This section of the Lochsa is a good beginner/intermediate run (especially at lower flows). Many camping options and a few class III rapids makes this a quick trip for people coming from the Missoula area. Canoeists should be able to handle this run too.
Minimum level for kayak is 500, rafters should look closer to the 1K CFS range as a minimum.
Highway 12 follows the river the entire way so lengthening or shortening this run is easy to do. Road scouting, bailing out and portaging are all options unless river levels are really high. Higher flows tend to wash out eddies and the whole river tends to flush making swims long and possibly dangerous without proper gear (ie Dry Suit, etc.)
| Class | II to III |
| Current Flow |
427.0 CFS 12-04-2024 17:00 
View River Forecast |
| Recommended Flow |
Minimum: 500.0 Average: 5000.0 Maximum: 20000.0 |
| Typical Season |
Begins: April Ends: October |
| Recommended Use |
Kayaking: Yes Rafting: Yes Canoeing: Yes SUP: No Packrafting: No Fishing: Yes |
| Primary Gauge | LOCHSA RIVER NR LOWELL ID |
| Length | 20.0 Mile(s) |
| Gradient | 28.0 FPM |
