Selway River, Idaho
| Price |
 What's this? |
| Class of Rapids |
III-IV+ |
| Trip Miles |
45 miles |
| Trip Duration |
3 to 5 days |
| Season |
June-July |
| Nearby Towns |
Salmon (ID) |
| Recommended For |
Multi Day Trip, Wilderness, Summer |
The Selway is Idaho's most private Wild and Scenic river. Only one launch is allowed each day, in order to protect the pristine beauty of the river as it passes through the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness. The banks of the river are overgrown with cedar, fir, huckleberries and ferns, and the water always runs clear. The rapids are nearly all large, through all 60 river running miles. At high flows, rapids such as Ladle and Double Drop can reach epic Class IV-V proportions. Whitewater, wilderness and solitude are the Selway's chief attractions. Limited access makes the Selway a challenge to experience. Independent permits are hard to draw, and commercial trips must be booked 8-12 months in advance. Catch-and release fishing trips for native westslope cutthroat trout on quiet water are also available. This is an expert rafting river at certain flows because of Class IV and V rapids. Flows over 5 feet at the Paradise Gauge are considered dangerous and the rapids below Moose Creek are very technical and can be treacherous in high water.
Getting There: The river launch site at Paradise Ranger Station is reached by driving north out of Salmon on U.S. 93 over Lost Trail pass. In Darby, Montana, take the Connor cutoff to the left and then take the west fork road left for about 10 miles. Make a right on the Elk City Road over Nez Perce pass to a right fork to Paradise. It is well marked. The road over Nez Perce Pass may be blocked by snow in the spring.
* Trip price reflects the average cost per day for a guided rafting adventure on a given river (
= $50-$100/day;
= $100-$250/day;
= $250 or more/day) and accounts for half-day, full-day, or multiday rafting excursions. Lodging, dining, and transportation costs (airfare, car rental/shuttle, equipment rentals, etc.) have not been factored into account. Please note that the trip price classification is intended to be an approximate guideline, as the range of prices on a given river can vary based on amenities, services, and customized add-ons offered through individual outfitters.
