Trail Running on the Middle Fork

I came to the Middle Fork for the amazing rafting, but soon found myself obsessed with the trail. Each run had me promising to turn back to camp at the next bend as the trail beckoned me further; making me notoriously late for dinner!

- Audrey Gehlhausen, ECHO Guide

The Middle Fork of the Salmon River reigns supreme in rafting world, and the trail that hugs its lengths is great for long distance trail runners. This unique trip will take you through the Frank Church - River of No Return Wilderness, which is the largest protected area in the lower 48 states.

Middle Fork of the Salmon River Trail Running | ECHO River Trips

Runners love the variety they'll experience as they tackle these trails each morning or evening from camp. The trail surface varies from a smooth pine needle-covered path through lodge pole pines and Douglas firs, to a more rocky terrain of a sage-filled highland desert. In addition to the main trail that follows the famous Middle Fork of the Salmon River, you can easily extend your mileage by detouring up one of the trails that meander along the river's many side creeks - some with natural hot springs at the end!

  • Camas Creek trail (about 40 miles roundtrip)

  • Loon Creek trail (about 50 miles roundtrip)

  • Marble Creek trail (about 20 miles roundtrip)

Rafting the Middle Fork of the Salmon River with ECHO River Trips

The main trail travels all the way to the Middle Fork's confluence with Big Creek. Living up to its name, Impassable Canyon marks the end of the trail, where you'll need to hop in a raft to paddle the most beautiful part of the Middle Fork.