Class IV (IV) Selway River, ID

The Middle Fork of the Clearwater River System is formed by two main forks, the Lochsa and Selway rivers. These tributaries rise on the west slopes of the rugged Bitterroot Mountains in north-central Idaho and constitute the major river drainage north of the Salmon River.

The exceptionally pure, clear, clean water of this river system and the surrounding forest ecosystem provides a wide variety of cultural, recreational, scenic, historical, and natural opportunities for visitors.

The Selway River drops 7,641 feet in 99 miles. With an average drop of 28 feet per mile in the wild river corridor, the upper Selway has a considerable number of rapids and high-velocity flow with a limited number of slow water recovery pools below rapids. This provides a very challenging and potentially dangerous river, especially during peak flows from mid-May through mid-June.

The wild segment has only one permitted boat launch per day with up to 16 people, so it provides outstanding opportunities for solitude and primitive recreation experience. The natural beauty of the canyon, combined with the challenge of the rapids and solitude, make the Selway one of the highest-quality whitewater float-boating rivers in the country. The wild river corridor is also renowned for stock use and camping, with several trailheads in the river corridor providing access to the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness.

 

For More Information Visit:

Middle Fork Clearwater River - rivers.gov