The Payette River is one of the best whitewater rafting trips in Idaho. With a variety of water levels, you can have an exhilarating and peaceful experience on this great family-friendly river. The scenery is breathtaking as well: with views of the Sawtooth Mountains and the Boise National Forest, it will remind you why Idaho is so special.
Whitewater Rafting Day Trips
A day trip rafting down the Payette River is perfect for families as well. With appropriate water levels, kids can raft down the river and explore Idaho’s beauty without being too much of a challenge to parents or guardians; at higher water levels this trip becomes more difficult but also offers an exhilarating experience that adults will enjoy.
To prepare for a rafting trip down the Payette River, families should be sure to pack water, snacks, and lunch for the day. The rafting company will provide helmets and life jackets as well as gear like paddles and oars, so you just need to show up ready for an adventurous family outing. Bring plenty of sunscreen as Idaho temperatures and sun can be a little warm.
The Payette River offers miles of white water rapids perfect for both first time rafters as well as experienced whitewater enthusiasts with numerous campgrounds along the river with picnic areas available.
Rafting in The State of Idaho
Rafting in Idaho has been so popular that Idaho tourism has been growing exponentially due to all this great outdoor recreation that can be found in our state. This includes rafting but also mountain biking, ziplining and, of course, skiing and snowboarding in winter months.
In addition, there are many other great whitewater trips available in Idaho: from beginner-level rivers like the Boise River to advanced white water rafting on challenging runs like Middle Fork Salmon River. All these options offer something different depending which level is right for you. The most challenging river to raft in Idaho is the Upper Salmon River. The Salmon River is known for its challenging rapids which is for the more advanced rafters.
The Cost to River Raft
A whitewater rafting day trip usually involves a half-day of rafting with a break for lunch. It’s an exciting and fun experience that will introduce you to the natural beauty Idaho has to offer. The costs range from $65 to $125 for the half-day rafting trip.
Shorter trips are great if you want a quick whitewater adventure. Longer overnight river trips offer more time on the water and provide a deeper sense of exploration, wildlife viewing and relaxation along tranquil stretches of rivers and creeks in Idaho’s backcountry. With safe and friendly family whitewater rafting trips, rafting on the Payette River is a great way to experience Idaho.
Colorado is well known for its rafting, but Idaho delivers equal whitewater rafting thrills. As one of the fastest growing states in the U.S.., Idaho has a lot to offer, and this includes scenic whitewater rafting trips. The outdoor activities that Idaho provides are drawing enthusiasts from California, Colorado, and Utah. The growth of Idaho resorts has led to a boom in winter tourism and summer whitewater rafting trips. Idaho is quickly becoming a resort destination for families.
Idaho mountains offer substantial runoff for water flow. The terrain ranges throughout Idaho with mountain peaks reaching into California while also featuring snowcapped mountains near Boise Valley.
