As I began to compile thoughts and research on the fledgling "Impassable Canyon", I though about my many years of experience on the Middle Fork. I became familiar with the river while guiding for a commercial outfitter, working intimately with fellow guides, and sharing the experience with hundreds of fascinating clients. I learned the lore and river history and retold those stories on boats and around the campfire. As I thought about the book, I realized there was much more to the Middle Fork than the visual journey I hoped to provide.

In addition to photographs, I wanted to include the stories from the broad spectrum of history and people who float the river. The essay authors were selected to add what the photographs could not, perspectives on the history, geology, native americans, high water, tributary kayaking, and personal experience of floating the Middle Fork. I interviewed river guides, commercial clients, and private boaters over the telephone and have included their quotes to represent some differing views of Middle Fork boating.

In addition, I wanted the design to combat what I referred to as the "quick flip" dilemma of most photography books. The layout of "Impassable Canyon" is engaging. Scattered among the images you will find river maps, essays, first person perspectives, poetry, drawings, quotes and recollections, and extended captions that give the reader insight into the photographs.

"Impassable Canyon" is a comprehensive journey that begins at the put in at Boundary Creek and continues for 100 miles, dropping 3,000 feet through steep-walled canyons, beneath cliffs of granite, and past beaches of honey-colored sand edged with forests of pine and fir. "Impassable Canyon" offers a firsthand look at the Middle Fork of the Salmon, a river that promises only one thing - a wild and unpredictable spirit.

The book was designed by Randi Pallan. She currently runs her own graphic design studio in Kethcum, ID. Visit RP Graphic Design to see more of her work.