The Payettes have been described as Idaho’s “University of Whitewater”. Dam controlled releases and underground springs keep these rivers flowing all summer with crystal clear water and spectacular river runs for all skill levels. Packrafters can pretty much put-in and takeout anywhere on the Payettes with portaging an option for all of the major rapids.
Use this Google Earth KMZ file or GAIA GPS Link to point the way to 132 miles of paddling nirvana for packraftable river sections on the North, South, and Main Payette rivers. All notable class III rapids are marked. Rapids change over time so watch, scout, and portage as needed.
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Not sure what level boater you are or what class of rapids is good match for your abilities? Or, maybe you're a long-time paddler and want to check-in about what you *think* you are versus updated standards?
Please review the APA Packrafter Self-Assessment Questionnaire to get a good feel for your level. Whitewater boating is a team sport in many regards and understanding the skills and abilities of the entire group is crucial.
On-water activities are NOT a sanctioned activity at the 2024 Packraft Roundup hosted by the American Packrafting Association (APA). All paddlers should seek formal instruction from a certified guide or instructor with proper insurance and training. APA dos not encourage anyone to volunteer, lead or guide any paddler as part of RoundUp due to personal liability. That being said, anyone is welcome to paddle, meet other paddling buddies and spend time on the water as a group.
It shall be understood that every RoundUp participant and paddler is responsible for their own choices and safety on the water including properly researching river information in addition to any content shared on the APA website or verbally. Any paddling you choose to do will be solely on your own and at your discretion, independent of the APA RoundUp event.
The Payette river system has many recreational river sites that require fees to assist with maintenance.
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🎟️ Payette River Seasonal Passes can be purchased for $20 per vehicle
🎟️ Payette River Day Passes can be purchased on site with cash or check for $3 per vehicle
It is your responsibility to double-check river conditions and levels. Always paddle within your limits and skills. Be aware of your group skill level. Make conservative choices.
Please download this info BEFORE attending RoundUp as cell service at camp and on the river is unreliable. Always match your ability and skills to level of difficulty. If in doubt, get out and scout!
American WWBLM PayetteUSFS PayettePaddling ID BookGrandjean ≈ 35.6 mile stretch
🌊 Grandjean to Bonneville II – III+ 9 miles
🌊 Bonneville to Warm Springs II – III+ 3 miles
🌊 Warm Springs to Helende II – III+ 10 miles
🌊 Helende to Kirkham III 6 miles
🌊 Kirkham to Mountainview II+ 4 miles
🌊 Mountainview to Deadwood II+ 4.5 miles
🌊 Deadwood to Pine Flats III 3.5 miles (be aware of quick pull out for hot springs)
⚠️ Deadwood to Danskin [Upper Canyon] IV-V 12 miles
*mandatory portage, advanced only, very difficult to scout and portage this section*
🌊 Swirly Canyon [Danskin Station to Alder Creek Bridge] II – III- 8.5 miles
🌊 Garden Valley I – II 10 miles page 101 Paddling Idaho – Stahl
🌊 Staircase IV 5 miles - easy to scout and portage if needed
🌊 North Fork Meanders I 6 miles
🌊 McCall to Hartsell
🌊 McCall Town Run II+ 3 miles
🌊 Sheep to Hartsell I 16 miles
🌊 Cascade to Cabarton I 11 miles page 118 Paddling Idaho – Stahl
🌊 Kelly’s White Water Park class II – IV play waves
🌊 Cabarton III 9 miles
🌊 Upper Main III+ 7.5 miles
🌊 Lower Main II+ 6 miles
🌊 Montour Canoe Float II 10 miles
Traveling into remote areas often means venturing out of reliable cell service, which adds an element of isolation and risk to your adventure. Without the ability to make quick calls or access maps and weather updates, it's crucial to plan ahead, inform someone of your itinerary, and be equipped with essential safety gear and knowledge. This ensures you can handle emergencies and navigate effectively, making your journey safer and more enjoyable despite the lack of connectivity.
You can roughly plan on a 45-minute to one-hour drive to reach most put-in locations, so prepare accordingly to ensure a smooth and safe journey to the start of your adventure. Most roads to local put-ins are paved, however ensure you have a full tank, solid tires and don't take your keys on the water. Please save your celebrating and alcohol intake for when you're hunkered down at camp.
Bring cash for this! Be advised that law enforcement and ticketing season is in full swing for your access pass. The Payette River Pass has many recreational river sites that require fees to assist with maintenance of put-in, bathrooms and improvements. Fees begin in early spring and extend through early fall. The fees collected from you are kept on site and used annually to operate, maintain, and improve these sites along the Payette River.
🎟️ Payette River Seasonal Passes can be purchased for $20 per vehicle
🎟️ Payette River Day Passes can be purchased on site with cash or check for $3 per vehicle
🔹If purchasing your Day Pass on-site, no printed copy of the pass will be available. Instead, your license plate number and pass stored on your device will be used to confirm compliance. If you purchase a pass in advance, a printed copy of the pass is recommended for your vehicle dashboard.
🔹Seasonal Passes must be printed and displayed on your vehicle dashboard, with the quick response (QR) code visible at all times during your visit.
BUY PASS HERE & MORE INFO
Any person traveling past a watercraft inspection station with a watercraft or conveyance must stop. Watercraft includes but is not limited to boats, kayaks, paddleboards and other devices used in water. Other items that oftentimes are overlooked include paddles, PFDs, fishing tackle, throw-bags and anything else that has touched the water. Thanks for doing your part!
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