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Rivers and Creeks - "Lochsa River"

Lochsa River Details

The Lochsa River (pronounced "lock-saw") is located in the Clearwater National Forest in north central Idaho. It is formed by the confluence of the Crooked Fork and White Sand Creek. The river flows east-northeast to west-southwest through approximately 70 river miles of forested mountain and canyon terrain.



Several small tributaries flow into the Lochsa River, including Canyon Creek and Deadman Creek. At the River’s mouth near the town of Lowell, Idaho, the Lochsa River merges with the Selway River to create the Middle Fork of the Clearwater River.

The drainage basin for the Lochsa River is approximately 748,800 acres.

Lochsa River Area History




"Lochsa" originates from the Nez Perce phrase for "rough water". It is estimated that the Nez Perce (Nimiipuu) lived, hunted, gathered roots, fished and camped in this area for approximately 10,000 years. They traveled across the ridgeline north of Highway 12 to hunt buffalo on the Montana plains.


During mid-September 1805, Lewis and Clark traveled westward along the Lolo Trail, descending into and out of the Lochsa Gorge, then above its north rim. They experienced significant early season snowfall and near starvation before exiting the mountains onto the Weippe Prairie, where they encountered the Nez Perce.


In 1968, the Lochsa was included as one of the original six rivers, in the National Wild and Scenic Rivers Act (Here is a link for more information on this Act:)

National Wild and Scenic Rivers System


The Act ensures to:
  • Prohibit dams and other federally assisted water resources projects that would adversely affect river values;
  • Protect outstanding natural, cultural, or recreational values;
  • Ensure water quality is maintained; and
  • Require the creation of a comprehensive river management plan that addresses resource protection, development of lands and facilities, user capacities, and other management practices necessary to achieve purposes of the Act.

Lochsa River and Area - Current Day


 The Lochsa River parallels the scenic Lolo Highway 12 northeast of Lowell, Idaho until its confluence with the Selway and Clearwater rivers. The highway is barely visible from the river because of the natural cedar forest. Access varies within the drainage from relatively easy access from existing roads to hikes of over 20 miles. This preserved beauty is a result of the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness Area, which encompasses the Lochsa River as well as a total of 1.5 million acres, It is the third largest designated wilderness area in the lower 48 states. The size of this wilderness area is slightly larger than the state of Delaware.





There is much wildlife in the area as well as West Slope Trout, Bull Trout, Rainbow Trout, Chinook Salmon and Brook Trout.















The Lochsa is well known for its white water, with the big water season lasting mid-May through end of June. The Lochsa is known for its +30 Class III rapids and +20 Class IV rapids.











In addition, Jerry Johnson Hot Springs is located off Highway 12, not far from the Lochsa River. A short hike of approximately 1 mile (on relatively level ground), will find you in natural hot springs located in the Warm Springs Creek. It is one of our favorite spots to soak.