Whitewater River Designations:

• Class I: EASY.
  Slow moving water.
• Class II: MEDIUM.
  Moderate moving water with a few easily recognized small rapids.
• Class III: DIFFICULT.
  Numerous rapids with high and irregular waves.
• Class IV: EXPERTS ONLY.
  Fast moving rapids with high waves and boulders.
• Class V: EXPERTS ONLY.
  Continuous rapids with high waves, boulders, and obstructions which take expert skills to navigate safely. Pre survey of river conditions prior to departure necesary.
• Class VI: Extremely dangerous. Should not be navigated.

ID, Selway River, Class IV Whitewater Rafting

The Clearwater, Rapid, Middle Fork of the Salmon, and Selway Rivers are all part of the original group of 8 Wild and Scenic Rivers designated in 1968. The Clearwater River cuts through 185 miles of forested, mountain terrain with spectacular wilderness scenery and some of the best fishing for Chinook salmon and steelhead in the U.S. One of the few relatively mild (Class II) rivers in Idaho. Clearwater River access is via Rt 12.

The Middle Fork of the Salmon River lies in the southern portion of Nez Perce and offers a much wilder invitation (Class III and IV water) to Idaho's cascading white-water. It surges for 104 miles through the pristine, densely forested Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness. The Middle Fork's steep canyons, tumbling waterfalls, petroglyphs, and hot springs make it the preferred destination of many an experienced rafter. The floating activity on the Middle Fork is managed and regulated by the USFS. Permits to float the river are required all year. The highest use is from June 1 through September 3 and permits for this time are allocated through a computerized lottery. During the rest of year, permits are issued on a first-come, first-served, call-in basis. Starting in the October before the floating season.

ID, Selway River
(photo courtesy of Idaho Travel Council)

The Selway River borders the north portion of Nez Perce and may be the most intense and beautiful of Idaho's rivers. A swirling torrent of crisp clear white-water that is highly revered among rafters. Located in the 1.1 million acre Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness with steep canyons, densely forested mountains, and an abundance of wildlife. The National Forest Service maintains permit restrictions on the Selway which keeps this a remote and wild experience. It is rare to see any other people on this float trip. Only a few rafters are issued premits each day. Visitors should contact the Forest Service before arriving to run this river. Much of the waterway is rated Class IV and is managed by experienced rafting outfitters in the summer.

Wildlife in the Nez Perce National Forest includes one of the largest concentrations of trophy elk herds in the contiguous US. Along with its large population of black bear, mule deer, bighorn sheep, mountain goats (on the left), moose, and mountain lions. The endangered gray wolf and peregrine falcon are also found in Idaho's forests of Douglas fir and lodgepole pine. Spruce and fir growing higher up in the mountains.

ID, Nez Perce National Forest, Red River Campground #60

Nez Perce has 35 campgrounds with hundreds of campsites. The Red River and O'Hara Bar are two of the largest and some of the most scenic campgrounds in the area. The Red River Campground has 40 sites and is located twenty miles south of Elk City on Rts 14 and 234. Many other smaller campgrounds are located nearby on Rt 14 which parallels the Clearwater and Red Rivers.

ID, Nez Perce National Forest, O'Hara Bar Campground #39