Overview
Experience a side of Idaho most people don’t get to see! Escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and lose yourself amongst the towering pine trees of Boise National Forest. Osprey and bald eagles are often spotted fishing in the crystal clear water along the river banks. You may even spot a deer or two! This stretch isn’t all about the scenery. The rapids you’ll encounter such as Trestle, Francois, and Howard’s Plunge will make you feel like you’re riding a roller coaster down the river. Meet us at the Cascade Raft River Center to check in for your trip, meet your guides, and get fitted for the necessary equipment. We'll take care of the logistics from here: the bus ride to the launch point, safety briefing, riverside lunch, and guided whitewater rafting. The Cabarton features friendly class II-III rapids, scenic views, and warm water.
Highlights
- Full day trip, 11 miles
- Put in: Cabarton Bridge
- Take out: Cougar Mountain Lodge, Smith's Ferry
- Children welcome (ages 5+)
- Adults: $119.00, Seniors: $109.00, Children ages 5-12: $89.00
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. If you wish to leave a towel or dry shirt in the shuttle vehicle, it will be waiting for you at the take-out.
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
- Lunch on the river
- 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. This trip departs at 9:00 AM 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. If you are coming from McCall, Cascade or other points north, we would be happy to make arrangements to meet you at the Cougar Mountain Lodge--just let us know.
The shuttle is the start of your adventure! We'll head north along the spectacular whitewater of the North Fork of the Payette to the put-in point at Cabarton Bridge. After getting outfitted with a lifejacket and paddle, and a short safety briefing, you'll hit the river and start downstream. The water on the Cabarton Run is quite warm--it comes off the top of Lake Cascade--which is a lovely feature of this river section. You'll get a great splash at Trestle Rapids before we stop for lunch on a sandy river beach. Finish up the day with The Wet Spot, Francois, and Howard's Plunge! 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 we are off the water a little after 3 PM.
The take-out point is at Cougar Mountain Lodge in Smith's Ferry and from there we'll shuttle you 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.