Impassable Canyon from Elk Bar - Photo Copyright Todd Hoffman - 2023

Middle Fork of the Salmon River: Boundary Creek to Cache Bar

USGS Gauge - Middle Fork at Middle Fork Lodge:

Flow Information:

The gauge for the Middle Fork is located near the Middle Fork Lodge at river mile 35, a little over 1/3 of the way down the run. Flows around 1.6 feet are generally considered bear minimum to launch from Boundary Creek. Below 1.6, most people start flying into Indian Creek (located 25 miles below Boundary Creek). While it is possible to launch from Boundary at flows under 1.6, its an option that should not be considered by the faint of heart.

The average rafter might consider flows in the 2.5 to 3.5 feet range to be optimal, providing plenty of coverage and fun but foregiving rapids. As levels pass 5' the Middle Fork should only be considered by expert boaters with plenty of big water experience. Several rapids start flipping boats, and swims can be extremely long and dangerous. Flows in the 7 foot range are considered extreme.

Season:

Depending on conditions, people start running the Middle fork in early May, continuing into late September and October. Peak run occurs during the last week of May, exceeding 10,000 CFS (7 feet). A few large spikes in flow are common during runoff. In most years, the road into Boundary Creek opens around the first week of June. Before the road opens, it is possible to launch on Marsh creek, and boat down to Boundary Creek, but this involves either running or portaging Dagger Falls, a major class V rapid. Its an option that should only be considered by experts, and is best suited to kayaks.

Permits:

The lottery control season on the Middle Fork runs from May 28 to September 3. Outside of this window, permits are issued on a first come, first served basis. Seven launches per day are allowed on the Middle Fork. On average four launches go to private groups and three to commercial groups. The lottery application period is open from December through January, with results announced on February 14. For prime dates, drawing odds exceed 400 to 1, making the Middle Fork one of the hardest permits to draw in the United States. Permits are issued through Recreation.gov.

Put-In:Boundary Creek

The standard put-in for the Middle Fork is at Boundary Creek Campground, where most groups camp the night before launching. An overflow campground is available a short ways upriver at Dagger Falls.

The boat ramp is a steep wooden slide into a large eddy. Access is limited, and the area is often crowded with private and commercial groups. Expect a full eddy—tying off behind other boats is common.

The shuttle parking lot is before the campground entrance. A trail connects it to the campground with a 10-minute walk.

Head North on hiway 21 from Stanley for about 20 miles to get to the Boundary Creek turn off. From there its another 20 miles to Boundary Creek on a good dirt road.

Take-Out: Cache Bar

The standard take-out is at Cache Bar, about 4 miles down the Main Salmon past the confluence. Expect a long line of parked vehicles—drop trailer drivers off early if possible.

Cache Bar has two concrete ramps. The lower ramp is easier to back into but has swift current. The upper ramp has an eddy but is trickier to navigate—use your best trailer-backer-upper.

If de-rigging, avoid blocking the ramp and leave room in the eddy. An alternative take-out just below the confluence is ideal for self-support kayakers, but lacks trailer access, requiring a carry that most rafters would consider prohibitive.

From Cache Bar to North Fork (Hwy 93) is about 40 miles, mostly on good dirt road. There is gas station and conveniencee store at North Fork, as well as rental cabins. The nearest restaurants are another 20 minutes south on US93 in the town of Salmon, along with several hotels. I usually stay at the Stagecoah Inn in Salmon on takeout day.

Flying Into the Middle Fork:

Indian Creek is roughly 25 miles downstream from Boundary Creek. It's generally required to fly in the day before your launch, but I have seen groups arrive on launch morning when delayed by rough flying weather. The airstrip sits around 100 vertical feet above the river. While there is a primitive log slide for boats, its still a long carry from the bottom of the ramp to the water. Bring plenty of big pumps to speed up inflation. Electric inflation devices are not allowed. There enough camping on the large riverside beach at Indian Creek to accomodate several groups. There are outhouses at Indian Creek, and the Forest Service usually sets up a handwash station near them.

Pre-season: Marsh Creek Launch

Before the road to Boundary Creek opens, some groups chose to put in on Marsh Creek, running it down to the Middle Fork. This involves either running or portaging Dagger Falls, a major class V rapid located just above Boundary Creek. Portaging Dagger Falls is extremely arduous for rafts, and is not recommended - except for very light weight rigs. Scouting the crux move of Dagger Falls is difficult from the bank, making it a very committing drop with a long, big water runout.

Marsh Creek is tight and technical creek with nearly continuous whitewater. Boaters should have strong read-and-run skills, and be very comfortable on clas IV. Scouting is not really an option, and dangerous wood is the norm. I kayaked Marsh Creek at around 7' and I encountered two large groups of rafters that had abandoned their boats and walked out. They were overwhelmed by the continuous, read and run whitewater, and had several close calls with bad wood.

Pre-season is an option best left to experienced teams of expert boaters. Along with Marsh Creek's difficulty and consequences, the Middle Fork will usually be near peak run-off as well, making it much harder and more dangerous than normal.

Key Places:

Planning Tools:

Camps:

Historically, camps on the Middle Fork were pre-assigned the day before your launch in a round robin process. As of 2025, camps will be assigned by e-mail in advance of launch. For a more detailed explanation of the new camp assignment process see this article from the US Forest Service. Capacity figures in the below list are for low water only. Also, the list may not contain the most current information on available camps. Visit the Salmon Challis National Forest website for latest the Information. The below list provides photos of selected camps, but be advised they may not reflect current conditions.