Lochsa River
★ Wild & Scenic🛶 AW Stewardship
Clearwater Co. · 70 mi · Class III–V
6,360CFS/ 5.63 ft
Above Optimal→Stable· +30 cfs in 3h
Optimal: 1500–5000 CFS · USGS #13337000
Length
Difficulty
Optimal
Avg Flow
Hist. Median
USGS Gauge
National Wild & Scenic River · Lewis & Clark National Historic Trail (corridor) · American Whitewater Stewardship
One of the most relentlessly challenging whitewater rivers in the American West — 70 miles of continuous Class III–V rapids through Clearwater National Forest along the historic Lewis and Clark Highway (US-12). No flat sections, no breaks. The Lochsa runs snowmelt-driven and window is narrow: peak April–June.
Trip sections
Upper Lochsa — Milepost 115 to 109, Class III–IV, warm-up
Middle Lochsa — Milepost 109 to 90, Class III–V, the best whitewater
Lower Lochsa — Milepost 90 to 66, continuous Class III, runout
Notable Rapids
Lochsa FallsClass IV+
The biggest single drop on the Lochsa. A powerful ledge drop that pushes Class V at high water.
Grim ReaperClass IV
Named for the large hole that recirculates at certain flows. Run center-left.
Bloody MaryClass IV
A rocky, technical rapid in the heart of the continuous whitewater section.
Outfitters
Holiday River Expeditions
Lochsa multi-day guided trips
Cascade Raft & Kayak
Lochsa season specialist
72-Hour Flow Forecast
NOAA NWPSLoading forecast...
10-Year Flow Patterns
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Data Quality
River conditions are community-verified. CFS ranges, difficulty ratings, and trip sections may not reflect every flow level or seasonal change. Always check current conditions, scout unfamiliar rapids, and paddle within your skill level. If you spot an error, use the Improve This River button at the top of the page — your local knowledge is what makes this atlas accurate.