Lochsa River
About
Wild & Scenic since 1968 among the original eight rivers in the national system, the Lochsa cuts 70 miles of continuous Class III-V whitewater through Idaho's Clearwater National Forest. At 2,200 CFS average, this is big water — optimal flows run 1,500 to 5,000 CFS on gauge 13337000, though the river hit a record 18,000 CFS in 2024. The Middle Lochsa from milepost 109 to 90 holds the most technical drops, pushing Class V at higher flows, while the Upper section (milepost 115 to 109) offers Class III-IV warm-up water. Below milepost 90, the Lower Lochsa runs continuous Class III for 24 miles to the confluence with the Selway.
The Nez Perce crossed these mountains on the Lolo Trail for centuries before Lewis and Clark followed the same route in 1805. A proposed Clearwater Dam would have drowned much of the canyon in the 1960s before conservationists defeated the project. Holiday River Expeditions and Cascade Raft & Kayak run commercial trips through the corridor, which also carries Lewis & Clark National Historic Trail designation. American Whitewater maintains active stewardship on access and flow advocacy.
River conditions are community-verified. CFS ranges, difficulty ratings, and access points may not reflect every flow level or seasonal change. Always check current conditions, scout unfamiliar rapids, and paddle within your skill level.