Idaho ยท Compare
Middle Fork vs Main Salmon: which Idaho rafting trip
Two six day wilderness trips in the same corner of Idaho. Here is how they differ in rapids, price, ages and season.
Quick answer
The Middle Fork Salmon runs 104 miles with Class III to IV+ rapids and costs more; the middle listed price is $3,299. The Main Salmon runs 79 miles of Wild river, is rated Class III to IV-, costs less at $2,399 and takes kids from 5 with some outfitters. Most guided trips on both are 6 days, 5 nights, and both skip the lottery.
Side by side
Middle Fork vs Main Salmon at a glance
| Middle Fork Salmon | Main Salmon | |
|---|---|---|
| River miles | 104, Dagger Falls to the Main Salmon | 79 in the Wild section, Corn Creek to Long Tom Bar |
| Whitewater | Class III to IV+, per the Forest Service | Class III to IV-, per American Whitewater |
| Guided trip length | 4 days, 3 nights to 7 days, 6 nights; most 6 days, 5 nights | 4 days, 3 nights to 6 days, 5 nights; most 6 days, 5 nights |
| Outfitter season | Late May to September | May to October, by outfitter |
| Private lottery season | May 28 to September 3 | June 20 to September 7 |
| Outfitters we compare | 25 | 22 |
| Lowest listed price | $1,895, a 4 day, 3 night early season trip with Rocky Mountain River Tours | $1,650, a 6 day, 5 night trip with Lewis and Clark Trail Adventures (2027 adult rate) |
| Middle listed price | $3,299 | $2,399 |
| Youngest listed minimum age | 6, ARTA | 5, Mackay Wilderness River Trips |
| Lodge nights | None on the trips we list | One night at China Bar Lodge with Mountain River Outfitters |
| Flights to check | Backcountry flights on late season trips | Flights, which Tour West includes and most do not |
From the Forest Service, American Whitewater and outfitters' own sites, as listed on our two river pages, checked September 2026. The middle listed price is the midpoint of each outfitter's lowest listed price, with charters and fishing trips left out. Confirm when booking.
Which suits you
How to choose between them
Pick the Middle Fork for the bigger rated whitewater and the longer river. It runs 104 miles from Dagger Falls and is rated Class III to IV+. June is high water, and several outfitters raise minimum ages for it.
Pick the Main Salmon for a lower price and younger kids. The middle listed price is about $900 lower, Mackay takes kids from 5, and some outfitters run into October.
Do both. The Middle Fork flows into the Main Salmon, and OARS runs a combination trip on the two rivers.
Outfitters
Outfitters that run both rivers
11 of the outfitters we compare run trips on both rivers. Each river page lists their trips and prices.
- ARTA
- Aggipah River Trips
- Canyons
- Hughes River Expeditions
- Idaho River Adventures
- Mackay Wilderness River Trips
- OARS
- ROW Adventures
- Rocky Mountain River Tours
- Western River Expeditions
- Wilderness River Outfitters
When to go
Seasons and the lottery
Private permits on both rivers go through the Forest Service's four rivers lottery, but the windows differ: May 28 to September 3 on the Middle Fork and June 20 to September 7 on the Main Salmon. A guided trip skips the lottery on both.
Outfitters on the Middle Fork run from late May into September, and some fly guests to a lower put in later in the summer. On the Main Salmon, ARTA starts in May, and Orange Torpedo and SOAR Northwest run into October.
Questions
Middle Fork vs Main questions
Which is better, the Middle Fork or the Main Salmon?
Neither, for everyone. The Middle Fork has more river miles (104), higher rated rapids (Class III to IV+) and higher prices. The Main Salmon costs less, takes younger kids with some outfitters and runs later into the fall. Both are 6 day, 5 night trips for most outfitters.
Is the Middle Fork harder than the Main Salmon?
Its rating is higher. The Forest Service rates the Middle Fork Class III to IV+, and American Whitewater rates the Main Salmon Class III to IV-. Water level changes both, and outfitters raise minimum ages in June on each.
Which costs more?
The Middle Fork. The middle of each outfitter's lowest listed price is $3,299 on the Middle Fork and $2,399 on the Main Salmon, checked September 2026.
Which is better for kids?
The Main Salmon has the lower listed ages: Mackay lists 5, and ARTA, Salmon River Adventure Company and SOAR Northwest list 6. On the Middle Fork, ARTA lists 6, and several outfitters drop to 7 or 8 in July and August.
Can I raft both rivers on one trip?
Yes, with some outfitters. The Middle Fork ends where it meets the Main Salmon, and OARS runs a Middle Fork and Main Salmon combination trip.
Do I need a lottery permit for either?
Not on a guided trip. Both are in the Forest Service's four rivers lottery for private trips: the Middle Fork from May 28 to September 3 and the Main Salmon from June 20 to September 7. See the lottery calendar.
When is the best time for each?
June is high water on both, with higher minimum ages. July and August bring lower ages and warmer weather. The Main Salmon runs into October with some outfitters; the Middle Fork season ends in September. See when to go.
Which outfitters run both rivers?
Eleven of the outfitters we compare run both, including ARTA, OARS, ROW Adventures, Western River Expeditions and Mackay Wilderness River Trips.
Free download
Get the Overnight River Trip Planner
A packing list for river and camp, plus the lottery dates for the season in one calendar.
Ready to book
Pick your Salmon
Compare every outfitter on either river, then check dates with the one you choose.