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This article talks about the permitting process to access the Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness, located in Idaho. The Frank Church-River of No Return is a wilderness of steep, rugged mountains, deep canyons, and wild, whitewater rivers. The Salmon River Mountains, located south of the Main Salmon and west of the Middle Fork, are the most massive range, and dominate the Wilderness. North of the Main Salmon River are the Clearwater Mountains, east of the Middle Fork are the Bighorn Crags. The Salmon River Canyon is one of the deepest gorges in North America, deeper even than the famous Grand Canyon of the Colorado in Arizona. But in contrast to the Grand Canyon, the Salmon River Canyon is not noted for sheer walls and towering heights, but instead for the variety of landscapes visible from the river; wooded ridges rising to the sky, huge eroded monuments and bluffs and slides, picturesque castles and towers, and solitary crags. The United States Congress designated the Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness in 1980 and it now encompasses a total of 2,366,757 acres. Administration of the wilderness is accomplished by two Forest Service Regions (Northern and Intermountain), and four National Forests, the Salmon Challis, Payette, Nez Perce, and Bitterroot. It is the largest contiguous wilderness in the Lower 48 and the second largest unit of the National Wilderness Preservation System in the Lower 48 (second in size only to California’s Death Valley Wilderness). The lead forest for managing the coordination of the Wilderness is the Salmon-Challis National Forest, with headquarters located in Salmon, Idaho.

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The Middle Fork is formed by the confluence of Marsh Creek and Bear Valley Creek at the southern end of the wilderness near Stanley, Idaho. It starts at around 7,000 feet in elevation to the north, picking up speed as it drops 3,000 vertical feet and tripling in volume as more tributaries add to its flow. The Middle Fork’s whitewater rapids are world renowned. There are more than 300 raftable rapids, most that are class III and IV rapids. That means you experience an amazing ride and rush of adrenaline worthy of the most adventurous thrill seekers, no matter your age or ability, while you’re completely safe under the watch of our experienced, trained, professional guides. We give you the perfect blend of excitement and comfort.

Along your trip down the Middle Fork, you will experience wilderness like never before! Our 6-day float trips allow you to see some of our countries most pristine wilderness. One of the highlights are the 6 natural hot springs. Our favorites are Sheepeater hot springs – located a half mile off the river and Hospital Bar hot springs – with it’s two iconic pools right next to the river.

As for wildlife, it’s not uncommon to look up and see an eagle or Osprey soaring over head. The river is teaming with Cutthroat and rainbow trout and the occasional Mountain Whitefish – truly a fishermans paradise, so don’t forget to pack your fly fishing equipment!

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To celebrate our 20th season on the Middle Fork of the Salmon River, we’re offering a great discount on our June 17th launch. This trip normally costs $2,950, but we’re offering it at $1,950 per person. We’re still offering our one of a kind PAMPERED CAMPING^TM experience, but at an amazing discount. This trip will be ideal for kayakers and those seeking an amazing whitewater experience. There are still a few seats open for this trip, so be sure to book soon! You can book your trip by clicking here.

Looking to row your own boat?

Our Kayak Support trips are the perfect option for those looking to paddle your own kayak. We still offer all the services of a normal trip, but this trip enables you to paddle your own kayak. This years snowpack in Idaho has been very high, so we’re expecting flows on the Middle Fork of the Salmon River to be excellent for kayakers – tons of whitewater and rapids for you to test your skills on.

The Middle Fork of the Salmon River is regarded by many as the greatest wilderness whitewater river in the World, and it is easy to understand why. With more than 100 miles of free-flowing, crystal clear water, it lies in the heart of the largest federally protected wilderness area in the continental United States, the famous Frank Church – River of No Return Wilderness in Central Idaho.The Middle Fork of the Salmon River is the flagship of our nation’s protected Wild and Scenic Rivers and was one of the original rivers designated in 1968! The U.S. Forest Service carefully protects this treasure, issuing a limited number of permits to experience this amazing place.

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At Adventure, we pride ourselves in offering an experience and level of service unlike any other you’ve heard of! This isn’t your average float trip, but rather a PAMPERED CAMPING experience or the “You Don’t Lift a Finger Service”!

So what is Pampered Camping?

Let’s start with the food… Often times when you go camping, the food isn’t one of the highlights of the trip. Visions of bean and weenies or freeze dried rations often comes to mind when one thinks of “camp meals”. But, that’s not the case with Adventure Sun Valley! Each day of your trip features a full breakfast, lunch and dinner that include meals such as Campfire Grilled Jumbo Prawns, Grilled Black Angus Flat Iron Steaks w/Herbed Compound Butter or our famous Dutch Oven Cinnamon Rolls. Each day we feature a new menu, so there are no repeat meals. If you’re curious at what our river menus look like – check out our DAY 1&2, DAY 3&4 and DAY 5&6 menus! Oh, and did we mention all your food is prepared by our amazing staff? That’s right, once you arrive at camp, a cold drink and gourmet meal will await!

When we say “You don’t Lift a Finger”, we mean it! Our goal is to make your trip as enjoyable and fun as possible and leave the work and setup up to us. Before you depart, our staff is one step ahead working to setup your camp and prepare your meals for when you arrive. All you need to do is sit back and enjoy floating down the Middle Fork of the Salmon river, which flows through the Frank Church Wilderness area, 2.367 million acres and is the largest contiguous federally managed wilderness area in the United States outside of Alaska.

When you arrive at your fully set up camp, find your tent, grab a hot shower (yes, you read that correctly!) or pull a chair over to the warm fire and enjoy an appetizer! After a delicious guide-prepared meal, most guests linger around the campfire sharing stories, stargazing, playing games and soaking up the magnificent scenery.

We don’t want to give away all the activities you’ll experience on your trip, but each day is filled with fun stops at natural features along the way, fun activities at each camp and a whole lot of fun and relaxing! Our goal is to create an experience you and your friends and family will never forget.

Don’t just take our word for it, here is a Tripadvisor review from Abbey G, one of our 2018 guests:

To put it simply, taking a trip with Adventure Sun Valley down the Middle Fork is a once in a lifetime experience. Each and every facet of the trip is carefully thought out by the guides; from the meals (I’m talking about lasagna and carrot cake made via a Dutch oven) to the mini-stops along the river (bridge jumping, cliff jumping, hikes, hot springs, you name it), to the innovative camping experience (tents that are set up and ready, showers at your desire) – this type of outdoors experience is the best of its kind. 

One of the greatest aspects of this vacation is that it can be uniquely catered to everyone’s personal desires. If you’re a huge outdoors person and live for thrills, you can sleep outside, inflatable kayak through whitewater, and jump off awesome cliffs. On the other hand, if you’re someone who hardly considers camping a vacation, you can have three course meals every night, a clean shower, sleep in a wonderfully sheltered tent, and sit and relax every day at the front of an oar boat, simply taking in the beautiful protected wilderness scenery. 

Finally, one of the greatest components of the trip is the sense of community that it provides. If you want to come on the trip with your family of ten in order to bond, you definitely will. But don’t be surprised if you leave the Middle Fork feeling like the guides and other trip members that you just met now feel like family, too. There is nothing to craft a greater sense of community than a week spent talking, laughing, adventuring, and resting on one of the most scenic rivers in the world, without cell service or Internet connection. Whether you enter into this trip knowing nobody or coming with your entire family, it is assured that you will make connections and memories with others that will last for a lifetime. 

When we rafted out of the Middle Fork and saw some semblances of civilization, a feeling of unexpected sadness washed over me; I knew that I was about to get off of the river for good, leaving nights of sleeping under the stars and back-flipping off rafts and laughing with friends around a campfire behind me. But, honestly, I know that I will never forget and will always be grateful for the experience I had, and this is all thanks to ASV and its awesome staff. If you’re considering booking a trip – do it. You won’t regret it, and don’t be surprised when you eventually have this same feeling of sadness that I had as you raft away from the Middle Fork with some extraordinary people and some awesome memories, wishing that you could do it all over again. (And maybe, if you’re really lucky, you will!)

We hope to see you soon and experience this amazing playground with ASV!

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With our “customized adrenaline” service, we’re able to work with each of our guests specifically to make sure they get exactly the kind of perfect balance of adrenaline rush compared to a little bit calmer experience.  For example a family might have a couple of teen boys who are high energy and want the adrenaline rush, but the mother might be a little less comfortable with the river and wants a less action packed experience.

Adventure Sun Valley has the perfect combination for mixed adrenaline groups.

We can customize your experience by the time of year you plan your river adventure, by the type of boats you ride in and also by the kind of activities you engage in.

We’re the only outfitter that has the cata-raft. It’s a paddle raft that is a whole hunting, surfing beast of a machine for those who want that adrenaline rush on the whitewater. It’s fun and exciting.

For those who like smoother, calmer, peaceful and joyful experience, you just ride in the oar boat where the guide does all the work,  and its super cool, and super easy.  It’s an easy enjoyable ride.

For others who are active and seek high adventure, there are lots of really fun activities along the way that provide lots of adrenaline packed action:

We’ll swim a few rapids too for those who want the big action such as at Hospital Bar.

We engage in cliff and rock jumping; Marble, Funsten, Pool Creek

Waterfall Creek – if the water level allows, we crawl down through the waterfalls behind the boulders, and then you slide down a ten foot slide, walk out onto a 30 foot rock and jump into your boat.  But its only when there’s a certain water level. If there’s too much water you can’t do it.

So if you have a mixed group where some are more adventurous than others, no problem.    Some people can take a hike, crawl up a mountain, compete with guides in all kinds of fun games and contests, or others might choose to read a novel, take a nap, or sit quietly on a hill or in one of many natural hot springs and observe the natural beauty of the Wild and Scenic river.

No rules, just a customized adventure to whatever level of adrenaline you’re suited for.

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What does the 2019 season look like?

We’re expecting the start of the 2019 season to be a big whitewater year – great for kayakers and those looking for a fun whitewater rafting experience. Depending on what happens with runoff, the whitewater should be pretty incredible on The Middle Fork of the Salmon River. Our SEASON 1 trips are expecting lots of whitewater and excitement. We offer Kayak Support Trips for those looking to bring your own boat, rent a boat or use one of our inflatable kayaks. Kayak support trips allow you to paddle your own boat, but still enjoy our signature PAMPERED CAMPING^TM experience.

Once we get past runoff, we’re forecasting the river flows to steady out and still offer some great whitewater for our SEASON 2 trips.

If you’re curious about a rafting trip on the Middle Fork of the Salmon River, this is the year to do it! Have questions or want to find the right trip for you and your group?

The Middle Fork of the Salmon River is regarded by many as the greatest wilderness whitewater river in the World, and it is easy to understand why. With more than 100 miles of free-flowing, crystal clear water, it lies in the heart of the largest federally protected wilderness area in the continental United States, the famous Frank Church – River of No Return Wilderness in Central Idaho.The Middle Fork of the Salmon River is the flagship of our nation’s protected Wild and Scenic Rivers and was one of the original rivers designated in 1968! The U.S. Forest Service carefully protects this treasure, issuing a limited number of permits to experience this amazing place.

We’re also offering a special discount for our June 17th launch, so if you’re interested in those launch dates be sure to book soon as this trip will fill up fast! You can book your trip by clicking here.

Book Your Adventure

BE sure to visit our TripAdvisor account for over 70 reviews that rank Adventure Sun Valley as EXCELLENT based on consumer ratings of 99% FIVE STAR Ratings.

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It’s apparent through the comments you’ll find on a portal such as TripAdvisor, that many guests become very fond of the personable guides that hosted their trip, who worked hard to provide fun, friendly adventures throughout their entire dream vacation. Hand picked by owner and outfitter Bradley Frei, Adventure Sun Valley guides just have that spirit and charm that make kids wake up to new perspectives and skills they never thought possible, and also give adults and even seniors the courage to push the envelope and try new experiences. Our Adventure Sun Valley guides are THE BEST and bring out the fun in every trip down the mighty Middle Fork of the Salmon River.

A few of the gentlemen you’ll meet on an ASV trip are LEAD GUIDES who have been loyal to the Adventure Sun Valley pampered camping experience for a decade or more. High caliber individuals like Eli Kretzmann and Luke Manifold are the glue that, together with leadership skills and solid character, are responsible for showing their guests a whitewater wilderness adventure they never forget.

With that said, we’d love to share a very recent review with our audience out in the world, to shine a light on the experience and a few helpful insights you will gain (in the words of one of our beloved guests):

This review posted two weeks ago by Chicklit1965 on Trip Advisor, offers well written insights for vacation planners who wish to embark on a white water rafting trip in the Frank Church Wilderness on Idaho’s Middle Fork of the Salmon River:

Another spectacular voyage with Adventure Sun Valley by Chicklit1965

I just returned from another spectacular voyage down the Middle Fork with Adventure Sun Valley. This was my third trip and my second year in a row with ASV. Brad Frei, lead guide Eli Kretzmann, and their professional, personable crew continue to exceed expectations with first-class service, gourmet fare, and top-notch amenities in a magnificent wilderness setting.

One of the trip highlights this year was witnessing the total solar eclipse in Stanley, ID, our group’s meeting point before flying to the Indian Creek launch site. What a fantastic, ethereal first-day bonding experience for our eclectic group, which ranged from a young couple on their honeymoon to a group of seniors celebrating a 40th wedding anniversary.

As I’ve sung Adventure Sun Valley’s praises to my friends via social media, many have expressed interest in this kind of trip, but worry that they aren’t young or athletic enough to participate. Fortunately, there are many options: inflatable “ducky” kayaks for the more active thrill-seekers; a paddle-catamaran those who want to join in the fun but leave the steering to the pros; and guide-manned oar boats for folks who’d rather just soak up the scenery, catch a fish, and relax.
For people who enjoy the outdoors and camping, this is truly a pampered “glamping” experience without the customary hassles of planning, setup, meal-prep and cleanup.

1. Expect to get your hands dirty. This is first-class camping but it ain’t the Ritz, folks! At the end of a long day on the river, you will arrive at camp where tents, private toilet facilities, hot showers, and fireside chairs have been set up ahead of time. Each guest selects a tent and assembles his/her own cot so guides can start cooking dinner sooner, but they are MORE than happy to assist with cot setup if needed. The aluminum cot poles might have a little residue, but multiple hand-washing stations are provided so it’s really a non-issue for most people. 
2. You will likely get wet and stay that way for at least a couple of hours, even if you’re on an oar boat when it’s 90F and sunny. FOLLOW THE SUGGESTED PACKING LIST. Quick-dry clothing, fleece, and a waterproof rain jacket/pants should minimize any discomfort. 
3. Let’s face it, the communal toilet known as the “groover” will be a deal-breaker for some would-be rustic campers. While a private, peaceful, sanitary facility is provided at each stop, there’s an “ick” factor that just can’t be avoided. (Pro tip: it pays to visit the groover early in the morning!) 
4. Be sure to leave room in your travel budget for a generous guide gratuity. Around 18% of the total trip cost is the *industry standard* for multi-day, premier rafting trips. For a group of four, that’s about $1700, or roughly $10/person/day to each guide. Adventure Sun Valley guides are highly trained professionals who take their jobs very seriously, as they are responsible for guests’ round-the-clock safety and comfort. Tips (checks, cash) are collected by the lead guide upon takeout in a very low-key manner … absolutely no pressure at all but most guests are more than happy to generously demonstrate their appreciation to such hard workers.

As a Florida native, I’m drawn to the breathtaking Frank Church Wilderness because it offers a rugged landscape so completely different from the subtropical flatland I’m accustomed to. This year’s personal challenge for me was to hike to the top of Johnson Peak (elevation 4800 feet, an 1800-foot climb in less than an hour). Next time, my goal is to bring even more friends and family to experience the Middle Fork with ASV while I master the ducky.

Thanks again, Adventure Sun Valley, for another fun and memorable trip!

BE sure to visit our TripAdvisor account for over 70 reviews that rank Adventure Sun Valley as EXCELLENT based on consumer ratings of 99% FIVE STAR Ratings.

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This would be a serious travesty if you desire to experience this enchanting river, but year after year,  cannot seem to win that chance of the permit lottery game. For those of you who lament to go on with the effort to re-apply for the chance to draw a permit, Adventure Sun Valley offers a fantastic option that can accelerate your opportunities to BE on the river, and put the waiting game behind you!

PROBLEM SOLVED!

Join Adventure Sun Valley on a self paddling row your own boat trip and our permit is your ticket to a fabulous adventure packed with lifelong memories.

We call this available service our “Paddle Your Own Support Trip“.

Whether you love the independence of a kayak, or prefer to bring a raft and row your own boat on the river, Adventure Sun Valley offers this flexible service for those of you who are anxious to get on the river with a level of support services you won’t find with just any outfitter.

Adventure Sun Valley offers the use of our permit, along with the support system along the entire stretch of river, as well as the amenities of wonderful meals, camping, daily briefings and experience on the river plus as an option, camaraderie through meeting new people in camp.   We enjoy inviting river people who want to row their own boats on the Middle Fork Salmon River, and we have a tremendous amount of experience in that regards.   Just think of us as your companions to share adventure, without being overbearing, and you get to experience and use your own river watercraft.

The freedom you gain in bringing your own raft or kayak is that you get to take advantage of the joy of the Middle Fork Salmon River along with a fun, safe and enjoyable way to have your cake and eat it too.

We do all the work!

Our team will setup your boat, shuttle it for you, provide you the training and experience about the whitewater experience you desire on the Middle Fork Salmon.  We also send you a video about the Middle Fork, produced as a guide for people just like you, to prepare for what you need to know before you arrive.  Each morning before we break camp, we’ll assign a guide to provide you with a briefing of what to expect that day and then you’re off to paddle the river.  Adventure Sun Valley is basically available to help you as well as provide camaraderie on this magnificent river.

When you take advantage of our “Paddle Your Own” support service, you get the same Pampered Camping, gourmet meals, leisure time and activities as any guests do.

Most outfitters don’t provide this unique service because it adds an extra layer of liability and effort, but as an authority on the Middle Fork of the Salmon River, I personally enjoy offering this “value added service” for people who love rowing their boats on rivers and the enchantment of whitewater rapids.

So friends, if you haven’t had any luck landing a permit for the Middle Fork Salmon River,  lets get you on the river without further ado.

We love to share and spend time with people who love getting on the river, so call or email Adventure Sun Valley to arrange this special service.  I’m personally available to help you plan for your Middle Fork Paddle Your Own Adventure!

See you soon!

Brad Frei, Owner/Host

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Besides the 5 star rating we enjoy by guests posting to TripAdvisor.com there are a plethora of other reasons Adventure Sun Valley offers an experience that is a cut above the rest.  

Unlike other rafting trips you may have been on in the past, you don’t have to lift a finger to load the rafts or do camp chores.   We won’t serve you “camp food.” either!   And we won’t make you ride in a hot, dusty bus to and from the river.

As an extension of its exclusive “Pampered Camping” amenities, Adventure Sun Valley offers complimentary shuttle service for Guests, in our very nice AIR CONDITIONED MOTOR COACH to and from the Boise Airport.

We will meet guests flying into the Boise Airport at 3:30 pm,  on the day before the launch,  for the drive to Stanley in time for you to settle into your hotel room, grab a bite for dinner and join us for an 8pm orientation meeting.

By Car:   The closest town to our launch site just happens to be charming Stanley, Idaho, located on Highway 75, off of Interstate 84, 140 miles north of Twin Falls.   If you have time, the drive in from any direction is extremely scenic.

By Air and Rental car:   Many guests fly into Boise or Sun Valley, rent a car for the week (starting around $240), and drive to and from Stanley.

By Air: Other guests choose to fly on a commercial airline into Boise or Sun Valley and then continue on with a two-way ticket on a small air taxi into Stanley and out of Salmon (near our beginning and ending points). The air taxi ticket costs around $360/person and must be booked well in advance. The air taxi will save you about 8 total hours on the road, as well as the cost of renting a car, and possibly even one night’s lodging at the end of the trip.

Orientation Meet Up

We hold an orientation meeting with guests the night before the launch at the River 1 Sporting Goods Store in Stanley Idaho at 8:00 p.m. to become acquainted, distribute our waterproof gear bags and help you prepare for your morning departure.   River 1 is an EXCEPTIONAL place to get gear for your adventure.

Day one – Launching On Your River Trip

At the prescribed time that we share during the orientation meeting the evening before your river adventures begin, Adventure Sun Valley will pick you up at the Mountain Village Lodge in Stanley Idaho in our AIR CONDITIONED MOTOR COACH for a 1.5 hour scenic drive to the river launch site!

Alternately, when conditions require it later in the summer (usually but not always after late July), we will board a small air taxi in Stanley and fly to an airstrip downriver. The cost for this flight is approximately $150 per person.

At the launch location, your guides and rafts are waiting for your arrival at the river.

Thus begins your Middle Fork of the Salmon River wilderness river adventure!

Days 2 to 5 – Charmed Days on the River

Each day you will be served a hot breakfast around 8am and board the boats mid morning.   Depending on the day and the camp site, highlights of shoreline activities may include Indian pictographs from the ancient Sheepeater Tribes that inhabited the area along this stretch of river long ago.  Natural hot springs, wildlife sightings, exciting raids, trout fishing,  trying out an inflatable kayak, stopping at the Flying B Ranch, hiking, swimming and swapping stories with new friends around the campfire are among some of the favorite pastimes enjoyed by guests. Photos and videos are also shot and can be shared with others in your launch group as of the 2017 season. Lunch and a hot dinner with appetizers and dessert are also prepared by the guides and served to guests.

Day 6 – The Last Day of your River Trip

One the final morning, you’ll be served breakfast an hour earlier than prior day and we will depart the shoreline earlier than previous day. When you arrive ashore around noon where the rafts are pulled out of the water, there is a reluctance to leave what has been an unimaginable experience for the past 5 nights and 6 days.

After lunch, our air-conditioned motor coach will be waiting for guests as you are transported the 2+ hours to Salmon Idaho.  Guests who have booked air taxi flights or who will have their cars shuttled to Salmon will end the adventure here.  We’ll drop you off at your motel or at the airstrip.   Then the shuttle will continue another 2.5 hours to Stanley where our journey began.

We depart Stanley Idaho the next morning  at 7am, to get guests back to Boise Airport. Plan on arriving back at the Boise Airport at approximately 11am.

For more information and a helpful resource, check our Frequently Asked Questions page where we have posted many helpful questions and the answers for guests preparing for a trip with Adventure Sun Valley.

Check our Trip Advisor reviews as well for wonderful comments from guests we’ve hosted over the years.

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