For those who prefer warmer climates than the North Pole’s -40 degree temperature or who don’t have a desire to take their family into Polar Bear roaming territory, Idaho’s famous Frank Church Wilderness Area is worth considering. The wilderness area, or “The Frank” as it is commonly referred to, covers 2.2 million acres of pristine wilderness area. Within the region are thousands of springs (both hot and cold), countless wildlife (elk, black bear, and moose), and – perhaps the greatest attraction of all – America’s best river trip: the Middle Fork of the Salmon.

The Middle Fork of the Salmon is a 100-mile stretch of river that begins its journey high in the alpine range and ends at the confluence with the Main Salmon River. Stemming from cold springs, mountain lakes, and the purest snow melt, the Middle Fork is nationally recognized as a superb fishery with amazingly clear water and beautiful cutthroat trout.

A trip on the Middle Fork of the Salmon is more than just a check-off on your bucket list. Those who find themselves floating through the Middle Fork canyon are often lulled back year after year. It is a place that defines the word solitude – in it’s truest form – and provides one of America’s few examples of pure, rugged, unaltered, natural beauty. It is a place that leaves impressions, but one that has not been impressed upon. Rather, its visitors leave with a new appreciation or renewed sense of life after their 100-mile float through the Franks proudest work of art.

Solitude River Trips offers six-day rafting and fly fishing trips on the Middle Fork of the Salmon. Owned and operated by river veterans Al and Jeana Bukowsky, their trips, like the river they operate on, are top-notch and true classics. Using an outfitter like Solitude makes an experience down the Middle Fork of the Salmon even more rewarding. Their hospitality, genuine love for the river, experience, and gourmet camp cooking makes it easy to absorb the Middle Fork canyon without worries.

On a select number of their trips, Solitude offers an option to stay at one or both of the Middle Fork’s two remote wilderness lodges. The Middle Fork Lodge, located roughly one third of the way down the river, is typically a first or second night on the river. The Flying B Ranch is located roughly two thirds of the way through the journey. Both lodges are located on the banks of the river and provide a comfortable way to spend a night in the Idaho wilderness.

For more information about rafting or fly fishing on Idaho’s Middle Fork of the Salmon, contact Al and Jeana of Solitude River Trips at 1-800-396-1776 or visit them online at www.RiverTrips.com.

The views from the Arrow A Ranch are incredible. With the Upper Main Salmon River flowing by and the Sawtooth Mountain Range in the foreground, it’s easy to spend a relaxing afternoon enjoying the views. Lower Stanley is also within walking distance of Upper Stanley (which is normally just referred to as “Stanley”. Between Upper and Lower is a beautiful creek called “Valley Creek” that, as the name suggests, meanders through the valley separating the Sawtooths from the Salmon River.

What’s the ultimate relaxing day in the Stanley area? Wake up at the Arrow A Ranch, make some coffee, and go for a leisurely stroll up to the Stanley Bakery. Hang out there until the sun heats the valley and then walk down to the Salmon River. Do some fly-fishing and when you’re tired of catching fish, pick up some barbeque supplies at Jerry’s (in Lower Stanley) and fire up the grill back at the Arrow A. With cold beer and tasty food in hand, enjoy a phenomenal Idaho sunset from the porch of the deck. To top it off “Idaho-style”, head over to one of the many nearby hot springs to enjoy a soak before turning in for the night.

If that sounds good, be sure to make reservations at the Arrow A Ranch. Reservations can be hard to get, especially during peak season during the summer months, so it’s suggested to make reservations as far ahead of time as possible. Give Jay or Connie a call to reserve your night. During the summer, call (208) 774-3521. During the winter, try them at (208) 466-5719. You can also visit the Arrow A online at www.arrowaranch.com.

Staying at the Sawtooth Hotel is a true rarity and treat. With only six guest rooms (in the main building) that are commonly filled well in advance, making reservations long before your expected arrival date is highly recommended. All of the rooms offer great views of the Sawtooth Mountains. Two of the rooms have private bathrooms and king-sized beds. The remaining four rooms share two bathrooms down the hall. Behind the main building there are three additional rooms with kitchenettes and private bathrooms.

What better way to start the day than with a gorgeous view of the Sawtooth Mountains? The Sawtooth Hotel allows you to do just that, with a coffee in hand and a fabulous breakfast in the works. Their restaurant is open seven days a week, May through October, and Friday-Sunday during the winter months (December through April). Their menu items are fresh, local, and delicious. During the winter months a wood fire keeps the dining area toasty warm and creates a magical ambiance.

In over 80 years both Stanley and the Sawtooth Hotel have seen a lot of changes. From remodels, to paved roads, to a huge increase in tourism – both the town and hotel have matured to accommodate the changing tides. What hasn’t changed are the things that made the Sawtooth Hotel special to begin with: great views, a comfy bed, tasty meals, and an atmosphere of authentic, small-town individuals who care about their visitors.

Contacting the Sawtooth Hotel:

Call them at 208-721-2459
Find them at 755 Ace of Diamonds St.
Visit them online at www.SawtoothHotel.com

A popular stop for those on Middle Fork of the Salmon rafting or fishing trips, the Flying “B” Ranch (known simply as “the B” to most guides), has a small store used sometimes to restock float trips for their final 35 miles to the confluence with the Main Salmon River. They carry rare wilderness items like block ice, ice cream, beer and soda.

Getting supplies to the Flying “B” is no easy chore. With no road access, nearly all items are flown in via small back-country planes. When items can’t be flown in they are floated from Boundary Creek, the normal launch site for Middle Fork of the Salmon trips, to the ranch, more than 65 miles downstream. A photo in Cort Conley’s guide book to the Middle Fork of the Salmon shows a VW Bus loaded on a sweep boat on its way to the Flying “B” Ranch.

Many often wonder what exactly the “B” stands for in the Flying “B” name. Captain Bernard was a major player in the Sheepeater Indian War. Bernard Creek enters the river from the left only a mile downstream of the ranch.

Those who stay at the Flying “B” Ranch are treated to great meals and even better surroundings. The Middle Fork canyon in this area is wide-open but the “B” marks the start of what has become known to boaters as “Impassable Canyon” – where the canyon shortly pinches in and the river picks up speed. Trails from the “B” go both upstream and downstream, which allows visitors access to hundreds of miles of trail to explore, side creeks to fish, and vistas to climb.

More information about the Flying “B” Ranch:

Online: www.flyingresortranches.com
Phone: 877-562-1129
Email: flyingresort@centurytel.net

Getting to Redfish Lake is a breeze. Take Highway 75 headed South for approximately 4.5 miles. Next, turn right onto Redfish Lake Road. Continue for two miles before making another left (stay on Redfish Lake Road) and arriving at the lake.

Facilities at the lodge include a great restaurant that has windows looking out at the lake. There is also outdoor seating, which in the summer time is quite pleasant. There are lots of different lodging options: from small and large cabins to single rooms – each one is rustic but comfortable. For large groups, some of the cabins include a kitchen.

Recreation around the lake area is plentiful. From hiking, biking, and running trails to fishing, swimming, and paddling in the lake itself – opportunities abound.

What’s the perfect closing to a fun day outside? Lay down on the front lawn of the lodge and listen to live music resonate off the neighboring mountains. The Redfish Lake Lodge has a schedule of musicians available on their website at www.redfishlake.com.  The evenings are fun, festival, and delicious. The menu features their famous Prime Rib, but for a more local bite go for the Ruby Red Idaho Trout.

For more information about Redfish Lake, visit www.redfishlake.com or call them at  208-774-3563.

Idaho boasts over 16,000 miles of rivers and streams, offering up some of the finest white water rafting opportunities available anywhere.  The Middle Fork, the Snake, the Salmon, Hells Canyon, the Payette, the Owyhee, Jarbridge, the Selway – these and other Idaho rivers beckon thousands of visitors every summer.  But not every white water rafter is a grizzled “river rat” – in fact, many families who have no white water experience whatsoever take to the river canyons for once in a lifetime wilderness vacations.   Rafting vacations combine the excitement of traversing white water with an immersion in the natural world, a rustic camping experience, an education in Native American and pioneer lore, and perhaps even an introduction to fly fishing.  There’s something for everyone (on many rivers, that includes natural hot springs – Mother Nature’s own spa treatment).  Highly trained river guides make your family’s safety their first concern, in the water and out…and help your family understand and appreciate the wonders of the natural world. From 1/2 day trips to multi day trips Idaho rivers have it all. Its never too late to book a trip. So what are you waiting for? Idaho beckons!