Selway

Selway typically refers to the Selway River, a river in Idaho that is part of the Clearwater River watershed in the northwestern United States. Its headwaters rise in the Bitterroot Range along the Idaho–Montana border, and the river flows generally west and north through remote, rugged country within the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness and adjacent national forests. It meets the Lochsa River near Lowell, Idaho, and together they form the Clearwater River, which continues to the Snake River and ultimately the Columbia River basin.

Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness is a federally designated wilderness area spanning portions of Idaho and Montana. Established in 1964 under the Wilderness Act, it protects a large tracts of backcountry characterized by deep canyons, dense forests, alpine meadows, and high peaks. The wilderness encompasses the Selway River corridor and is managed by the U.S. Forest Service as part of the interconnected national forests in the region. Access is largely backcountry in nature, with limited roads and a strong emphasis on preserving natural conditions; motorized and other mechanized transport is prohibited within the wilderness.

Ecology and recreation in the Selway area emphasize its remote, pristine character. The river and surrounding lands support diverse wildlife and cold-water fish habitats, including native trout populations. The region is a destination for backpacking, wildlife viewing, and whitewater experiences, attracting visitors who seek solitude and rugged outdoor scenery in a protected ecosystems setting.