Riverside Lunch

    Riverside Lunch

    The complete Lochsa experience — Class IV whitewater and a legendary riverside meal.

    Book This Trip
    Riverside Lunch

    Riverside Lunch

    The complete Lochsa experience — Class IV whitewater and a legendary riverside meal.

    Book This Trip
    Duration3-6 Hours
    Skill LevelClass IV
    Price$170
    SeasonMay – mid-June
    LocationLochsa River
    Current Flow7,960 CFS

    Overview

    The full Lochsa Riverside Lunch trip is the definitive western whitewater experience. Continuous Class IV rapids, miles of remote canyon scenery through the Clearwater National Forest, and a hot, satisfying riverside meal at our wilderness camp kitchen at Riley Flats. Locally smoked pork shoulders, homemade BBQ sauces, rolls, and our famous cookies from scratch will satisfy any hungry appetite. Trust us — tasty riverside meals make ALL the difference when rafting the Lochsa River. Our guides have been running the Lochsa for 20+ years and will navigate you through the best lines on rapids like Ten Pin, Christmas, Joansie's, Bloody Mary, Grim Reaper, Lochsa Falls, Pipeline, Split Creek, and Termination.

    Trip Highlights

    • Full run of the best Lochsa sections with 20+ miles of rapids
    • Continuous Class IV whitewater through the Bitterroot Mountains
    • Hot riverside lunch at Riley Flats wilderness camp kitchen
    • Famous from-scratch cookies and locally smoked BBQ
    • Named rapids: Ten Pin, Christmas, Bloody Mary, Grim Reaper, Lochsa Falls, Pipeline, Termination
    • Expert guides with 20+ years of Lochsa experience

    What to Expect

    1

    Morning Meet & Drive

    Meet at Zoo Town Surfers Headquarters for the scenic drive to the Lochsa put-in.

    2

    Upper Section

    Warm up on Class III rapids before the big drops. Your guide navigates the best lines.

    3

    Riverside Lunch at Riley Flats

    Fuel up at our wilderness camp kitchen — locally smoked pork, homemade BBQ, rolls, and famous from-scratch cookies.

    4

    Lower Section

    Hit the biggest rapids of the day — Grim Reaper, Lochsa Falls, Pipeline, and Termination.

    5

    Takeout & Shuttle

    Float to the takeout and shuttle back.

    Who It's For

    Ages 14+ (age requirement dependent on water levels). You should be capable of paddling for several hours and be a strong swimmer. Good physical shape and the ability to self-rescue are essential at bigger levels. Previous rafting experience recommended. Give us a call and we'll help you plan the perfect trip.

    What's Included

    • PFD (personal flotation device)
    • Wetsuit
    • Splash jacket
    • Booties
    • Fleece
    • Raft & paddles
    • Professional guide
    • Shuttle
    • Full hot riverside lunch

    What to Bring

    • Sturdy footwear (Chacos, Keen-style sandals, or old tennis shoes — no flip-flops!)
    • Swimsuit
    • Quick-drying or breathable clothing (no cotton!)
    • Dry clothes for after
    • Reusable water bottle
    • Sunscreen
    • Extra cash for tip and merchandise

    Frequently Asked Questions

    How difficult is the Lochsa?
    Class IV — serious whitewater with massive waves, heart-pounding drops, and powerful hydraulics. Previous rafting experience recommended.
    Why is the season so short?
    The Lochsa runs on spring snowmelt. Big water levels are typically between May and mid-June. By mid-July water levels drop significantly.
    Can first-timers raft the Lochsa?
    You should be capable of paddling for several hours and be a strong swimmer. Give us a call and we'll help you decide if it's right for you.
    What's included in the riverside lunch?
    Hot, satisfying meals from our Riley Flats wilderness camp kitchen — locally smoked pork shoulders, homemade BBQ sauces, rolls, and our famous cookies from scratch.
    Do you offer group discounts?
    Yes! 10% discount for groups of 12 or more. We also offer 10% for Veterans and Active-Duty Service Members.
    Should I rent a drysuit?
    We highly recommend renting a drysuit through the Trailhead or Loveboat Paddle Company, both based in Missoula, especially for early-season trips.

    Ready to Go?

    Secure your spot on the next riverside lunch trip.

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    (406) 546-0370