Mahogany Creek river run
Mahogany Creek
Mahogany Creek is a popular whitewater river run in Idaho that stretches for approximately 5.5 miles from the Mahogany Creek trailhead to the Lochsa River. The ideal streamflow range for this river run is between 2,000 and 6,000 cubic feet per second (cfs), with the peak season being from May to June. Class ratings range from class III to class IV, with some sections of the river featuring technical rapids and obstacles such as boulder gardens, drops, and ledges.
Some of the notable rapids and obstacles on Mahogany Creek include the Entrance Rapid, Z Rapid, the Maze, and the S-Turn. These rapids can be challenging to navigate and require advanced paddling skills and experience. Additionally, boaters should be mindful of the numerous rocks, logs, and other debris in the river.
In terms of regulations, Mahogany Creek is located within the boundaries of the Clearwater National Forest, and boaters are required to obtain a permit before entering the area. Additionally, boaters should be aware of the Leave No Trace principles and practice responsible outdoor ethics, such as packing out all trash and minimizing campfire impacts.
Plan your run down to the hour
Same weather feed Snoflo's iOS app uses -- updated continuously from NOAA / yr.no. Watch the precipitation column on the meteogram; rain ahead of a run typically lifts flows 12-48 hours later depending on the basin.
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind. Each cell is colour-coded relative to the column min/max.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day temperature & precipitation
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks -- the upstream story that drives next week's flows.
Regional streamflow levels
USGS streamgauges around Mahogany Creek -- useful for spotting upstream pulses and gauging which tributary is contributing what.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Big Lost River Bl Mackay Res Nr Mackay Id | 660 cfs | → |
| Big Lost River At Howell Ranch Nr Chilly Id | 1,140 cfs | → |
| Little Lost River Bl Wet Creek Nr Howe Id | 126 cfs | → |
| Nf Big Lost River At Wild Horse Nr Chilly Id | 325 cfs | → |
| Pahsimeroi River At Ellis Id | 235 cfs | → |
| Squaw Creek Bl Bruno Creek Nr Clayton Id | 95 cfs | → |
Plan a longer trip
The closest boat launches, other paddle runs, and campgrounds so a day on the water can grow into a full weekend.
Other river runs
- Pahsimeroi River
- Confluence Of East And West Forks To Nf Boundary
- Headwaters To Confluence With West Fork
- Dry Creek
- Summit Creek
Whitewater safety
- Check the flow before you run
- Use the linked-gauge card and Regional Flow panel above. Class ratings change with flow -- a Class III at low water can become Class IV+ at high water.
- Know your skill ceiling
- Pick runs comfortably below your ceiling. Cold-water and big-water runs raise the consequences of any mistake.
- Wear the right gear
- Helmet, PFD, drysuit / wetsuit when water is below 60°F. Throw bag, knife, and whistle on your person, not in the boat.
- Scout, set safety, and run with a team
- Scout new rapids on foot, set safety with throw bags above the consequence pool, and run with at least one other competent paddler.
- Respect the river
- Strainers, undercuts, low-head dams, and wood can kill at any class rating. When in doubt, portage.
Set push alerts in the Snoflo app
Save Mahogany Creek as a favorite, set a discharge threshold (e.g. "alert me when flow hits 600 cfs"), and the iOS app pushes the moment the linked gauge crosses.
About Mahogany Creek
What's the optimal flow for Mahogany Creek?
The optimal flow depends on the section and the craft. Check the Run Details panel for the linked gauge and current status.
How fresh is the cfs reading on this page?
The linked USGS streamgauge reports continuously (every 15 minutes); Snoflo refreshes throughout the day. Hover the streamflow sparkline to read individual datapoints.
What's the whitewater class?
See the Run Details panel for the class rating Snoflo tracks for this run. Class ratings change with flow -- a Class III at low water can become Class IV in high water.
Where do I put in / take out?
Tap Directions in the hero above to open driving directions to the put-in. For shuttle planning, check the Nearby Boat Launches panel and the river run operator's site.
Can I get alerts when flows hit the optimal range?
Yes -- alerts are managed in the Snoflo iOS app. Favorite this run, set a discharge threshold, and you'll get a push the moment the gauge crosses.
Other runs near here
Snoflo-tracked paddle runs within driving distance of Mahogany Creek.