Guide to Idaho's Rivers

For the Family Getaway

Getting on the river is a great way to vacation as a family; there are numerous activities to be done both on and off the water. A few rivers and their adjacent towns in Idaho make for some great family fun, whether for a day, a weekend, or even longer. The first is the Lower Salmon River as accessed by the town of Riggins, a town known for its river activities. The Salmon River has undergone a mighty personality change, from once going by “the river of no return” to now being called “the riviera of the west” due to its mellow waters and white sand beaches. This section of river is mellow enough for all family members to enjoy a nice adventure doing some whitewater rafting and kayaking. There are numerous outfitting companies to choose from, many of whom have special packages or trips for families. For a true family treat, mark your calendars for the annual Riggins Big Water Blowout River Festival in June. In addition to the usual on-water activities (offered with discounts for the weekend), this festival also has a Dutch Oven Cook-Off Contest and great live music in the evening to enjoy the first river day of the summer.

If you’re in the Boise area, book a trip down the Main Payette River 45 minutes away in the Boise National Forest. Whether booking a half- or full-day, you’ll enjoy the versatility of this portion of river which has fun, moderate rapids as well as slower moving areas for swimming, paddling, and floating. If your kids are a little older and ready for some adventure, try the South Fork Payette. Although you’ll travel farther to get there—about 1.5 hours from Boise—the rapids are fun, the scenery serene, and the hot springs scattered along the way are a treat.

For the New Adventurer

Before heading into Class V rapids with a new kayak or raft, it’s important to get your feet wet—literally—in some of the tamer river waters that Idaho has to offer. The Main Payette River as accessed by the town of Banks is a great beginners spot with pool and drop rapids ranging from Class II to Class III or moderate rapids. An ideal training ground for first-time rafters and kayakers, this put-in location is often quite busy during high season. At just 32 miles from Boise, this is the perfect day trip for those living or visiting the area.

The Middle Fork of the Salmon River has something for all abilities—family, beginner, intermediate, and advanced. Beginning in the town of Stanley, the Middle Fork then flows 106 miles through the Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness. Numerous guiding companies in Stanley are available to guide you through the 300 rapids ranging from Class I to Class IV. The isolation of this area makes for a serene getaway where you and your group can experience true Idaho wilderness. Once you’re off the river, enjoy the small town of Stanley and its quaint restaurants, bakeries, gear shops, and hot springs.

For the Experienced Adventurer

Once you’ve gotten some of the easier rivers under your belt, it’s time to take to the wilder rivers for the more experienced adventurer. The Lochsa River (pronounced “Lock-Saw”), a federally designated wild and scenic river, is perfect for both intermediate and advanced water adventurers with its fast, large waves and more than 40 rapids on the main stretch. With names like “Grim Reaper” and “Bloody Mary”, these Class III, IV, and V rapids aren’t for the faint of heart. Local outfitters can help you with 1-, 2-, or 3-day river guiding experiences.

Another section of river for adventuring is the 47-mile “wild and scenic” section of the Selway River. Only 62 permits are given out—the hardest permit to obtain in Idaho’s river lottery—to the lucky few that get to experience Idaho’s Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness from their raft or kayak. Only one launch is allowed per day during the permit season so this trip is perfect for the adventurer looking for solace. Rapids on this section of the Selway range from Class IV to V so only experienced water recreationalists should consider this trip.

For Fun

When it comes to pure, unadulterated fun on the river, look no further than the Boise Whitewater Park. This urban waterpark on the Boise River is perfect for surfing, kayaking, and stand-up paddle boarding (SUP). Three adjustable wave shaper devices in the park create waves for surfing and kayaking year-round. A wave cam on the Boise Whitewater Park’s website shows visitors just what to expect each day.

For more relaxed fun on the river, try floating the Port Neuf River in Lava Hot Springs, Idaho—named one of the best rivers to float by USA Today. Tubes are available for rent at several businesses in town. Those businesses can also provide a handy “tubing map” with where to put in and get out and tips on things to avoid and which bends in the river to take.

For Cruising

Experiencing Idaho’s rivers doesn’t have to mean getting wet; try a river cruise to experience the beauty of the state while staying dry. Head to the southern Idaho town of Hagerman for a scenic cruise on the Snake River. Ninety-minute tours are available year-round, allowing you to witness the beautiful Snake River Aquifer and views of the “Thousand Springs” waterfalls. Enjoy a drink at the bar or even a luxury meal on a dinner cruise.

The northwestern Idaho town of Coeur d’Alene is home to Lake Coeur d’Alene and the St. Joe River where patrons can enjoy the wildlife adjacent to these bodies of water while enjoying a bite to eat and a drink on a local cruise. There are a range of cruises to choose from in the area whether you’re looking for a holiday, charter, dinner, or scenic cruise. Daily 90-minute cruises explore the lake’s Northern Bays while a longer six-hour cruise explores the lake and river more thoroughly.