Class IVFrank Church Wilderness, ID

Middle Fork of the Salmon

Post a Trip
578 CFS→
Too Low

About this run

The Middle Fork of the Salmon is America's greatest wilderness river trip — 100 miles of Class IV whitewater through the largest contiguous wilderness in the lower 48 states, the Frank Church River of No Return. No roads. No towns. Just granite gorges, hot springs, ancient pictographs, and over 300 rapids. Permits are required and lottery-competitive for a reason: this river is irreplaceable. Put in at Boundary Creek and spend 5-7 days earning every mile. The Middle Fork is not just a river — it's a pilgrimage.

Known Hazards

  • Permit required — highly competitive lottery, apply in January
  • Dagger Falls — Class V mandatory portage at the put-in at higher flows
  • 100% self-sufficient — no rescue services in the Frank Church Wilderness
  • Flash flooding possible from afternoon thunderstorms in July-August

No trips posted yet

Be the first to organize a trip on this river.

Post a Trip

Current Flow

578CFS→

stable

Too LowOptimal RangeHigh
Current578 CFS
Optimal Min2,000 CFS
Optimal Max8,000 CFS
StatusToo Low

7-Day Flow

05/23583 CFS05/28

River Info

RegionFrank Church Wilderness
StateID
DifficultyClass IV
USGS Gauge13295000
RunnableNo
Post a Trip on this River