Salmon, South Fork

With high flows on the river we decided to head upstream for a Sunday afternoon trip on this section of the South Fork Salmon (note flow reported is for the mainstem at Somes Bar and flows were lower on this upper fork). We encountered a couple channel-spanning pieces of wood at the South Fork Trailhead but otherwise the run was relatively free of wood (a few pieces along the sides were in play). At these flows the rapids were class III but very continuous with small eddies.

The Ledge Drop below the first bridge and just above the second bridge was the most challenging drop on the run and it came up quick. On this day the right slot was free of wood (one member of the partner flipped and went that way before rolling up).

After the second bridge the run started to open up a bit more and by the time we reached the East Fork of the South Fork, wood was less of a concern with a more open channel and slightly easier whitewater.

The entire run was 2.5 hours of float time with the addition of a short break for lunch. We were able to fill up our gas tank (cash only) and grab a drink at the Salmon River Saloon on one of the rare days it was open.