Enjoy a Wild and Scenic River This Year
This year we celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act and the team here at American Whitewater can’t think of a better way to celebrate than to get out and enjoy one of these special rivers this summer. As we all enjoy the rivers that are protected American Whitewater will be working with our partners in the river conservation and business community towards the protection of up to an additional 5000 miles of wild rivers through administrative and legislative protections.
To protect the character and quality of many of the classic multi-day river trips, federal agencies issue permits that are distributed through lotteries this month. American Whitewater maintains a comprehensive database of river permits with links to websites that contain all the information you need to enter these lotteries.
Here are a few of the special Wild and Scenic Rivers you might consider in this 50th anniversary year.
Selway River (ID)
Among the original eight Wild and Scenic Rivers first designated in 1968, the Selway is part of the Clearwater Wild and Scenic River system that includes the Clearwater and its two major tributaries the Selway and Lochsa. While Highway 12 provides easy access for day trips on the Lochsa, the Selway flows through the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness. First pioneered by American Whitewater co-founder Oz Hawksley, the Selway only permits one launch per day for one of the nation’s premier wilderness river trips of 3 to 5 days. As part of #5000MilesOfWild American Whitewater is actively working to expand the number of administratively protected rivers on the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests through the Forest Service Planning process.
Middle Fork Salmon River (ID)
Another river among the original 8 Wild and Scenic Rivers, the Middle Fork Salmon is an Idaho classic. With multiple launches each day it is normally a little easier to score a permit for this river than the elusive Selway. Access to the river depends on the snowpack and the time of year you launch. Early-season trips launch on Marsh Creek but flows can be dangerously high. The standard trip begins below Dagger Falls and later in the season as flows drop, groups may fly in.
Rogue River (OR)
Enjoyed as a recreation destination for nearly a century, the Rogue is also an original Wild and Scenic River that remains one of the most popular family-friendly river trips in the country. Most of the significant rapids are straightforward class III, but two class IV rapids towards the end of the trip test the skills of boaters. Warm water during the summer months, spectacular river bar camping, and permits that are a little easier to secure than many other rivers make this a great destination for those seeking a great river experience. If you don’t have your own group or are new to multiday river trips, consider joining American Whitewater’s annual Rogue River trip in June. Our advocacy for this river continues today and as part of #5000MilesofWild we are working to designate additional tributaries of the Rogue as Wild and Scenic and protect the old-growth forests of the river canyon as wilderness.
Deschutes River (OR)
The Deschutes River was designated in 1988 and this year celebrates the 30th anniversary of the Oregon Omnibus Wild and Scenic Rivers Act. This legislation, led by the advocacy of Pacific Rivers, represents the largest river protection legislation in the nation’s history adding 40 new wild and scenic rivers totaling 1500 miles. The Deschutes is another great family-friendly trip with a couple of great sections that provide a diversity of options from overnight trips of variable length to a short action-packed day trip. Unlike many rivers that distribute permits through a lottery, permits for the Deschutes are available through a reservation system: 50% of permits for a specific launch day are made available 26 weeks in advance, 30% are available 4 weeks in advance, and 20% are available 1 week in advance. If you plan your trip 6 months in advance you are nearly always assured of a permit with the possibility that you can still secure a permit on short notice.
Tuolumne River (CA)
Boaters recognized the whitewater potential of the Tuolumne 50 years ago and while flows are regulated on this remaining wild stretch between Hetch Hetchy and Don Pedro Reservoirs, the designation of the river as Wild and Scenic in 1984 protects what remains of this spectacular California River. While this challenging class IV run can be done as a day trip, many take the time to enjoy the classic 18 mile stretch from Meral’s Pool to Ward’s Ferry above Don Pedro Reservoir as 2–3 day trip. Permits for a day-trip or weekday overnight trip can generally be obtained in person prior to launch. For weekend overnight trips, reserving a permit in advance is recommended. American Whitewater is actively engaged in the effort to improve access to this river, particularly at Ward’s Ferry.
Check out these rivers and many others in our river permit database and help us celebrate #5000MilesOfWild and efforts to protect more great rivers as Wild and Scenic in the coming year.
