The Kirkham Hot Springs section of the South Fork Payette River is Payette River Company’s most family-friendly full day rafting trip — and one of the most unique rafting experiences in Idaho. Crystal clear water draining the back of the Sawtooth Mountains, Class III rapids, a soak at Kirkham Hot Springs, the jump rock, frequent wildlife sightings, and a riverside lunch. All within 90 minutes of Boise and 2 hours of Sun Valley.
Meet at PRC headquarters in Lowman at 9:45am. After getting checked in, geared up, and briefed by your guides, it’s a quick shuttle to the put-in.
The Kirkham section drains the back of the Sawtooth Mountains through rugged Idaho backcountry — no agriculture upstream, no development, just pure mountain runoff. The water is remarkably clean and clear all season long. The section features Class III rapids interspersed with calmer stretches perfect for taking in the scenery and watching for wildlife. Osprey, deer, and the occasional river otter are common on the Kirkham section. During low water years the river can run shallow — bumping into rocks is part of the experience and can occasionally be jolting, but your guides manage the boats carefully throughout.
Lunch is served on the river before or at the Kirkham Hot Springs stop. The menu rotates daily between chicken mango burritos and PRC’s famous party pasta — served with juice, carrots, and fruit.
Midway through your Payette River rafting with hot springs trip, the rafts pull over at Kirkham Hot Springs the trip the rafts pull over at Kirkham Hot Springs — one of Idaho’s most beloved natural hot springs, right on the river’s edge. Soak in the pools, stand under the falls, and take in the surroundings. The jump rock is right here — launch into the river and swim back to the hot springs pools. It is the moment every first-timer remembers.
After the take-out a PRC shuttle picks you up for the short ride back to headquarters — great bus tunes and cold beverages included.
Once you have changed into dry clothes, Sean or Ginger presents a photo slideshow — highlights from the day including rapids, the hot springs, and the jump rock. Photos are available for purchase and make the perfect reminder of a day on the Kirkham section.
Wear quick-dry fabrics on the river — cotton holds water and drains your core temperature, which matters on cooler days. Apply sunscreen before the trip. Feel free to wear a baseball cap or visor under your helmet. Bring shoes that can get wet — tennis shoes or sandals with a heel strap work great. If you don’t have any, we rent water shoes for $5. Water is provided throughout the trip.
We want your Payette River rafting with hot springs experience to be comfortable from start to finish.”
Please check in at 9:45am. Trips end at approximately 3:00pm. Minimum age 5.
Looking for a shorter option? The Kirkham Hot Springs Rafting half day trip runs every afternoon from 4:30pm — $65 adults / $49 kids 12 & under.
Ready for big whitewater? The South Fork Payette Canyon section features 25 Class III/IV rapids, a portage around Big Falls, and a stop at Pine Flats Hot Springs. Minimum age 12. $149 per person.
Want to spend the night? Float the Kirkham section directly into Camp Woopie — our private riverside camp on a sandy beach deep in the Boise National Forest. See all overnight trips.
Ready to get on the water? Book online, call or text Ginger at (208) 720-7039, or email ginger@payetterivercompany.com. Trips run daily May through September.
“We just had the highlight of our vacation rafting the Kirkham Springs section of the Payette River. Rob was a phenomenal guide — patient, encouraging, and playful with my two boys. Time for jumping off boulders and relaxing in the hot springs was a blast. Worth the drive to Lowman. Thanks Ginger for providing all the answers beforehand to make our day so easy.” — Bobby Suba
“This is a great company. Sean and Ginger are wonderful hosts and their staff are top notch. This was the second trip I have had Joe Pearson as my guide and he is a total pro. He put my wife and young kids at ease from the start. He is also full of great info and stories about the river and surrounding areas. Highly recommend Payette River Company for your next outdoor adventure!” — Jeff Beacham
“The service here is amazing. The scenery was beautiful. I was even able to borrow swim trunks before our rafting trip to enjoy the hot springs while I waited. These are really good people. The tour itself was expertly guided. If you want a great experience, go here!” — Tiffany Scoville
“Hands down the best white water rafting trip in Idaho. Awesome ownership and fun yet super experienced river guides. White water and hot springs made the perfect adventure for our crew. Special thanks to Joe for keeping us rubber side down for half the trip!” — Derek Poppell