September Middle Fork of the Salmon rafting trip

Dates for whitewater rafting trips on the Middle Fork of the Salmon during the summer are fixed, but post-season dates, after 3 September, change each year.  In 2015, we have a launch date on 17 September.  By that time, passengers will fly in to begin the trip, at Indian Creek, or another air strip along the river.

Last fall we had a trip beginning on 16 September.  We dead-headed boats to Thomas Creek, then met our group there.  Weather was exceptional–no rain, morning temperatures in high 40s and low 50s and rising into the high 70s during the day.  Fall colors were dramatic.  On the drive into Boundary Creek the huckleberries were bright red.  Below Thomas Creek, the ninebark bushes in the old burn were also bright red, extending from the river up to the top of the slope.  Aspen were yellow for accent.  Even the poison ivy was red and orange.  Fishing was good, and few other groups on the river.  The group was private, a dozen old friends.  At that time of the season, it is much easier for us to arrange a charter trip than in the higher-demand, mid-summer period.