Lochsa

Location: Northern Idaho (about 220 miles northeast of Boise).

Length of trips: Mostly day trips, with some two- and three-day trips along the 64-mile-long river.

Season: April to July or early August. The water flow usually peaks in late May and early June.

Weather: April and May can be cool, cloudy, and rainy, with temperatures ranging from the 40s to the 60s (F) during the day and in the 40s at night. Summers are dry, with pleasant daytime temperatures in the 70s and 80s. Showers beginning in mid-August cool things off and usher in the rainy fall season.

Lodging: Several Forest Service campgrounds in mixed conifer forests. Boaters can also camp or stay at lodges in Powell or Lowell.

Boats: Kayaks, oar boats, paddle rafts.

Rapids: Class II and III on Section I (first 27 miles); Class II to V on Section II (next 13 miles); Class II to IV on Section III (next 11 miles); Class II and III on Section IV (last 13 miles). Clear, cold water.

Special features:

  • Scenic views of the rugged Bitterroot Range.
  • Wilderness hikes along creeks and ridges.
  • Wide variety of wildflowers.
  • Swimming (for the hardy) in late July and August.
  • White-tailed deer, elk, moose, black bears, cougars, beavers, mountain goats, ducks.
  • Suitable for intermediate and experienced boaters, seniors in good physical condition, and families (check with your outfitter about age limits for children).

Nearby excursions:

  • Historic points of interest along and off U.S. 12.
  • Selway Falls.
  • Clearwater Battlefield.

For a list of outfitters and more information:

  • Clearwater National Forest, 12730 Highway 12, Orofino, Idaho 83544; +1 208 476 4541, fax +1 208 476 8329. Try to book up to a year in advance, although a few months should be sufficient for weekend trips, with less advance notice needed for weekday trips.
  • For a list of Idaho outfitters, contact the Idaho Outfitters and Guides Association, P.O. Box 95, Boise, Idaho 83701; +1 208 342 1919 or 800 847 4843, fax +1 208 338 7830.

For more information:

  • Idaho Travel Council, 700 West State Street, P.O. Box 83720, Boise, Idaho 83720-0093; +1 208 334 2470 or 800 635 7820, fax +1 208 334 2631. Ask for the “Official Idaho State Travel Guide.”

 
 
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