Split Creek to Lowell
Idaho – US
- Class
- II+ to III+
- Length
- 15 Mile(s)
- Put-in elevation
- 1,733 Feet
- Take-out elevation
- 1,462 Feet
- Typical season
- April to October
Current Flow
1,810 CFS
Gauge height: 3.28 FT
Reading from Jul 10, 2026 10:00 PM
▼ -3.33/hr (12h) ▼ -1.67/hr (24h)
Hit some laps
- Primary gauge
- LOCHSA RIVER NR LOWELL ID Gauge detail & alternatives Live gauge ↗ NOAA river forecast ↗
Recommended levels
| Minimum | 500 |
| Average | 5,000 |
| Maximum | 20,000 |
Recommended use
- Kayaking
- Rafting
- Canoeing
- SUP
- Packrafting
- Fishing
Struck-through craft are not recommended for this run.
Flow history — last 6 days
No gauge history recorded in the last 6 days.
Photos
No photos added for this run yet.
Description
This is an easier section of the Lochsa suitable for intermediate or newer boaters. This run can be combined with any other sections of the Lochsa to suit your needs. Several camping options exist around this part of the Lochsa canyon and make a good base camp for day runs.
Rapids
| # | Rapid | Class | Recommended flow | Description | Scout |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Surprise Rapid | II+ to III+ | 500–20,000 | A short pool drop rapid just below the Split Creek Pack bridge. |
Scout from the road or the right bank if you want. Most just read and run. |
| 2 | Fire Creek Rapid | II+ to III | 500–20,000 | Read and run |
|
| 3 | Coolwater Creek Rapid | II+ to III | 500–20,000 | Read and run |
|
| 4 | Unnamed Rapid | II+ to III | 500–20,000 | Read and run |
|
| 5 | Apgar Rapid | II to III | 500–20,000 | Washes out at higher flows |
Read and run |
| 6 | Hellgate Rapid | III to IV | 500–20,000 | Largest rapid on this section of the Lochsa. Run center to avoid right pourover and left holes. This rapid is capable of flipping rafts and other larger watercraft at certain water levels. |
Scout and/or portage on river right. |
| 7 | Handy Creek Rapid | III | 500–20,000 | Read and run |
Access
| Type | Name | Elevation | Camping | Water | Boat ramp | Vehicle access | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Put-In | Split Creek Access | 1,733 Feet | No | No | No | All Vehicles | |
| Put-In | Knife Edge Access | 1,672 Feet | No | No | No | All Vehicles | A small access point near MM 108 on Highway 12 |
| Take-Out | Lowell Access | 1,462 Feet | No | No | No | All Vehicles | Just above where the Lochsa meets the Selway river is a small access point just off of Highway 12. |
Camps
| Camp | Fee | Beach | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Knife Creek Camp | Yes | No | A small fee camp off of Highway 12 |
| Glade Creek Camp | Yes | No | Group sites only. Reservations required. |
| Apgar Camp | Yes | No | Medium size camp with 7 fee sites |
Permit
No permit is required, or permit info hasn't been added yet.
Fishing
No fish species have been associated with this run yet.
Points of Interest
External Links & Resources
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Community Run Notes
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