Water Activities
The Salmon-Challis National Forest is perhaps best-known for its two internationally-recognized permitted wilderness whitewater runs, the Middle Fork and Wild Main Salmon, our forest is also home to many other beautiful rivers, streams, and lakes. The “day stretch” of the Salmon River near Shoup features road-accessible Class II-III rapids for whitewater boaters. Motorized boaters and lake kayakers alike flock to Williams Lake and Mosquito Flat Reservoir during the summer. Meadow Lake, one of the highest-elevation road-accessible lakes in the National Forest System at slightly more than 9,100’, presents a unique opportunity for cold-water tolerant paddlers and swimmers (though use of boats with combustible engines on Meadow Lake and certain other lakes is prohibited). There are too many small alpine lakes to count, supporting thriving ecosystems and numerous fish. Finally, guided whitewater trips are available on the Main and Middle Fork, as well as the day stretch of the Salmon. The Salmon-Challis features ample opportunity for all kinds of water activities, welcoming boaters and swimmers of all skill levels.
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
Boating - Motorized
Motorized boating is allowed on Williams Lake, Mosquito Flat Reservoir, and several other lakes and waterways including the non-Wilderness section of the Salmon (roughly North Fork to Corn Creek).
The Central Idaho Wilderness Act of 1980, in addition to establishing the River of No Return Wilderness (renamed the Frank Church - River of No Return Wilderness in 1984), amended the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act to include the 79-mile section of the Salmon River from Corn Creek Campground to Long Tom Bar as a Wild River. However, it also stipulated that jetboat use be able to continue under present levels. The Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forest manages jetboat permits on the Wild Main Salmon from Corn Creek to Carey Creek. If you desire one of these permits, please reserve it through Recreation.gov and contact the Salmon River Ranger District of the Nez Perce-Clearwater NF for permit issuance.
As part of your planning process for any powerboating activity on the Salmon-Challis, please do due diligence to ensure the location is both legal and suitable for your boat.
Boating - Non-Motorized
The Salmon-Challis National Forest is home to many lakes and waterways ideal for non-motorized boating, especially the Middle Fork of the Salmon, the Salmon River, and many small alpine lakes.
The Central Idaho Wilderness Act of 1980, in addition to establishing the River of No Return Wilderness (renamed the Frank Church - River of No Return Wilderness in 1984), amended the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act to include the 79-mile section of the Salmon River from Corn Creek Campground to Long Tom Bar as a Wild River. The Wild segment of the Salmon River is located in Central Idaho and originates at Corn Creek Campground, 46 miles west of North Fork, Idaho. It flows 79 miles west to Long Tom Bar, which is 28 miles east of Riggins, Idaho. The upper section passes through the Frank Church – River of No Return Wilderness. The lower section forms the southern boundary of the Gospel Hump Wilderness. Floating the Wild Main Salmon requires a permit at all times of the year. Be sure to reserve one through Recreation.gov and obtain an issued copy from the Rivers Office (contact info above) before seeking to launch.
In 1968, the Middle Fork of the Salmon River was one of the original eight rivers designated in the National Wild & Scenic Rivers System. It begins at the confluence of Marsh and Bear Valley creeks and ends at its confluence with the Main Salmon River. Each year, approximately 10,000 people float the Middle Fork. Depending on water flow levels, the Middle Fork provides a relatively moderate to fast-paced whitewater floating experience, requiring moderate to high skill levels. Like the Wild Main Salmon, the Middle Fork requires boaters to obtain a permit at all times of year through Recreation.gov and the Salmon-Challis Rivers Office.
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