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Salmon River, Idaho
Posted: Fri Nov 02, 2018 5:57 pm
by Fat Cat
Anyone ever been? I'm thinking of taking my son rafting down the middle fork next summer. I'm curious if any folks have any experience, and whether or not it would be a fun thing to do for a 12 year old boy.
Re: Salmon River, Idaho
Posted: Fri Nov 02, 2018 6:34 pm
by nafod
I've heard good things about rafting there...
Re: Salmon River, Idaho
Posted: Fri Nov 02, 2018 6:55 pm
by Fat Cat
That was Georgia (I checked).
Re: Salmon River, Idaho
Posted: Fri Nov 02, 2018 11:51 pm
by Turdacious
Fat Cat wrote: ↑Fri Nov 02, 2018 5:57 pm
Anyone ever been? I'm thinking of taking my son rafting down the middle fork next summer. I'm curious if any folks have any experience, and whether or not it would be a fun thing to do for a 12 year old boy.
Did it multiple times as a kid-- you'll both enjoy it as long as the water levels are right (too low = perfect seahill rafting conditions). Lots of other outdoor stuff too-- not sure if you are into it, but the fly fishing in that area is great too.
Re: Salmon River, Idaho
Posted: Sat Nov 03, 2018 12:16 am
by vern
I ran the Salmon Idaho marathon about seven years ago. Beautiful country, but it was hazy from forest fires while I was there.
Fishing is good, but the locals said the steelhead taste "off" that far from the ocean so they release them.
Have fun!
Re: Salmon River, Idaho
Posted: Sat Nov 03, 2018 12:46 am
by Fat Cat
Thanks, guys. Fishing is unlikely for us, neither of know the first thing about fly fishing so we would just be about the rafting and wilderness.
Re: Salmon River, Idaho
Posted: Sat Nov 03, 2018 6:14 pm
by seeahill
Yes. A 12 year old can do it and it's a great trip. It's a deep canyon and rocks roll down into the rather smallish river. That makes certain sections very technical. Other sections, you can get out in the little plastic kayaks (rubber duckies) and safely paddle behind the main rafts.
I would suggest mid to late July. It can be cold and rainy in early June. Mosquitoes in late June. By August you're going to have smoke. It could be just a haze, it could be thick. In any case, there will be smoke in August. I think mid-July is the sweet spot. (Although I went in mid-August 8 years ago and the smoke was negligible.)
I assume you will be going with an outfitter. I went with these guys and was very pleased. Pleased with their expertise, pleased with the meals, pleased with the general camaraderie.
https://www.idahoriveradventures.com/?g ... AfEALw_wcB
Re: Salmon River, Idaho
Posted: Sun Nov 04, 2018 1:49 am
by Turdacious
My fondest memory of the Salmon as a kid was floating some of the milder rapids during breaks from rafting. They were fast, felt a little dangerous (even though they weren't), and we all ran back up the bank to float them as many times as we could.
Old hoodies treated with permethrin will take care of the mosquitos.
Re: Salmon River, Idaho
Posted: Mon Nov 05, 2018 6:09 pm
by Fat Cat
seeahill wrote: ↑Sat Nov 03, 2018 6:14 pm
Yes. A 12 year old can do it and it's a great trip. It's a deep canyon and rocks roll down into the rather smallish river. That makes certain sections very technical. Other sections, you can get out in the little plastic kayaks (rubber duckies) and safely paddle behind the main rafts.
I would suggest mid to late July. It can be cold and rainy in early June. Mosquitoes in late June. By August you're going to have smoke. It could be just a haze, it could be thick. In any case, there will be smoke in August. I think mid-July is the sweet spot. (Although I went in mid-August 8 years ago and the smoke was negligible.)
I assume you will be going with an outfitter. I went with these guys and was very pleased. Pleased with their expertise, pleased with the meals, pleased with the general camaraderie.
https://www.idahoriveradventures.com/?g ... AfEALw_wcB
Good info. I believe the dates line up well with what you're saying; it's supposed to be July 24-31. I went ahead and booked it this weekend. The outfitter is Mountain Travel.
Re: Salmon River, Idaho
Posted: Tue Nov 06, 2018 1:48 am
by seeahill
Good. Give us a report when you get back.