Payette River Rafting in the Heart of Idaho
Payette River Company is located near Lowman, Idaho, deep in the Boise National Forest — right at the put-in for both river sections. No long shuttles, no wasted time. You arrive and you are on the South Fork within minutes.
The South Fork Payette is about 1.5 hours from Boise, 2 hours from Sun Valley, and a short scenic drive from McCall — making it one of the most accessible whitewater destinations in Idaho. Get directions here.
If you’re looking for the best Payette River rafting experience in Idaho, Payette River Company runs guided whitewater trips on the South Fork of the Payette River — one of the most pristine and exciting mountain rivers in the American West.
Located deep in the Boise National Forest near Lowman, Idaho, the South Fork Payette runs clean and clear all season long. With no agriculture or development upstream, this is Payette River rafting the way it was meant to be — wild, beautiful, and uncrowded.
The South Fork of the Payette River offers something rare — a genuinely pristine whitewater river with natural hot springs on every single section. Whether you choose a mellow family float or a full day of Class IV rapids, every Payette River rafting trip with Payette River Company includes a stop at a natural hot springs along the way.
The canyon scenery is stunning, the water is crystal clear, and the river sees far less traffic than busier stretches of the main Payette. Guests who choose Payette River rafting on the South Fork consistently describe it as one of the most memorable outdoor experiences they’ve had in Idaho.
Twenty-five Class III and IV rapids, Pine Flats Hot Springs, the legendary Big Falls portage, and a riverside lunch. One of the best full days of whitewater rafting in Idaho. $149/person. Ages 12+.
A full day on the Canyon or Kirkham section followed by a night at Camp Woopie, our beautiful private riverside camp. All camping gear, appetizers, dinner, and breakfast included. $270 adults / $245 kids.
The only multi-day rafting trip on the entire Payette River system. Raft both sections of the South Fork over two days, with nights at Camp Woopie and all meals provided. The ultimate South Fork Payette River rafting experience.
After experiencing our South Fork Payette river rafting trips, customers can’t stop talking about the thrill!
Payette River Company offers something no other outfitter on the Payette River system provides — overnight and multi-day Payette River rafting trips. If you want to sleep under Idaho stars along the South Fork, eat farm-fresh meals cooked riverside by your guides, and wake up to the sound of the river — there is only one place to do it.
Our private riverside camp, Camp Woopie, is a must-see. Guests enjoy bocce ball, horseshoes, and slackline on a beautiful sandy beach while guides prepare a full riverside dinner. Meat comes from Ginger’s family farm in North Idaho. Vegetables come straight from the PRC garden in Lowman. And the dutch oven brownies after dinner have become legendary among Payette River rafting guests.
Payette River Company runs Payette River rafting trips on two exceptional sections of the South Fork, with hot springs on both.
The Kirkham section is the ideal choice for families and those looking for a fun, scenic Payette River rafting experience. Class II and III rapids wind through a beautiful canyon, with a mid-trip soak at the famous Kirkham Hot Springs, a jump rock, and a crystal-clear swim hole. Wildlife sightings are common and the river is quiet and uncrowded.
The Kirkham section is available as a half-day rafting trip in the late afternoon or as a full-day trip for those who want more time on the water. Minimum age 5.
For guests looking for the most thrilling Payette River rafting the South Fork has to offer, the Canyon section delivers. Twenty-five Class III and IV rapids, a stop at Pine Flats Hot Springs, a portage around the spectacular Big Falls waterfall, and a riverside lunch make this one of the best full days of whitewater rafting in Idaho.
The Canyon section runs as a full-day trip and is also the second day of our multi-day Payette River rafting packages. Minimum age 12.
A late afternoon Payette River rafting trip on the Kirkham section. Class II and III rapids, a hot springs stop, and rock jumping in clear mountain water. Back home by early evening. $70 adults / $60 kids. Ages 5+.
A full day of family-friendly Payette River rafting on the Kirkham section. Hot springs, swimming, wildlife, and a riverside lunch. $149 adults / $129 kids. Ages 5+.
The wildest Payette River rafting trip we offer. Twenty-five Class III and IV rapids, Pine Flats Hot Springs, Big Falls portage, and a riverside lunch. $149/person. Ages 12+.
A full day of Payette River rafting followed by a night at Camp Woopie. Includes all camping gear, appetizers, dinner, and breakfast. Available on the Canyon or Kirkham section. $270 adults / $245 kids.
The only multi-day Payette River rafting trip on the entire Payette River system. Raft both sections over two days, stay at Camp Woopie, and experience the South Fork the way it deserves to be explored.
Payette River Company has been owner-operated by Sean and Ginger Glaccum since 2006. Sean has over 30 years of guiding experience and will most likely be on the water with you. Ginger handles all reservations, making your booking experience seamless from the first call to the put-in.
Whether you are coming from Boise, Sun Valley, McCall, or anywhere across Idaho, Payette River Company is ready to show you the best Payette River rafting the South Fork has to offer. Half-day, full day, overnight, or multi-day — we have the perfect trip waiting for you.
Call Ginger at (208) 720-7039, email ginger@payetterivercompany.com, or book directly online.