Selway
2 - Selway Falls to Clearwater River
| Difficulty | II-III |
| Length | 18 mi |
| Avg Gradient | n/a |
| Gauge | Selway River Nr Lowell Id |
| Flow Rate as of 1 hour | 13900 cfsmedium runnable |
| Reach Info Last Updated | July 3, 2022 |
River Description
Most are familiar with the classic Selway run that flows through the heart of the Selway-Bitteroot wilderness, one of the most sought-after river permits in the U.S. But if you are in the area and looking for a nice day-trip on intermediate whitewater the Lower Selway is a great option. A 19 mile road follows the right bank of the river from Highway 12 making access and shuttles convenient. Great camping is available at developed campgrounds or one of several dispersed sites along the river.
Most trips start with a trip up to scout Selway Falls and marvel at the awesome power of the river as it flows between massive boulders in a series of big waves and even bigger holes. A beach downstream river right and within site of the falls serves as the put-in. The run features a couple good class III rapids--Falls Creek Rapid and Rock Island Rapid--that are visible from the road along with a number of class II rapids and interspersed with good recovery sections between drops.
Around Boyd Creek Campground the whitewater begins to taper off and the beach at Slide Creek makes a good access point for those who want to enjoy the 8 mile run that includes the best whitewater. Downstream of this point one can find more good class II all the way to the confluence with the Lochsa where the Clearwater River begins.
Logistics:
A trip on the Lower Selway begins from Highway 12. For those running all the way to the Clearwater, a pullout at Highway 12 mile 96.6 serves as a potential take-out where the Selway and Lochsa join.
To reach the put-in, turn off Highway 12 mile 96.9 and cross the bridge to head up Selway River Road. Good access can be found at Johnson Bar at mile 4.1 or the bridge at mile 6.6. The most popular take-out for a short day trip or put-in for an easier class II trip is at the pullout and nice beach at Slide Creek at mile 10.2 (this is half a mile downstream of Boyd Creek Campground). The put-in below Selway Falls is at
...River Features
Put In Below Selway Falls
The put-in below Selway Falls is at mile 17.9 on Selway River Road at a nice beach access within site of the falls on river right.
Slide Creek Access
A good take-out option for those most interested in running the whitewater or a put-in for a more mellow float. It is located at mile 10.2 on Selway River Road (this is half a mile downstream of Boyd Creek Campground).
Three Rivers Take Out
Access is limited here but it is possible to scramble up the bank at Highway 12 mile 96.9 where the Selway joins the Lochsa to form the Clearwater. A better access is available by continuing downstream on the Clearwater and taking out at Wild Goose Campground.
Wild Goose Campground Access
The access at Wild Goose Campground is the best public access point downstream of the confluence of the Selway and Lochsa Rivers. It is located in the campground on river right and has a series of steps leading down to a good beach. Located at Highway 12 mile 95.3.
Trip Reports
Log in to add a reportRoad scout of take-out access.
A river trip from Selway Falls down to Slide Creek. This is a great day trip with easy access.
Selway Falls marks the end of the permitted
wilderness run and the start of the day run on the
Selway.
Fall Creek Rapid is one of two class III rapids on this
run located approximately 1.5 miles downstream of
Selway Falls.