Upper Salmon River

THE UPPER SALMON RIVER BOATING GUIDE, EAST-CENTRAL IDAHO Idaho Department of Fish and Game | U.S. Forest Service | Bureau of Land Management Index And Location Map R Salmon ive NORTH FORK r ! S15 S14 CARMEN ! SALMON TO NEWLAND RANCH —22.9 miles SALMON ! S13 S12 McKIM CREEK TO SALMON —33.4 miles S11 S10 ELLIS THOMPSON CREEK TO McKIM CREEK —66.3 miles ! S9 S8 CHALLIS ! S7 STANLEY TO THOMPSON CREEK —26.4 miles S6 S2 ! S3 STANLEY S4 S5 ! CLAYTON S1 Map Location IDAHO Cover photography © Chad Case UPPER SALMON RIVER BOATING GUIDE, EAST-CENTRAL IDAHO Idaho Department of Fish and Game Salmon Regional Office 99 Highway 93 North Salmon, Idaho 83467 208-756-2271 Sawtooth National Forest 370 American Avenue Jerome, Idaho 83338 208-423-7500 Bureau of Land Management Idaho Falls District 1405 Hollipark Drive Idaho Falls, Idaho 83401 208-524-7500 Bureau of Land Management Challis Field Office 721 East Main Avenue, Suite 8 Challis, Idaho 83226 208-879-6200 Bureau of Land Management Salmon Field Office Salmon-Challis National Forest 1206 S. Challis Street Salmon, Idaho 83467 208-756-5400 THE RIVER’S NAMESAKE The Salmon river supports three separate species of anadromous fish (fish born in fresh water that migrates to the ocean to mature, then returns to fresh water to spawn). A salmon’s life begins and ends here in the mountains of Idaho. Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) and sockeye salmon (Onrcorhynchus nerka) travel nearly 900 miles to reach the spawning areas in the Stanley Basin and, unlike steelhead (Oncorhynchus mykiss), die after spawning. All three species, as well as numerous other fish that make the Salmon River their home need clean, oxygen-filled water to survive. Dozens of wildlife and bird species also depend on the clean water and robust riparian zone of the Salmon River to survive, which is just one of many reasons to take care of this resource. o ok Chin salmon (fe male) ©Joseph Tomerelli Chinook salmon spend one year in fresh water before they make the long journey to the ocean. After one to three years in the ocean, they are big and mature, and head back to their spawning grounds. As they make their way to the mountains their bodies change, growing a hooked jaw and large, sharp teeth. S o c ke y e s a lm o n ©Joseph Tomerelli Sockeye salmon also undergo drastic change on the long journey from the ocean to the Salmon River. The males grow a hump on their back, their jaws become hooked, sharp teeth grow, and they turn from entirely bright blue-silver to bright red bodies with dark green heads. Sockeye spawn in river systems that contain lakes. Their smaller relative, kokanee, live their entire lives in the high lakes and rivers. iii Contents Index and Location Map The River’s Namesake i iii Whitewater Classes v Introduction 1 Laws and Requirements 2 Salmon Habitat Restoration 4 Safety 6 Ethics 7 Steelhead 10 Legend 12 The Headwaters 13 River Maps and Information 14 References 50 Idaho Birding Checklist 51 Emergency Contacts Administrative Offices Outfitters and Guides back cover iv WHITEWATER CLASSes Rapid ratings are a general guide to relative difficulty. Severe weather conditions, extreme water levels and remote locations all contribute to the danger of white water boating. Changes in water levels or flows cause variations in rapid difficulty. Scout any rapids you are not familiar with, and understand and respect your limitations. Class I Small waves, passages clear, no serious obstacles. Class II Medium-sized, regular waves; passages clear, some maneuvering may be required. Class III Waves are numerous, high and irregular; rocks, eddies, narrow passages; scouting usually required. Class IV Powerful, irregular waves; boiling eddies; dangerous rocks; congested passages; precise maneuvering required; scouting mandatory. Class V Exceedingly difficult; violent rapids often following each other without interruption; big drops, violent current, scouting mandatory, but often difficult. Class VI Limit of navigability, generally considered unnavigable. USGS Streamflows http://waterdata.usgs.gov/id/nwis/current/?type=flow Get real-time stream flows for most rivers in Idaho, water temperatures at some gauging stations and annual hydrograph charts that show when rivers typically get peak spring flows from the above website. v INTRODUCTION The Salmon River flows 425 miles through Idaho from its headwaters near Galena Summit in the Sawtooth National Recreation Area to its confluence with the Snake River on the Oregon border. It drains 14,000 square miles and drops more than 7,000 feet. The Salmon River has three distinct recreational segments: the Upper Salmon (Stanley to North Fork), the Main Salmon (Corn Creek to Carey Creek), and the Lower Salmon (White Bird to the Snake River confluence). This guidebook covers the 150 river miles from the Sawtooth Fish Hatchery in Stanley to North Fork and Newland Ranch. The Upper Salmon River provides a variety of boating opportunities. Between Stanley and Clayton the river bounces through several classified rapids and is a favorite stretch for white water enthusiasts. Most trips begin below the Class IV Sunbeam Dam rapid taking advantage of Piece of Cake (III) rapid. As the river makes its way towards Challis, the valley broadens and the gradient decreases significantly. Ever changing cottonwood galleries pose their own threats to boater safety. From Challis to North Fork, the Salmon River is fairly mellow with Class I riffles punctuated with short canyon features and Class II rapids making this run an ideal beginner stretch. The upper section is unique in its combination of easy access and back country scenic quality. The campgrounds and access sites along this corridor host thousands of people each year. Highways 75 and 93 parallel this entire reach, connecting the towns of Stanley, Clayton, Challis, Ellis, Salmon, and North Fork. Major tributaries include Valley Creek, Yankee Fork, East Fork, and the Pahsimeroi, Lemhi and North Fork rivers. Occasionally, boaters navigate some of the Salmon’s tributaries. This guide will help you navigate the river and learn about nature. Please note where the north arrow points on each map. Land ownership patterns are mixed (public and private lands) and rarely signed, so careful map reading ensures your activities will not impinge upon private property rights. Public and private campgrounds are prevalent along this stretch and accessible from the river as well as the highway. Please be aware that the Upper Salmon River, while not known for its classified rapids, still requires adequate equipment and skills to navigate safely. 1 LAWS AND REQUIREMENTS INVASIVE SPECIES LAWS FOR BOATERS Under this law, the owner of any non-motorized vessel in Idaho (canoe, kayak, raft, driftboat, etc.) is required to purchase and display Idaho Invasive Species Fund (IISF) stickers on their vessel(s) in order to legally launch and operate in Idaho. Inflatable, non-motorized vessels under 10 feet in length are exempt from this requirement in Idaho. zebra mussels–aquatic invasive species Idaho Invasive Species Fund (IISF) stickers. Left: non-motorized example for any boat that is registered in Idaho or another state, and any non-motorized vessel (canoe, kayak, raft, drift boat, etc.). Right: non-resident example. MOTORIZED WATER CRAFT Small to medium motorized water craft are allowed in this section of the river corridor downstream from Torrey’s Hole although it is not common for long distance, through traffic. RESPECT PRIVATE PROPERTY There is a mix of private, state and federal land in this river corridor. Know where you are on the river and respect the rights of private property owners so that boaters can continue to enjoy the river in the future. HISTORIC AND CULTURAL MATERIALS Collecting or disturbing archaeological artifacts and historic objects is prohibited by federal law. HOT SPRINGS Digging, damming, or otherwise altering the natural flow or appearance of hot springs is prohibited by Idaho Code 42-351. IDAHO STEELHEAD RULES Anyone fishing for anadromous salmon and/or steelhead must have a valid fishing license and salmon and/or steelhead permit(s) on his/ her person. Non-residents must purchase either a non-resident season fishing license and a full season salmon and/or steelhead permit or a non-resident, 3-day salmon/steelhead license/permit. Learn the rules on the Idaho Department of Fish and Game website at https://idfg.idaho.gov/sites/default/files/seasons-rules-fish-2016-2018-steelhead.pdf. 2 RECREATIONAL PLACER MINING IN IDAHO Many people enjoy the challenge of searching for gold in Idaho’s streams and rivers by means of recreational mining. The alteration of stream channels by using recreational mining equipment in a stream is regulated in Idaho by the Stream Channel Protection Act. Recreational mining equipment can be any implement that is used to dig, scrape, dredge, or otherwise move stream bed materials from below the mean high watermark in search of minerals. The Stream Channel Protection Act requires that a miner obtain a permit from the Idaho Department of Water Resources (IDWR) before altering any portion of Idaho’s stream beds. IDWR regulations do not allow recreational mining in the Upper Salmon River and its navigable tributaries due to threatened or endangered fish species. Colum b i a B a s i n b u l l t ro u t ©Joseph Tomerelli It is a misdemeanor in Idaho to alter a stream channel without the IDWR permit or to violate the conditions of the permit. Mineral removal from streams on private lands requires permission or a mineral lease from the owner. For more information, visit Idaho’s website at www.idwr.idaho.gov/ streams/recreational-mining-permits.html. Please note the Sawtooth NRA is closed to all mining including recreational panning and placer mining. THE ENDANGERED SPECIES ACT OF 1973 The Endangered Species Act (ESA) was signed on December 28, 1973, and provides for the conservation of species that are endangered or threatened. The Upper Salmon River Basin is part of the Columbia River Basin—home to fish species listed under the ESA as endangered (Snake River sockeye salmon) and threatened (Snake River chinook salmon, Snake River steelhead, Columbia Basin bull trout). These native species occupy, currently reside, or migrate within many miles of streams and rivers. Tributaries used for spawning and rearing along the Salmon River are vitally important. Hundreds of stream miles are designated critical habitat for sockeye salmon, Columbia Basin bull trout (Salvelinus confluentus), Snake River steelhead and the Snake River Chinook salmon. Other sensitive species include the westslope cutthroat trout and redband rainbow trout, both native salmonids. For boating restrictions in the Sawtooth NRA during spawning season, please read page 12. 3 SALMON HABITAT RESTORATION The Upper Salmon Basin Watershed Program, coordinated by the Idaho Governor’s Office of Species Conservation, helps landowners develop water restoration projects to improve salmon habitat. The program assists with the permitting process for these projects, oversees the work and monitors the outcomes. Additionally, the program pursues and manages major funding support. Partner agencies finance and implement projects through the program. Landowners hosting projects share the cost, usually with time and labor. Local businesses do the majority of the work on the ground. Primary funding is provided by the Bonneville Power Administration (BPA). Projects include fencing along streams to encourage vegetation growth, which stabilizes the stream banks and reduces erosion; rebuilding and repairing irrigation intakes, where rotating screens keep juvenile fish from being swept into irrigation canals; and diverting trapped fish back into the main stream. A “Tech Team” of local stakeholders evaluates proposed projects, provides guidance to staff regarding funding and implementation, and develops plans for the future. For more information, visit online at www.modelwatershed.org/. The Upper Salmon Basin Watershed Program Partners • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • 4 Bonneville Power Administration BPA Environment, Fish & Wildlife Columbia Basin Water Transactions Program Custer Soil and Water Conservation District Idaho Department of Environmental Quality Idaho Department of Fish and Game Idaho Department of Water Resources Idaho Governor’s Office of Species Conservation Idaho State Soil and Water Conservation Commission Idaho Water Resource Board Lemhi Regional Land Trust Lemhi Soil and Water Conservation District National Marine Fisheries Service Natural Resource Conservation Service Northwest Power and Conservation Council Salmon Valley Stewardship Shoshone-Bannock Tribes The Nature Conservancy Trout Unlimited U.S. Army Corps of Engineers U.S. Bureau of Land Management U.S. Bureau of Reclamation U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service U.S. Forest Service In 2016, water users and state and federal agencies implemented a project that restored connectivity between Hawley Creek and the Lemhi River to provide access to historic steelhead and Chinook salmon habitat. Photography, OSC-USBWP Local contractors finish work on the reconstructed Pahsimeroi-16 irrigation diversion. The project partners replaced a diversion that prevented fish passage and installed a fish screen and nearly 1.4 miles of pipeline. Results were a water savings of over 10 cubic feet per second that are now left in the Pahsimeroi River to benefit fisheries and riparian restoration. Photography, Bureau of Reclamation Safety Common sense and respect for the river go a long way in achieving your expectations and making your trip safe and enjoyable. Accidents can occur along any stretch of the river in the blink of an eye, and despite the proximity of the highways, rescue or emergency services can take a lifetime, literally. Self-rescue and survival skills, equipment, and preparation are vital. If you lack adequate experience, equipment, or knowledge of the river, you may wish to engage a licensed outfitter. EQUIPMENT Make sure all boating equipment is in good condition. Carry repair kits and extra oars. Consider carrying an extra life jacket or Personal Flotation Device in each boat. Carry safety and first aid equipment and know how to use them. Plan for all kinds of weather-even hot, sunny days can turn cool and rainy, creating hypothermia conditions. MOST ACCIDENTS OCCUR ON SHORE Wet rocks are slippery-wearing your life jacket can help cushion a fall. Rattlesnakes, bees, cactus, and poison ivy are all plentiful. Learn how to avoid them and how to treat the symptoms. SCOUT THE RAPIDS While there are not as many classified rapids along the Upper Salmon River as you may encounter on other popular rivers in the area, this does not make the river any less hazardous. In fact, it might make it more dangerous if you decide to take this river lightly. River conditions and rapids change constantly and are affected by water level fluctuations, obstructions, and shifts in the riverbed. Be alert when approaching whitewater by listening and watching for a fast drop in the river elevation. If or when you are in trouble, be active. Get yourself out of trouble first, then help others. Worry about your gear only after all people are safe. BE AWARE OF HAZARDS Many natural and man-made hazards exist along the Upper Salmon River and conditions can change at any time. Some of these hazards include high and low water, named and unnamed rapids, sudden weather changes, lightning, trees and logs in the river, blocked river channels, ice flows, ice dams, ice ledges, blowouts, cliffs, boulders, water currents, temperatures, rattlesnakes, ticks, animals, diversion dams, and bridge abutments. Locate private land/public land boundaries by using the maps in this guidebook. 6 A rafting guide provides a safety briefing to eager rafters, photography The River Company Ethics RIVER AND BOAT RAMP ETIQUETTE Although you may find solitude on the Salmon River, you are not alone. Your actions directly affect the experience of others on the river. A few simple guidelines will ensure the journey down the river is a positive experience for everyone. Courtesy is the key to successful interaction with other river users. • Get in and out of boat ramps as quickly and efficiently as possible. • Park your vehicles away from boat loading areas and in designated parking areas where provided. • Give other boaters lots of space. • Steer clear of fishermen’s lines. • Respect non-motorized and motorized boaters alike. Downstream drift traffic has the right-of-way especially if they are committed to a rapid or riffle. Pull aside and allow them to make their way through. • Don’t clog up the channel above or below a rapid. • Keep noise levels low when you float by other parties. • Avoid disturbing wildlife. If you encounter nesting broods of waterfowl, stay as far away from them as possible. To protect wildlife, as well as other visitors, discharging firearms is discouraged except during designated hunting seasons. • If you bring a dog along, keep it under control and pack out dog waste. 7 MINIMUM IMPACT CAMPING River users come to the Upper Salmon for many reasons and none of them come expecting to find beaches scarred with fire rings or fouled with litter or human waste. Work hard to protect and keep this river clean. Passing through without a trace is a challenge. Here are a few tips on how you can help care for the Salmon and all rivers. Trash—take out everything you bring in. Spend a few extra minutes to pick up litter that may have been left behind by others. Cigarette butts, twist ties, fishing line, bait cups, lures and food scraps are trash. Carry them out and don’t burn it on site! Drinking Water—although water quality is high, river water is not considered potable without treatment or filtering due to the presence of Giardia. Bring your own drinking water. Waste Water—use a small amount of biodegradable soap for washing dishes. Strain all dish and rinse water before scattering it broadly 200 feet away from River trash collection, photography BLM the river and camp. Broadcast onto soil with vegetation. In camps where there isn’t 200 feet of space, dispose waste water as far from the river as possible. Leftover liquids from cooking, drinking and draining canned foods along with toothpaste waste can be deposited directly into the river. Food bits left in camp are a magnet for biting insects. Bring along a strainer or piece of screen to filter food bits from dishwater as you strain water into vegetation away from camp above the high water mark. Bathing—during the summer, you can reduce the need to bathe by swimming frequently in the river. However, if you need to bathe, do so away from the river and use biodegradable soap. Do not allow any water containing soap, biodegradable or otherwise, to get into rivers or streams. Urination—urinate directly into the river. Urinating on land, especially around well-used campsites, creates an unpleasant odor and attracts insects. 8 Human Waste—when possible, use vaulted toilets at campgrounds and fishing access sites. When those are not available, the use of a watertight, durable, portable toilet system similiar to the Eco-Safe or Partner Steel brands is recommended. In lieu of a containerized toilet system, WAG bags or RESTOP 2 bag systems are also acceptable. Fire Pan or Blankets— the use of fire pan containment system is highly recommnded to prevent the creation of multiple fire rings at commonly used camp sites. If use of a fire pan is not possible, then users should use established fire rings where available. If possible, pack out ash and scatter cooled fire ring rocks before departing your camp site. Firewood and Fire Restrictions—do not cut or destroy standing live or dead vegetation. All seasonal fire restrictions must be followed in the river corridor. Fireworks are prohibited. Salmon River trash collection: thousands of people use this river corridor each year, photography BLM 9 STEELHEAD Steelhead, photography © Keith Douglas THE ICON OF THE PACIFIC NORTHWEST RIVERS Of all the ocean-going fish in Idaho, the steelhead remains prized among anglers for its challenging behavior and rainbow-dappled beauty. Unlike the Chinook salmon, steelhead can spawn more than once, though it doesn’t commonly occur. In the Lemhi and Salmon rivers, steelhead spawn from mid-April to late June. With powerful flexes of her body, the female uses her tail as a shovel to dig a nest (called a redd) in the river gravels. The male fertilizes the eggs as she releases them in the nest. She swims upstream a few feet and begins again, using the river’s current to carry gravel over the newly deposited eggs. 10 STEELHEAD SEASONS The Idaho Department of Fish and Game’s pocket guide, Upper Salmon River Steelhead Angling, provides useful advice for steelhead angling in the upper river. It is online at https://idfg.idaho.gov/sites/default/files/uppersalmon-river-steelhead-angling-pocket-guide.pdf. For more steelhead locations and rules, go to https://idfg.idaho.gov/sites/ default/files/seasons-rules-fish-2016-2018-steelhead.pdf. Chinook fishing is from June to August with locations and rules at https://idfg.idaho.gov/ fish/chinook/rules. October- November • Although some steelhead do show up in September, large numbers do not typically arrive until early October. • The majority of angler effort occurs downstream of North Fork - this distribution does not change much between October and November. • Depending on the weather and run timing, good fishing can be found near Salmon in November. • The area between North Fork and Salmon is a very popular area for drift boats. • The best catch rates usually occur near the end of October or early November. Usually the highest fishing activity occurs in the sections with the highest success rates from the week before. March • Fishing effort is much more spread out across the basin compared to fall. • Heaviest effort occurs in the canyon section below Shoup, downstream of the Pahsimeroi River near Ellis, and near the Yankee Fork, upstream of Clayton. • Areas near Salmon typically fish well for two to three weeks. • Due to the weather and runoff, spring fishing can be erratic. When possible, pay attention to the forecast and attempt to make a trip when weather and river conditions are stable. April • In most years spring runoff makes for poor fishing conditions around Salmon, however clearer water and better conditions can generally be found by traveling upriver. • Heaviest effort is concentrated downstream of Pahsimeroi River near Ellis or upstream of the East Fork near the Yankee Fork or the Sawtooth Hatchery. • Boat effort near Challis also tends to pick up during this time. • Effort is typically low downstream of North Fork, but depending on the run timing, anglers can still find steelhead in that area. • Many fly fisherman show up during April near Challis and Stanley. 11 MAP LEGEND Site Administrator Land Status ! Bureau of Land Management ! Service !SiteForest Administrator Fish and Game of Land Management ! !IdahoBureau ! ! Other ! Forest Service National Forest Boundary ! Idaho Fish and Game BLM Field Office Boundary ! ! Other Map Features National Forest Boundary ! ? Features USFS Office ?Map ! BLM Office ? IDFG Office ?! ! Office ? BoatUSFS Launch Ramp, Developed y! ! IDFG Office ? ! ! Boat Launch Ramp, Undeveloped y y Boat Launch Ramp, Developed ! ! Boat Launch Ramp, Private y ! Boat Launch Ramp, Undeveloped y ! River Access (no boats) m ! Boat Launch Ramp, Private y Campground 9! ! m River Access (no boats) $ Campground, Fee Site 9! ! 9 Campground $ Fishing !! l 9 Campground, Fee Site Hatchery kl ! Fishing ! Picnic Area 5! ! k Hatchery PicnicWater Area Potable 5 ²! ! Potable Water Restroom ² _! ! Restroom _ RV Dump !! » Dump ! ScatRV Machine !» · Scat Machine ! ADA Accessible Amenity !· ! ADA Accessible Amenity n Diversion Dam ! n Diversion Dam ! Site = Historical ! = Historical Site ! Site River Mileage ¼ Recreation Recreation Site River Mileage BLMBLM Office Field Office Boundary River Mileage E E ¼ River Mileage   Rapids Class II II  Rapids Class   Rapids Class III III  Rapids Class   Rapids Class IV IV  Rapids Class Bureau of Land Management Forest Service Land Status State Bureau of Land Management Private Forest Service State Coordinate System: Projection Private Idaho Transverse Mercator, Datum NAD 1983, units in meters Coordinate System: Projection Idaho Transverse Mercator, Source Information: Land status, Datum NAD 1983, units in meters hydrology, and transporation data compiled from Bureau of Land Source Information: Land status, Management (BLM) resource base hydrology, and transporation data data at a scale of 1:24,000. Contours compiled from Bureau of Land derived from U.S. Geological Survey Management (BLM) resource base 10 meter national elevation dataset. data at a scale of 1:24,000. Contours The official should be derived fromland U.S.records Geological Survey checked up-to-date status on 10 meterfor national elevation dataset. Thespecific official land should be of land. any tractrecords checked for up-to-date status on any specificInformation: tract of land. Local Recreation Bureau of Land Management Recreation Information: Local and (BLM), Forest Service (USFS), Bureau of Land Management Idaho Fish and Game (IDFG) office (BLM), Forest Service (USFS), and locations are shown on the maps Idaho Fish and Game (IDFG) office throughout guide. Office details locations arethis shown on the maps are listed on the back of this guide. throughout this guide. Office details are listed on the back of this guide. Even though every effort is made to depict theevery road effort network, features Even though is made to depict the roadaccurately, network, features and descriptions BLM and descriptions accurately, BLM cannot guarantee road classification cannot positional guarantee road classification of roads and/or accuracy of roads and/or positional accuracy and other features in all cases. No and other features in all cases. No warranty is made by the BLM for warranty is made by the BLM for use of this data for purposes not use of this data for purposes not intended by BLM. intended by BLM. Contour 200feet feet Contour Interval Interval ==200 MAP SCALE MAP SCALE AASpring Spring ! Summit Summit 11 :: 63,000 63,000 ! Highway U.S.U.S. Highway State Highway State Highway 00 River Stream Stream Contour Line Contour Line Lake Lake 12 22 Miles Miles Road Road River 11 0 0 1.5 1.5 Kilometers Kilometers 3 3 THE HEADWATERS THE SAWTOOTH NATIONAL RECREATION AREA The Sawtooth National Recreation Area consists of 756,000 acres of scenic mountain country including the headwaters of the Salmon River west of Galena Summit. The Sawtooth NRA includes the Sawtooth Wilderness, White Clouds Wilderness, and the Hemingway-Boulders Wilderness areas. It includes over 700 miles of trails, more than 100 peaks rising over 10,000 feet and 300 plus high mountain alpine lakes that add to the spectacular scenery and vistas. Recreational pursuits include outdoor activities of camping, hiking, backpacking, fishing, boating and canoeing, rafting, observing nature, photography and bicycling. There are fabulous hiking trails leading into the White Clouds Wilderness to the south and trails leading north into the Salmon Challis National Forest. Sawtooth Mountains, photography Forest Service For more information please contact the Sawtooth NRA at 208-727-5000 or the Stanley Ranger Station at 208-774-3000. 13 MAP S1 BOATING IN THE SAWTOOTH NRA Boaters are required to use designated put-ins and take-outs in the Sawtooth NRA. All floatboaters are required to access the river only at designated access sites from the Sawtooth Fish Hatchery to the eastern NRA boundary. These access sites include Buckhorn, Salmon River Bridge, Four Aces, Mormon Bend, Yankee Fork, Elk Creek, Snyder Springs, Torrey’s Hole, Kayaker Take-out below “The Narrows” and Whiskey Flats Campground. Seasonal closures to floatboating are enacted each year to protect spawning salmon. Closures from August 15 to September 22 include: • August 15—sections closed to all floating are from the Sawtooth Hatchery to Stanley, Mormon Bend to Yankee Fork and from Torrey’s Boat Ramp to the Sawtooth NRA eastern boundary below Holman Creek. • August 29—sections closed to all floating are Indian Riffles, which requires a mile-long portage, and downstream of the Snyder Springs boat ramp. • September 3—section closed to all floating is from Stanley 20 miles downstream to Snyder Springs until September 22nd. • September 22—the entire river reopens to floating. CAMPING IN THE SAWTOOTH NRA Many Forest Service campgrounds along the river corridor are first-come, first-serve. They include Salmon River, Casino Creek, Riverside, Mormon Bend, Lower O’Brien, Upper O’Brien, Whiskey Flats and Holman Creek. Double sites are offered at Casino Creek, Mormon Bend, Lower O’Brien, Upper O’Brien, Salmon River and Holman Creek. There are also three stock campsites available at Casino Creek Campground. One developed picnic area, Synder Springs, has a vault restroom, picnic tables, and a fire ring. Daily rates for sites—single or double—at Casino Creek, Mormon Bend, Lower O’Brien, Upper O’Brien, Riverside, Salmon River and Holman Creek can be found on the Forest Service website at https://www.fs.usda. gov/activity/sawtooth/recreation/camping-cabins. There is no fee for Synder Springs picnic area. Camping stay limits: 10-day stay limit for developed campgrounds and you may not return to the same campground for the next 14 days. Dispersed camping stay limits: along the Salmon River Corridor and Iron Creek Road there is a 10-day camping limit and you must relocate more than 10 miles from your original site for 14 days. North of Galena Summit there is a 16day camping limit then you must relocate 10 miles from your original site for 14 days. South of Galena Summit there is a 16-day camping limit and you may not return anywhere on the Ketchum Ranger District or Sawtooth NRA dispersed areas for 14 days. Motorized vehicles and bicycles are not allowed in any designated wilderness areas. Please keep all pets on a leash. 14 $ 9 ! E Salmon-Challis National Forest !¼ ! k Cr ee i no Litt le S a lmon Ca s Sawtooth National Forest er R iv 0 800 ? ! Sunny Gulch $ 9 ! $ ! 9 $ 9 ! Little Redfish Lake hL a e k 9 ! ok hho $ 9 ! ! ! Glacier View Creek Buckhorn 5! y! ! _ Creek r y Boun d a Sawtooth Hatchery and Kid's Pond la n d Cleve !! l k _ ! Diversion Dam n ! $ Outlet 9 ! ! y $ 9 Mt. Heyburn ! $ 9 Sockeye ! (Caution Boaters!) 75 ¬ « 0 700 Flow ee dfi sh 70 0 0 Lake 70 0 0 Point Chinook Bay Mountain View d R is df $ Re Fis Re 0 700 Creek 800 0 k Cr e ek Me ad ow ! ! ! m _ ! 7000 at Cr. Stanley Go 0.0 Salmon River Bridge y ! A ces Cree k Mile 0 Four ! 21 ¬ « Stanley Museum ! = E Valley Creek y! ! _! 5 7000 m Va lley ! Cr. ! Four Aces Creek 75 ¬ « Lower Stanley River ¼ 2.0 $ Salmon 9 ! Gold Creek ! m 9! ! G ol dC r S1 15 MAP S2 Running the Narrows, photography The River Company MORMON BEND—PREPARE FOR RAPIDS AHEAD During high water conditions, adventurous boaters negotiate through class IV rapids for some intense fun. Downstream from the Mormon Bend launch site, encounter Shotgun rapid (Class IV) followed by two miles of whitewater and the historic Sunbeam Dam (Class IV) run. If you put in at the Salmon River Bridge or Mormon Bend, there are two Class IV and two Class III rapids between there and Robinson Bar. Most trips begin at the Yankee Fork boat ramp, below the Class IV Sunbeam Dam rapid, taking advantage of Pie