White Water Rafters Get Stuck Behind Logjam

I think you would have to see it to believe it. The Middle Fork of the Salmon River experieced a very unusual and potentially dangerous situation last week- a massive logjam. Over a week ago Sunday and Monday, the area just above Pistol Creek rapids received almost an inch of rain in one hour. This caused an "explosion" of sorts sending huges rocks and logs straight into the river.

We are not talking about debree that can be avoided. This was a massive jam that left over 300 rafters stranded during the week. As you can see by the picture, it looks like a giant beaver made its home on the Middle Fork of the Salmon River.

Some rafters opted to hike around the area and put in again downstream, while others hiked to the Pistol Creek airstrip to be flown out. That wouldhave made a very exciting trip (depending on how you look at it I guess). Here is one article from a family that experienced the whole ordeal.


But no worries. Crews work by hand with chainsaws and shwatever else they could to get it clear. The Middle Fork is still up-and-running with great white water rafting trips available. You can get Salmon River trip information at Rafting America.