At spring flow levels, the Selway River offers one of the toughest whitewater rafting challenges in the west. The USFS allows only one party to launch each day, making a Selway permit one of the most difficult to obtain. And many who win an early season permit must then cancel their trip if the water level gets dangerously high. Later in the summer, the Selway draws self-supporting kayak and IK trips as the level falls too low for large rafts. The Selway is chock-full of West Slope Cutthroat trout, and with the low fishing pressure that it receives, it offers one of the best fishing experiences in the lower 48.
Put-In: Paradise Boat Ramp
Take-Out: Race Creek Campground above Selway Falls
Miles: 47
Managing Agency: USFS Salmon-Challis National Forest
Campsites: Selway River Campsites
Stories:
- Selway River - Hans Chambers (.pdf)
