LOCHSA FLOATS

Located on the Idaho side of Lolo Pass in the 1.8 million acre Clearwater National Forest, the Lochsa float is the granddaddy of Missoula area whitewater.  Typical floating season is from May to August, with the early season containing the biggest water.  You will not need any permits for your private Lochsa float, but be sure to come prepared with wetsuits for 30 to 40 degree water.  The granite valley, a rugged and windy canyon filled with boulders, demands a greater skill level than do the other local floats. Spring melts create one of the wettest and wildest rides in the nation.  The River boasts rapids such as House Wave, Grim Reaper, Bloody Mary, Horse Tail Falls, Lochsa Falls (a 16 foot drop!) and Termination which have all been known to increase heart rate. Local Missoula insists that beginner and intermediate floaters take a guided trip as conditions are unpredictable and cannot be thoroughly observed prior to the float.  It may be hard to peel your eyes off the river, but the peripheral benefits include the lush Cedar and Fir Forest with steep tallis slopes and abundant wildlife.  The landscape of the Clearwater region is an endless and magnificent landscape of mountains to the east and prairies to the west.   The Lochsa’s best floating section has a gradient of about 40 feet per mile. The rapids contain large standing waves with incredible vortex style whirlpools. A guided day trip typically covers up to 30 miles and around 40 class III-IV and V rapids. The forest service lists 63 rapids in the 57 mile run from Crooked Fork Creek to Lowell with more than half are pushing Class IV or V.  This run can be broken down into 4 great day trips or you can camp along the way.  Correlated flow gauges have been established on bridges at Lowell (milepost 97) and Eagle Mount Pack Bridge (milepost 135-1/2) to aid you in determining flow rates.  When floating the Lochsa, check to see that the water level is between 3 and 6 feet on the gauges.  Higher levels are too dangerous and lower levels become difficult due to exposed rocks and dragging.

Food, phone, gas, lodging, and camping are available at lodges near Powell Ranger Station, at Syringa, and at Lowell. National Forest campgrounds are located at a number of places along the river. Small hospitals are located at Grangeville and Orofino. Larger hospitals are located at Missoula, MT, and Lewiston, ID. Quick response units are located at Powell Ranger Station and at Lowell. Ambulance service is available at Kooskia. A medical rescue helicopter is available at St. Pats Hospital in Missoula.

The Middle Fork Clearwater River, of which the Lochsa is tributary, is a larger, calmer river. It is better suited for lighter equipment and later season floating than the Lochsa. Several rapids on the Middle Fork can be difficult at certain flows, however, and need to be scouted — especially for open canoes and lighter rafts.

The Lochsa River is divided into four management sections as determined by floating characteristics.

Section One: Confluence of Crooked Fork Creek and White Sands Creek to Indian Grave Creek — 20 miles
In this area, the river valley is wider and flatter. This section contains longer stretches of smooth water with few large rapids. Less technical maneuvering is required of boaters floating this section. Section one offers perfect conditions for open boaters, less experienced kayakers, and floaters.

At river levels of 4.5 feet or above (measured at the bridge flow gauges), spray covers for open canoes and the use of kayaks or inflatables are recommended. Only experienced kayakers and rafters with extra safety precautions should attempt levels of six feet or higher.

Section Two: Indian Grave Creek to Wilderness Gateway Bridge — 13 miles
This section contains large rapids requiring very technical maneuvering. It should be attempted with extra precaution only by skilled kayakers and rafters with dependable, heavy-duty equipment . When water levels reach 6.5 feet and above, you will find rapids running into one another, fewer eddies forming, more pooling below major drops, and dangerous debris shooting down the river.

Section Three: Wilderness Gateway Bridge to Split Creek Pack Bridge — 9 miles
This section contains some very large rapids; however, they require less technical maneuvering than in section two. Rapids tend to be followed by pools, allowing more time for rest and easier rescue. As with section two, this area should be attempted carefully by experienced paddlers with high-quality equipment.

At levels below six feet on the bridge flow gauges, eddies begin to form behind rocks and numerous bank eddies appear. The river is still quite pushy and recommended only for the experts. Above six feet there are fewer eddies and rapids tend to run into each other, requiring tight maneuvering on some sharp bends.

Section Four: Split Creek Pack Bridge to Lowell — 15 miles
In this section, the river gradient begins to flatten out and the river valley widens. The warter's intensity begins to diminish. Experienced boaters use this section when high water levels prohibit floating other areas. Several large rapids come up unexpectedly, but apart from this challenge section four is suitable for the less experienced paddler.

At river levels of eight feet on the bridge flow gauges, most stopping points are washed out, noted rapids change considerably and calm areas disappear.

Photos courtesy of Bearpaw River Expeditions!