Lewis River
Canyon
| Difficulty | III-V |
| Length | 12.4 mi |
| Avg Gradient | n/a |
| Permit | Paddling is Prohibited by Yellowstone National Park |
| Reach Info Last Updated | October 22, 2012 |
Projects
Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks contain an environment without parallel, and their rivers, in many ways, define and create the region’s dramatic landscapes. The Parks’ rivers and streams could provide a spectacular opportunity for Park visitors to experience the landscape’s natural splendor. However, all but one segment of [...]Read More
On March 30, 2009 President Obama signed the Omnibus Public Lands Act of 2009 which included the Snake Headwaters Legacy Act that was originally introduced by Senator Craig Thomas. This milestone realized the goal of the Snake Headwaters Campaign to permanently protect the most pristine rivers and streams in [...]Read More
River Description
Paddling this reach is currently PROHIBITED by the National Park Service. For more information please refer to the Yellowstone Project Page link.
The Wild and Scenic Lewis River flows from Lewis Lake through several small rapids before cascading over the Class V+ Lewis River Falls. Paddlers would put in below the Falls at the main road crossing. Following the falls the run appears to consist of moderate and good whitewater with at least a couple standout big Class V series of rapids. As you would likely expect the scenery, water quality, and paddling experience are all very high quality. While the road roughly parallels the river, it is seldom in view because the river is set in an ash and rock canyon far below. The take out would be near the South Entrance to the Park. Paddling would be a great way to explore and experience the Lewis River - if it were legal.
River Features
Put In
Take Out
Trip Reports
Log in to add a reportA long series of clean bedrock drops and slides on the Wild and Scenic Lewis River, currently off limits to paddlers thanks to Yellowstone National Park.