World's Highest Navigable River, world record set by The Saint Joe River

February 7, 2025

Kootenai County, Idaho, United States--The Saint Joe River, a 140-mile (225 km) long tributary of Coeur d'Alene Lake in northern Idaho, runs 144 miles across the Idaho Panhandle, between 15 to 30 feet deep; it has an elevation of 2,129 feet at the mouth, thus setting the world record for being the World's Highest Navigable River, according to the WORLD RECORD ACADEMY.

"The Saint Joe River (sometimes abbreviated St. Joe River) is a 140-mile (225 km) long tributary of Coeur d'Alene Lake in northern Idaho. Beginning at an elevation of 6,487 feet (1,977 m) in the Northern Bitterroot Range of eastern Shoshone County, it flows generally west through the Saint Joe River Valley and the communities of Avery and Calder.

"Past Calder, it flows into Benewah County and through the town of St. Maries, where it receives its largest tributary, the Saint Maries River. It then turns northwest, passing through Heyburn State Park before reaching its mouth just north of the Kootenai County line." (Wikipedia)

"The Saint Joe River drains 1,850 square miles (4,790 km2) of the Idaho Panhandle. It is part of the Spokane River watershed, which in turn is part of the Columbia River basin. About 68 percent is owned by the United States Forest Service (the St. Joe National Forest), 4 percent is owned by the Bureau of Land Management, 2 percent is owned by the State of Idaho, and the rest is privately owned.

"The river is home to many species of fish, including native westslope cutthroat trout, mountain whitefish, cedar sculpin and other cottids, shiners, and nonnative rainbow and brook trout, chinook and Kokanee Salmon. The upper Saint Joe River is also home to the last self-sustaining population of vulnerable bull trout in the Coeur d'Alene Lake watershed." (Wikipedia)

"The St. Joe River may not be the most well-known body of water in the Pacific Northwest. But in our opinion, it’s one of Coeur d’Alene’s best-kept secrets," the Lake Coeur d'Alene Cruises says.

"The St. Joe River is a tributary of Lake Coeur d’Alene. You’ll find the beautiful St. Joe River on the south end of Lake Coeur d’Alene and it passes through three different counties. The river begins in Shoshone County at over 6,000 feet in elevation and travels through Benewah County. Then, the St. Joe River flows through Heyburn State Park before flowing into Kootenai County.

"At the mouth of the St. Joe River, the river has an elevation of 2,129 feet. Because of this, the St. Joe River has been called the highest navigable river in the world. To be considered a navigable river, a river has to be wide enough and calm enough for vessels to pass through, as well as deep enough."

"Commonly called “The Joe,” the river runs 144 miles across the Idaho Panhandle. It flows from the high mountain towns of Avery and St. Maries before meeting up with Lake Coeur d’Alene," the Boise Dev says.

"It’s also called “The Shadowy Joe” due to the lush trees shading the river. There is even a campground with this name. According to Rivers.gov, it was originally named the “St. Joseph” by Father Pierre-Jean Desmet – a Catholic priest who established a mission nearby.

"Another interesting fact about the St. Joe River is that it is the highest navigable river in the world. At the mouth, the river has an elevation of 2,129 feet. For a river to be deemed navigable, it must be wide enough, deep enough, and calm enough for boats to pass through it. Many of the boats on The Joe are there for one thing – the good fishing."

"Operated by Lake Coeur d’Alene Cruises, the St, Joe River Cruise travels the length of Lake Coeur d’Alene to the noteworthy St. Joe River. The St. Joe River is the world’s highest navigable river and a nationally designated Wild and Scenic River," the Visit Idaho says.

"Visitors will discover the unique way in which the river runs through Lake Chatcolet and learn about the storied history of northern Idaho’s lumber industry. Keep an eye out for eagles, osprey, deer and other wildlife along the journey."

"Rivers are one of our favorite natural features in Idaho. The St. Joe River is one of these underrated rivers that is not only beautiful but offers countless outdoor opportunities. It is also considered the highest navigable river in the world. That’s a pretty cool claim to fame!" the Only In Your State says.

"This river is unique for several reasons, but one of its coolest features is that it's considered the highest navigable river in the world. At its mouth, the river is 2,129 feet above sea level.

"For a river to receive this claim, it must be wide enough, calm enough, and deep enough for vessels to travel on it. This river flows for approximately 140 miles in Idaho. Typically, the river is between 15 to 30 feet deep. However, in the spring, the river depth greatly increases due to the snow run-off."

"This northern Idaho river features crystal clear water and offers outstanding scenery, excellent catch and release fishing, and plenty of wildlife. There are numerous small, rustic campgrounds along the shores of the roaded portion of the river (39.7 miles) and a trail along the entire wild portion (26.6 miles)of the river to its headwaters at St. Joe Lake," the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System says.

"The St. Joe River provides an outstanding diversity of recreational opportunities, including whitewater rafting, floating, and fishing. Hunting and fishing along the St. Joe River is some of the best in the state, and the geology and natural scenery provides excellent sightseeing and wildlife viewing opportunities.

"Good access along a paved road takes visitors through the recreation river corridor with eight developed campgrounds and numerous dispersed sites and to the doorstop of the wild river section where a trail parallels the river for 17 miles to the headwaters at St. Joe Lake. Numerous trails originate from the recreational segment providing trails for both non-motorized and single-track motorcycle opportunities."