Embracing the Unregulated Nature of the Salmon River
The Salmon River holds the distinction of being the longest undammed river in the lower 48 states of the United States. Unlike other rivers, its flow remains unregulated, solely determined by nature. This means that the river’s peaks and lows vary every year, making each experience on the river unique. When you go rafting on the Salmon, you are accepting whatever nature presents you.
The Middle Fork: A Paradise of Adventure and Beauty
Among the different sections of the Salmon that are commonly rafted, the Middle Fork stands out as the most renowned. Its popularity can be attributed to its enticing rapids, soothing hot springs, exceptional trout fishing, captivating indigenous rock art, extensive hiking trails, traces of pioneer homesteads, and picturesque camping areas. All these features are encompassed by breathtaking scenery, adding to the Middle Fork’s well-deserved reputation.
Every Level Offers a Unique Adventure
To truly appreciate the Middle Fork, one must embrace its natural flow and understand that each level of water presents a different experience. Higher flows, typically from mid-May to early July, bring exhilarating whitewater, although they can sometimes render the river too treacherous for certain individuals, such as first-time rafters, young children, or those looking to fish in clearer waters. Medium flows in July offer warmer weather, a more tranquil ride that appeals to many, and improved fishing conditions. As the river’s flows decrease in August, the water becomes warmer, fishing becomes even better, and the pace of the river changes accordingly.
Throughout the summer, subtle scenic transformations occur on the Middle Fork. Some flowers bloom in early June, while others reach their peak in July. The crimson leaves of the Nine Bark bush adorn the landscape in August and September. As the months progress, the vibrant green mountainsides of June and July fade to shades of brown and gold under the relentless summer sun. Each moment on the river possesses its own unique beauty.
The Best Time to Experience the Middle Fork
People often ask, “What’s the best time to float the Middle Fork of the Salmon?” The answer is simple: every time is the best time! It’s like asking, “What’s the best angle to view the Mona Lisa?” Each angle reveals a different perspective, just as each week on the Middle Fork brings slight variations compared to the previous and the following weeks.
The Middle Fork follows a natural flow pattern. As the grip of winter loosens and spring brings warmer days, the snow in the high mountains that feeds the river begins to melt. Starting as a trickle, the flow steadily grows with each passing day and intensifying sun. Typically, between May 20 and June 5, the Middle Fork reaches its peak as the combination of warm weather and abundant snowpack culminate. As summer progresses into late June and early July, the snowpack diminishes, leading to faster melt rates but a smaller amount of snow to melt. However, it is worth noting that every year brings its unique weather events that can significantly impact the flow. A sudden warm spring rain on snow or a brief cold snap in early June can cause rapid fluctuations in the river’s levels. Nonetheless, as a general trend, the river rises throughout May, reaches its peak in late May or early June, and gradually recedes throughout the summer. By August, the flow stabilizes at a low range, maintaining that level until fall.
When the river’s flow reaches certain lower levels, the upper 23 miles become too shallow for navigation. At this point, guides opt to “deadhead” trips. Deadheading refers to the practice of guiding empty rafts downstream from the put-in at Boundary Creek to the alternate put-in at Indian Creek, allowing for a safer and more enjoyable experience.
Choosing the Right Time to Deadhead
Deciding when to deadhead involves numerous considerations. Beyond the intricacies of river navigation, time plays a crucial role. Although it is physically possible to navigate the upper miles of the river for about a week longer, doing so would result in excessively long days on the water. As the river level drops, its speed decreases as well. Higher flows can average 5-6 miles per hour, while medium flows typically move at 3-4 miles per hour. At lower flows, the pace slows down to a leisurely 2-3 miles per hour. Consequently, a 100-mile trip, with an average speed of 4 miles per hour, takes about 25 hours on the water. Spread over six days, this amounts to slightly over 4 hours of rafting per day, without considering lunch breaks, stops at scenic sites, or points of historical interest.
If the river’s flow reduces to 3 miles per hour, the same 100-mile journey takes approximately 33 hours, or roughly 5 ½ hours of rafting per day over a six-day trip. At 2 miles per hour, the journey extends to 50 hours, demanding more than 8 hours on the water each day. This is one of the key factors guiding the decision to deadhead. As the river’s flow diminishes, not only does navigating become more challenging, especially within the upper 23 miles, but the days become excessively long. Consequently, by shortening the trip to 77 miles, assuming a speed of 2 miles per hour, the on-water time is reduced to 37 hours. This explains why even at lower flows, the trip still requires six days, despite covering fewer miles.
Embracing the Many Wonders of the Middle Fork
The Middle Fork’s allure lies not only in its rafting adventures but also in the abundance of natural wonders that dot its course. At ROW Adventures, we pride ourselves on showcasing the highlights and points of interest along the Middle Fork, as well as every river we explore. Consequently, when the water level drops to the point where running the entire stretch would reduce the time available for stops along the way, we make the decision to deadhead.
While some may feel disappointed about missing out on the upper 23 miles of the river, it is important to consider the experience as a whole. Just like indulging in too many appetizers can diminish the enjoyment of the main course, rushing through the upper section of the river could mean missing out on the delightful side dishes that await downstream.
As someone who has spent a lifetime running rivers and rafted countless miles, I can confidently say that every journey on the Middle Fork is special. Each trip gifts me treasured memories, and with every visit, I discover something new. There are always more trails to explore, pools to swim in, gravel bars to traverse, fish to catch and release, trees to learn about, plants to identify, and enthralling stories of past homesteads to absorb. Rather than lamenting the missed miles, I am grateful for the opportunity to immerse myself in nature, share meaningful moments with friends, and savor the wonders of the river.
To experience the magic and adventure of the Middle Fork, visit Hook’d Up Bar and Grill and explore the possibilities awaiting you.