Lochsa Rafting

For intermediate and expert rafters, few rivers on earth can beat the thrills of Idaho’s Mighty Lochsa River (pronounced Lock-Saw). On our classic trip, you are treated to continuous, heart-pounding rapids. While some rivers are known as big-volume, slower rivers, and others are prized for their swift, technical courses, the Lochsa manages to combine the two in a unique marriage of a fast, technical run on a high-volume river. This combination produces huge hydraulics and holes, treating rafters to an exhilarating whitewater adventure!

There are only a few outfitters who raft the Lochsa River. Be confident in our unmatched history, expertise, and quality. The season is short, so book today!

Choose a 1-day 20-mile trip, a Super 1-Day 30-mile trip, or a 2-3 day adventure. Join ROW Adventures, the most experienced outfitter on the Lochsa for the best whitewater on earth!

Day 1:

9:00 AM meet 

10:00 AM Hit the river after gearing up and having a safety talk. 

NOONish Take a break to eat the amazing lunch that the guides prepare. 

4:00-5:00 PM back to your vehicles after enjoying a day of rapids on the river. *

* Please note that these times are not exact 

Multi-day itineraries are determined by the trip. 

ROW is proud to be an Equal Opportunity recreation service provider under permit from the U.S. Forest Service. We operate under special use permit from the Clearwater National Forest. All our operations and facilities are operated on a non-discriminatory basis.  ROW is bonded and fully licensed by the states of Idaho, Washington, and Oregon. We are members of America Outdoors, Idaho Outfitters and Guides Assn., Montana Outfitters and Guides Assn., National Association of Interpretation; Lewis and Clark Trail Heritage Foundation and many other effective organizations.  

MEALS INCLUDED : L

TRIP BEGINS

Syringa, Idaho

TRIP ENDS

Syringa, Idaho

NEAREST AIRPORTS

Lewiston, Idaho

Spokane, Wash. or Missoula, Montana

Click HERE to see local weather.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Here at ROW Adventures, our first and foremost goal is for you to have an enjoyable and safe experience. While most of our trips are suitable for beginners, some of our trips are more active than others and it’s important that you understand the physical requirement of the trip you choose. 

 

All of our rafting trips are active adventures that involve some level of physical exertion and possible exposure to the elements including but not limited to wind, rain, heat, sun, cold temperatures and cold water conditions.  ROW Adventures is able to accommodate people with physical limitations, disabilities, and medical conditions; please speak with your Adventure Consultant if you think you will require any additional assistance while on the trip.  We ask that you consult your doctor if you have health or medical conditions that could impact your ability to participate in an active and outdoor adventure.  In general, all trip participants must be able to do the following:  

• Wear all protective and safety equipment that is required by ROW Adventures and recommended/required by industry-wide standards.

• Load and unload, on their own or with the aid of a qualified companion, the bus and/or van providing transportation for ROW Adventures activities.

• Reach the river access points (put-in and take-out) on their own, or with the aid of a qualified companion.

• Enter and exit the raft, kayak and/or inflatable kayak on their own or with the aid of a qualified companion.

• Remain seated and balanced in a floating raft, canoe, kayak or inflatable kayak w/ the aid of adaptive equipment, if necessary.

• Perform all on water activities, including following instructions that like paddling commands from the guide in class I and higher whitewater on their own or with the assistance of a qualified companion. 

• Float on their back when entering moving and still water.  The participant must be capable of turning from face-down to face-up in the water with the aid of a Personal Floatation Device and must be able to hold their breath while underwater.

• Remain calm and keep breathing under control in the event of a whitewater swim.

• Get out from under a raft, whether the raft is up-right or capsized, in moving water.

• Climb into the raft, with the help of another person, should an involuntary swim happen at any point on the river.

• Make progress toward the shoreline or a raft by swimming in moving water and must be able to exit the river and ascend the shoreline once reached.

• Participate as an active paddler when instructed by the guide for the duration of the trip. 

• Move about the campsite on their own or with the aid of a qualified companion on all trips that include overnight camping and/or lunch.

Packing properly for a river trip is CRITICAL to your enjoyment while on the river. Although ROW supplies 
all of your essential gear, there are certain extras that will increase your comfort. We want you to be 
comfortable and secure so that you can fully enjoy your Lochsa experience.
 

Weather on the Lochsa is completely unpredictable. It can be raining and/or cold in May in early June. In late 
June and July the weather is warmer and dryer, although you must come prepared for cold weather. 
The following information will help you be prepared for the expected as well as the unexpected events of your 
trip. You may not use all of the gear listed below, but we recommend bringing it all! If it's a hot day, you can 
remove some layers.
GEAR PROVIDED BY ROW 

• Farmer John style neoprene wetsuit
• Long sleeve neoprene zip-up jacket
• Neoprene Booties
• Fleece Sweater (synthetic nylon pile)
• Paddle/Splash Jacket (similar to a light rain coat)
• Helmet
• Personal Flotation Device

CLOTHES & GEAR FOR THE RIVER (Recommended)

• Swimsuit to wear under wetsuit
• Hat to wear under helmet
• Polypropylene or silk long underwear (top and bottom) when it is cold
• Shorts or swim trunks to wear over wetsuit 
• Wool or polypro socks to wear under booties (ski socks work well)
• Wetsuit or wool gloves (optional)
• Sunglasses with "Chums" style eyeglass holder 
• Sunscreen
• Water bottle (A cheap solution is to buy bottled water for the day)
•  Bee Sting kit (ROW does not carry epinephrine) 
• If you have size 14+ feet, bring a pair of old tennis shoes and good wool socks to wear on river 
• Towel/change of clothes for end of day (keep these in your vehicle) 

We will have one waterproof bag per boat for use to hold a spare warm clothes item, sunscreen, etc. Keep this 
with you and give it to your guide before boarding your boat. It’s best to only bring a disposable, waterproof 
camera for use on the river. We have these for sale at our store.

Remember: Cotton is a non-water wicking material and should never be worn on the river. Cotton holds water 
against you and makes it difficult to stay warm. Fleece, Pile, Polypropylene, bunting, Capilene, etc., are a few 
examples of the trade names for a class of synthetic materials that retain their ability to insulate when wet. 
 

Click HERE to see Terms and Conditions.