Lochsa & St. Joe Episode

THE LOCHSA & ST. JOE RIVERS

Episode 5

Nonstop whitewater meets wilderness solitude in this dual-river episode about the guides who live for the rush.

A SNAPSHOT OF THE LOCHSA AND ST. JOE RIVERS

Experience the rush of the Lochsa and capture its continuous rapids, steep drops and springtime surge. This is where precision meets power—and paddlers return year after year for the thrill. Next, step into the secluded beauty of the St. Joe. These photos showcase a quieter side of Idaho whitewater, with clear currents, deep forests and the serene wildness of the Bitterroots.

Three people paddle a red ROW Adventures raft through whitewater rapids — Navigating a technical stretch of whitewater on the St. Joe River with ROW Adventures. Photo credit: Visit Idaho

Cluster of red ROW rafts rest on the rocky shore beside calm river water — A quiet riverside pause before the next adrenaline-filled stretch begins. Photo credit: Visit Idaho

Red raft punches through whitewater while surrounded by dense forest — A ROW Adventures crew takes on a crashing wave in the lush wilderness of northern Idaho. Photo credit: Visit Idaho

A group of red rafts floats down the Lochsa River through a densely forested canyon — Deep in the wilderness, the Lochsa River delivers miles of remote whitewater action—ROW Adventures leads the way.

Group of rafters and kayakers paddle a wide, frothy section of river — Rafters and kayakers share the thrill of spring runoff on the St. Joe River. Photo credit: Visit Idaho

Fog drifts through forested ridges above the St. Joe River in North Idaho. — Mist winds through the St. Joe’s lush mountains—an invitation to explore one of Idaho’s most pristine and remote whitewater experiences.

Single rafter rows a blue cataraft through a rocky section of river — A solo paddler expertly maneuvers a cataraft through the surging current. Photo credit: Visit Idaho

Close-up of rafters in blue jackets and yellow helmets charging a rapid — Exhilaration peaks as a team paddles hard through Class III whitewater. Photo credit: Visit Idaho

Multiple rafts and kayaks descend a rapid-lined stretch of the St. Joe River — A flotilla of adventurers paddles down a forested corridor on the St. Joe River. Photo credit: Visit Idaho

READY FOR THE NEXT DROP?

The Payette River

The Payette River offers one of Idaho’s most accessible whitewater experiences—welcoming everyone from first-time paddlers to seasoned pros. With everything from gentle beginner runs to adrenaline-pumping Class V rapids, it’s more than just a river—it’s a cornerstone of Idaho’s outdoor identity. This episode showcases how the Payette has helped shape the state’s whitewater community, fostered a culture of adventure, and inspired generations to get outside and on the water.

Lochsa & St. Joe Episode

Lochsa & St. Joe Episode

HEAD BACK TO THE RAPIDS

Return to The 3100 series hub to explore more rivers, more stories and more whitewater adventures.