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Lewis and Clark Trail Adventures

Lewis & Clark Trail Adventures

Historical River & Trail Trips

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  • Salmon River Rafting Vacations
  • Whitewater Rafting
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Lochsa River Whitewater Trip

Lochsa River Rapids

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.

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.

Interesting facts about the Lochsa River

Lochsa-River-large-rapidThe 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.

Video of your trip down the Lochsa

The LCTA cabin will NOT be available, look for the wall tent and/or gear bus for gear check out. 

Please use Advance Payment  and Electronic Waiver Signature can be made from your reservation profile. To make your check in process easier – please try to make payment and sign electronic waivers at least 24-48 hours prior to your trip. We DO NOT have reliable internet access at the lodge and therefore any payments or waivers done less than 24 hours prior may not be reflected at your check in. Thank you!

Photography offerings will be available on most trips, but not all. Thanks for being flexible! 

Lochsa River Trips Rate & Dates

Runs May-Early July, Peak levels Mid-May to Mid-June

Lochsa River – $130

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. Group discounts available, contact us for a quote!

Trips normally run every Saturday in May & June.

Additional trips available with a minimum of 10 paddlers = two boats. Call or email for most current availability.

Lochsa River Hi-Adventure – $152
Lochsa River Hi-Adventure. This trip is fondly referred to as the “dirty 30”! By adding an additional 10 miles to your Lochsa whitewater rafting experience it will be a wild ride of 30 intense miles on the Lochsa.

Check in time might be earlier than your regular 8am Pacific time check in, please refer to direct correspondence for custom meeting times.

Group size minimum of 2 boats, let us know if you would like to plan a trip on your preferred date.

Stay at the Lochsa Lodge

  • Call the Lochsa Lodge for details: 208-942-3405

 

 

32nd Annual Lochsa Rendezvous Saturday May 6 2023

Don’t miss the best spring season kick off party ever. After and action-packed day on the river, head back to the Lochsa Lodge for food and live music and recap your epic day around the fire. For room reservations and more information about the Lochsa Lodge.

26th Annual Bartenders Paddle TBD

A Missoula Service Industry Appreciation Promo – We appreciate the hard work Missoula’s bartenders and servers do for us! 

Teams of employees compete for the coveted PADDLE. Teams are judged by their level of participation, team spirit and the unknown factor of big river adventures.

Space is limited —- Pick a team leader —- Sign up ALL participants from your establishment on same reservation. Add ons OK, email or call to get them added to your roster.

Full payment is required at time of booking and no refunds. 

 

Lochsa River regular trip cont’d….

Trip Provisions

  • Wetsuit
  • Neoprene booties
  • Splash Jacket
  • Helmet
  • PFD & Paddle
  • Lunch on the River
  • Beverages for the ride back to Lochsa Lodge
  • Shuttle based from Lochsa Lodge
  • Most weekends – we provide photos or video showing back at the Lodge

Recommended personal gear list and trip details

Trip meet at 8am PACIFIC Time (9am MST) at the Lochsa Lodge (unless otherwise arranged)

Dry Suit Rental

OS Systems Dry SuitYour comfort and safety is the highest priority at LCTA. Advancements in dry suit technology is greatly improving their accessibility and can greatly enhance your whitewater experience! We are building our inventory, but quantities and sizes are limited, call or email for sizing and availability. Our Dry Suits are made by OS Systems in Oregon.

Size               Weight / Height
SM             115-135 lb / 5’3″-5’6″
MED         135-160 lb / 5’8″-5″11″
LGE          165-200 lb / 5’10”-6’1″
XLG          200-230 lb / 6’1″-6’3″

  • Design: All K2 Drysuits are designed with Freedom CutTM features for complete and unrestricted freedom of movement.
  • Entry: Back shoulder entry, #8 diving quality, brass tooth zipper for guaranteed watertightness.
  • Waist: : Drysuit has a bungie cord waist.
  • Reinforcing: 500 denier Cordura is used for the Butt Pad and the Knee Pads for strength and improved slip control.
  • Seals: Neoprene Neck gaskets, LongLife LatexTM commercial grade rubber wrist seals.
  • Seams: Seams are double stitched for strength and fusion sealed on the inside for water tightness.
  • Testing: Each dry suit is individually tested under pressure and under water.
  • $25 per day

Safety Talks on the Lochsa

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!

Lochsa River saftety talk

Trip Details:

  • We recommend participants on the Lochsa River be at least 16 years old
  • Our Saturday & Sunday trips tend to be more popular, but if you are looking for Mon-Fri, call us for availability and discount, we need a group minimum to make a trip go
  • 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.
  • Stay at the Lochsa Lodge, Call 208-942-3405 for reservations.

Trip Planning Resources:

  • Gear Lists & Recommended Reading
  • Frequently Asked Questions
  • Trip Cancellation Policy & Guest Responsibility

Need trip insurance?  For your convenience, we offer travel protection through Travelex Insurance Services.  For more information on the available plans or to enroll, got to www.travelexinsurance.com or contact Travelex Insurance Services at 800-228-9792 and reference location number 26-0048.

Travel Insurance is underwritten by, Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance Company, NAIC #22276. 55Y

Trip Start

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. Choose from a variety of cabins, fresh comfort food at the restaurant, local brews at the bar and bonfire at night.

Trip Map

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Whitewater Rafting

  • Lochsa River Whitewater Trip
  • Alberton Gorge – Missoula
  • Blackfoot River – Missoula
  • The River Pub & Missoula Town Floats

Lochsa Testimonial

“My friends couldn’t stop talking about the fun they had, how much they enjoyed this experience, and continued to rave all the way home about the wonderful support of your professional crew. They relayed that it was easily the ‘Best’ one day river adventure they’d ever experienced.”

Mark Neill

Lewis & Clark Journals

“The mountains which we passed to day much worst than yesterday, the last excessively bad. Encamped opposite a small island at the mouth of a branch of the river….We named it Colt Killed Creek, for the colt we killed, on which we made a hearty supper. The river itself is 80 yards wide with a swift current and stony channel. Its indian name is Kooskooskee.”

William Clark
September 14, 1805
Headwaters of the Lochsa River, Colt Killed & Crooked Creek Confluence

Lolo Trail Testimonial

“Gia & Wayne take customer service to a new level, their personalized service is second to none and the food was so good that I might have gained weight. The hiking & history is unbelievable, you can truly imagine what the Corp of Discovery went through.”

Dave Peterson

Trip Advisor Certificate of Excellence

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Lewis & Clark Trail Adventures
406-728-7609 • Email Us • Policies
912 E. Broadway, Missoula, MT 59807

© 2023 Lewis and 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.