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U.S. Forest Service · ID

Selway River Permit (Four Rivers Lottery)

The Selway is one of the hardest river permits to win in the U.S.: only one party may launch per day during the control season, allocated through the recreation.gov Four Rivers lottery.

Permit requiredovernightExpert47 mi
Access requirement

2 ways to get a permit

2026 Four Rivers lotteryLottery

Application period December 1 through January 31; lottery results emailed February 14; awarded reservations must be confirmed by March 15. Trip window: 2026-05-15 → 2026-07-31.

Opens: Dec 1, 2025Apply by: Jan 31, 2026Results: Feb 15, 2026Confirm by: Mar 15, 2026
Apply on official siteVerified · Jun 22, 2026Season ended
Post-lottery cancellation releaseTimed release

Cancelled, declined, revoked, and unconfirmed award dates are released March 16 at 8:00 AM Mountain Time on recreation.gov, first-come first-served. Trip window: 2026-05-15 → 2026-07-31.

Opens: Mar 16, 2026
Apply on official siteVerified · Jun 22, 2026Season ended
Permit rules
QuotaDuring the control season (May 15-July 31) only one party may launch per day from the Paradise launch site. Permits are not required outside the control season.
GroupUp to 16 people per party during the control season; up to 20 people pre- and post-season.
Fees$6.00 non-refundable application/reservation fee. No per-person recreation fee.
TransferCheck official source for trip leader and reservation transfer requirements.
SafetyRemote 47-mile wilderness whitewater run from Paradise to Race Creek; flows peak in May-June and conditions can be hazardous.
Where to stay

Campgrounds nearby

Official campground records near this destination. Availability is labeled with the source actually checked.

Paradise Campground

0.2 miles away · MT

Availability not checked

Not reservable online

Availability: Unavailable

MAGRUDER RANGERS HOUSE

11.0 miles away · MT · 1 sites

No openings found

Reservable · The cabin rental fee is $100 per night, for up to four consecutive nights. No Golden Age/Access discounts apply at this site. The cabin can be reserved up to 180 days in advance.

Aug 25—Aug 26—Aug 27—Aug 28—Aug 29—Aug 30—Aug 31—
Availability: Recreation.gov
Official campground site

FALES FLAT CAMPGROUND

16.5 miles away · MT · 3 sites

1 of 7 nights open

Reservable + first-come

Aug 25—Aug 26—Aug 27—Aug 28—Aug 29—Aug 30—Aug 311
Availability: Recreation.gov
Official campground site

HORSE HEAVEN CABIN

17.6 miles away · MT · 1 sites

No openings found

Reservable · The cabin rental fee is $25 per night, for up to five consecutive nights. Golden age/access discounts do not apply at this site. The cabin can be reserved up to 180 days in advance.

Aug 25—Aug 26—Aug 27—Aug 28—Aug 29—Aug 30—Aug 31—
Availability: Recreation.gov
Official campground site