Trail Run the Middle Fork of the Salmon River
About
We aren’t running tour operators; we are fly fishing and rafting outfitters on the Middle Fork of the Salmon River who happen to be passionate about ultra running. After years of running these trails, and providing fully supported running adventures for several friends, we’re offering this truly unique opportunity for any adventure-minded trail runners who want to experience one of the most rugged, remote and scenic sections of trail in North America and also want to have logistics, glamping accommodations, and gourmet food taken care of by wilderness professionals. Since this is not our primary business and we are doing this as a side project, we’ve designed this one-of-a-kind experience specifically for enthusiastic, confident, and experienced trail runners. You can expect vast wilderness, solitary trails, gourmet meals, fascinating guides, and a super comfortable time in camp. We hope this finds the right people.
The Middle Fork Trail:
Your run along the river will be following the Idaho Centennial Trail and the Middle Fork River Trail from Boundary Cr to Big Creek Bridge. The trail follows the Middle Fork the entire way, rarely out of sight of the river.
Total mileage will be 76 miles over 5 days = average of 15.2 miles per day. The average cumulative vertical drop is 400ft/day, including some mellow climbs over various terrain features. There are unlimited opportunities to add miles and vertical in the form of tributary trails, ridge loops, and aggressive out and back climbs to scenic lookouts if you so desire.
You will not be accompanied by guides on the trail (because they will be busy rowing all of the amenities to the next camp each day) but we will provide thorough trail briefings each morning. You are expected to be happily self-sufficient while adventuring up to 10-15 miles per day. We will of course be providing a safety net and making sure everyone is accounted for. We are professional wilderness guides.
Rates:
$2,250.00/seat (no refunds after April 1st)
Everything is included with the exception of gratuity for the guides. Transportation is round-trip from/to Stanley, ID.
Itinerary
5.5 days of running, 1.5 days rafting
June 13th Arrive in Stanley Idaho on the afternoon of June 13th. Check into lodging of your choice. Attend our Orientation Meeting at 6:00 PM at Sawtooth Spirit, walking distance from anywhere in Stanley. Meet the other guests on the trip, runners and non-runners.
June 14th (Day 1): 8:30AM depart Stanley by bus. Drive 1.5 hours to the south edge of the Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness. Your running adventure begins on the Idaho Centennial Trail at the Boundary Cr. boat launch and trailhead.
June 14th -17th (Days 1-4): Every step takes you farther from civilization and deeper into the largest continuous wilderness area in the lower 48 states. There will possibly be a layover day (rest & relax, or explore a tributary trail).
June 18th (Day 5): Last half day of running. The trail ends at Big Creek bridge where the river goes into the steepest section of the “Impassable Canyon.” From Big Creek onwards you will be in a raft floating a whitewater river. Night 5 is the last night of the trip, spent in the steepest most rugged section of the 3rd deepest canyon in North America.
June 19th (Day 6): We all float out to the confluence of the Middle Fork and Main Fork of the Salmon River. Transportation is provided back to Stanley, ID, arriving at approximately 5:30 PM. (You can choose to have your car shuttled to North Fork ID if your travel plans aren’t headed back through Stanley. Visit River Shuttles for details.)
What’s Included
- All glamping accommodations (tents, sleeping bags, pillows, cots, dining tables, chairs, bathrooms)
- Wilderness gourmet food
- River gear (for the rafting part)
- Hot shower
Contact Us for More Information
Solitude River Trips offer the most comfortable, convenient, and unforgettable wilderness Middle Fork Fly Fishing and Middle Fork Salmon River Rafting experiences in North America. We are ready to get you out on the Middle Fork of the Salmon River!