Mackay Bar, 2024

It is always fun to study maps and dream of where to go and what is there. In the middle of Idaho the Salmon River bisects the state running east to west, and most of the country is only accessible by boat, horse, foot or plane. So when you see a switchbacked road making its way down from the high forests to the river, well, if you are curious you just want to go and check it out. We waited until we thought the snow would allow us to pass through the high country above the river (about 6400 feet elevation) and still early enough that the temperatures down in the river canyon below (about 2400 feet) would still be bearable.

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Elk Creek Falls and McCroskey State Park

Memorial Day weekend and the camping crowds that come with it were on the horizon, but we had a few days before the big weekend hit. So we picked a somewhat local location of the list of places to explore and hit the road north to Elk River. Once we crisscrossed the Elk River Backcountry Byway and found ourselves in the tiny town of Elk River we headed to the trailhead to Elk Creek Falls, just outside of town.

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Salmon River, 2023

Steelhead on the Salmon River? Yeah, it might sound a bit strange, but that was what we were there for. Well, yes, there’s also the camping, being on the river, a bit of wildlife, time around the campfire, all in a place not too far from home. Throw in a chance for steelhead? Count us in. And yes, there are salmon as well, but that season was winding down while steelhead should be ramping up. 

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