I am going to be in Idaho hoping to get on the Middle Fork Salmon (if the 4 ft of snow gets plowed) on May 27. If the trip doesn't go through, does anyone know of a private trip on the Selway that may have room for 1 kayaker (btwn May 27-June 7)?
Thanx for the info,
Jessica
Can't you get your friends to sack up and run Marsh? Anyone signing up for that launch date has to pretty much expect to run Marsh or fly in to Indian ck.
Be sure to have them cancel the trip with the ranger if they aren't going to utilize it. I guarantee someone wants that permit, if they have enough notice.
Our permit date is 5/26 for the Middle Fork. We have NO expectations of launching at Boundary. We are launching 5/25 from Marsh.
If you check the IdahoWhitewater Group, the locals are even betting on the latest Boundary opening ever. Also, there's a TR posted from the first 2008 Marsh run a couple days ago.
I am going to be in Idaho hoping to get on the Middle Fork Salmon (if the 4 ft of snow gets plowed) on May 27. If the trip doesn't go through, does anyone know of a private trip on the Selway that may have room for 1 kayaker (btwn May 27-June 7)?
Thanx for the info,
Jessica
They won't plow the road. We drove to the putin last year on May 14th, but that was way the exception. Usually the road opens the first week of June. The one time the FS did plow the road, it was portrayed to be a medical emergency. Several cats and rafts had gone under a log, and one person broke their ankle. When they found out that is was a very minor fracture, not a medical emergency of any kind. Just the people got worked and didn't want to continue down the MF. The sheriff or the FS was trying to bill them for all costs associated with the "rescue". Of course that could all be BS, but a fairly reliable source. Get thee to the river and be careful.
I am going to be in Idaho hoping to get on the Middle Fork Salmon (if the 4 ft of snow gets plowed) on May 27. If the trip doesn't go through, does anyone know of a private trip on the Selway that may have room for 1 kayaker (btwn May 27-June 7)?
Thanx for the info,
Jessica
Our group just took off the Selway on the 14th. Just before the weather was supposed to change to 80-90 heat. Be sure to check flows. We ran between 3-4 feet when we launched. If it's around 6+ feet it's supposed to be the cutoff to rethink your launch. We used Clinkenbeard to get our gear into Paradise. The pass had unpassable snow for quite a few miles. No 4x4 I've seen (other than the vehicles they use) could get in for sure. We missed the big dump of water. Some day temps- low as 43 with water temp flowing into Selway where we launched at 34. Be sure to scout Ladle for logs. there were at least 6 or so when we scouted. Two of our kayakers ran the left run successfully. Others portaged. All rafts made it by snaking aournd the logs around the right side. I ran first to feel out the rapid. With all the logs to negotiate, I have to say it was somewhat unsettling. We all ran Wolfcreek (successfully) on the right and did not bother with the 'dimple' run. I took some video using a helmet cam and will post when I get time- but right now the water is the best it's been in years so between work it's hit the river. I still personally consider the Selway at high water to be the most challenging multi-day trip I've run so far- at least in a raft.
Call ahead. Be safe. Good Luck.
wayne
I posted my trip question on the Idaho whitewater yahoo groups. I love helpful advice. Our group still plans on running on May 27, though it looks like a short-ish trip. Here's the big question: bring the creek boat for high water or playboat for surfing?
Cheers,
Jessica
I posted my trip question on the Idaho whitewater yahoo groups. I love helpful advice. Our group still plans on running on May 27, though it looks like a short-ish trip. Here's the big question: bring the creek boat for high water or playboat for surfing?
Cheers,
Jessica
First let me stress that I don't kayak. But I can tell you that we had 3 in our group in creek boats and 2 in playboats. And one of the 2 probably would have preferred to have his creek boat along instead,but he was borrowing from a local here in Colorado. I think the concensus around the fire at night was that the creek boat was the way to go in the flow we ran. In case anyone's interested, we also ran a 16' sb, and and 3 cat boats for support. I ran a small 11'6 plastic cat boat and was able to sneak everything I wanted to except double drop where I nearly flipped. Again, the toughest thing may be to get into the camp ground if they've done nothing with the pass. And I'm not talking just about snow. There were several small rock slides with some blocks around 3'x4' pieces. It will be worth the effort though.
wayne
should have some good info on MF in another few days
Quote:
Originally Posted by Dave Frank
Can't you get your friends to sack up and run Marsh? Anyone signing up for that launch date has to pretty much expect to run Marsh or fly in to Indian ck.
Be sure to have them cancel the trip with the ranger if they aren't going to utilize it. I guarantee someone wants that permit, if they have enough notice.
I was not able to go on the MiddleFork after our Selway trip but my crew was supposed to launch yesterday and figured on launching on Marsh (or Bear creek) if needed. Their biggest concern was talk of trees in Sulfer Slide, Lake Creek and of course, Pistol. They were also prepared to go into Indian if it sounded like portages (for the raft support) were required. I should have news back in a few days. Great advice about communicating with the ranger- and the more notice the better.
wayne
I was not able to go on the MiddleFork after our Selway trip but my crew was supposed to launch yesterday and figured on launching on Marsh (or Bear creek) if needed. Their biggest concern was talk of trees in Sulfer Slide, Lake Creek and of course, Pistol. They were also prepared to go into Indian if it sounded like portages (for the raft support) were required. I should have news back in a few days. Great advice about communicating with the ranger- and the more notice the better.
wayne
The only way in right now is flying or launch on Marsh. There was still 3 feet of snow on the road as of a couple of days ago.
There are a couple of logs in Dagger but they were able run it ok. I have a couple of buddies who launch today as they are trying to catch the peak for the year the next few days. With the temps they just may do it. There is also a log across the river right below Boundary Cr. ( the normal drive in launching area) , they were able to get around it ok. The last group reported no obstructions in Sulphur, Lake Cree or Pistol and a fairly uneventful trip with exception of the scary looking logs they were able to go around in Dagger. Like that rapid doesn't have enough pucker power all ready.
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