The South Fork Payette Canyon is one of the most thrilling stretches of whitewater in Idaho. 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 — all deep in the Boise National Forest near Lowman, Idaho.
Payette River Company is just 6 miles from the Canyon put-in — one of the shortest shuttles on the river. You arrive, gear up, and you are on the South Fork within minutes.
Payette River Company runs exclusively on two sections of the South Fork Payette River. Some of our guides have been running these exact sections for over a decade — they know every rapid, every eddy, and every story the canyon has to tell. Between the whitewater, expect Idaho history, geology, and river knowledge shared by guides who genuinely love what they do. Many of our guests come back year after year, and our guides are a big reason why.
Sean Glaccum, co-owner of Payette River Company, has paddled rivers across the US, South America, Africa, Nepal, and India. He is typically on the water with you as your safety kayaker on the South Fork Payette Canyon — a level of expertise that is rare on any guided rafting trip.
Payette River Company is the only outfitter on the entire Payette River system offering overnight and multi-day trips. If you want to experience the South Fork Payette Canyon as part of a bigger river adventure — camping under Idaho stars, eating farm-fresh meals at our private riverside camp — there is only one place to do it.
The South Fork Payette Canyon is reservoir fed, which means consistent, reliable water levels throughout the entire season regardless of snowpack. If you have been wondering whether there will be enough water this year, the answer is yes. The Canyon runs strong from May through late August.
Really made the right choice with Payette River Company. A small operation truly dedicated to giving everyone a great experience. The staff is very well trained, skillful and fun. The Payette is kept flowing at a good clip from reservoir feeds and the ride down the stunning shear granite canyon seals the deal. Go!! -Bridget Clark
Amazing trip with the Payette River Company! Our guide was Tyson and he was amazing at navigating the river. I would definitely go back and highly recommend the Canyon run to anyone looking for some fun on the Payette. -Amy Roskelley
Your South Fork Payette Canyon day starts with Class III warm-up rapids that get you reading the river and working as a team. As the canyon deepens the whitewater builds — twenty-five rapids in total, with the biggest Class III/IV action packed into the second half of the day. The granite walls close in, the river picks up, and the Canyon delivers exactly what you came for.
Early in the trip the boats pull over at Pine Flats Hot Springs — natural geothermal pools right at the river’s edge. Dip your feet in, stand under the falls, and take in the scenery. It’s a fun stop before the biggest water of the day, when conditions allow.
Big Falls is one of the most powerful and spectacular waterfalls on the South Fork Payette Canyon. Guests portage around the falls on rocky terrain — everyone helps carry the boat and gear, and your guides are right there with you on the tricky parts. Take your time, watch your footing, and soak it in.
After the portage, the Class III/IV rapids that follow are the highlight of the day.
Before the second half of the Canyon your guide prepares a full riverside lunch — including Noi’s homemade cookies, which guests have been raving about for years.
A short 20-minute shuttle back to your vehicle — with great bus tunes and cold beverages. You earned them.
After the Canyon the real storytelling begins. Back at headquarters guests change, browse PRC merchandise, and swap stories about the rapids they just ran. Then Sean pulls up the slideshow — photos he shot from his kayak while you were on the water. Every run, every face, every moment captured from river level. Everyone laughs, photos are available for purchase at a reasonable price, and it’s the perfect send-off to a day on the South Fork Payette Canyon.
The South Fork Payette Canyon pairs perfectly with our overnight and multi-day packages — the only trips of their kind on the entire Payette River system.
With our 1 Day/1 Night Overnight you can run the Canyon before or after your night at Camp Woopie, our beautiful private riverside camp.
On our Multi-Day trips day two takes you directly off Camp Woopie and onto the Canyon without ever getting in a vehicle. Float out of camp and straight into the best whitewater of the trip. And if one day on the South Fork Payette Canyon isn’t enough — you can run it twice. Some guests do exactly that.
South Fork Payette Canyon trips run daily from 9:45am to 3:30pm. Minimum age 12.
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. The portage around Big Falls and the ramp at the takeout are the most physically demanding parts of the day. Your guides will be there to help you through every step.
$149 per person
The Canyon section runs daily throughout the season. Call Ginger at (208) 720-7039, email ginger@payetterivercompany.com, or book directly online.