Lochsa River Whitewater
When the snow melts, the Lochsa River awakens, one of the greatest whitewater flows in the country – and the world. Pronounced “lock-saw” which means rough water in the Nez Perce Language. 37 Class III, 25 Class IV, and two Class V rapids will get your arms burning and your heart pumping. The names of the rapids say it all – Grim Reaper, Pipeline, Lochsa Falls, Termination – and you won’t get much rest between.
As Outside Magazine says, “Unlike other big western whitewater, which runs pool-and-drop, most of the Lochsa simply drops, with little respite between rapids.”
Lochsa Peak Giveaway 2012
Guess the date the Lochsa will peak this spring and enter to win a free Lochsa River trip!
Guess until March 31, May & June river levels will be posted periodically on our Facebook
Winner will be announced after our last Lochsa trip in 2012 and the free trip can be used any time during the 2013 season. If more than one person guesses the right date, we’ll draw for the winner.
Order video from YOUR trip! Call us at 406-728-7609 or send us an email at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
The Lochsa is a free-flowing river and navigable only during high water, this trip is available during May & June. Peak flows are usually mid-May to Mid-June and may be available in early July only when conditions allow.
We understand that much of your experience relies on the personality and expertise of your guide. Rest assured, LCTA Lochsa River guides know how to show you a good time, beginning with a complete safety briefing prior to launching. Some of the guides have been guiding the Lochsa for over 10 years!
Trips are based from the historic Lochsa Lodge, only 50 miles from Missoula, MT. Surrounded by ancient cedar trees on the banks of the Lochsa river, you can enjoy a warm cabin, homemade meals from classic to gourmet. Call Lochsa Lodge at 208-942-3405 for cabin reservations. Camping available at Powell campground, short walk to Lochsa Lodge, call 1-877-444-6777 or go to reservation.gov. If you are driving from Spokane be sure to ask about the Petty Creek Rd cut-off connecting I-90 to Hwy 12, saving an hour of drive time.
Interesting facts about the Lochsa River from Wikipedia
The main stem of the Lochsa is 70 miles (113 km) long from its headwaters near Powell Ranger Station in the Bitterroots to Lowell, Idaho, where the Lochsa joins the Selway River to form the Middle Fork of the Clearwater. Over this distance, the river drops nearly 2,000 feet (610 m) from 3,441 feet (1,049 m) above sea level at Powell to 1,453 feet (443 m) at Lowell. The drainage basin for the Lochsa River system covers 1,180 square miles (3,056 km2) in Idaho County. The river is fed by the melting of the significant snowpack of the Bitterroot Range.
Relating to Lewis & Clark
After traveling up Lolo Creek and over Lolo Pass they mistakenly followed a trail leading to a native American fishing weir on the headwaters of the Lochsa River, where Salmon return to spawn. They new the Lochsa River was not navigable for them and to further dishearten the corps they lost valuable time & energy losing elevation down to the rivers edge when they needed to stay high on the ridgeline cross Bitterroot travel route, the Lolo Trail. This error led them to the famous climb up Wendover Ridge.
Lochsa River Trips Rate & Dates
Runs May-Early July, Peak levels Mid-May to Mid-June
Lochsa River (22 miles)
$100 Sun-Fri, $120 Sat
Early Season Special May 1-15
$95 Everyday!
Group discounts start with 7… more paddlers = bigger discount
-Trips depart 8:00am PACIFIC TIME, from Lochsa Lodge (50 miles west of Missoula, MT on Hwy 12) and return approx 4:00pm, depending on water flows, higher flows return earlier.
-We Provide a professional and IOGA licensed whitewater guide, transportation to and from Lochsa Lodge, lunch on the River, wetsuit, neoprene booties, splash jacket, helmet, paddle, Coast Guard approved PFD, beverages for return drive and video showing at the Lochsa Lodge. -Must be at least 16 years old
-Stay at the new Lochsa Lodge, Call 208-942-3405 for reservations.
Directions from Missoula to Lochsa Lodge in Powell, ID
Missoula is serviced by all major airlines. Lochsa Lodge. Head south on Hwy 93 to Lolo, then west on Hwy 12 over Lolo Pass. Lochsa Lodge is 12 miles past the pass, same turn as the Powell Ranger Station.
Order Prints from your trip! Look up by your trip date then by Lewis & Clark Trail Adventures.
Lewis & Clark Trail Adventures (LCTA) is a licensed service partner with the USDA Clearwater and Salmon National Forests, Bureau of Land Management, and Fish, Wildlife & Parks. We are members of the Idaho Outfitter and Guides Association
Book a Reservation! Rates & Dates