By JASON SHREDER
Hands down, the Lochsa River is one of the best water sports rivers in the world. I don’t know of anyone who would disagree. It has miles and miles of class III-IV rapids, epic surf waves, sweet camping, and to make logistics easy, its roadside. The river and scenery are so breathtaking that I forget the road is even there. Whether your kayaking, rafting, or stand up paddle boarding, the river is legendary and the rapids speak for themselves.
The Lochsa brings people together from all over the world and camping at Wilderness Gateway is a tradition for Missoula paddlers. I am not going to write a guidebook description of this river. All I know is that this weekend, I will be attending the first annual event, Lose It On the Lochsa.
Two local paddlers, Cheyenne Rogers and Jessica Huckins are hosting this event. I asked Cheyenne why they decided to throw the event and her answer was simple: “To have a big water festival and bring people together.”
That’s exactly what the river has been doing for years. Every weekend, kayakers flock to the Lochsa for big holes, glassy surf waves, warm PBR, and campfire folklore. (Carnage stories!)
For Jess Huckins, the river is an integral part of her family life. Every weekend, during spring runoff, Jess and her family make the journey over Lolo Pass to the Lochsa River. She loves the area so much that she even got married at Wilderness Gateway. In fact, Jess chose to host the event during the same weekend as her anniversary, allowing her to celebrate with friends and family.
The event will consist of 2 downriver races, a SUP and Surf rally at Pipeline, and a live band to follow after awards. The whole race will be roadside for all of you spectators and photographers looking to get in on the action. So come on down and watch boaters race through rapids like House, Bloody Mary, Shoestring Falls, Grim Reaper, and of course, Lochsa Falls! Come support the Missoula Paddling Community.
I’m ready to race!
Like this blog by one of Missoula’s legendary kayakers? Check out these blogs by Jason Shreder: The Sellway River– A Preason Kayaking Treat or Go With the Flow and Get in the Know .
You may also want to check out our page on Missoula Kayaking, Canoeing, and Rafting .
See Jason Shredder’s “ Go With the Flow
” archive.
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Jason Shreder, owner of local whitewater company Zoo Town Surfers
. I love Missoula, the great community, and all the awesome water that surrounds it. I’m constantly moving and 90% of that movement involves kayaking, rafting, working, and hanging out with my awesomely supportive girlfriend and dogs.
