WesternRiverRats.com

The Main Fork Of The Salmon

Above: To determine the flow for the river, you must add both of these stations. That means the flow for the Main Salmon for this week was about 1,700 c.f.s. Below:Driving to the put in at Corn Creek. Fire was ever present on this trip starting with this shot.

Below: Cramer Rapid at at about 1,700 c.f.s.. Not much here at this level.

Below: Cramer Rapid at at about 5,000 c.f.s.. At this level, Cramer Rapid can flip the biggest boats. This picture was taken in July and is easily the biggest rapid on the entire Middle Fork float.

Below: The Salmon river basin is a tight, narrow canyon that offers few flat spots.

Below: In September the entire river basin becomes Middle Fork clear as a rule. The river stays this way unless it rains.

Below: Rich, the trip leader catching up on a little reading.

Below: Relaxing on the boats.

Below: The Salmon river is known for excellent beaches. In fact they are the only places available to camp.

Below: Beaches and bocce ball. Home sweet home.

Below: Looking upstream from above the kitchen.

Below: Leave only footprints, take only memories.

Below: Throughout the week, the air would clear up only to give way to smoky skies. Here is it clear.

Below: Forest Fire across from Blackadar Campsite. We watched this fire for over an hour before we voted to camp farther downstream. This fire was directly across from our designated camp. This was one of four fires on the river that week and the closest I have ever been to a forest fire. And actually this is not even a big one. Later in the evening, this entire river bottom was overcome with smoke thick enough to kill you. Good thing we moved.

Below: The fire raced from the river edge to the ridge line in a matter of about 30 seconds. Here it is getting ready to race up higher.

Below: The fire only worked specific sections of the river edge. You could paddle a few minutes and be totally away from it.

Below: Most of the time we could easily see the smoke, but fire was not always visible.

Below: The deciduous plants burned fast and hot. The evergreen trees were spaced out far enough so the fire has trouble getting into the crowns. Since the vegetation was somewhat spread out, the fire was partially contained and had trouble running away.

Below: Some areas burned completely while other hillsides only experienced partial burning and fingers of devastation.

Below: It was very difficult to gauge the danger of this fire jumping over and burning our side.

Below: It was not difficult to imagine the smoke coming over and overwhelming any person close enough.

Below: Scary, very scary.

Below: At times you could not see the Sun through the smoke.

Below: See what I mean?

Below: The fire has now raced up the ridge and crowned in the big evergreen trees at ridge line. These flames are about 150 feet high.

Below: Moments later the big flames burned out and smoke poured off of the hillside.

Below: The only safe place was the beach we were on, and that would not protect us from a change of wind and the smoke.

Below: So we left!

Below: The next day at Salmon Falls. The run is between the big rocks in the middle. These falls have been dynamited several times to make this run easier. You must ship your oars or tuck them in to get through this skinny opening.

Below: The entrance to the falls is flat and slow. You must line up correctly. That is the only control you have over your path. Once in, the river takes over.

Below: Lauren pops through with her fourteen foot long boat.

Below: Notice her oars are tucked in while she clears the big rocks. Once you hit this spot, the rapid has basically been run.

Below: Well okay, you still have a little work to do.

Below: Nice run!

Below: The patriarch of our group is Dan! While teaching rowing at the University of Idaho, this Ph.D. averaged over 200 days a year on the river. This was his 15th time down this stretch.

Below: Dan seems to be under control at all times. Very rare.

Below: The nicest hot springs I have ever been in. This tub has been cemented in place by constructing the North wall (left hand side). This hot springs features hot and cold running water and it's very own rubber duck. This tub is big enough for at least ten people to be neck deep while sitting.

Below: The boats are 200 feet below. The water temperature was about 103 degrees.

Below: Another hot springs that is about 130 degrees. You cannot get into this one.

Below: A smoky day on the river.

Below: Yup! That is smoky all right.

Below: An abandoned car from days gone bye.

Below: The view from the bank.

Below: The Salmon river is quite picturesque.

Below: The grave of John Painter. This is a historic site and contributes greatly to the overall value of this fine river.

Below: Beep Beep.

Below: The Buckskin Bill Museum. Save your money for this spot. It is the only place you can get an ice cream float on the river. At $4.00, this is a big treat in 90 degree weather. I had one!

Below: Horses that live at the museum.

Below: Ice cream anyone?

Below: Lunch at Buckskin Bills place.

Below: Buckskin Bill built this tower for protection. He would sit up here with the guns he built. If you float this river, be sure to stop in and watch the short video of this old timer who died a long time ago.

Below: The Poly Bemis Historical Site. Another amazing historical site where this famous women lived. Be sure to read the entire story when you visit this site.