Overview

Idaho's best whitewater rafting rafting near Boise, ID! This highly recommended three-hour Idaho whitewater rafting trip is only an hour away from Boise.

This white water rafting on the Payette River offers enjoyable and gentle rapids, making it ideal for everyone. great for families, beginners, groups, and tours. The Payette River, renowned for its thrilling rapids, flows through the stunning landscape of Idaho, making it a prime destination for white water rafting enthusiasts.

Located on the Payette River in the Boise National Forest, the Main Payette rafting is the local favorite of river rafting trip. Nestled in the heart of Idaho, this waterway offers an ideal playground for those craving the excitement of white water rafting near Boise. The class III rapids are full of splashes but are easily navigable by our professional, licensed, enthusiastic river guides.  Cascade Raft and Kayak have been white water rafting near Boise ID since 1985 sharing our love for Idaho white water rafting!

The adventure begins in Banks, Idaho, a gateway to the main Payette River rafting experience. Our white water rafting trips provide opportunities for swimming, riding "the bull", and relaxing with your family. Our fun and professional guides take care of everything to make sure you have a great time.

As you navigate the twists and turns of the Main Payette River, you'll be surrounded by the breathtaking scenery of the Idaho wilderness. For those seeking a more laid-back experience, floating the Main Payette River is a fantastic way to enjoy the scenic beauty at a leisurely pace.
 
People of all ages and experience levels have fun rafting on the Payette River near Boise ID. The Main Payette River has friendly class II-III rapids, perfect for splashing, sunning, and floating. From the heart-pounding excitement of the white water rapids to the scenic tranquility of floating the river, this destination caters to all levels of adventure seekers.

Don't miss the opportunity to experience white water rafting near Boise, Idaho – an experience that blends the thrill of adventure with the beauty of nature. Plan your Payette River rafting trip today for an adrenaline-pumping escapade you'll remember for years to come.

Highlights

  • Half-day Main Payette river rafting trip -- 3 hours, 8 miles, class II-III whitewater
  • Meeting place: Cascade Raft River Center
  • Put in: Banks Idaho Rafting Launch Site
  • Take out: Cascade Raft River Center
  • Children welcome (ages 5+)
  • Adults: $56.00, Seniors: $53.00, Children ages 5-12: $39.00

Location

Cascade Raft River Center

What to Bring

Be prepared to get wet! Suggested apparel includes quick-drying clothing (swimwear, board shorts, rash guard, etc), footwear (water shoes, river sandals, flip flops, or an old pair of tennis shoes), and a hat for sun protection. If you wear glasses or sunglasses, be sure to have a strap to hold them on.  We sell Chums retainers in our gift shop if you need to pick some up.

We also suggest bringing a bottle of water and sunscreen as well as anything else you need to have along with you.  Keep in mind that anything you take is likely to get wet. Keep it simple is our advice.  We have waterproof phone cases and small drybags for sale in our gift shop. Anything you don't need until after your trip can be stored in your vehicle or the complimentary lockers at the River Center.

Wetsuits, neoprene booties, and splash gear is provided with your trip as weather and water conditions require.

Includes

  • Coastguard-approved PFD
  • Paddle
  • Top of the line self-bailing raft
  • Fun and professional guide
  • Insulation and splash gear if weather/water conditions require

Excludes

Items you might want to have with you that are not included with the trip:

  • water
  • sunscreen
  • eye glass retainer
  • gratuity for your guide

Itinerary

Meet us at the Cascade Raft River Center (7050 Highway 55, Horseshoe Bend, ID 83629) to check in. Trips depart at 9:30 AM, 11:30 AM, 1:30 PM, 3:30 PM and 5:00 PM and this is the time we'll be jumping on the bus and heading to the launch point, so please check in at least 15 minutes prior to the departure time.

The shuttle is a quick one--just 8 miles to Banks, Idaho the put-in point for the Main Payette. After a short safety briefing, you'll hit the river and start downstream toward rapids like Go Left, Bennet's Rock, Mike's Hole, Mixmaster, and AMF. Between the rapids there's time to swim, float, relax and enjoy the scenery. Time on the water varies with the river levels, but in the main part of summer the float is 2 to 2.5 hours in the raft.

The take-out point is back at the Cascade Raft River Center where you can change clothes, view action photos from the trip, browse the gift shop, or grab snacks and beverages from the Rio Cafe.