Just got the email results for the 4RVS Lottery.   For my picks -Selway and/or Mid Salmon unsuccessful.

Big Creek Tributary Permits

Big Creek floaters must obtain a Tributary Permit from the Krassel Ranger District but they are no longer required to obtain a Middle Fork of the Salmon launch reservation and permit if they will go all the way out in one day (no overnight stays). Contact the Krassel District at 208-634-0600

go here ... http://www.fs.fed.us/r4/sc/recreation/whitewaterrafting/mfriver/index.shtml#bigcreek

my buddy scored a selway for the end of july. does anyone know what a good low cut off level is for a raft. if thing dont change fast late july could be not so good i imagin

Anything under 2 feet at the Paradise gauge is getting bony for a raft.  You can proabably run it down to 1.5 feet or so. 

We didn't have a very successful attempt at Big Creek.  that said, I'm very eager to get back in there and give 'er another go, so if a group wanted to get in there, I'd love to join.  I've got some maps and basic beta/logistics dialed in. 

30 miles on the MFS shouldn't be a problem -- heck, I've done 30 miles on the Jarbidge, including portages, at 500 cfs with gear boats.  That's way slower than the MFS. 

Big Creek is very lovely.  We ran only as far as the first gorge, then scouted the river down as far as monumental creek.  Wood is the big obstacle, it feels like an OP river where wood is just everywhere.  It was fast, blind, and sketchy.

The first gorge had some fantastic IV water.  Nothing hairy, but some shitty wood that ended our trip.  Some really epic carnage in there last year by other groups -- we were finding shavings all along the trail as far as we hiked.  Looked like someone hiked out 10+ miles, and had their trip ending carnage farther downstream than we made it. 

With all that said, I don't think its a V trip by any means, just good IV with some canyon sections, and wood.  The trail makes it easy to scout ahead, which is how I'd probably approach it next time. 

Other thoughts: Loon Creek I hear has a nice run on it, but you'd need to meet up with a group w/ a MFS permit.  Sometimes Outfitters with open slots are willing to have folks join mid trip.

Moose Creek into the Selway is another option, you can fly out at Tony Point, or run the Moose Juice, but it will be really cranking if moose is runnable.  I IK'd it with Fish at 3' which is a nice medium level.  I think 4' and up is high, even for rafts, and 5' and up starts into expert big water territory.  Gabe, I'm sure you'd love it. If interested in Moose creek, I'd check in on the spokanekayaker list, I think they are looking to put a trip together.

SF Salmon - better canyon, better whitewater, no permit needed, no crowds.  4' and up she's big water IV-V, or 2-3 feet she's fun technical IV.  That's where I'll be in July unless we score a selway cancellation.  Among my favorite multidays anywhere. 

For less common overnight options, Lolo Creek has been overnighter intentionally.  While it hass less whitewater, the NF Boise has some great camping.  Up out of Coeur 'd Elaine there are some great multiday options on Granite creek/St Joe.  I think Todd Hoffman is the guy to hit for beta on those, and I think you can find him on the IEwhitewater list.

Don't overlook the Jarbidge/Bruneau either.  It is in my top 3 canyons of all time. 

--b

Harms, I's call one of the shuttle services in the area to find out about the pass.  I'm sure they could tell you if it was open. 

As long as you take out in the dark you should be fine.  Boatman cops on the the river don't issue tickets, land based ones do and they don't hang around the take-outs all night waiting....