1. Upper: Heller Creek to Spruce Tree CampClass III-IV
16 Miles
Avg Gradient 60 fpm
Max Gradient 118 fpm
What you're likely to encounter on your way to the put in.
What you're likely to encounter on your way to the put in. Photo by Todd Hoffman taken 10 June 2004 Gauge Information
St. Joe
River DescriptionOverview:This section of the St. Joe is part of the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System. It is one of only five federally-protected, wild rivers in Idaho. Boating the upper Joe can be difficult for a number of reasons: the access is long and rough, the season is short and hard to hit and the run can be demanding with frequent portaging. However, this pristine river is one of the most beautiful in North Idaho. The upper section runs for 16 miles from Heller Creek to Spruce Tree, through a 2,500', elbow shaped gorge, carving between Needle Peak (6,386') and Five Lakes Butte (6,713'). The river drops roughly 60' per mile with mostly swiftwater class III, punctuated by a few class IV ledges. The streambed is undefined with brushy banks for much of the run. Logs, logjams and various strainers are the primary obstacles you need to be aware of. There is a good trail running from all the way from Heller to Spruce Tree, but it climes above up the canyon side in several places. The trip is usually done in one or two days. Scouting this section by small aircraft is highly recommmended prior to making your run. The fishing on this section is excellent later in the season. Season: Depending greatly on the year's snow conditions, the season is roughly from mid to late June to the beginning of July. All roads to the put in run over high altitude passes that are generally only free of snow AFTER peak run off. While water levels are still high, contact the Avery ranger station, (208) 245-4517, to see if the road from Red Ives to Heller Camp (road 320) is confirmed open. As soon as the road is open, make your attempt to get in. This is an extremely difficult run to catch. Maps: St. Joe National Forest / Lolo National Forest / Clearwater National Forest Logistics: Exit interstate 90 at St. Regis, Montana, drive west through town onto the frontage road for roughly 1-2 miles. Cross the bridge over I-90 and continue south up Little Joe Creek (road 282) over Gold Creek Summit to the St. Joe (about 45 minutes). Continue up the Joe on road 218 for roughly 12 miles to Red Ives Ranger Station. To get to the take out drive 3 miles upriver from Red Ives to the end of road 218 at Spruce Tree Campground. You can also use Red Ives as your take out which has ample parking, only adds 3 miles of additional floating while eliminating 9 miles of shuttle driving. Plus, the volunteer Rangers are on site most of the Spring and Summer to look after things. To reach the put in, take road 320 north, up Red Ives Creek, (directly behind the old ranger’s residence). This is one of the more beautiful drives anywhere in Idaho, but you’ll need a high clearance vehicle. Roughly 6-7 miles above Red Ives it’s worth taking the short drive up road 730 (the sign is missing) to Needle Peak. Make the quick walk to the summit and you’ll be rewarded with an amazing view of the canyon and several impressive Idaho mountain ranges. This is God’s Country! Alternate access to Heller Creek is possible via horseback from Spruce Tree if the roads are snowed in. At Heller Camp there is a brushy and swampy ¼ mile trail to the river. You'll need to get to Heller camp the night before your trip, and get a very early start the next morning, especially if you plan on trying to float out in one day. The camping is excellent, the entire trip in is very slow and the country is incredible. You’re better off simply taking your time and enjoying it as you might not get back to this neck of the woods any time soon. Planning Tools: Forest Service Camping Guide Gauge Correlation - Calder Gradient Chart Hydrograph Map of Idaho Panhandle NOAA - River Flow Forcast NOAA - Snow Pack Report Notes: There are several outstanding runs close by, within a 30 mile radius of Avery you find the Skookum Canyon (class III-IV) and Tumbledown (class III-IV) sections of the main St. Joe, plus Marble Creek (class III-IV), Slate Creek (class IV-V) and the North Fork of the Joe(class III). Also, access to the Little North Fork of the Clearwater(class IV) is from Avery via Fishook Creek. StreamTeam Status: unverified
Last Updated: 2006-05-20 00:15:04
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St Joe River at Calder [ ID ] |
Current Conditions
Station Graphs |
| Level Legend: | Running | Below Minimum Recommended Flow | Above Maximum Recommended Flow | Unknown |
| State | River Name/Section | Class | Level | Rel. Level | Updated | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ID | St. Joe— 1. Upper: Heller Creek to Spruce Tree Camp | III-IV | 1,180 cfs | low | 12/2 8:30 | |
| ID | St. Joe— 2. Spruce Tree Camp to Gold Creek | III | 1,180 cfs | med | 12/2 8:30 | |
| ID | St. Joe— 3. Tumbledown: Conrad Crossing to Bluff Creek | III-IV | 1,180 cfs | med | 12/2 8:30 | |
| ID | St. Joe— 4. Skookum Canyon: Turner Creek to Packsaddle | III-IV | 1,180 cfs | med | 12/2 8:30 | |
| ID | St. Joe, Big Creek— Along Road plus Hike to MF put in | III-IV | 1,180 cfs | low | 12/2 8:30 | |
| ID | St. Joe, North Fork— Loop Creek to St. Joe Confluence | III | 1,180 cfs | low | 12/2 8:30 | |
| ID | St. Joe, Slate Creek— Fritz Creek to St. Joe Confluence | IV-V | 1,180 cfs | low | 12/2 8:30 |
| AW Gauge ID: | 4912 |
| USGS Station: | 12414500 |
| HUC: | 17010304 |
| Latitude: | 47.2750 |
| Longitude: | -116.1875 |
| Class: | 4 |
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