What better way to spend your summer than on a whitewater rafting adventure? Idaho is the perfect location for this type of activity. Not only does it offer different types of water levels from class I – IV, but also there are many rivers that you can choose from. The Payette River has many great opportunities for those looking to get into the sport, and is an excellent choice for family bonding time.
Idaho is home to many great whitewater rafting rivers such as the South Fork of the Boise River. This is a great option for someone who really wants to get some adventure in, but does not have much time. It’s only about an hour from Idaho Springs and offers class II-III rapids that are perfect for beginners or those looking to sharpen their skills before moving onto something more difficult.
The hardest river to raft in Idaho is the Salmon River that offers class IV rapids which is for very experienced rafters. The Salmon River starts in central Idaho and runs through southern Idaho, giving you a lot of opportunities to raft it no matter where your location is.
One of the best family friendly white water rafting rivers in Idaho is the Payette River. It is Idaho’s longest river and offers a variety of rafting options including the class II-III Upper Payette, Lower Karwendel, The Middle Fork which starts near McCall in central Idaho.
The North Fork of the Boise River is another great option for beginners that want to take on some rapids with family and friends.
The most important thing to remember when rafting Idaho’s rivers is that you should wear a life jacket at all times. They’re made especially for the unpredictable whitewater conditions and will keep your head above water in those moments of panic. The rivers are cold so wet suits can be worn in the spring and summer.
For those planning a whitewater rafting adventure, considering all aspects of comfort and safety is essential. Along with the usual gear, a high-quality robe can be a game-changer for moments of chill before and after rafting, or during breaks. It’s worth exploring options like the alternatives to Dryrobe, which are specially designed for watersports. Offering both warmth and privacy, these robes are ideal for any water-related outdoor activities
Above all, Idaho’s whitewater rafting is a great way to spend time with your family and enjoy the beauty of Idaho at its best.
For first time white water rafters, we recommend the Middle Fork of Idaho’s Salmon River, which starts near McCall in central Idaho. The North Fork of the Boise River is another great option for beginners that want to take on some rapids with family and friends.
For those that are more daring and want a true whitewater adventure, the Main Salmon River in Idaho is a great choice. It’s one of the most difficult rivers to raft, but provides you with some amazing whitewater rapids and gorgeous scenery throughout its 130+ mile course through central Idaho.
For those who want an extreme whitewater adventure, we recommend the remote and wild Owyhee River in Eastern Idaho. This is one of the few rivers where you can experience a true wilderness adventure rafting through some of Idaho’s most rugged terrain as well as Class IV rapids.
There are many whitewater rafting trips available at Idaho’s many beautiful rivers. Whether you want to take on the rapids with your family, or experience a true wilderness adventure rafting through some of Idaho’s most rugged terrain, white water rafting in Idaho is an excellent summer time activity for all ages and abilities.
Tamarack Resort offers whitewater rafting day trips departing daily from the resort with a variety of whitewater grades. In total, there are eight rafting trips to choose from and each offers something different in terms of fun rapids and scenic beauty during Idaho’s spectacular summer months.
Payette River: The classic white water trip through central Idaho on progressively more difficult stretches of the river offer a perfect combination of swift currents and scenic beauty.
Salmon River: This challenging river offers Idaho’s most remote whitewater rafting experience complete with stunning views of the Sawtooth Mountains. It is known as a trip for those at an intermediate level or higher who are looking for something more intense than what is found on other rivers in Idaho,
There is no better way to experience the beauty of Idaho than whitewater rafting on the Payette River or any of Idaho’s other pristine rivers throughout the state.