The early part of whitewater rafting season is well underway and will be celebrated at back-to-back gatherings on the Lochsa and Salmon rivers in coming weeks.

First up is Lochsa River Madness, a grassroots gathering on the Lochsa River over Memorial Day weekend. It will be followed by the outfitter-organized Big Water Blowout on the Salmon River at Riggins on June 3.