FloatETA estimates how long this float actually takes from live discharge at USGS 13336500 (Selway River nr Lowell), not a guidebook average. At a typical 3,000 cfs, a raft drifts about 4.0 mph here. Higher flow speeds you up; skinny water slows you down. Kayaks run faster than the current, tubes slower. Optional fishing adds 35 minutes per mile.
This is a multi-day wilderness float. Plan shuttles, permits, and camps — the calculator shows total hours on the water, not a same-day take-out.
The Selway River (Permit) listing covers 47 river miles across 1 access-to-access stretch (Class III–IV). Times in the table are typical raft hours at that reference flow. Open the live calculator for today's CFS, sunset take-out, water temperature, and rain/UV at the put-in.
See today's Selway River (Permit) float time
Float stretches on the Selway River (Permit)
| Put-in → take-out | Miles | Difficulty | Typical raft time | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paradise Guard Station → Race Creek / Selway Falls | 47 mi | Class III–IV | ~11 hr 45 min | Forest Service permit required. Typically 4–5 days in May–July. Moose Creek is midway. Portage or scout Selway Falls at the end. |
How we time this river
Speed scales with discharge using hydraulic geometry v ∝ Q0.34, calibrated to this gauge. That is why a 1,000 cfs afternoon is a different day than 3,000 cfs runoff. Always scout, wear a PFD, and check Idaho Fish and Game for closures. Gauge page: USGS 13336500.
Common questions
How long does it take to float Paradise Guard Station to Race Creek / Selway Falls on the Selway River (Permit)?
About 11 hr 45 min in a raft at a typical 3000 cfs. Kayaks run a bit faster; tubes run slower. Stopping to fish adds about 35 minutes per mile. Forest Service permit required. Typically 4–5 days in May–July. Moose Creek is midway. Portage or scout Selway Falls at the end.
What USGS gauge is used for Selway River (Permit) float times?
FloatETA uses USGS gauge 13336500 (Selway River nr Lowell) for live discharge. Speed is scaled from a reference 3000 cfs drift of about 4.0 mph.
Is the Selway River (Permit) a good tube float?
Tubes lag the current (we use a 0.72× speed multiplier). This listing includes Class III or harder water — rafts and experienced paddlers, not tubes.