Swept Away
Rafting the Middle Fork of the Salmon River (Class III & IV)
August 7 – 14, 2004

INTRODUCTION

“If I had to choose one river to run, once a year for the rest of my life, the choice would be easy. I would choose the Middle Fork.”
—Jeff Rennicke, river guide, writer, and editor of River Days: Travels on Western Rivers

We tend to agree with Jeff. The Middle Fork is without a doubt America’s premier alpine whitewater river. It has all the essential features that bring the lovers of wild rivers back time and time again: great whitewater, spectacular scenery, wildlife, fantastic fishing, incredibly clear, cool water, wonderful hot springs, and superb campsites.
     Congress recognized the “outstandingly remarkable . . . values” of the Salmon river in 1968, by including it with the first batch of rivers to be protected by the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act. Since then it has been the flagship of the Wild and Scenic Rivers System and the nation’s most vigorously protected river. More recently the Middle Fork was included (along with the Main Salmon) in the Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness Area, the largest wilderness area outside of Alaska. It is the river recommended to those who want to see the best in managed wilderness. One U.S. President and one Vice President have run it in the last decade!

THE ITINERARY

Saturday, August 7, 2004
Boise to Stanley, Idaho

Meet at the Boise airport by 3:30pm today for our 35-minute shuttle flight (included) to the charming town of Stanley, situated at the base of the Sawtooth Mountains. This evening Toto Tours hosts a Welcome Dinner at our hotel, the Mountain Village Resort. The head guide for our trip will conduct an orientation meeting to answer questions and pass out waterproof bags and other gear such as sleeping bags.     (Dinner included)

Sunday, August 8, 2004
Stanley to Indian Creek Put-In

At 8:00am our chartered bus will be waiting in front of the Mountain Village Resort for the short drive to an airfield, followed by our 30-minute flight to the Indian Creek put-in. This scenic flight to a Forest Service airstrip is included in the tour cost. Shortly after landing we begin our exciting 6-day, 5-night river adventure, rafting 75 miles downriver to the confluence of the Middle Fork with the Main Salmon River.     (Lunch / Dinner)

Monday, August 9 – Thursday, August 12, 2004
On the River

The pace of our river trip is very dependent on the water level. We usually spend 4 to 6 hours a day on the river. Breakfast is served about 8:00am, and we are on the water by about 10:00am. There is a stop mid-day for lunch and maybe some short hikes. We arrive at camp in late afternoon, allowing time to hike and relax before dinner is served. Don’t worry if you are new to camping; our guides will be happy to help you!     (All Meals)

Friday, August 13, 2004
Take-Out / Transfer to Salmon, Idaho

Our rafting trip ends with lunch today near the confluence of the Middle Fork and the Main Salmon. A charter bus takes us to the town of Salmon, about 3 hours away, usually arriving between 4:00 and 6:00pm. We spend the night in riverside rooms at the Stagecoach Inn. Toto Tours hosts a Farewell Dinner at the nearby Shady Nook Restaurant, where we have an opportunity to say farewell to our river guides.     (All Meals)

Saturday, August 14, 2004
Return to Boise, Idaho

This morning we provide a 70-minute shuttle flight from Salmon to the Boise airport, the ending point of the tour. Please plan your return flight out of Boise no earlier than 11:00am.     (No Meals)