Family-Friendly Class II–III Rafting on the Payette River

Children as young as 5 can join our Main Payette or North Fork Cabarton "More Chill" rafting trips, provided they feel comfortable with the water. 

Our diverse selection of rafts caters to various trip types, ensuring a perfect fit for your needs. Opt for our family-friendly excursions on the Main Payette and Cabarton rivers, where we offer rafts designed to accommodate 6 to 9 paddlers alongside the guide. For those seeking a more adventurous experience on the South Fork (both full and half day trips), our rafts comfortably seat 6 paddlers plus the guide. It's essential to note that these capacity guidelines are subject to adjustments for safety purposes, taking into consideration water levels and the total weight of rafters. If you have any specific inquiries or require tailored accommodations for your group, don't hesitate to reach out to us. Our team is delighted to assist you in planning the perfect rafting experience.

To ensure your comfort during the trip, we recommend wearing water-appropriate attire that can get wet, like a swimsuit, nylon shorts, a t-shirt, and river sandals or water-friendly tennis shoes. It's best to avoid wearing cotton clothing, except during the hot summer months. If you encounter colder water or cooler weather conditions, worry not, as we provide wetsuits and other insulating gear at no additional cost. For your convenience, our river center is equipped with changing rooms featuring lockers and restrooms, so don't forget to bring a change of clothes for after the adventure. Your comfort is our priority, and we want you to have an enjoyable experience from start to finish.

For an enjoyable rafting trip, we highly recommend bringing essential items such as sunscreen, water, a hat, and a towel. If you wear glasses or sunglasses, it's wise to have a secure strap for them. Not to worry, as our gift shop offers Chums glasses retainers and waterproof phone cases for purchase, ensuring your belongings stay safe and dry. Please be mindful that everything you bring with you is likely to get wet, so plan accordingly. For added convenience, we provide complimentary lockers at the River Center to safeguard any valuables you wish to keep secure and dry throughout the journey. Kindly note that glass containers and alcohol are prohibited on the river at all times. Your safety and enjoyment are of utmost importance to us, and we want to make your rafting experience as memorable and hassle-free as possible.

On the North Fork Cabarton and Main Payette "chill" trips, not everyone needs to paddle. While the guide will rely on the assistance of most participants, those who are unable to paddle, such as younger children, are welcome to ride along or participate to the best of their ability.

Our rafting trips operate regardless of the weather conditions; rain or shine, we're ready to go. During the Idaho summer, showers are uncommon and usually isolated, passing swiftly. Therefore, we do not alter our scheduled departures in advance due to weather. Rest assured, we will supply all the required equipment, such as wetsuits and splash jackets, to ensure your comfort on the water. After all, you're going to get wet anyway!