Pipeline Wave on Lochsa
Kooskia, Idaho
Kayak
Idaho's Lochsa River is a classic Idaho roadside run, running big and fast in the springtime with lots of juicy holes and wide open wave trains that are guaranteed to entertain. Lochsa is a Flathead Indian word which means 'rough water', an apt description for this continuous, action-packed river. The Lochsa is also loaded with great playspots; huge surf waves abound on the upper section, while the lower Lochsa has Pipeline, one of the best roadside play waves in the lower forty-eight.
More Information
Lochsa River ( Upper )
California is best for creeking, with lots of granite and epic hike-ins, while Idaho is best for playboaters and big-water rivers, like the NF Payette, Selway, Lochsa, etc. Northern Idaho is vast and wild, with huge, rugged mountains and endless pine forests. The rivers are big, the creeks remote, and the spring weather features hot sunny days interspersed with fitful thunderstorms to spice up your day.
https://www.oregonkayaking.net/rivers/upper_lochsa/upper_lochsa.html
- Plan Ahead and Prepare
- Travel & camp on durable surfaces
- Dispose of waste properly
- Leave what you find
- Minimize campfire impacts
- Respect wildlife
- Be considerate of other visitors
Directions
From Kooskia, Idaho
- Head east on ID-13 BUS E/Broadway Ave toward Lowry StContinue to follow ID-13 BUS E(0.8 mi)
- Turn right onto US-12 EDestination will be on the left(38.4 mi)
The best Idaho whitewater guide I have found is 'Idaho the Whitewater State' by Grant Amaral.
Other Kayaking Areas Nearby
Nearby Campsites
Weir Creek Hot Springs
Kooskia, Idaho
22.5 miles NEWeir Creek Hot Springs is a pristine, free natural soak tucked into the cedar forest of the Clearwater National Forest along Idaho's wild Lochsa River corridor — one of the loveliest of the...
Camp, Hike, Hot Springs
Pink House Recreation Site
Orofino
48.3 miles WA free sandy beach on the Clearwater River at the BLM's Pink House Recreation Site, 5 miles west of Orofino, with a boat ramp, pavilions and a year-round campground.
Camp, Canoe, Kayak, Swim
