Lochsa River Rafting

Few whitewater rafting trips anywhere on earth offer as much continuous, explosive whitewater as Idaho's Lochsa River* (pronounced Lock-Saw). This one to three-day rafting trip is big white water that satisfies the appetite for thrills for intermediate and expert rafters. Some rivers are big and slow while others are fast and technical. The Lochsa combines the best of both – it’s fast, technical and has a big volume of water. This makes for raft-smashing waves, big hydraulics and holes, and paddler-bashing excitement. Add supreme Idaho mountain scenery, talented guides, and great service and you have the best whitewater rafting trips on the Lochsa River available.

From the New York Times, "The Last Wilderness" July 1, 2007

"The three rivers in the Route 12 corridor are designated Wild and Scenic, have federal protection, and they live up to the name. The Lochsa, which means Rough Water in the Nez Perce language, is ferocious and explosive white water, for hard-core rafters. The major stretch has more than 40 significant rapids. By that I mean, bumps with names, bumps that are the focus of many a rafter's dreams. One night in May over dinner at a river rat hangout, (River Dance Lodge in Syringa, Idaho) a couple of guides showed me photos from a busy day on the Lochsa. Every frame was solid froth, with a bouncing raft in the middle of it. "

From its headwaters in the Bitterroot Mountains to its confluence with the Selway and Clearwater rivers, the Lochsa River pounds and churns through more than 40 major rapids. The Grim Reaper, Bloody Mary, Ten Pin Alley, Mile Long, and the incomparable Lochsa Falls are just a sampling of rapid names on this exciting whitewater river trip. The white water rapids on the Lochsa are exceptionally long and frequent. Our ROW Adventures guides have guided around the world but for most the Lochsa remains their favorite heart-pounding whitewater trip! Every spring they return to be on the mighty Lochsa and share the fun.

The Lochsa River is free-flowing and rafting trips begin as the winter snow begins to melt. Rafting season on the Lochsa begins in early May and goes until the water gets too low for rafting, typically mid-July to early August.

Because there are no dams to artificially control the flow of the river, the river’s flow follows a bell curve, starting out low in the early spring, reaching its peak in late spring, and then gradually dropping into the summer. It all begins sometime in April as warmer spring days start to melt the high-mountain snow. This brings the river level up and the Lochsa season begins. By mid-May temperatures are warmer than they were in April and consequently, more snow melts. This brings the river’s level up higher. May 15 to June 15 is generally the time of peak flows on the Lochsa. After June 15th the river levels begin to gradually taper off. Bear in mind that every year is different and flows depending on how much snow is in the mountains and whether or not we have a cool, wet spring or a warm, dry spring. There are many variables that make any exact predictions impossible. But over the decades that we’ve been running the Lochsa, peak flows are usually from May 15 to June 15.

Does this mean that this is the “best” time to run the Lochsa? Not necessarily. The answer depends on what you are looking for. Those with previous rafting experience who are seeking maximum thrills will want to join us during this high water season. Others may prefer those times when the river is somewhat lower, the weather is warmer and the technical challenges of the river increase. After mid-June, as the water drops, more and more rocks and boulders become exposed creating some of the most challenging technical whitewater rafting in the country. It requires extra finesse and skill to guide the rapids at this time of year. Temperatures also increase warming the water and making for beautiful summer rafting days. As we approach early July the river becomes even more technical. We run the Lochsa every year as long as we can and this will vary, depending on the winter snows and spring weather. In general, we go until about July 10th. Some years we have to stop earlier and in other years we’ve run until July 20th or so. Even at lower flows, the Lochsa knocks the socks off most other rivers in terms of exciting whitewater.

Note that we have minimum age recommendations. If you are a family with teenagers, join us after June 15th when the river isn’t quite so big and the weather is warmer. You’ll still find this to be one of the most exciting whitewater trips in the world!

The Lochsa River was one of the original six rivers protected by the U.S. Congress in 1968 as part of the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act, in part because it is one of the world's greatest whitewater trips. If you've ever rafted West Virginia's Gauley or California's Tuolumne, compare these to the Lochsa and you'll find a new pinnacle of whitewater rafting excitement.

Lochsa whitewater rafting adventures begin and end near Syringa, Idaho.

 

 


Permits & Licenses:

ROW Inc., doing business as ROW Adventures, 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 Inc. is bonded and fully licensed by the State of Idaho Outfitters and Guides Licensing Board.

Lochsa River Rafting - Rated 5/5 based on 17 reviews

Images & Videos

Upstream shot of a group of rafters on the Lochsa River in Idaho
Whitewater rafting guide on a stern frame rowing through a whitewater rapid with passengers paddling
Downstream shot of two red rafts floating down the Lochsa River among dense forests on a cloudy day
A red raft full of paddlers in yellow helmets going through a large whitewater wave on the Lochsa River
Full raft of people whitewater rafting on the Lochsa river
Group of rafters on land wearing blue splash jackets, yellow helmets, and orange life jackets smiling before they get on the river.
Side view of a red raft in a whitewater rapid with a large rock wall behind it
red raft on the Lochsa river near Syringa Idaho
A red raft full of paddlers entering the tongue of a rapid on the Lochsa River
Upstream shot of a group of rafters on the Lochsa River in Idaho
Whitewater rafting guide on a stern frame rowing through a whitewater rapid with passengers paddling
Downstream shot of two red rafts floating down the Lochsa River among dense forests on a cloudy day
A red raft full of paddlers in yellow helmets going through a large whitewater wave on the Lochsa River
Full raft of people whitewater rafting on the Lochsa river
Group of rafters on land wearing blue splash jackets, yellow helmets, and orange life jackets smiling before they get on the river.
Side view of a red raft in a whitewater rapid with a large rock wall behind it
red raft on the Lochsa river near Syringa Idaho
A red raft full of paddlers entering the tongue of a rapid on the Lochsa River

Itinerary

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Day 1

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!

  • No other Lochsa company has more knowledgeable guides ready to share their stories of the region's natural and cultural history.
  • Hands down, best lunch on the river!
  • Superb gear to keep you warmer.
  • We are the longest-operating company on the Lochsa under the same ownership.
  • We are the FUN rafting company...why would you go with anyone else?

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 call today! 208-770-2517

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

Dates & Rates

Supplementary Information

1-Day - Weekdays
Departures: Daily May 24 thru June 30
Adult Price: $145

1-Day - Saturday / Sunday
Departures: Daily May 24 thru June 30
Adult Price: $169

Super 1-Day - Sun - Fri
Departures: Daily June 3 thru June 30; Dependent on water levels.  Excludes Saturdays.
Adult Price: $189

2-Days - Monday - Thursday start - Camping
Departures: June 5 thru June 30
Adult Price: $530

2-Days - Friday, Saturday or Sunday start - Camping
Departures: June 5 thru June 30
Adult Price: $560

3-Days - Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday start - Camping
Departures: June 5 thru June 30
Adult Price: $990

3-Days - Friday, Saturday or Sunday start - Camping
Departures: June 5 thru June 30
Adult Price: $1190

*Prices are plus 8% Land & Water Access Fees

Click HERE to see Terms and Conditions. 

Important Notice: ROW has an excellent safety record, but you should know that whitewater rafting is inherently risky. You will be required to sign a "Release and Assumption of Risk" agreement prior to the trip, recognizing and accepting the risks involved. If you're interested in trip cancellation, travel or accident insurance, contact our office. We do not allow alcoholic beverages or any drugs.

 

Reviews

5
Average: 5 (29 votes)

Reviews

5

Adrenaline Rush

2 days ago took a one day trip down the Lochsa and it was everything I ever wanted in a super thrilling experience especially for my first whitewater adventure. The river was running high fast and wild but I managed to stay in the raft...just barely. Thank you Steve , Jeff and crew for keeping us all safe and making this adventure truly unforgettable.

Google Review
5

A Great Time

Last week a few of my friends and I went and rafted the Lochsa with ROW and Jeff and Avery were our guides. We couldn’t be happier they did a great job and we had a great time with them as well as with Andy.

5

Bucket list

I've always loved being on rivers. When I was in my early twenties I had this dream of running/guiding the Lochsa. Life happened and the dream took a back seat. After many years and river miles I finally made it to the Lochsa. It is an amazing river and did not disappoint!!! But what I have learned over the years of guiding rivers in Alaska is that it isn't just about the breathtaking beauty of the wilderness you're in, the roaring power of the rivers, or the quality of gear, but rather about the company you are in. ROW is great company with great gear in a magical place! Jeff and Alec were amazing on the oars and all around good company. Ana lights up the energy with her contagious laugh. And a special thanks to Ross for taking some pics that hopefully will show up in my in-box.

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