| Difficulty | II-III |
| Length | 13.9 mi |
| Avg Gradient | 70 fpm |
| Gauge | Sandy River Near Marmot, or |
| Flow Rate as of 1 hour | 289 cfsbelow recommended |
| Reach Info Last Updated | January 9, 2026 |
The removal of Marmot Dam on the Sandy River was completed in 2007, restoring the river to a free-flowing state. American Whitewater continues to advocate for projects that enhance public enjoyment of the river through ongoing conservation efforts and established public access. The Sandy River Gorge has the feel [...]Read More
The section from Lolo Pass to Marmot (Sleepy Hollow Bridge) is boulder filled and changes year to year. It is mostly class II with some class III areas at regular flows. The run becomes fun class III-IV at high flows, but wood is sometimes present . At very high water (rocks heard rolling along the bottom) the confluence with the Salmon gets turbulent and the rest of the run is a flush down the middle with large waves and some holes that can sneak up on you. Rescue can be difficult.
The most distinct rapid are the class IV- Alder Creek Rapids, near an A-framed house on the left. Scout this rapid from the bedrock on the right. From here to the old Marmot Dam site is class II-III with a sneaky hole at the end of a long straight away a mile or so below Alder Creek.