Guide to the Middle Fork and Main Salmon Rivers, Idaho

Guide to the Middle Fork and Main Salmon Rivers, IdahoGuide to the Middle Fork and Main Salmon Rivers, Idaho, Fifth Edition. ISBN 978 1 7324017 3 0 Fifth Edition; 76 pages with 32 maps, 184 miles, color photographs and shaded topographic relief. Errata & Revisions Severe debris flows occurred in August of 2022 and 2023 following heavy rains on fire denuded slopes, altering the river significantly between miles 2. 9 and 5. 2. Please note the following revisions, which will be incorporated in the next

Guide to the Middle Fork and Main Salmon Rivers, Idaho, Fifth Edition.

ISBN 978-1-7324017-3-0

Fifth Edition; 76 pages with 32 maps, 184 miles, color photographs and shaded topographic relief.

Errata & Revisions

Severe debris flows occurred in August of 2022 and 2023 following heavy rains on fire denuded slopes, altering the river significantly between miles 2.9 and 5.2. Please note the following revisions, which will be incorporated in the next printing:

MAP 1:

Mile 4.6 – A long rapid known variously as Hells Half Mile, Second Slide, or Second Narrows Rapid extends for most of the next quarter mile through a bedrock gorge with occasional low, broken walls. The top of the rapid was constricted to a channel against the left bank by the August 2023 blowout of an unnamed tributary on river right. Wood at the bottom of the rapid will likely be removed by high water in 2024. Scout on the right from the debris fan.

Mile 3.9 - Ramshorn Rapid was once located where the river is constricted by low cliffs and rocks (the Ramshorn Narrows) on both sides, and the river flows over boulders. This rapid was completely submerged by the August 2022 blowout of Ramshorn Creek immediately downstream on river left that washed the footbridge and a mountain of rock into the river. High water in 2023 eroded the right bank and part of the debris fan, opening a new channel and creating a new, easier rapid.

Mile 3.0 – Sulphur Slide Rapid was remodeled by the August 2023 blowout of an unnamed tributary on river right. The river was confined to a narrow channel of fast water against the steep left bank. Wood at the bottom of the rapid will likely be removed by high water in 2024. Scout on the right from the debris fan.

Mile 2.9 Right – Gardell’s Hole Camp was submerged by the water ponded by the August 2023 debris flow at the top of Sulphur Slide Rapid.

MAP 2:

Mile 5.2 – The Velvet Falls Rapid of old is gone as of August 2023 when a debris flow from Velvet Creek buried it, pushing all of the flow into a steep  channel left of the “pyramid rock”. All flow previously went right of this rock except at very high water levels. Wood throughout the rapid will likely be removed by high water in 2024. Scout on the right from the debris fan.

Mile 5.1, Left - Spike Creek blew out in August, 2022 similar to Ramshorn Creek at mile 4.0, pushing the current to the right side of the river channel a short distance above Velvet Falls. The rapid is read-and-run past the debris fan.

Digital Maps

Scan the QR Code below to download the supplementary Avenza digital map with GPS waypoints. 

Avenza Map Bundle for the Middle Fork & Main Salmon Rivers