Selway River Rafting

Join us for 6 days of rafting on the Selway River in Idaho

A trip down the Selway River is one of the highest quality adventures in the United States. From the river’s remoteness in the heart of the Selway Bitterroot Wilderness, to challenging Class III-IV rapids, the Selway River is a free flowing waterway with amazing opportunities.

Wildlife viewing, abundant hiking, pristine fishing habitat, clear water and scenic campsites are all part of the Selway River adventure. The Selway River has one of the most regulated use levels of any river in the lower 48. During the permit season only one group (private or commercial) with a maximum of 16 people are allowed to launch per day. These attributes have made the Selway River Wilderness Run a coveted experience and truly one of America’s premier treasures.

The permitted season on the Selway River extends from May 15th through July 31. Our commercial trips will range from high flows of 18,000 (cubic feet / second) down to 1000 cfs.  SOAR NW has 4 launches within this prime window and we run 6 day trips. Our sixth day provides time for a layover day which can include hiking, fishing, or relaxation. Considering that we all make such a grand effort to get into the wilderness, why not stop and enjoy it!

Trip highlights

• Hiking
• Fishing
• Class III-IV rapids
• Selway Bitterroot Wilderness
• Wildlife

Photos

Quick Facts

• Begins: Missoula, Montana
• Ends: Missoula, Montana
• Launch Dates: June 23, July 1, July 9, July 17
• Distance: 47 Miles
• Rapids: Class III-IV
• Boat Type: Maravia; Oar / Paddle
• Minimum Age: Varies depending on river flow and group dynamics

What’s Included

Includes guides, food, shuttle service, paddle suits, sleeping bags, dry bags, sleeping pads, and tents.

Not Included

Flights to and from Missoula and hotel costs (pre and post trip) are not included in the price.

What to expect?

Day-by-day itinerary

• Day Prior to Launch: Travel to Missoula Montana, check in at the hotel & attend orientation @ 6:00 pm.
• Day 1: Meet at hotel, take company bus to the river, launch at approximately 1:30PM.
• Day 2: Depart camp around 10:00AM, full day of rafting.
• Day 3: Layover. Rest, relax, hike, fish, explore.
• Day 4: Full day of rafting
• Day 5: 1/2 day of rafting. Hike, relax, fish, explore
• Day 6: Finish with half day of rafting & take the shuttle back to the hotel.
• Day 7: Travel home.

» See full itinerary

Typical Day

Mornings start with coffee around 6:00 am followed by a simple breakfast of fresh fruit and yogurt for those wanting an early am boost. We depart camp around 10:00 am. Over the course of the day there are options for side hikes and swimming.  We usually arrive at our camp around 4:00PM. The night brings celebration, reflection, songs and stories.

Camping on the river

We will provide you with tents, sleeping bags and a large, comfortable sleeping pad. A portable toilet affectionately called ‘the groover’ is provided at camp. Our camping equipment is all up to date and our style of river camping is considered first-rate. SOAR Northwest’s top priority is to keep you safe as well as comfortable.

This includes healthy & hearty meals, campfires & chairs, personal assistance when needed, and guidance in dealing with the elements and weather.

Physical Requirements

You don’t need prior whitewater experience, but you do need an adventurous spirit and reasonable fitness. Minimum age will vary depending upon the river flow, experience of the individual, and the group dynamics.  You should be in good physical condition and able to cope with normal camping routines. Meal preparation and cleanup is done by the guides. Guides are trained in first aid and are eager to help you in any way with an emphasis on adapting to and enjoying your surroundings.

You are required to carry your personal gear short distances and learn to erect a simple tent and sleep on a comfortable pad in the tent. A portable toilet is provided. Our camping equipment is the best and our camping style is considered by most to be deluxe.  SOAR Northwest’s first priority is to keep you safe, and as comfortable as weather and your wilderness surroundings will permit.

Get Ready!

Packing List: What’s Provided

• tent
• a large dry bag
• 20 degree sleeping bag
• comfortable sleeping pad
• splash top & pants to wear while on the water
• wetsuits (if needed)
• small dry bag

» Recommended packing list

Pre-Trip Travel Information

Missoula, Montana is the closest connection for major airlines to the Selway River; thus the beginning of our adventure will be meeting together as a group in Missoula. You must arrive in Missoula the day before your trip begins! We strongly suggest you stay at The Doubletree Inn Edgewater, which has a free shuttle van from the airport. The Selway River Trip Orientation meeting will be held at the Doubletree Edgewater beginning at 6:00 PM the evening before your trip. If your travel arrangements do not allow for your arrival by 6:00 PM, let us know and we will make special arrangements. You may leave your extra luggage in a hotel locker during your trip and, if you are driving, you may leave your vehicle in the motel parking lot.

We depart the Doubletree at 7:30 AM on the morning of your launch date. Our van will take you to the river put-in at Paradise Guard Station, a 3-4 hour drive on good roads. While making the trek from Missoula to the Selway River put-in at Paradise, we will make a limited number of last minute stops for fishing licenses, tackle and liquor if you desire. Our return to Missoula at the end of the trip will begin after we arrive at the take-out at Race Creek. At approximately 2:00 PM on the sixth day we will load into the SOAR Northwest Bus for a scenic trek up the Lochsa River and over Lolo Pass to Missoula. Our arrival at the Doubletree Hotel Edgewater will be approximately 6:00 PM.

Payment & Cancellation

We only guarantee reservations upon receipt of deposit (for each seat). We accept ACH payments, personal checks & credit cards (3% surcharge). Deposits are non-refundable. Please contact us for more info.

Selway River Launch Dates: 2025

Selway River Launch Dates: 2026

• Fly in cost (in case of low water flows): $150.00/person
• Security deposit: $750.00 / person (group size 1-4)
• Security deposit: $1000.00 / person (group size 5+)
• Trip cost includes guides, food, shuttle, paddle suits, sleeping bags, dry bags, sleeping pads, and tents.
• 3% of the company’s adjusted gross revenue are for a land use fee for operating on national forest lands

Additional Information

Launch Dates

June 23 / July 1 / July 9 / July 17

The first 3 dates will accommodate 12 guests and 4 guides. On our standard trips we will run 4 large rafts. Three rafts will be gear boats which will provide space for 2 passengers each, and the fourth raft will be a paddle boat for six paddlers and a guide. The July 17th trip is geared toward fishing but is still an excellent technical whitewater rafting journey. For this trip we will be using our smaller boats which carry up to 2 guests maximum + gear. We can accommodate up to 8 guests and 6 guides in order to keep the boats light and nimble. These small boats minimize the chances of having to fly in due to lower water flows.

Flying in

In the event that the river is too low to start from our typical launch site at Paradise, our option is to fly into Shearer. Shearer is a land holding and airstrip established before the Wilderness Act in the heart of the Wilderness. Flights depart from the airport in Hamilton, Montana and we provide the transportation from Missoula. These 30 minute flights are exhilarating, and provide a breathtaking vantage from the air of the Selway Bitterroot Wilderness.