Selway River, Idaho

Wild Pristine Beauty

Rafting the Selway River in Idaho’s remote Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness offers one of the most pristine and coveted multi-day whitewater experiences in the American West, with a highly competitive permit system limiting launches to preserve its wild character. The classic 47-mile run from Paradise to near Selway Falls (or Race Creek) winds through lush old-growth forests, steep granite canyons, and abundant wildlife, featuring a steady gradient of about 14-30 feet per mile and a progression of technical Class III to IV rapids— This combination of stunning isolation, technical challenges, and unforgiving high-water power makes the Selway a bucket-list river for experienced boaters only, rewarding those who time it right with profound wilderness immersion while demanding utmost respect and caution at elevated levels.​

River Class / Skill Level

• Class: IV wilderness whitewater with continuous rapids and technical maneuvering.

• Skill Level: Advanced paddlers with strong whitewater experience are recommended.

Season / Permits / Weather

• Boating Season: Mid-May through June during peak snowmelt runoff.

• Permit Required: Yes — highly competitive permits issued by the U.S. Forest Service lottery.

• Best Time to Run: Late May through early June depending on snowpack.

• Weather: Spring mountain weather can change quickly with rain, cold temperatures, and occasional snow.

Water Levels / River Character

• Typical Flow Range: ~3,000–20,000 cfs depending on snowmelt runoff.

• Low Water: Technical rapids with exposed rocks and tight lines.

• Optimal Flows: 6,000–12,000 cfs offers powerful wave trains and classic Selway rapids.

• High Water: Extremely powerful hydraulics and continuous whitewater.

• Special Considerations: One of the most remote permitted river trips in the United States.

Put-In / Take-Out

• Standard Put-In: Paradise Boat Ramp.

• Standard Take-Out: Race Creek Boat Ramp where the Selway meets the Lochsa. •

Trip Length: Approximately 47 miles, typically run in 4–5 days.

River Trip Launch Pad

Essential links for permits, maps, shuttles and gear before you hit the road.

Rec.gov

River Permits/Regs

Central Idaho River Shuttles

Preferred Shuttle Company

Camping

Local Camping

Put In Directions

Paradise Boat Ramp

Weather

Local Forecast

River Map

Rivermaps

Aquatic Species

Boat Inspection Map

Gear

Local Gear Shop

Hot Springs

Nearby Hot Springs

Solid Block Ice

List of solid Block Ice

Groover

Map of Dump Stations

Snow to Flow

Snowpack and Water Forecasting

Take Out Directions

Race Creek Boat Ramp

Your Selway Trip

Google Docs PDF