Weather
The Middle Fork begins at 5800 feet elevation, and we can experience frost our 1st night on the river. Typically, days are hot and nights are cool. Study our Gear List carefully, and call the office with questions. Weather in the Central Idaho Mountains is very unpredictable, and you need to be well-prepared.
Important Message
Frost is possible the first night on the Middle Fork throughout the summer. It can snow on the Middle Fork in July. It can also be intensely hot. The weather is impossible to predict. You may not use all the gear listed here, but we recommend bringing it all.
Plan to “layer” clothing for maximum comfort. On the rafts, guides typically wear nylon shorts, T-shirt, cap and sandals, with rain gear and polypro underwear, etc. handy in one of our day bags in case of a shower or cool weather.
Hughes River Expeditions, Inc. Provides:
- All meals beginning with lunch the first day, and ending with lunch the last day of the trip
- Coast Guard approved whitewater life jackets
- Farmer John wetsuits (if necessary)
- Freshly laundered sleeping bags, small camp pillows and Therm-a-rest self-inflating sleeping pads (and a waterproof duffle to stow this in)
- Tents (a tent for 2 guests or a tent for singles)
- Ground tarps
- Camp chairs
- Waterproof gear packs for your personal gear. Size of pack is 13.5″ x 26″
- Day bags
- Camera boxes (Pelican brand diving boxes)
- Toilet paper
- First aid supplies
- Eating Utensils (cups, silver, plates)
- Water bottle (1 per guest)
- Unlimited potable water
- Limited complimentary beverage supply (fruit juice, soda, beer, wine)
Guest Experiences on the Middle Fork of the Salmon River
You should bring:
- Nylon shorts and/or swimming suit
- Shirts (t-shirts or collared shirts)
- Sun shirts/hoodies are great!
- Light weight pants
- Good rain gear (jacket & pants) IMPORTANT! (can also be used as wind gear)
- Camp shoes, lightweight (athletic or deck shoes)
- River shoes (sneakers or sandals with heel straps)
- Wool or Synthetic gloves/mittens
- Wool or Polypropylene socks
- Synthetic long underwear (tops & bottoms)
- Wool or Synthetic stocking cap or balaclava
- Jacket (pile or polar fleece) Pile or polar fleece pants are optional
- Headlamp or Small flashlight
- Pillow case (from home – our camp pillows are small. You can stuff a pillowcase with pile clothing & our camp pillow to make a comfy pillow)
- Towel, soap & toiletry items. Travel pack of handiwipes
- Skin lotion
- Waterproof sun screen & sun screen lip balm
- Sunglasses with straps
- Your favorite beverages (can when possible)
- PRESCRIPTION DRUGS, ALLERGY MEDICINES, ETC that you need
- Insect repellent (rarely have any mosquitoes, but may see a few 1st night in early season)
Note:
Wool, synthetic, pile and fleece items are important as they provide warmth when wet. Cotton drains heat from the body when it gets wet, and should not be substituted for these items.Plan to “layer” clothing for maximum comfort. On the rafts, guides typically wear nylon shorts, T-shirt, cap and sandals, with rain gear and polypro underwear, etc. handy in one of our day bags in case of a shower or cool weather. Polypro long underwear is usually unnecessary on the Snake or Salmon Canyon in July or August. However, the weather is impossible to predict and you should come prepared. Key items for comfort on the river for cool, wet weather are a good rain jacket and polypro long underwear.
We’re here to answer any and all of your questions!