This 2 day rafting trip on the South Fork Payette river is the most complete river experience Payette River Company offers as a single overnight package. Two full days on the water, one night at Camp Woopie, and both sections that Payette River Company runs on the South Fork Payette River — all without ever getting in a car between sections. You float in on day one and float out on day two.
This is the only 2 day rafting trip on the entire Payette River system — and it gets guests back to Boise, Sun Valley, McCall, or Stanley before dark on day two.
The 2 day rafting trip South Fork Payette is the most complete river experience Payette River Company offers. Your 2 day rafting trip begins at PRC headquarters in Lowman at 9:45am. After gearing up and a briefing from your guides, you follow PRC down to camp — approximately 5 miles from headquarters — and park your vehicles about 350 feet above camp. From there a PRC vehicle shuttles you upriver to the Kirkham put-in.
Day one on the Kirkham Hot Springs section is the perfect warm-up — Class II/III rapids through crystal clear waters, a mid-trip soak at the famous Kirkham Hot Springs, a jump rock, wildlife sightings, and a riverside lunch. The section is quiet, uncrowded, and beautiful from start to finish. By mid-afternoon your rafts float directly into Camp Woopie — your home for the night.
Return guests and whitewater enthusiasts sometimes choose to run the South Fork Payette Canyon on both days instead of the Kirkham section on day one — just ask Ginger when you book.
Camp Woopie sits on a private sandy beach on land leased from the U.S. Forest Service, right at the edge of the South Fork Payette River. After settling in, the evening is yours — bocce ball, horseshoes, and slackline on the beach while your guides prepare dinner. Beer and non-alcoholic drinks are available throughout the evening — and feel free to bring your own beverages if you have something particular you enjoy.
Dinner is a real farm-to-table riverside sit-down meal — burgers from Ginger’s family farm in North Idaho, organic seasonal vegetables from the PRC garden, PRC’s famous potatoes, and the legendary Camp Woopie dutch oven brownies by the fire. On evenings when the guide knows how to play, a guitar comes out by the fire. The sound of the South Fork Payette is the last thing you hear before falling asleep.
Breakfast starts at 8:00am with hot beverages, fruit and juice, followed by a hot breakfast at 9:00am. Then at 10:00am the rafts push off from camp’s beach directly onto the Canyon section.
For the full Camp Woopie details — camping gear, fishing, and everything included — visit our overnight rafting trips Idaho page.
Day two of your 2 day rafting trip South Fork Payette is where the adventure reaches its peak. The rafts push off directly from Camp Woopie’s beach onto the South Fork Payette Canyon — no shuttle, no van, just the river.
Twenty-five Class III/IV rapids, a stop at Pine Flats Hot Springs, a portage around the spectacular Big Falls waterfall, and a riverside lunch. The Canyon section is reservoir fed — meaning consistent, reliable water levels all season long regardless of snowpack. As the season progresses and water levels naturally drop on other sections, the Canyon remains a sure bet for great rafting all the way through late summer. Expect to be back to your vehicles by 3:30pm, getting you home to Boise, Sun Valley, McCall, or Stanley before dark.
The 2 day rafting trip South Fork Payette departs daily at 9:45am. Minimum age 12 — the Canyon section on day two requires it.
Day two on the Canyon is remote and rescue due to injury can be difficult. This trip requires a reasonable level of physical fitness — guests need to be comfortable walking on uneven, slippery ground for the Big Falls portage and the ramp at the takeout. Your guides will be with you every step of the way.
All camping gear is provided — tents, sleeping pads, and pillows. Sleeping bags available to rent for $15 upon request. You bring your personal items and a sense of adventure.
$420 adults / $395 kids 12 & under
If two days isn’t enough, Payette River Company also offers 2 Day/2 Night and 3 Day/2 Night packages — the only multi-day rafting trips on the entire Payette River system. More nights at Camp Woopie, more time on the South Fork, and the option to run the Canyon section again on day three for those who simply can’t get enough.
“Owners Sean & Ginger were the best! Very helpful & professional. They really know how to run a business. Loved the ladies board shorts for loan, BTW. We had a group of 10 ladies that camped for two days with this company. Joe & Jesse made our camping experience very memorable. Food was delicious… Jesse was our rafting guide & he made it very fun & safe. Although, if he wants you to get splashed, he will make it happen. Thanks for all you do. We will be back!” –Sharon Abbott
“Sean, Ginger and their entire team were the best! Everything from the equipment, service, knowledge, professionalism, FUN, food, camp spot — was amazing! We couldn’t have asked for a better experience for our entire team. They were extremely accommodating and easily handled everyone from 8 years old to 70+. TOP NOTCH outfit!” — Ian Sundy, Lloyd Construction
“Both Sean and Ginger treat you like family from the moment you meet. The campsite was spectacular — right on the river. We spotted 6 elk on the hill that night. The food was delicious and plenty of it. A campfire and hot coffee the next morning along with homemade sausage and banana pancakes. We will be back and bringing more friends!” — Scott G
“We had a blast on the trip and were very, very impressed with the entire operation, the excellent campsite, and the guides. We will definitely do it again with PRC.” — Dana Dugan
The 2 day rafting trip South Fork Payette runs throughout the season. Call Ginger at (208) 720-7039, email ginger@payetterivercompany.com, or book directly online.