Whitewater Rafting & Kayaking in Idaho

Find new stories when you take the plunge—there’s nothing like rafting and kayaking in Idaho. Grab your paddles, chase the incredible rush and hold on for one wild and scenic ride.

Whitewater Rafting and Kayaking Adventures

Hop in for the adrenaline rush of that whitewater roar.

Make Your
Next Memory

Red rafts headed down the Middle Fork of the Salmon River in Idaho as rugged mountains rise in the distance.

Middle Fork of the Salmon River

As the river descends 3,000 feet in elevation, the environment changes from…

Rapids splash, water droplets cascading around a bright kayak as a man wearing a helmet leans to the side, holding his paddle in his hand.

Boise Whitewater Park

The Boise River Park is a public park with waveshapers that create…

A man holds an oar on an orange kayak as the waters rush around him in Kelly's Whitewater Park, rocks standing behind him.

Kelly’s Whitewater Park

This public, nonprofit facility has controlled rapids that kayakers, canoers, stand-up paddleboarders…

Groups of people rafting on the Main Payette River surrounded by forested, mountainous terrain.

Main Payette River

Take your family down one of Idaho’s classic whitewater rivers and receive…

An aerial snapshot picture from above the North Shore Streams at Payette Lake, near McCall, Idaho, where kayakers from down below cross the water, clouds reflected in the lake as lush green trees rise from the distance, captured by a drone.

Upper North Fork Payette River

Known to McCall’s locals as “The Meanders” for its gentle S-curves, this…

A family whitewater rafting down the South Fork of the Main Payette River.

South Fork of the Payette River

Garden Valley, Idaho

Because of its proximity to Boise, the South Fork of the Payette…

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Know Your Rapids

When it comes to epic whitewater, consider this your map to extraordinary adventure. Learn more about the classes of rapids you’ll encounter and start planning an unforgettable river experience.

CLASS I: Fast-moving water with occasional light surface movement. Few obstructions.

CLASS II: Rapids with small waves; mostly clear and open passages but some maneuvering may be required.

CLASS III: Numerous and irregular waves; maneuvering required through clear but sometimes narrow passages.

CLASS IV: Turbulent water. Strong, long rapids and high waves. Skilled and persistent maneuvering required.

CLASS V: Long stretches of powerful and tumultuous rapids, obstructions requiring skilled maneuvering; steep gradients, big drops and violent currents.

CLASS VI: Can be extremely dangerous; require great skill and stamina; navigable only when conditions allow.

A group goes whitewater rafting in helmets across the South Fork of the Payette River as rapids rush and splash around them. — Whitewater rafting trip, South Fork of the Payette River, near Garden Valley. Photo credit: Visit Idaho.

Pick Up Incredible Travel Tips

You’ve come to the right place—peruse a treasure trove of exclusive travel ideas made for the thrill-seekers as much as the wide-eyed beginners. Try rafting the Snake River through the magnificent Hells Canyon or explore stretches of the famed Salmon River. Learn from other paddlers ahead of your upcoming Idaho river adventure.

See More Rafting
& Kayaking Tips

Marvels for Every Traveler

Scenic Family Fun

Dreaming of River Thrills

An aerial view of people whitewater rafting, paddling on an orange raft across the Main Salmon River as rapids rush around rocks on waters lined with trees.

Rivers of Dreams: A Guide to Idaho’s Epic Whitewater Rafting Adventures

A family laughs mid-adventure as they raft down the North Fork Payette River on the Cabarton River Run in a great splash.

Legendary Rafting in Idaho: Adventures for Every Skill Level

A blue drift boat sits atop the bright waters of the South Fork of the Snake River where green trees and mountains tower in the distance.

A Family-Friendly Adventure on the South Fork of the Snake River

A group of rafters laugh as they adventure across whitewater Middle Fork rapids splashing on the Salmon River.

Trip of a Lifetime: Rafting the Middle Fork of the Salmon River

Six people on orange water raft hold up their oars as large whitewater waves rise around them on the Payette River.

Navigating Life and the Payette River with the Long Family

A small child sitting on a raft on the banks of the Boise River eating a sandwich.

The Ultimate Guide to Floating the Boise River With Kids

A big group and a solo rafter take their oars as they travel down the rippling Salmon River on a Rocky Mountain river tour, steering around tall rocks into the mountains.

Wild Whitewater: A First-Timer’s Guide for a Multi-day Rafting Trip

A family of paddleboarders keep a safe distance from the base of the Shoshone Falls as the waterfalls cascade and mist from a distance into the bright waters.

A How-To Guide on Paddling to Shoshone Falls

A whitewater raft with seven people dropping into a splashy rapid on the Snake River in Hells Canyon.

What to Expect on Your First Multiday Rafting Trip in Hells Canyon

A panoramic snapshot of the still waters shining down the Main Salmon River where rugged landscape lines both sides.

One Wild Weekend in Salmon: A Complete 48-Hour Itinerary

Kayaker raises oars at a far distance in front of the cascading Shoshone Falls under a blue sky.

4 Hidden Outdoor Adventures in Idaho

Start Packing—Your Must-Haves

It’s time to hit the Payette River. Or, maybe your friends are all eyeing the Middle Fork of the Salmon, ready to get soaked with oncoming rapids. When you experience that first pulse-racing rapid, you’ll be glad you packed the essentials.

Safety Equipment

When working with a licensed guide or outfitter, safety gear, from life jackets to helmets, will be provided. No packing necessary!

Waterproof Sunscreen

Make sure to reapply that waterproof sunscreen in between splashes (and keep that SPF lip balm at the ready).

Sun Hat/Baseball Cap

You’re going to want a hat in any shape or form to shield yourself from the sun.

Sunglasses

When recreating on the water, make sure you bring some polarized shades (along with a strap, so they don’t get lost) to protect against the sun reflecting off the water.

Water

Hydration is key while out in the sun. When recreating outdoors, even on the waves, make sure you have plenty of water to drink.

Insect Repellent

Ward off any unwanted river bugs— pack that spray. Wait for your waterproof sunscreen to dry for 15 to 20 minutes, then apply evenly on any exposed skin and atop clothing.

Swimsuit/Swim Shorts

In summer months, wear swimwear or quick-drying clothes on the river for the greatest comfort. Rafting or kayaking during cooler weather? Wearing a base layer or water-repellent outer layer is ideal. A guide or outfitter will often provide outer layers like dry suits ahead of your adventure.

Dry Clothes/Towel

After your invigorating kayaking or whitewater rafting trip, you’ll be glad you brought along a fresh set of clothes and a towel.

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Stay Safe in Idaho’s Water Wonderland

Leave the Gem State’s captivating riverscapes clean and adventure-worthy. Learn how to recreate responsibly and paddle like a champion.

Care for Idaho

A snapshot of a smiling family, kids joyfully hanging their legs out of the raft on a whitewater rafting trip in Idaho. The text reads, Take With You: Breathless Memories, Leave Behind: Nothing But Wonder.

Nature’s most majestic gems have shimmered here in Idaho for thousands of years. While on the river, make every effort to keep the shorelines litter-free and the waters clear, so the next paddlers witness the same pristine beauty.

Care for Yourself

A man kayaks across the water in Thousand Springs State Park as the water cascades from an elevated height of lush green landscape behind him. The graphic text reads, 1) Find Your Guide, 2) Get Your Gear, 3) Step In and Ride.

Connect with expert outfitters ahead of the trip, pack the recommended gear and take a seat to enjoy this iconic Idaho experience.

Care for Others

A group places their red rafting paddles together in a cheers of excitement as they raft down the Lochsa River, rocks in a tower behind them as waves crash beneath them. The text on the graphic reads, Be a Good Sport on the River, featuring a hand that signals, Travel With Care.

Keep your eyes and ears open on the water. Avoid tailgating or crowding other rafts across the rapids. Pay attention to your surroundings and above all, listen to your guide. They know exactly how to safely lead your group to safety, all while helping you protect the natural wonders of the river.

Travel With Care