Payette River family white water rafting

Relaxing Floats & Moderate Whitewater

Looking for a more "chill" rafting trip?

With fun and approachable family-friendly white water raft trips, our rafting experiences offer the perfect combination of splashy rapids and relaxing floating. Experience beginner white water rafting on the Payette River near Boise, Idaho, with our white water rafting company. Rafters of all experience levels can enjoy Idaho's best white water rafting trips for beginners with our professional and entertaining guides. Our river trips cater to families seeking friendly float trips and memorable experiences. Whether you're new to river rafting or a seasoned adventurer, our family rafting excursions promise thrilling rapids and scenic landscapes, making it the ultimate rafting experience on the Payette River near Boise, Idaho.

Why Raft These Sections of the Payette?

Enjoy a family white water rafting trip along the stunning Payette River with Cascade Raft and Kayak. This adventure offers class III white water rapids, perfect for all skill levels. Some sections of these trips offer gentle currents and picturesque surroundings that help you unwind amidst nature's beauty. These calm sections are complemented by moderate rapids, offering the perfect balance of relaxation and excitement. Expert guides will ensure the best white water rafting for families and a stress-free rafting experience.

REVIEWS

  • Perfect experience!

    “A perfect experience for my first time whitewater rafting. Every staff member we encountered was upbeat, positive, and absolutely hilarious. They made the experience so memorable. Dawson was our guide. He was knowledgeable and did a great job teaching us to navigate the river. My only regret is that we only booked a half day! We will be back & booking a full-day adventure next time. Thanks again to the crew!”

    Courtney Delisle

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    "We had the best time rafting! Our guide was so funny; he had quite the script of jokes up his sleeve. The fun literally started from the moment we got on the bus and didn't end until we climbed off the raft. This was my first experience whitewater rafting and all of their staff made me feel secure and safe. They did a great job educating us about water safety before we got on the raft. Such a great time!"

    Robin

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    "What an AMAZING experience. My boyfriend and I visited from SLC and can’t stop talking about how much fun this trip was. The whole crew was so fun but HIGHLY safety oriented. Our raft guide Oliver made sure our whole group was safe, even through some intense rapids. Highly recommend if you’re looking for an adventure!"

    Abigail

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    "Highly recommend going white water rafting with Cascade Raft & Kayak! We are locals who booked a trip with friends who were visiting Idaho. This was the highlight of their visit and we are already planning another trip! Dawson was our guide. He is an incredible human and professional who made our experience even more enjoyable!"

    Garrett

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    "My grand daughter who is 8 and I had a blast. This experience is highly recommended from the both of us for anyone planning on visiting or live in the area. We had Patrick on our boat and he was very professional, had a lot of good information that he shared with us. He made sure my grand daughter felt safe and encouraged her to sit on the front of the raft like she was riding a buffalo. She had a blast and was smiling the whole time. Thank you for the great time that we will remember forever."

    Stacey

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    "Shane was a great guide, loves what he does and is good for both vital instructions and a good story too. We did the Canyon All Day and highly recommend. Gorgeous scenic trip with bursts of adrenaline followed by serene moments. Was sad when it ended, will be back w this outfit. All personnel were friendly, funny and competent."

    Richard

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    "This was my second trip with Cascade Raft & Kayak and it was fabulous!! Not only was the half day plunge a blast but even the bus trip was fun! The guides were great and we especially enjoyed Phillip who kept us laughing most of the way down the river. The office staff was friendly and accommodating and the price was right! Can’t wait to hit the full day trip next summer!!"

    Shelly

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    "Our family group of 5 did the half day “rush” and had the absolute best time! Katie was our guide and was so much fun and taught us everything we needed to know to successful navigate the adventurous rapids. This was one of my favorite activities I’ve never done and cannot wait to make it an annual tradition with Cascade Raft & Kayak."

    Stephanie

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    "We had a blast! Our guide Henry was amazing especially with my son who was really scared at first but ended up jumping out of the raft and swimming in the river with me a few times. Thanks for an unforgettable experience!"

    Carissa

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    "If you're looking for a great trip with great guides, Cascade Raft & Kayak is the place to go. This is my second year in a row doing the class 3 and 4 rapids and I have been impressed each time! Will be a repeat customer for years to come!"

    Rhiannon

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    "I’ve now done this full day adventure trip twice because I love it so much. When I had some friends visiting me from out of town it was the first thing I scheduled. What really makes it so good is the quality of the river guides. They’re so good at what they do; you feel safe while they create a super fun atmosphere for the trip. And the rapids are no joke."

    Luke

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    "My sister and best friend and I did the South Fork Half Day trip (level 3 and 4 rapids) for our 40th birthday. It was an AWESOME way to celebrate! Our guide, Megan, did a FANTASTIC job guiding us, we couldn’t have been more pleased with our experience. Highly recommend!"

    Janica

Payette River Group Rafting Adventures

Whether it's a business meeting, wedding, family reunion, friends gathering, youth group outing, or employee party, we specialize in creating unforgettable events that your crew will cherish for years to come! Feel the exhilaration of whitewater excitement and the delight of sharing it with others. Our experienced and friendly staff, along with the invigorating outdoor ambiance, will provide your group, no matter the size, with an incredible summer adventure that will be etched in their memories forever.

LEARN MORE

Payette Whitewater Rafting FAQs

  • What age is necessary to participate in the Class II-III Payette River white water rafting?

    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. 


  • What is the capacity of a single raft for white water rafting on the Payette River?

    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.

  • What attire is recommended for our Payette River white water rafting excursion?

    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.


  • What items are essential to bring for our rafting trip on Idaho's Payette River?

    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.


  • Do the Class II-III trips require me to paddle the raft?

    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.


  • In the event of rain on the day of my whitewater rafting trip, what should I expect or do?

    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!


What will your next river memories be?