Flying into Indian Creek
2026 is setting up to be a low water year. The basin percentage for the Salmon as of 5/15/26 34%. The gauge at Middle Fork lodge reached 5.9’ this week possibly marking the peak of run off. Which means low water and the need to fly all or part of your trip into Indian Creek. Flying in can be a daunting task but it doesn’t have to be. We strive to make it as simple as possible. Read on to find out how!
Flying in saves time on the water, it also reduces the risk of bodily injury along with damage to the boats and equipment. At flows below 1.8’ at the Middle Fork Lodge gauge the upper 25 miles of the Middle Fork from Boundary Creek to Indian Creek becomes very bony. With plenty of opportunities to wrap or get stuck for a very long time, flying in to Indian can help save on some of this frustration and risk.
The flight in itself lasts about 30-45 minutes, depending on whether you fly from Stanley or Salmon. There are some great companies that offer this service. Gem Air from Salmon, Sawtooth Aviation from Stanley or Middle Fork aviation from Challis. Flying in can also save on shuttle costs. This trip is something we’ve started doing every fall. Driving to Salmon, loading up in a plane and flying off to Indian to a 7 day adventure down the Middle Fork. Adding days and nights to an adventure beginning with the flight. The flight in has its own feeling of adventure, flying over the Idaho wilderness and seeing the vastness of the Frank Church, gives you a birds eye view of one of the Largest wilderness areas in the lower 48 states.
We deliver the gear to you at the airport of your choosing: Stanley, Salmon or Challis. All of our rafts are rolled nice and tightly with the frames broken down. All that’s left to do is weigh in, load up and get you and all your friends in the plane to Indian Creek.
The delivery charges vary by where you plan to fly from but at most they are $650 all the down to $450. This includes a pick up at Cache Bar.
Once at Indian you’ll be greeted by the quietness of the Wilderness and a long ramp down to a beach with a carry across the beach to the river. After you’ve blown up the boats and put the frames in place, slide the boat down the ramp with out any other gear in it. After the boat has reached the water, carry or slide the boxes and coolers down the ramp and rig them into the boat. This takes a bit more time sure but it will save you from carrying a 1500+ boat over 50 feet to the water. Saving your backs.
Besides flying in your whole trip you can also choose to just fly in some heavy stuff you’d rather not carry with you down the river. A lot of folks do this when the water gets low, around 2.5’ or so. Fly in your trips beverages, ammo cans with dry goods that aren’t immediately needed or coolers. That’s if your frame is compatible with not having a cooler in the bay.
By starting your trip at Indian you can save you and your fellow boaters time on the water, frustration and potential injury, and lighten your load. All of our gear breaks down and is easily put back together. Plus you get an added adventure, experiencing the Frank from the air.
Happy boating!