Seriously, "As good as it gets!".
You're likely reading…read morethis in preparation for a Middle Fork of the Salmon River adventure. You may also be reading about Rocky Mountain River Tours for the Main Salmon trip, I cannot speak to that, but I know you'll be in good hands there too!
Not a river-rat? No problem! But, there is something in you that is drawn to the Middle Fork, as are thousands each year. I am here to tell you that the best crew to do it with is Rocky Mountain River Tours. I would highly recommend RMRT, they're organized, efficient, friendly and experts on the river and off the river with delicious food and comfy camps.
I have done other over-night and day rafting trips in Idaho, and I will say that there is something truly magical about the Middle Fork. And, more importantly, there are many magical, fantastic things about Rocky Mountain River Tours. I don't want to give away too much about the Middle Fork itself, but I will tell you all about Rocky Mountain River Tours.
First, your trip will begin in the ugly Stanley, Idaho (it's beautiful, but ssshhh, we want it to stay a secret). You will meet Jared, the owner of RMRT, he is one hell of a river-expert and is super organized. He will provide with all of the needed gear, dry bags, wetsuits, tent, etc. He is great at answering all of your questions because trust me, you will have a lot. Jared is also the best because the morning you leave for your trip, he'll let you load the bus 10 minutes before the Stanley Baking Company opens so you have plenty of time to get in line. Trust me, this is a must. Get fuel for your first day on the river!
Okay, so you got your belly full of Stanley's finest, you're on the school bus and ready to go to the best classroom in the world, the Middle Fork! Jared will provide you with some of your first lessons of the trip, interpretive tidbits on the way. Forest fire information, plant identification, where to look for elk and wolves, the works.
After a long bus ride through the beautiful, I mean ugly and horrible, backwoods of Idaho, you're at the famous, Boundary Creek, the put-in for the Middle Fork of the Salmon. YES! This is a busy place considering you're in the middle of nowhere. Boats, dogs, kayaks, people everywhere. Now, this is important, use the bathroom here! Then make your way to the lead guide for RMRT. Fritz was ours, and he was the best. The guide will give you all the necessary safety information and make sure you have what you need. Then, to the boats!
I could on and on about the details, but for the sake of brevity, I will leave you with some important points.
1. Ride with different guides throughout the trip and day. Each guide has a specific set of skills and they all have different backgrounds that brought them to the river. Don't worry, they are all expert whitewater guides and will keep you safe.
2. Get on the paddle boat! It's a fun way to get immersed in the river, but not for a swim...maybe.
3. Hike above camp!
4. RMRT has the BEST food of any trip I've ever been on. Hot carrot cake on the Middle Fork? Yes. And it is best carrot cake you'll ever have, I promise!
5. Ask questions! The guides are all super nice, patient and want to share their information with you. With that said, dig into the library and learn more about where you are!
6. TIP THE GUIDES! These guys and gals work so hard and often live on their tips, so make sure to have some cash or a check with you at the end.
7. Have fun. Take hikes. Write. Take pictures and live it up!
RMRT is your group, no need to look any farther.
Enjoy the Middle Fork!