Middle Fork of the Salmon Rafting
Middle Fork of the salmon
Middle Fork Salmon RaftingPrivate PermitsCommercial Trips

Middle Fork Salmon

Private Middle Fork of the Salmon PermitsMiddle Fork Salmon Private Permits

Permits are always required to float the Middle Fork of the Salmon. During the most popular months of the year for Middle Fork rafting, a lottery system is in place to distribute permits. This is known as the "control season."

From September 4th through May 27th, one can float the Middle Fork whenever they would like (but still need a permit). For information about picking up these non-lottery permits, call the Salmon-Challis Forest Service HQ at (208) 879-4101. These permits are issued on a first-call basis. A max of seven permits are issued per day.

Applying for a Permit

Those who want to launch between May 28th and September 3rd must apply for their permit through the Four Rivers Lottery. This lottery is a combination application for the Selway, Middle Fork of the Salmon, Main Salmon, and Snake Rivers. Your odds of getting a permit vary depending on the launch date. For more information about applying for a Middle Fork permit, please visit the Salmon-Challis Four Rivers website.

Private Boater Organizations

Idaho is known as the whitewater state, so it's no surprise there are so many private boaters! The largest private boating community in Idaho is called the Idaho Whitewater Assocation.