RIVER OF THE MONTH
Middle Fork Salmon River
The crown jewel of wild and scenic rivers, the Middle Fork Salmon River drains 2,830 square miles of spectacular mountain wilderness in central Idaho. From its alpine source at the confluence of Bear Valley and Marsh Creeks, the Middle Fork tumbles for 104 miles—all dam-free and designated wild and scenic—to meet the Salmon River, the largest tributary to the Snake River.
Why It Matters
Pat Clayton/Engbretson Underwater Photography
Fish
Skip Volpert
For wild Chinook salmon, steelhead and westslope cutthroat trout (above), the Middle Fork is the pinnacle of healthy habitat in the Columbia-Snake system. While a fraction of their historic abundance, these fish populations are some of the most genetically pure on Earth, unaltered by hatcheries. Other native species include sockeye salmon, bull trout and mountain whitefish.
ODFW
The Middle Fork is the wildest, healthiest and most pristine river system in the Lower 48 and one of the world’s most important strongholds for salmon and steelhead. The river is the heart and soul of the Frank ChurchRiver of No Return Wilderness, the largest roadless wilderness in the continental U.S. Prized for its remoteness, the Middle Fork is regarded as the best multi-day wilderness whitewater trip in America.
Wildlife
From alpine forests to sweeping desert canyons, the Middle Fork’s isolated expanses support incredible wildlife. Large mammals abound, including bighorn sheep, deer, elk, moose, black bear, mountain lion, wolf, lynx and wolverine. Raptors like golden eagle (above), osprey and red-tailed hawk soar the skies, while scores of migratory birds arrive in spring and summer.