Lochsa River

The Lochsa River rises in the Bitterroot Mountains of northern Idaho and flows roughly seventy miles through dense coniferous forests and steep canyons of the Clearwater National Forest, paralleled by the scenic Highway 12, until it joins the Selway River at Lowell to form the Middle Fork of the Clearwater. As an undammed wild river with a steep gradient and continuous rapids, it shapes a remote mountain landscape rich in wildlife. In spring it especially draws adventurers for intense whitewater rafting and kayaking on Class III and IV rapids, while calmer stretches attract anglers seeking trout and outdoor enthusiasts for hiking, camping, and exploring the surrounding woods.