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Selway
Location: Northern Idaho (about 170 miles northeast of Boise). One of the most remote rivers in the lower 48 states, the Selway cuts through the 1.3-million-acre Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness, among the most beautiful anywhere. Length of trips: 47 miles in four or five days. To preserve the pristine setting, the Forest Service allows only one trip to set off each day from mid-May through July. Season: Mid-May through July. The water flow usually peaks in May and June. Weather: Boaters generally wear dry suits until July. In May and June melting snow feeds the river, which can be as cold as 38°F even though the air temperature can rise into the 80s. In June the water is at its highestand wildest. Sometimes late snows on Nez Perce Pass block access to the river into June. In July the water levels usually drop, making the white water a little less dangerous but still spectacular. The fishing improves as the water drops and clears, and the weather is usually warmer and drier. By late July the water levels can drop so low that large rafts cant run the upper river. Flights by small plane to a landing strip along a lower section of the river can sometimes extend the rafting season. Lodging: Superb campsites on sandy beaches fringed with ferns and mosses. Boats: Kayaks, oar boats, paddle rafts. Rapids: 45 named rapids Class II or higher. In May and June the water can be as chilly as 38°, due to snow runoff. Its a bit warmerand clearerin July. Occasionally rains trigger a landslide on one of the side creeks feeding into the Selway, resulting in silty or muddy conditions. Special features:
Nearby excursions:
Outfitters: The three outfitters authorized to raft the Selway are:
For more information:
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