Clearwater, S. Fork
Hanging Rock to Cougar Creek Trailhead(Golden Canyon)
| Difficulty | IV-V |
| Length | 7.2 mi |
| Avg Gradient | 85 fpm |
| Gauge | Sf Clearwater River at Stites Id |
| Flow Rate as of 24 minutes | 1540 cfsmedium runnable |
| Reach Info Last Updated | May 13, 2024 |
River Description
Flows between 2,000 and 4,000 the run offers fun continuous class 4-5 rapids with 3 stand out solid class 5 rapids. From around 1000 up to 2000 the river is more on the class IV side but remains a challenging run with somewhat technical moves and plenty of punch. Above 4,000 golden canyon becomes one of the best class 5 big water runs in the states. It is navagable at flows upwards of 8,000 by solid class 5 kayakers. The road is along the river for scouting and portaging. Shorter runs are possible.
Description:
The run begins at Hanging Rock (MP 28). You will know it when you see it. The mile upstream is Coyote Falls and should be scouted just to marvel at it. Coyote Falls is 0.3 miles of terror and 0.7 miles of IV+ at low flows. From Hanging Rock down are three miles of continuous rock dodging. You may wish to portage Chuck Rollins at mile post 25.4. This is followed by two miles of easy water. Then, the action picks up again for another two miles. You may wish to portage Fish Jump at mile post 22.4. Take out at Cougar Creek Trailhead about Âmile post 20.6. The next 6.8 miles are class II with a few easy class IIIs. Check out the Mickey Mouse run if the water here is too high for you.
Shuttle: Road Map
To get to the take-out: Go up Idaho State Highway 14 to Cougar Creek Trailhead around road mile 20.6. Park at the trailhead. It's free.
To get to the put-in: Go upstream 7.4 miles to MP 28 and park in the wide spot upstream of the hanging rock. Stop at Fish Jump, two miles upstream (mile 22.4) and Chuck Rollins, five upstream (mile 25.4) to scout.
River Features
Put In
Take Out
Trip Reports
Log in to add a reportZak Sears, Kyle Smith, and Will Long enjoying Golden Canyon at solid medium flows.
A great day on Golden with a mix of friends from Moscow and Missoula at solid medium flows! Photos by Trip Kinney.
we ran it at 700 cfs and it was low, but runnable. i don't think i would go back at that level. at 1000 cfs it was fun and not too rocky.
More info and photos of Golden Canyon at www.infinitymoutain.com
Have Fun
Robin
400 CFS is *really* low. I think a more reasonable low-runnable flow would be somewhere around 700 CFS.
Tor making the ferry to the left.
Tor and Kevin at the top of the first drop below Coyote Falls.
Tor and Kevin putting in below Coyote Falls.
Approaching the second major drop after Coyote Falls.
Kevins Rock - Site of some major carnage on our trip.
Tor and Kevin cutting left for the drop.
Mickey Mouse ( Reach 545) . . . Golden Run ( Reach 544)
The map says it all. These runs are close enough to the Lochsa to make a nice day trip. The river between these runs is mellow class II with some easy class III, all visible from the road and easily portaged.
When the gauge rock developes a hole you wouldn't want to get into or when it is washed out . . . class V
When the hole is ok or the the rock is just awash . . . great class IV
When the rock is showing . . . boney