Class
Class l-III rapidsMeeting Point
Gold Creek Campground on the St. Joe River10:00 a.m. PDT
Duration
Full DayMeals
Lunch IncludedSt. Joe River Rafting
While many have nicknamed this river “Shadowy St. Joe,” we think a more appropriate moniker for this gem is the “Surprising St. Joe.” The river’s deep, serene waters near Lake Coeur d’Alene offer no hint at the heart-pounding excitement waiting 90 miles upstream. As the canyon walls narrow at this point, the water gushes through the restricted course, creating explosive rapids. Plentiful rocks and holes make the course challenging in areas, forcing rafters to keep their eyes sharp and their paddles ready.
After an adrenaline-filled morning, we’ll enjoy a brief respite in the form of a bountiful lunch at the river’s edge before continuing downstream for more surprises on this playful river. Our trip on the “Surprising St. Joe” covers between 12-16 miles of river, depending on the water level. Besides the thrill of the rapids, visitors to St. Joe are treated to magnificent scenery. Majestic cedars frame the river water, which is so crystal clear that you’ll catch a glimpse of trout darting beneath us while we navigate some of the calmer waters.
Rates
Prices June 4 - July 5, 2023*
*Please note we require a minimum of 6 guests to run a trip. If you have less than 6 in your party, you can still reserve a spot and we will work to place you with another group in order to confirm your trip.
*Dates subject to change due to water levels.
*Prices are plus a 8% Land & Water Access Fee
Itinerary
We will meet you at 10:00 am Pacific Time at our new meeting location at the Gold Creek Campground on the St. Joe River.
This allows us to protect our guests and employees by avoiding a long confined bus ride.
Trip Details
What to Bring
Please read this carefully!
ROW provides wetsuits, wetsuit booties, a fleece sweater and splash jacket for your comfort and safety. The wetsuits are Farmer Johns that have long legs but no sleeves. During hot weather, the Farmer John is worn alone. Synthetic socks could be worn under the booties on cold days. Cotton makes you colder when wet by wicking away heat from your body. Do not bring cotton on the river! Please use our gear checklist to be sure you pack all you need.
This list is based on years of experience. Even if it is sunny at home when you leave, bring all this as the weather changes often in North Idaho and Western Montana. You will be able to leave extra clothing on our bus. THIS LIST IS IMPORTANT! Be sure all members of your group read this. Even on sunny days the water is cold, so you have to dress more warmly than you do for land activities.
- Swimsuit or non – cotton underwear to wear under wetsuit
- Water bottle
- Running shorts/swimsuit to wear over wetsuit (optional). These keep you from sliding around on the raft and protects the wetsuit
- Sun hat/ball cap
- Towel/change of clothes for end of day
For cool days and for people who tend to get cold easily:
- Synthetic socks
- Synthetic cap (like ski hat)
- Wool, synthetic or wetsuit gloves
- Synthetic leggings/tights (worn under the wetsuit on cold days)
If you don't have any of these things, Army/Navy surplus and Outdoor stores are a good bet for synthetic and inexpensive wool gloves.
(If you have size 13 plus feet, please bring tennis shoes and wool socks, as our booties only go to size 13.)
*Please note we require a minimum of 6 guests to run a trip. If you have less than 6 in your party, however, you can still join in the fun! We'll be sure to place you with another group in order to confirm your trip.
Meeting Location
Our meeting location is now at the Gold Creek Campground on the St. Joe River. This allows us to protect our guests and employees by avoiding a long confined bus ride. We will meet you at 10:00 am Pacific Time.
There are two ways you can drive to Gold Flat. Coming from Spokane or Coeur d’Alene. Either way takes about 2.5 to 3.5 hours depending on your starting point, how many stops you make, and how fast you drive.
Via St. Maries:
- Drive to St. Maries, Idaho
- Take the St. Joe River Road (FS Road #50) heading east along the St. Joe River. It is about 76 miles and 2 hours from St. Maries to our meeting point at Gold Creek Flat. You pass by Calder and Avery hamlets.
- About ½ mile, after you pass the Conrad Crossing camping area there will be a sign pointing to the right for Red Ives Ranger Station. Turn right and proceed about ½ mile to a large dirt flat on the right that has a vault toilet and perhaps some people camping. Meet the ROW Vehicle and guides here. (If you get to Simmons Creek, or Fly Flat, you went too far upstream.)
Via I-90:
- Take I-90 east through Wallace, over Lookout Pass (Idaho/Montana border), and on to the St. Regis exit. Turn left at the end of the exit ramp.
- Go under the freeway to the stop sign.
- Turn left and pass the St. Regis Travel Center.
- Proceed about ½ mile to St. Regis St/Little Joe Road and turn left. Road #282.
- This will pass over I-90 and becomes a winding unpaved road that climbs to a summit that is the Montana/Idaho border. At the border the road becomes paved and you continue downhill on the Idaho side on FS Road #388. After about 30-40 minutes you will arrive at the St. Joe River. Be careful not to miss this turn! (If you miss this turn, you will come to Conrad Crossing Camping Area. Turn around and go back upstream.)
- Gold Creek Rd. is not maintained by the State of Montana; this road may be closed and inaccessible due to snow. You may call the St. Regis Forest Service, (406)822-4233, to inquire about road conditions or call the ROW Main office, (208)770-2517.
- There is a brown USFS sign pointing left to the Red Ives Ranger Station. Turn left and proceed about ½ mile to a large dirt flat on the right that has a vault toilet and perhaps some people camping. Meet the ROW Vehicle and guides here. (If you get to Simmons Creek, or Fly Flat, you went too far upstream.)
If you are driving from CdA/Spokane we would recommend you drive on I-90 in the morning via St. Regis and then return home via St. Maries since you will be about 10-12 miles downstream of the Gold Creek Road at the end of the day (provided Gold Creek Rd. is open). This makes for an enjoyable trip without repeating the same driving route and takes about the same time.
Shuttle Logistics: We will take a bus from Gold Creek Campground to the boat put-in, up river. Then from the take out, we will take a bus back to your vehicles at Gold Creek Campground.
The closest airports are in Spokane, WA and Missoula, MT.
Click HERE to see Terms and Conditions.
Important Notice: ROW has an excellent safety record, but you should know that whitewater rafting is
inherently risky. You will be required to sign a "Release and Assumption of Risk" agreement prior to the trip,
recognizing and accepting the risks involved. If you're interested in trip cancellation, travel or accident
insurance, contact our office. We do not allow alcoholic beverages or any drugs
Gallery
Reviews 11
Overall Rating
Thanks ROW for a Fun Day on the St Joe River!
St. Joe River July 1st, 2022
Perfect Day on the St. Joe
What a great day on the St. Joe River
Another great day
There is plenty of campgrounds and dispersed camping in the area with ample opportunities for fishing and other outdoor activities.