The Wilderness Act was passed in 1964; a bold experiment that set aside nine million acres of land from south Florida to northern Alaska. The idea was to preserve tracts of wilderness from further development, permanently. Forty years later, U.S. Forest personnel agree that the idea sounds much easier than the present day realities.
     One would think that the remote area of Frank Church - River of No Return Wilderness, in the heart of Idaho, would be the ultimate get-away, far from city noise and throngs of looky-loos. Those that fly into the wilderness for the weekend and stay at luxury cabins seem to have changed the spirit of this wilderness land. Easy access to the preserve see hundreds of visitors making the rafting trip down the River of No Return.
     This scenic view along Middle Fork of the Salmon River shows the core of Impassable Canyon. The area from Big Creek to the confluence of the main Salmon river is truly a wilderness area and a rare treat for private party boaters. The Impassable Canyon area remains in a pristine state were one is likely to encounter a true wilderness experience.