Salmon

5 - North Fork to Corn Creek

Difficulty	III
Length	46 mi
Avg Gradient	n/a
Gauge	Salmon River at Salmon Id
Flow Rate as of 1 hour	5690 cfsrunnable
Reach Info Last Updated	June 6, 2022

River Description

This is the roadside run that those traveling in to the Main Salmon put-in or out from the Middle Fork Salmon take-out see on their drive. There are a number of access points that provide options for a day trip or for those wishing to extend their Main Salmon trip and reduce the long drive down the washboard road to its end at Corn Creek.

For those interested in a day trip, the 10 mile class III run from Spring Creek to Cove Creek is a popular option.

Access Points and Features (mileage from Highway 93).

0.4 Newland Picnic Area

3.7 Deadwater Picnic Area

4.5 dispersed recreation site

10.2 dispersed recreation site

12.4 BSA Adventure Base

14.7 dispersed recreation site

16.2 Spring Creek Campground

16.5 end of pavement

19.5 bridge

23.4 pictographs

26.3 Panther Creek

27.2 bridge

27.8 Cove Creek Boating Site

31.6 dispersed recreation site

33.1 Ebenezer Campground

35.2 dispersed recreation site

37.2 Long Tom Picnic Area

37.6 Middle Fork Salmon confluence overlook

37.8 Stoddard Bar Trailhead

40.5 Cache Bar Boat Ramp, standard take-out for Middle Fork Salmon trips

46.0 Corn Creek Boat Ramp and Campground, end of the road and standard put-in for Main Salmon River trips (permit required)

River Features

North Fork Boat Ramp Put-In

Distance: 0.02 mi

This access is adminstered by Idaho Fish and Game through a private land lease agreement that provides access to the Salmon River. It is located behind the North Fork Store and Campground along US Highway 93. Private campsites and picnic sites are available adjacent to this access. Open during daylight hours with amentities that include an accessible toilet and boat ramp.

Newland Picnic Area Access

Distance: 0.72 mi

Access Point

River access is available at this picnic area administered by the Forest Service located 0.4 mile down the Salmon River Road.

SCAT Machine

Distance: 0.92 mi

Other

The SCAT Machine used for toilet clean outs after river trips and is administered by the Forest Service.

Deadwater Picnic Area Access

Distance: 3.52 mi

Access Point

Good ramp providing river access located 3.7 miles down the Salmon River Road.

Spring Creek Campground Access

Distance: 17.05 mi

Access Point

Good ramp providing river access that is often used as a put-in for a day trip that is co-located with a campground adminstered by the Forest Service. The access is 16.2 miles down the Salmon River Road.

Cove Creek Boat Ramp Access

Distance: 28.35 mi

Access Point

Good ramp providing river access that is often used as a take-out for a day trip. It is located 27.8 miles down the Salmon River Road and administered by the Forest Service.

Middle Fork Confluence

Distance: 38.34 mi

Other

This is the point where Middle Fork Trips join the Main Salmon at Salmon River Road mile 37.6. A pullout provides a view up the Middle Fork Salmon from an overlook. A rough ramp provides river access just downstream of the confluence on river right. Most Middle Fork Salmon boaters continue a few miles downstream to a take-out but a few continue on down the Main Salmon.

Cache Creek Access

Distance: 41.12 mi

Access Point

This access point is typically used as the take out for trips that are coming down the Middle Fork and is administered by the Forest Service. Those paddling the Salmon River should avoid this access point so as not to create further congestion. It is located at Salmon River Road mile 40.5.

Corn Creek Take-Out

Distance: 46.14 mi

Take Out

Take out at Corn Creek on river right. This access marks the end of the road at Salmon River Road mile 46.0 and the transition to the section known as the Main Salmon that requires a permit for multi-day river trips. The site is administed by the Forsest Service and includes an adjacent campground popular with river runners who stage their trips the day before launching.