The section from Roosevelt Dam to Apache Lake is very beautiful, but flatter than the Arizona desert. It features an abundance of water for paddling almost all the time, and is vested with beautiful, rough-cut mountains in the Sierra Ancha Range where the river has cut a deep channel. Arizonans refer to the Lower Salt River as the "Mini Grand Canyon". Paddling here will let you know why. The current is gentle, with lake effect waves that can get rough if the wind is up. The only real hazards to navigation are the powerboats that frequently make their way up or down the river carrying fishermen, skiiers and others just out for a great time on a gorgeous section of river. Along the path of the Lower Salt River you will see Saguaro cactus, many birds of prey and occasionally a few small animals. There are larger animals that live here, but they are seldom seen. There are also several species of poisonous snakes, but they are also a rare sight. However, it is advisable to exercise caution when walking away from your campsite at night, if you should camp along the river - walk heavily, make a lot of noise and vibration, carry a bright light and a long pole or stick, and follow the rules about hiking in snake country. The author has made numerous trips on the Salt River, and has yet to actually see any snakes, though they are there.

The section from Roosevelt Lake to Apache Lake is definitely one for taking photos. The tall mountains are awesome, and depending upon the time of day, sunlight and shadows make for some very interesting shots. There are no public or private services of any kind along this section of the Salt River, but numerous natural campsites are available, including some that have been developed by the USFS and the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). There is a small fee ($4 per day per car or $6 per day per car with a boat) that you will pay at the self-serve pay stations at each of the USFS parks on the lakes. There are no fees for use of campsites along the river, though USFS permits may be required, depending upon the time of year.

One note about paddling the Lower Salt River between Roosevelt and Apache Lakes - most of the road is unimproved dirt and rock, with mountains on one side and a steep drop to the river on the other side. High clearance is not necessary, but the switchbacks can cause minor nausea, so go slow and keep an eye out for on-coming traffic. There are about 21 miles of dirt road, and it gets a lot of winter visitor traffic, especially from the snowbird older crowd.

Located in Pinal County, the section from Rosevelt Lake to Apache Lake is in the Sierra Ancha Mountains of Tonto National Forest. Nearby cities include Globe to the south and Phoenix to the west. The road to the put-in (from Phoenix) passes through Apache Junction and Tortilla Flat. US Highway 60 runs east-to-west just a few miles away.

Phoenix 85 miles; Tucson 170 miles; Flagstaff 160 miles; Salt Lake City 775 miles; Albuquerque 406 miles; Denver 785 miles; Dallas 910 miles; Austin 1,030 miles; San Antonio 1,010 miles; Houston 1,200 miles; Oklahoma City 950 miles (all distances are approximate and depend upon starting point, destination point on the river and route taken.)

The Middle Salt River flows clean and clear from its dam release source waters. There is very little to cause pollution, contamination or litter, so the water quality is usually very high during periods of sustainable flow, though it may have a slightly stagnant odor that is typical of impounded bodies of water.

Generally, the Middle Salt River is navigable year round, though the current will be slower when no dam releases are occurring. Because of the need for hydroelectric generation there is almost always adequate water for paddling.

The only real hazards on any section of the Middle Salt River are headwinds and occasionally powerboats, which are more prevalent on weekends. There are no rapids or waterfalls on the section from Roosevelt Dam to Apache Lake.

USFS pocket park immediately below Roosevelt Dam at 0.9 miles; Apache Lake USFS parks starting at about 22.0 miles. The final (and only) take-out points on this section of the Salt River are any of the USFS parks located on Apache Lake (unless you paddle back upriver to the pocket park below Roosevelt Dam.)

There are no public or private campgrounds located along the Middle Salt River. Natural campgrounds are abundant all along the river, but most of this section requires a permit from the U.S. Forest Service (Tonto National Forest office in Phoenix.) Be sure to inquire about available campsites when applying for permits.

There are no liveries or outfitters located along the Middle Salt River. Take everything you need, and arrange to run your own shuttles. There are several outfiiters in the Phoenix, Flagstaff and Tucson areas, as well as in adjoining states, that frequently run guided trips on the Upper Salt River. Rentals and/or shuttles MAY be available from some of them.