Getting Oriented
Lowell sits at the confluence of the Lochsa and Selway rivers, where the two combine to form the Middle Fork of the Clearwater. From Lowell, US 12 continues east along the Lochsa toward Lolo Pass, while Forest Road 223 cuts south up the Selway. The Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forest manages the corridor; the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness begins at Selway Falls, where the road dead-ends.
Trail Overview
Nineteen miles of single-lane graded gravel, out-and-back. The road is narrow with drop-offs and no guardrail along the river side. There are no technical obstacles, but tight curves and limited pullouts mean meeting oncoming traffic requires careful negotiation. Drive time is about an hour each way.
Points of Interest
- Three Devils Picnic Area. Roadside Forest Service site at the lower end with vault toilet and river access.
- Fenn Ranger Station. Active USFS ranger station on the river, with a small interpretive area.
- Selway River Campgrounds. Six developed Forest Service campgrounds along the road: Slim's, Boyd Creek, O'Hara Bar, Twenty-Mile Bar, Race Creek, and Selway Falls.
- Selway Falls. A staircase of cascades at the road's end. Trailhead for the Selway River Trail into the wilderness.
- Selway River put-in for permit floats. O'Hara Bar Campground is a common low-water alternate to the upstream Paradise Creek put-in.
Where to Camp
The six developed Forest Service campgrounds along the road are first-come, first-served. Slim's, Boyd Creek, O'Hara Bar, and Race Creek have toilets and tent pads; Selway Falls and Twenty-Mile Bar are more primitive. Dispersed camping is permitted on Forest Service land but limited by terrain.
Tips for a Safe and Enjoyable Trip
- The road is narrow and one-lane in places. Use pullouts to wait for oncoming traffic, especially around blind curves.
- Snow closes the upper end from late November through early May. Spring runoff can wash sections out.
- The Selway permit-float lottery is one of the most competitive in the country; Selway River Road is the access for the take-out at Selway Falls.
- No fuel, water, or services on the road. Top off in Kooskia or Lowell.
- Black bears, grizzly bears, and wolves are present. Store food at campgrounds.
- The road dead-ends. Plan return mileage; it's a 38-mile round trip from Lowell.
