Middle Fork of the Salmon River Gay Rafting Adventure

June High Water Launch: This early in the season means cooler weather. Expect chillier nights and usually days in the low to mid-60s, maybe up to low 70s, barring those lingering late-season storms, which would mean a cooler and possibly a rainy day or two. Snow can happen any time of the year this far north. These dates also bring higher waters, so the water is faster and the rapids are bigger for an exhilarating adventure.

-Given that, and a higher chance of rain, we suggest that you consider bringing or renting a dry suit.

August Food and Wine Launch: It’s not a private LGBTQ launch, but the gay rafting vendor is leading this tour as well. Since this launch is Food and Wine focused, it attracts a mature crowd (no children). This launch will have warmer weather, and slower water, which means the rapids will be calmer. This launch has one less night camping on the river, instead, your last river night is spent at the Mackay Bar Guest Ranch before flying back to Boise the next day.

Both launch dates are led by the gay outfitter owner. The differences come down to if you would like cooler weather and a faster ride or warmer weather and calmer rapids.

Day 1: Welcome to Boise

Our tour starts in the late afternoon with a meet and greet gathering at the hotel. Tonight’s included lodging will be in a comfortable bed at one of Boise’s boutique-style accommodations. If you have any extra time, make sure to head downtown to enjoy some of Boise’s vibrant nightlife. Downtown Boise is a cultural center and has a variety of shopping and dining choices. Centrally located, 8th Street contains a pedestrian zone with sidewalk cafes and restaurants. This area is also known as the Basque District, which gives visitors to Boise a rare chance to learn about and enjoy the city’s Basque heritage.

Day 2: Fly to the River

This morning we will take a small charter plane, then a shuttle bus, to our put-in location.  Before we launch, we’ll have a thorough orientation, demonstrating kayak safety, raft safety, and general river safety. Each day, guests are given the option of paddling an inflatable kayak, paddling with a team in a paddle raft, or just relaxing and accompanying a guide on one of the gear rafts.

Days 3-6: Clear Water, Blue Skies, Peace, and Quiet

Your day on the river begins with a hearty breakfast. After breaking camp, we will travel about 15 miles each day. Generally, we are on the water between 9 and 10 am, stopping for a mid-morning break to stretch, followed by lunch and a mid-afternoon snack break.

For those who want to kick back and relax, the oar rig might be the craft of choice. More adventurous types might tackle the rapids in a paddle raft, or a “ducky” (inflatable kayak). Experienced whitewater canoeists and kayakers with the appropriate skill level may choose to bring their own boat or paddle one of ours. Heading down the river, there’s a lot to see: pictographs, abandoned miners’ cabins, waterfalls, and wildlife. Mid-day lunch stops may also include a scenic hike or beach volleyball. Each day offers new opportunities, including hot springs, short hikes to see artifacts and pictographs, waterfalls, and amazing vistas.

We typically pull into camp between 4 and 5 pm. While hors-d’oeuvres and dinner are being prepared, there’s always time for a hike or a chance to hook a trophy fish. And of course, as night falls, campfire stories abound and river tales get taller.

Day 7: Fly Back to Boise

When we reach the end of our river run, we will fly back to Boise together from the small regional airport of McCall. We’ll check back into our hotel in Boise in the late afternoon. Dinner tonight is on your own, but we won’t be surprised if you’ve made many new friends this week, and you’re ready to hit the town together!

Day 8: Farewell Idaho

Most travelers will catch flights from Boise International Airport to begin their journeys home.