Overview
The Selway River is one of the most celebrated wild rivers in North America. Free of dams for its entire length, it runs through the heart of the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness in a canyon of old-growth forest that has changed little since it was designated wilderness in 1964. The trail from Selway Falls follows the river upstream for 4.5 miles, providing access to some of the finest riverside walking in the Pacific Northwest on a route that requires only 400 feet of elevation gain.
The physical setting is extraordinary. Old-growth western red cedars line the lower sections of the trail, trees of cathedral scale that dwarf the hikers beneath them. The river runs clear and fast between granite boulders, its sound constant throughout the route. The Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness begins just beyond the parking area, and the wildness of the setting is immediately apparent: no trail maintenance infrastructure, no services, and the complete absence of the vehicle sounds and development visible at most trailheads.
Selway Falls at the trailhead is dramatic in its own right: the river drops through a rocky gorge in a series of powerful cascades that can be heard from the parking area. The falls are the put-in for the Selway River whitewater run, one of the most demanding and logistically difficult wilderness river trips in the country.
Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forest manages the road corridor; the trail is in the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness. The combination of the outstanding river, the old-growth forest, and the immediate wilderness character makes this one of the most rewarding low-elevation hikes in Idaho.
Check current conditions before driving the Selway Road, which can be affected by slide debris, washouts, and seasonal closures.
The Route
Miles 0 to 1.5: Selway Falls to Wilderness Entry
The trail begins at the small parking area at the road end and immediately passes Selway Falls, where the river cascades through the rocky gorge below. A short spur provides a viewing point above the falls before the main trail heads upstream.
Within the first mile, the trail enters the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness. The forest immediately thickens: massive cedar and fir trees, dense understory vegetation, and the sound of the river always present. The trail is maintained through the first mile but becomes rougher as distance increases.
Miles 1.5 to 4.5: The River Corridor
For the next 3 miles, the trail follows the river through what is arguably the finest section of old-growth forest accessible by trail in northern Idaho. Ancient western red cedars appear throughout, some reaching 6 to 8 feet in diameter. Sword ferns and mosses cover the forest floor. The river is visible and audible throughout.
The trail gains elevation gradually, averaging less than 100 feet per mile. Several points provide direct river access and good fishing opportunities in the deep pools below. The trail is generally obvious, though downed logs and rough sections require attention.
The turnaround at 4.5 miles is at a point where the maintained trail becomes a use path and the terrain requires more navigation. This is a natural endpoint for a day hike.
When to Visit
June through October. The lower elevation (trailhead at approximately 2,000 feet) means the trail opens earlier than high-country routes, but the road can be affected by spring runoff debris. Late June through September is the most reliable period. October is beautiful for fall color in the deciduous trees along the river.
What to Bring
Many hikers on this trail carry:
- 2 liters of water; the river provides sources throughout, but all water requires treatment
- A water filter
- Layers for the cool, shaded forest environment
- Sturdy footwear for the rougher trail sections above mile 1.5
- Insect repellent in early summer
Individual needs vary. The low elevation gain makes this accessible for a range of fitness levels, but the distance and rough trail surface should be considered.
Practical Details
No permit required as of 2026. Vault toilet at the Selway Falls parking area. Cell service absent from the Selway Road and throughout the trail. Dispersed camping permitted in the wilderness. Review Leave No Trace principles for camping in this sensitive old-growth environment.
Learn about bear canister requirements for overnight stays in the Selway-Bitterroot.
Getting There
From Lowell (junction of Highway 12 and the Selway Road), drive east on the Selway Road (Forest Road 223) approximately 20 miles to the road end at Selway Falls. The one-lane dirt road takes approximately 1 hour to drive. Do not attempt in wet conditions or with large vehicles. Lowell is approximately 35 miles east of Kooskia on Highway 12. From Missoula, Montana, drive west on Highway 12 over Lolo Pass and continue approximately 75 miles to Lowell.