Planning Your Stay

Your Journey In

Middle Fork Lodge is located approximately 100 miles northeast of Boise. It is on the banks of the Middle Fork of the Salmon River and in the heart of Idaho’s famous 2.3 million acre Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness Area.

Most guests access the Lodge by charter plane. A veteran backcountry pilot can fly you from Boise, Sun Valley, Stanley, or McCall airport. Your flight time will be approximately 45 minutes from Sun Valley, an hour from Boise and thirty minutes from Stanley, or McCall. You will land at the Thomas Creek Airstrip where our staff will greet you for a short drive to the Lodge.

*the map below shows you simple routes from both Boise, ID and Sun Valley, ID area airports.

 Baggage and Charter Reservations

*Middle Fork Lodge is also accessible through whitewater rafting down the Middle Fork of the Salmon River. MFL is excited to now offer special, custom combination lodge stay/rafting options.

WHITE WATER RAFTING AS YOUR TRANSPORTATION

In addition to flying in, seasonally you can raft into or out of the Middle Fork Lodge. From early June to Late August the Middle Fork Rafting Company, a subsidiary of the lodge, offers a 2 day raft-in or a 3 day raft-out option. Please note that rafting launch dates are limited and these trips are an additional cost to your stay at the MFL but can all be arranged at  the time you customize your reservation. 

The Middle Fork of the Salmon River is one of the most sought after white water rafting experiences in the United States. If your group of guests is looking for a true Idaho experience, take a leap and join us for a guided experience you’ll never forget. Click here for more details.

 Weather and Packing Essentials

Seasonal Weather

• During a Summer visit to Middle Fork Lodge, the weather is mostly warm, dry and sunny with cooler mornings and evenings. The area is semi-arid and summer daytime temperatures range from 75 to 95 degrees with evening temperatures dropping down around to 45 degrees. There is the possibility of summer rainstorms, but they are infrequent.

• Spring weather is normally cool and unpredictable with the temperatures in the low 30’s at night and higher temperatures in the upper 60’s during the day. Rain showers are common.

• In the Fall, the Middle Fork can vary a great deal with the low temperatures in the teen’s and the high temperatures in the 70’s.

• The weather in the Winter brings a mixture of rain and snow with snow depths up to 18 inches at the lodge. The temperatures will vary from zero to 50’s degrees with a few days below zero.

Clothing and Accessories

• Dress at the Middle Fork Lodge is casual. Temperatures tend to be cooler in the early morning and after sunset but warm up by midday. Be prepared for temperature variations. We recommend packing clothing that can be layered. Please find yourself a more detailed packing list with recommendations for your stay by clicking the highlighted link below:

Communications:

• Given the lodge’s unique location, there is no cell phone reception. There is limited Wifi service available in the Main Lodge, although it does not reach all cabins. Telephone communication is accomplished through a satellite Internet service. If you must be reached in an emergency,please arrange to be contacted through our direct satellite line at the lodge (208) 630-6021

General:

• Fire extinguishers are located in all the cabins and throughout the property.

• The wilderness is beautiful but does have restrictions, particularly along the river corridor. Littering is strictly forbidden and can result in large fines to the Lodge.

• Fish and game violations may result in the Lodge losing its access to the wilderness area. Please follow the guides’ instructions and respect the wilderness.

Pool Safety

• Our pool and hot tubs are not monitored by an on-duty lifeguard. Children may only use the pool under adult supervision. The hot tubs are not recommended for children under ten years of age.

• Please use only plastic glasses around the pool and hot tub areas.

Smoking

• All buildings at Middle Fork Lodge are smoke-free. Smoking is only allowed within designated areas.

Policies

It is MFL’s policy to have all guests staying at the lodge complete this electronic waiver and liability form prior to arrival. Please note that if rafting is also part of your reservation you will need to fill out and sign the additional waiver of liability as well.