River Rafting Trips in Idaho

Boise is a great place, especially for those who enjoyday, and going for a swim is all part of the fun.
the outdoors. It really offers travelers the best of bothIf you're up for something more challenging, the South
worlds -- fun activities like river rafting, skiing, and hiking,Fork of the Payette features a Class IV roller coaster
plus big-city dining, entertainment, and nightlife.called the Staircase. Both full and half-day trips operate
Visitors can spend a full day snowboarding, shootingall summer long.
the rapids, or fly fishing, and then be back in Boise forRiver rafting trips on the Salmon River.
dinner in one of the great restaurants or a show. BoiseOnce you try a one-day or half-day rafting trip, you
has several concert venues and the award-winningmay return wanting more. If you have enough time,
Idaho Shakespeare Festival, which performs inthere are five- and six-day trips on the Middle Fork of
summer on the banks of the Boise River,the Salmon River. These go through the River of No
In July and August, temperatures can soar past 100Return Wilderness area. This is one of the most
degrees and when that happens, locals head for thebeautiful stretches of water in the Northwest -- and
Boise River. Floating down the river is a summerwith more than 100 sets of rapids, one of the most
tradition that most residents due at least once a year.exciting.
If you have two cars, park one in Ann Morrison parkOver the course of the trip, you'll descend from 6,000
and drive the second to Barber Park. If you don't haveto 3,000 feet. You can hike to hot springs and
two cars, shuttle service between the two parks iswaterfalls, and you'll likely see lots of wildlife along the
available. At Barber Park, you can rent everything youway. The cost includes meals, transportation,
need to float the river. They have tubes, rafts, andaccommodations in tents or cabins, and more. Trips
kayaks available. The season ends after Labor Dayare available from early June through September and
weekend.cost around $2,000 per person.
The water is always cool, there are a few beachesFive-day trips are also available on the Main Fork of
along the river bank, and several bathrooms along thethe Salmon River, which drops 1,200 feet in 89 miles.
way. The current will take you to Ann Morrison Park inBoth sides of the river are lined with pine forests and
a couple of hours.the water is a crystal-clear blue green. Swimming and
River rafting trips on the Payette River.sunbathing on the sandy beaches are pleasant
For a little more exciting ride, try the Main Payettepre-dinner activities.
River, which is about an hour from Boise. Trips leaveRiver rafting trips on the Snake River.
from Banks and cover eight miles of river. Along theHell's Canyon is the deepest gorge in America and the
way, you'll experience some Class II rapids, includingSnake River runs right through it. The river forms part
Mike's Hole. Half-day trips take about three hours andof the Idaho/Oregon border and it's a real thrill ride with
are a good way for first-timers to see how they likeClass IV rapids from the very first day. As you raft
river rafting.through the canyon, the cliffs tower nearly 8,000 feet
The scenery here is beautiful and there are a coupleabove you. It's a breathtaking experience you'll never
of sandy beaches where you can sun, if time permits.forget. And if you're lucky, you'll have smallmouth bass
The water is cold enough to be refreshing on a hotor sturgeon from the river for your dinner.