fork of the Salmon River, starting at Dagger Falls - not on Marsh Creek. When selecting the launch date for your Middle Fork of the Salmon reservation, use the first day you will start on the permitted section, below Dagger Falls, not when you plan on launching from Marsh Creek.

Big Creek

Big Creek floaters are required to obtain a Tributary Permit, but they are not required to obtain a Middle Fork permit if they will go all the way out in one day. Follow this link for tributary permit information.

The Middle Fork basin contains some of the best Chinook salmon habitat in the entire Columbia River basin. The Middle Fork Chinook salmon population has not been genetically altered by hatchery fish, a rarity in the continental United States for these fish.

In late summer-early fall, salmon prepare their spawning nests (redds) in the gravel at the bottom of the river, where they bury their eggs. The majority of these redds are created in the tributaries to the Middle Fork, but many are also built in the mainstem, and boaters and fishermen should avoid disturbing these nests.

Flagging is pulled late in the fall. Fall and spring boaters are asked to avoid disturbing these spawning sites by using the maps to avoid redd damage. Spring boaters are asked to avoid redds through the end of April, when the fry emerge from the redds.

The image below shows a redd near Ramshorn Camp (the light spot in the middle of the photo).  

Image

In 1995, researchers began to document redds in the main stem of the Middle Fork. 

Information and Education for boaters about the spawning Chinook salmon and how to avoid disturbing spawning fish or damaging redds. Please read Sharing the River with the Chinook Salmon brochure.

Campsite closures may be implemented if a redd is established in such a way that boaters would have to disturb spawning fish or the redd to land or launch at that camp.

To see redd locations from previous years, click on these maps:

2024 Chinook Redds

2023 Chinook Redds

2022 Chinook Redds: Marsh Creek, Middle Fork

2020 Chinook Redds

2019 Chinook Redds

2018 Chinook Redds

2017 Chinook Redds

2016 Chinook Redds

2015 Chinook Redds in the mainstem of the Middle Fork of the Salmon River 

2015 Chinook Redds in Marsh Creek and upstream of Boundary Creek

2014 Chinook Redds 

2013 Middle Fork Redd Map 

2013 Marsh Creek Redds  

2012 Chinook redd locations on Marsh Creek and the Middle Fork

Chinook redds on Marsh Creek - 2011 * Chinook redds - Dagger Falls to Pistol Creek - 2011 * Chinook redd - White Creek to Loon Creek - 2011

Middle Fork Salmon Water Level - USGS Gauge

Order Invasive Species Stickers

Middle Fork Salmon River Forecasts

Odds of Drawing a Permit on MF and Main Salmon Rivers

MF Salmon Available Control Season Launches

2025 Middle Fork and Main Salmon Lottery Entry and Success Statistics

2025 Demand by Launch Date for Middle Fork and Main Salmon

2024 Demand by Launch Date for Middle Fork and Main Salmon

Season Pass Order Form

Middle Fork & Main Salmon 10-Year Hydrograph

2024 Middle Fork Recreation Use Statistics

2020-2023 Middle Fork Recreation Use Statistics

2010-2019 Middle Fork Recreation Use Statistics

2005-2009 Middle Fork Recreation Use Statistics

River Office
Salmon-Challis National Forest
1206 S Challis St
Salmon ID 83467
sm.fs.middlefork@usda.gov, sm.fs.salmonriver@usda.gov
208-481-2625