Upper Lochsa
|
| Put-in: |
Indian Grave Creek |
| Take-out: |
Fish Creek |
| Difficulty: |
Class III, IV
|
| Length: |
18 miles |
Goat Range
|
| Put-in: |
Fish Creek |
| Take-out: |
Split Creek Pack Bridge |
| Difficulty: |
Class III, IV
|
| Length: |
9 miles |
Tributary-Fish Creek
|
| Put-in: |
End of FS 462 |
| Take-out: |
Lochsa Confluence |
| Difficulty: |
Class III 600-800 cfs, IV 800-1500 cfs
|
| Length: |
1 mile |
Lower Lochsa
|
| Put-in: |
Split Creek Pack Bridge |
| Take-out: |
Lowell |
| Difficulty: |
Class II+
|
| Length: |
15 miles |
Tributary-Crooked Fork
|
| Put-in: |
Hopeful Creek |
| Take-out: |
Brushy Fork |
| Difficulty: |
Class III, IV, V
|
| Length: |
12 miles |
|
The Lochsa flows through the heart of the Clearwater National Forest in North Central Idaho. It was one of America’s first rivers to be designated as Wild & Scenic, and is still considered one of Idaho’s best-kept secrets. Often compared to California’s Tuolumne River and West Virginia’s Gauley, the Lochsa has the perfect combination of thrilling whitewater and stunning scenery.
From Crooked Fork Creek to Lowell, there are more that 63 rapids, many of which are pushing Class IV or V, so the majority of this trip is active and intense – it a good way! Lochsa (pronounced LOCK-saw) means “rough water” in the language of the Nez Perce Indians, and some compare a trip down this river to running all the major rapids of the Grand Canyon in one day.
Some particularly challenging rapids include Grim Reaper, Bloody Mary, House Wave, Termination, and the famous Lochsa Falls, all of which require great paddling skills or a rafting team effort to get through.
The Lochsa River originates high in the Bitterroot Mountains and flows free and undammed for its entire length. Because it is fed by water from the surrounding mountains, water temperatures fluctuate between the 30s and 40s, and the danger of hypothermia is high. Dry suits (or wetsuits) are a must for early season floating. Weather can be cool, cloudy and rainy, so be prepared for the worst.
Floating season extends from May to August, and permits are not required for private boaters.
The Lochsa becomes hazardous or impassable when the water level goes above six feet, and below three feet, the river becomes quite boney with rocks, and some sections might be difficult to float without dragging.
This is a river for those with lots of experience and all the right gear. Rest assured though, intermediate boaters will have a wonderful time navigating this river, especially if they take the time to scout rapids, many of which can be accessed by climbing up to U.S. Highway 12 which runs along the whole length of the river.
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