Clearwater, S. Fork, Idaho, US

Hanging Rock to Cougar Creek Trailhead (Golden Run)

Usual Difficulty	IV-V (for normal flows)
Length	7.4 Miles
Avg. Gradient	85 fpm

Gauge Information

Name	Range	Difficulty	Updated	Level
SF CLEARWATER RIVER AT STITES ID
usgs-13338500	400 - 2000 cfs	IV-V	00h24m	251 cfs (rc= -0.1 )

River Description

At normal flows this run is continuous class V. If you catch it at low water -just before you need hiking boots- it is technical class IV. I am a class IV boater and this is absolutely my favorite run anywhere. The road is along the river for scouting and portaging. Shorter runs are possible.

Description:

The run begins at Hanging Rock (MP 28). You will know it when you see it. The mile upstream is Coyote Falls and should be scouted just to marvel at it. Coyote Falls is 0.3 miles of terror and 0.7 miles of IV+ at low flows. From Hanging Rock down are three miles of continuous rock dodging. You may wish to portage Chuck Rollins at ‘mile post 25.4’. This is followed by two miles of easy water. Then, the action picks up again for another two miles. You may wish to portage Fish Jump at ‘mile post 22.4’. Take out at Cougar Creek Trailhead about ‘mile post 20.6’. The next 6.8 miles are class II with a few easy class IIIs. Check out the Mickey Mouse run if the water here is too high for you.

Shuttle: Road Map

To get to the take-out: Go up Idaho State Highway 14 to Cougar Creek Trailhead around road mile 20.6. Park at the trailhead. It's free.

To get to the put-in: Go upstream 7.4 miles to MP 28 and park in the wide spot upstream of the hanging rock. Stop at Fish Jump, two miles upstream (mile 22.4) and Chuck Rollins, five upstream (mile 25.4) to scout.