This is a fantastic trip for any solid class IV paddler.

Although the river only contains four named rapids, there is an almost continuous action of class III and IV drops. The named drops can all be easily scouted but not all easily portaged.

The trip can be done as self-support with a camp somewhere halfway. However, this would mean not bringing play boats and missing out on a lot of fun. So another option is to arrange for a shuttle driver to meet you at camp ground at the South Fork Guard Station just short of half way down the river. The next day you have the shuttle driver go to a nearby airstrip. Then you charter an airplane to pick you up at Mackay Bar at the confluence of the main salmon. Voila! A classic two day class IV wilderness trip in play boats.

Shuttle service can be arranged with Ken Boatman, Yellowpine. An airplane can be chartered at McCall Air or services running out of Cascade.