FAQs

As with other aspects of your life, anything can happen on a float trip. However, our safety record speaks for itself. The worst injuries we’ve had are a dislocated finger, which occurred on land, and a dislocated shoulder (shoulder was relocated on the trip and the guest finished the trip on schedule).

Yes! Our guides are very experienced and can help you with almost every aspect of your vacation from learning how to fish to helping you through your first rapid in an inflatable kayak. Idaho Wilderness Company will do everything we can to ensure your first trip into the wilderness won’t be your last. We are also available anytime to answer your questions and help with your pre-trip planning.

We have put a great deal of time and thought into this list (We also listen very carefully to past guest’s suggestions). We feel very confident that if you bring what is recommended on our gear list, you will have done your part for having a fantastic trip.

The sooner, the better. Many peak season dates are filled over one year in advance. If you are date specific or you have a large group, contact us for available dates. It is never too early or late to start planning your trip.

Our guides are extensively trained and extremely qualified as well as being licensed by the State of Idaho. All of our guests, including children, are issued a life jacket and are required to wear it at all times while floating the river. If you have concerns for the safety of your family, friends, or yourself we suggest you speak with some of our past guests. We can provide you with as many references as you would like. Contact us to request references.

Don’t let the idea of primitive bathroom facilities overwhelm you. Thousands of guests have been pleasantly surprised with the convenience, privacy, and sanitary techniques you will utilize on your vacation. There will be some type of toilet facility at every camp.

Most past guests say their 6-day trip was the perfect length. If you can only do a 3-4 day trip you will most likely have a sense of remorse knowing that you have missed any part of this trip. There are many activities for everyone on the Middle Fork.  The fishing is excellent.

The Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness is the largest wilderness in the lower 48 states. It is just waiting to be explored by you. Perhaps you are looking for a quiet place for you and sweetie. You will have no problem finding your secluded hideaway. Don’t forget the guides are all wonderful storytellers, who are always willing to talk if they have an audience.

The guides were great and so was the trip!” Parker Quinn, 10 years old.  There is also many games that have been invented along the banks of the Middle Fork.

"In 27 years, I have never had a guest who wished they had spent less time on the river." –Steve Zettel

We run a cargo boat called the “Sweep Boat” which carries much of the trips gear. It usually runs ahead and the crew will have the tents and most of the camp set-up upon your arrival. Occasionally guests will join the sweep boat and leave the rest of the group behind, spending the day with the sweep boat captain and enjoying lots of time alone at the camp until the rest of the group arrives.

We furnish 3-man tents and supply enough that there will only be 2 people per tent. Most people, after they experience our arid climate and lack of insects, generally opt for several nights under the stars.

Contact us and we will be happy to furnish you with a complete list. We can identify past user groups for you, be it mothers, families, professional groups, senior, etc.

Hygiene is a real concern for everyone, and it should be. The reality regarding hygiene and Middle Fork is that it is easy and effective to maintain. A float trip is a surprisingly clean environment. Most days on the river involve swimming and or a stop at one of the many natural hot springs along the river. There are also bathing opportunities while in camp.

We feel that any trip you take down the Middle Fork of the Salmon will be a fantastic one. The outfitters on the Middle Fork all provide quality trips.  Beware however, that no two outfitters will do things the same.

Their service will vary with trip specifics such as: menu, trip length, provided or unprovided gear, rules, pre and post trip services, such as: hotels, meals, travel and most importantly price. It is our observation after 27 years of experience on the river that a higher priced trip does not necessarily equate to a higher quality trip. We are very specific in our information about what we include. If you have any questions please feel welcome to contact us.

The following are some reasons why prices vary:

• Some companies provide additional services such as hotel rooms or airfare.
• There can be different trip lengths,  as well as different times to go on a trip.  We offer discounts for trips that are not as convenient (perhaps) for everyone’s schedule. We also offer group discounts.  Please contact us for more information.
• There are specialty trips run by some companies who may charge more for this service. For example: some companies feature specialized fishing trips, others do kayak support trips.
• Sometimes the basic services vary. Be sure to check out the gear and services we provide as well as our food and beverage page. This is a good way to see what you are getting for your money.

Sometimes there is no noticeable reason. Different companies just charge different rates.

As with other aspects of your life, anything can happen on a float trip. However, our safety record speaks for itself. The worst injuries we’ve had are a dislocated finger, which occurred on land, and a dislocated shoulder (shoulder was relocated on the trip and the guest finished the trip on schedule).

Yes! Our guides are very experienced and can help you with almost every aspect of your vacation from learning how to fish to helping you through your first rapid in an inflatable kayak. Idaho Wilderness Company will do everything we can to ensure your first trip into the wilderness won’t be your last. We are also available anytime to answer your questions and help with your pre-trip planning.

We have put a great deal of time and thought into this list (We also listen very carefully to past guest’s suggestions). We feel very confident that if you bring what is recommended on our gear list, you will have done your part for having a fantastic trip.

The sooner, the better. Many peak season dates are filled over one year in advance. If you are date specific or you have a large group, contact us for available dates. It is never too early or late to start planning your trip.

Our guides are extensively trained and extremely qualified as well as being licensed by the State of Idaho. All of our guests, including children, are issued a life jacket and are required to wear it at all times while floating the river. If you have concerns for the safety of your family, friends, or yourself we suggest you speak with some of our past guests. We can provide you with as many references as you would like. Contact us to request references.

Don’t let the idea of primitive bathroom facilities overwhelm you. Thousands of guests have been pleasantly surprised with the convenience, privacy, and sanitary techniques you will utilize on your vacation. There will be some type of toilet facility at every camp.

Most past guests say their 6-day trip was the perfect length. If you can only do a 3-4 day trip you will most likely have a sense of remorse knowing that you have missed any part of this trip. There are many activities for everyone on the Middle Fork.  The fishing is excellent.

The Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness is the largest wilderness in the lower 48 states. It is just waiting to be explored by you. Perhaps you are looking for a quiet place for you and sweetie. You will have no problem finding your secluded hideaway. Don’t forget the guides are all wonderful storytellers, who are always willing to talk if they have an audience.

The guides were great and so was the trip!” Parker Quinn, 10 years old.  There is also many games that have been invented along the banks of the Middle Fork.

"In 27 years, I have never had a guest who wished they had spent less time on the river." –Steve Zettel

We run a cargo boat called the “Sweep Boat” which carries much of the trips gear. It usually runs ahead and the crew will have the tents and most of the camp set-up upon your arrival. Occasionally guests will join the sweep boat and leave the rest of the group behind, spending the day with the sweep boat captain and enjoying lots of time alone at the camp until the rest of the group arrives.

We furnish 3-man tents and supply enough that there will only be 2 people per tent. Most people, after they experience our arid climate and lack of insects, generally opt for several nights under the stars.

Contact us and we will be happy to furnish you with a complete list. We can identify past user groups for you, be it mothers, families, professional groups, senior, etc.

Hygiene is a real concern for everyone, and it should be. The reality regarding hygiene and Middle Fork is that it is easy and effective to maintain. A float trip is a surprisingly clean environment. Most days on the river involve swimming and or a stop at one of the many natural hot springs along the river. There are also bathing opportunities while in camp.

We feel that any trip you take down the Middle Fork of the Salmon will be a fantastic one. The outfitters on the Middle Fork all provide quality trips.  Beware however, that no two outfitters will do things the same.

Their service will vary with trip specifics such as: menu, trip length, provided or unprovided gear, rules, pre and post trip services, such as: hotels, meals, travel and most importantly price. It is our observation after 27 years of experience on the river that a higher priced trip does not necessarily equate to a higher quality trip. We are very specific in our information about what we include. If you have any questions please feel welcome to contact us.

The following are some reasons why prices vary:

• Some companies provide additional services such as hotel rooms or airfare.
• There can be different trip lengths,  as well as different times to go on a trip.  We offer discounts for trips that are not as convenient (perhaps) for everyone’s schedule. We also offer group discounts.  Please contact us for more information.
• There are specialty trips run by some companies who may charge more for this service. For example: some companies feature specialized fishing trips, others do kayak support trips.
• Sometimes the basic services vary. Be sure to check out the gear and services we provide as well as our food and beverage page. This is a good way to see what you are getting for your money.

Sometimes there is no noticeable reason. Different companies just charge different rates.