Lochsa Pipeline
Lochsa Pipeline is a massive green river wave, located on the Lochsa River near Lowell ind Idaho. Lochsa is a Nez Perce word meaning “rough water”. In the spring the Lochsa is a popular river among kayakers, rafters & surfers. You will also always find river surfers at Pipeline. Pipeline wave is well recognized as one of the best river surf waves in the Northwest. The water is emerald green, crystal clear & ice cold. Pipeline is a place that grabs surfers by their soul. The entire package of the wave quality and setting are top notch. Pipeline is to be respected like any river wave. Beginners can surf here, but need to understand and respect the wave and river. Requires a high level of physical fitness.
Spot Details
Address
- Middle of nowhere, Idaho
Directions
- From Missoula, Montana, take Highway 12 west into Idaho for a couple of hours. You can’t miss the river! If you’ve hit Lowell you’ve gone too far.
- Park at the pull-out at mile 113.5.
River
- Lochsa River
Nearest City
- Lowell, Idaho
Nearest Surf Shops
- Strongwater MTN Surf Co in Missoula. (Missoula, Montana is only a 2-hours drive away and is serviced by all major airlines.)
GPS Coords
- Latitude: 46.2556496
- Longitude: -115.399353
How to Get There
Wave Details
Conditions
- 4,500 – 7,000 Pipeline is a steep left with a large foam pile on surfer’s right. High performance surfing can be achieved.
- 7,000 – 12,000 Pipeline’s face starts to open up. The foam pile surges on surfers right & the middle section of the wave sort of barrels. Pipeline stands up and greens up. The left shoulder is still the sweet spot. However, the surfer right shoulder starts to get steep and awesome. The entire wave is ripping at this level. High performance surfing can be achieved.
- 12,000 – 16,000 Pipeline becomes a massive green wave. It feels like you are surfing on the moon. The wave is flat-ish towards 16,000cfs however by carving around the steeper sections of the wave you can get some awesome rides. High performance surfing can be achieved.
- Time of Year: Spring
- Water Temp: 4/3 – 5/4 hooded neoprene
Characteristics
- This is a big glassy monster during spring runoff. It has an interesting “eject button” which will mystery move you off the wave.
- Be aware of holes behind the wave
Dangers
- Strong current, debris, raft and kayak river traffic, be aware of your surroundings at all times!
Tips
- Accommodation: amazing camping; a natural hot springs is only a 20-minute drive away. Lochsa Lodge is also available, but about a 40 minute drive away from wave.
- Food: Bring your own food; no stores/outlets nearby.
Lochsa Pipeline Photos
Weather in Kooskia, Idaho
 Today
09/02 High 27° / Low 9° |
Tomorrow
09/03 High 27° / Low 9° |
Tuesday
09/04 High 27° / Low 10° |
Lochsa Pipeline Videos
More about Lochsa Pipeline
Brought to you by
RB Team The editorial team of Riverbreak is a loose connection of passionate river surfers. As a group, we strive to give the larger community a voice on an international level – our mission is to connect river surfers around the globe.
You may also like
Dam Drop →
The History of River Surfing in North America: 1975 to 2000 →
Montrose Park →
