Middle Fork Rafting Land and History

The History Behind Your Idaho Adventure

The Middle Fork of the Salmon is a special place for many people, past and present. Currently, this river is floated by raft outfitters in order to share the beauty of the landscape. Families, friends, and children of all ages take this once of a lifetime trip in order to raft through the fun and splashy waves along with class four rapids. However, this landscape has not always been seen as an adventurous vacation destination. 

Tuka-Deka and Agai-Deka 

Historically, this landscape has been occupied by the Tuka-Deka (BigHorn Sheep Eaters) and the Agai-Deka (Salmon Eaters). These groups are part of the Shoshone-Bannock tribe. Throughout their time in the canyon, they hunted, gathered, and made their mark on the land in various ways with their house depressions, artifacts, and pictographs. However, in 1879 they were forcibly removed during the Sheepeater war. This war was instigated on the false premise of murdering Chinese miners and stealing horses. 

Almost a century later, in 1968, the Salmon river became one of the eight original rivers designated under the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act. This act was created to preserve rivers that contain outstanding natural, cultural, and recreational values in order to allow future generations to experience their breathtaking landscapes. Due to this preservation, current travelers and adventure seekers are able to experience the river and its counterparts to their full extent.

Current Middle Fork Adventure Experience 

During your Idaho adventure down the Middle Fork of the Salmon River, you will be able to experience aspects of history that have been integrated into the landscape. One prominent aspect is the pictographs which are speckled throughout the canyon. These pictographs are said to be created by the BigHorn Sheep Eaters as a way to tell the tales of their hunts, travels, and history. Not only are these pictographs a look into the past, they also allow us to connect with the people who previously inhabited the land. When you come with Rocky Mountain River Tours, we love to share the history of the canyon. All we ask that you do is listen and respect the land, along with keeping your hands off the pictographs when visiting.

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