Rafting the Lochsa River in Idaho is a wild rodeo. The river is loaded with holes and hydraulics that are challenging and exciting to run. It has a short window for whitewater that is dependent on spring snow melt. The entire area off Highway 12 is scenic and makes for an ideal camping, hiking and recreational space throughout the year.
Lochsa River Flows
Lochsa River Rapids and Float Notes
There are few breaks between rapids on the Lochsa River. It’s a fast moving run with pretty much non-stop Class III-IV. Running the 9 miles from Fish Creek to Split Creek at the Silt Creek Pack Bridge is the most common route. You can launch a few miles farther upstream at Wilderness Gateway Bridge which adds several rapids including the Class IV Killer Fang Falls.
House Rock – Class IV succession of big wave trains. Keep yourself centered and run the meat in this one.
Bloody Mary – III+ rapid with a big hole in the middle. Squeeze right to sneak past the hole.
Grim Reaper – IV waves with the first one being big and difficult during high flows.
Cliffside – III+ with excellent surf waves that are popular with kayakers.
Shoestring Falls – III+ run through big waves. Hit this one with speed at lower flows to push through the hole formed across the river.
Lochsa Falls – IV drop into big hydraulics. People post up above to watch boaters from the highway. This rapid flips boats frequently, making it a fun one to watch. It does have plenty of room downstream to rescue and recover.
Pipeline – III+ play waves for kayakers and surfing catarafts.
Termination – III+ wave with a cliffside to dodge.
Split Creek – The takeout is just below the pack bridge on river right. It’s pretty obvious and you will likely see other boaters using this site.
Shuttle Services
You will find plenty of other boaters here who will likely team up on shuttles. The river follows the road closely and people are frequently hitching rides and running shuttle teams. Central Idaho River Shuttles does run the Selway and many regional rivers and you can give them a call. The Lochsa Lodge is a main hub for the river during the whitewater season. Inquire with them directly about lodging and any shuttle services that may be running.
River Specific Fishing Regulations
High water makes for difficult fishing so the fishing and floating seasons are somewhat separate. When the water drops however, fishing is fantastic for cutthroat trout and mountain whitefish. While these are the primary species, the Lochsa is connected to the Clearwater River and greater Snake River system. This means Chinook Salmon and Steelhead will enter the river. Targeting these species is more popular on the Clearwater River where the runs are defined and and larger.
You will need an Idaho Fishing License to be legal in the Lochsa River. It’s a single, barbless hook regulation with a zero fish limit between December 1 and Memorial Day weekend. From the Saturday on Memorial Day weekend through November 30, you can keep two trout over 14-inches. It remains catch and release from the Wilderness Gateway Campground upstream.
When you head out for a Lochsa River Rafting trip, make sure you are a skilled rower or paddler. Commercial trips are a great option for beginner and intermediate paddlers here.
