Selway

The run

47 miles from Paradise to Selway Falls through the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness. Steeper and narrower than the Middle Fork - the river squeezes through granite gorges with tight drops and continuous pool-drop whitewater. Class III-IV with a few consequential rapids: Ladle (Class IV+ at most flows, scoutable river-left), Wolf Creek (Class IV), Puzzle Creek (Class IV), and Double Drop. The Selway has fewer eddies than other rivers in the region; when you're in, you're going. Group size is capped at 16 and only one launch is permitted per day during the regulated season.

The permit

Lottery runs December 1 through January 31 for launches between May 15 and July 31. Odds are among the lowest in the country - roughly 2% for most dates, under 1% for the core June window. Cancellation odds matter here more than on any other river. Parties willing to launch on two days' notice regularly get on the river through the season; parties who need to plan a year ahead apply every year and eventually draw one.

Timing

Peak flow is late May through mid-June at 8,000-15,000 CFS - big water, Ladle and Wolf Creek get serious, not a river for intermediate paddlers at any flow. By mid-July flows drop to 3,000-5,000 CFS and the run becomes classic Class IV pool-drop. August closes the permit season; the river drops low and bony through the upper half. Early July threads the needle: cold is gone, water is readable, permits still available within the window.

Logistics

Paradise put-in is 25 miles of rough gravel road off US-12 near Lowell, Idaho. The road is often closed into May by snow and mud. Take-out is Selway Falls Campground. Shuttle is 180 miles one way through Lolo Pass - $600-900 with a commercial operator. Grangeville, Idaho is the closest stocked town; Lowell has a lodge and not much else.