Dagger Falls - Middle Fork of the Salmon River 3.60, 2023-06-18

Whitewater Kayaking
The Middle Fork of the Salmon River
3.60 feet on Day 1 put-on
Personal First Descent
Dagger Falls is an optional Class V rapid at the start of the Middle Fork of the Salmon. We scouted it the night before, and then we ran it the morning our permits were active/valid.
It was definitely odd firing up such a big rapid in a boat I've never paddled and with far less hip control than I prefer. Happily, it went well, and it was a a lot of fun.

[@potomacbeater]

That was awesome! Great paddling.

[@paddlebikediveclimb]

Thanks! It was a fun rapid; although it might be nice if it weren't the first rapid in a new boat with sketchy outfitting, ha!

[@macfawlty]

Good to see this first glimpse of your Middle Fork Salmon trip. AK mentioned you were lucky enough to get in on this lottery. Significant PFD on every paddler’s bucket list. As always, paddling vicariously through your videos! Can’t wait to see more from this trip and some apres-kayak content from Alaska.

[@jimmcgregor4598]

Used to watch salmon jump up the falls in the 60s and 70s.

[@paddlebikediveclimb]

From what I read we were there at the wrong time of year, but also there just aren't as many any more. Would have been a very cool thing to see.

[@Ruger44Redhawk]

Man I love the Middle Fork Salmon! Gotta get up there and check out Impassable Canyon and the Big Horn Crags. I live close to the North Fork Payette and that thing is a moster at high flow. The Lochsa Madness is another one I would love to witness.

[@dl3537]

there's always gotta be someone that pulls out of an eddy right in front of you at the worst time

[@rickymcdaniel7971]

Class V?

[@paddlebikediveclimb]

That's what the guide book says. Given both the pourovers and how narrow the line is, I think that's reasonable.