Cascade Raft & Kayak Reviews
Since 1985, we’ve guided families, first-timers, and thrill-seekers down Idaho’s Payette River — and 5.0 stars across 1,670+ reviews say we’re doing it right. Here’s what a day on the river with us is really like, in our guests’ own words.
Since 1985 we've guided families, first-timers, and thrill-seekers down the Payette. Here's what a day on the river with us is really like — in our guests' own words.
Main Payette — Family & First-Timers
"Our family had a great time! Jackson was the best guide, and we were treated kindly and with respect. We will definitely be back to do more!"
"Tren made the experience fun and memorable — the history, the river, the wildlife, running the rapids in a fun way, yet safe. We give you an 11 out of 10 on the fun scale."
"You guys run a very professional operation with a positive, fun crew. We were all first-timers and it was perfect!"
"An absolutely superb time. Nate was an expert guide in every way. Safety was a big issue for us with a 75- and 76-year-old in our party, and your care made everyone feel secure. We felt the 'family enterprise' mentality and loved all of it!"
"Olivia was amazing. When people fell out of the raft in the middle of a Class III, she kept her composure and we had a fantastic time."
See our family-friendly Class II–III trips →
South Fork — Class III–IV Thrills
"I'd give Cascade a perfect 10 out of 10 for customer service, friendliness, efficiency, organization, and professionalism. Your business is operated at a much higher level than any I've experienced."
"We had a great trip on the South Fork! I would do this float again in a heartbeat. The guides catered to how our group wanted to float — more than we hoped for!"
"My first time and I was a little nervous, but Dustin was very knowledgeable and made the trip fun. My first South Fork rafting trip was FANTASTIC!"
"Chase was fantastic — skilled, friendly, and entertaining."
Explore the South Fork trips →
North Fork Cabarton & Full-Day
"Thank you to all the staff for making our rafting experience so memorable. We had a lot of laughs, and none of us would change a thing about Cascade Raft."
"Our guide Casey was phenomenal — knowledgeable, with a wonderful personality. We had a great time and we will definitely be back!"
"We did the full-day Payette trip and are still full of the excitement, fun, and adventure. I was so impressed with all the staff — professional and knowledgeable, but having a great time, which spread to all of us."
See the Cabarton "Escape" full-day trip →
Kayak School
"The instructors were excellent — patient, knowledgeable, friendly, and helpful. I had almost no experience, but my confidence rose exponentially. I am hooked!"
Learn to kayak with our school →
Group & Reunion Trips
"Our group had a really great time. The guides were fantastic, and the ladies at the main desk were great — all around, the service was wonderful! Thank you for the use of the BBQ space; it really helped bring our group together. We hope to make this a yearly tradition!"
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