Frequently Asked Questions – Bear Valley Rafting

No, they’re two separate, independently owned outfitters running trips on the Payette River near Boise. Bear Valley Rafting has operated since 1990. Cascade Raft & Kayak has run trips since 1985. Different owners, different guide teams, easy to mix up by name alone.

We have rafting options for everyone! Our half-day Main Payette raft trip and full-day Cabarton North Fork Payette raft trip are great options if you’re looking to bring the whole family or if you have members in your group looking for a fun day on the water with nothing too intense.

All guides are licensed through the Idaho Guides and License Board through the State of Idaho. A certain amount of training and First Aid/CPR is involved to obtain this license. Although not required, most Bear Valley guides also have Swiftwater Rescue training and more advanced First Aid training (EMT, WFR, Outdoor Emergency Care, etc.). This is a passion for all of our guides and staff. Many are world-class kayakers (check out our amazing kayak school!) and have years and years of whitewater experience.

We raft rain or shine! In the event of cooler or rainy weather, we provide full body wetsuits, including neoprene overalls, jackets, and booties, as well as splash jackets free of charge. As any local will tell you, wait five minutes and the weather will likely change! We do experience rain, wind, and wildfire smoke at times throughout the summer and have fun and enjoyable trips in all of these conditions.

We do require reservations. With that said we try our hardest to accommodate late reservations and walk-ins. Call or email our office anytime and we will help get plan the best trip for your group.

We love solo travelers! We welcome groups of all sizes, including groups of one. Smaller groups and solo travelers will be combined to fill each raft for maximum paddle power and friendly camaraderie.

Absolutely. The Main Payette near Banks is a Class II and III run and is one of the best options on the river for first time rafters and families. You don’t need any previous whitewater experience. Your guide will handle all of the navigation and teach you everything you need to know before you hit the rapids. Your job is to listen, paddle when your guide tells you to and enjoy the ride. If your group is looking for something more challenging, Bear Valley also offers Class III and IV trips for guests ages 12 and up.

On our family-friendly Class II/III trips, the half-day Main Payette raft trip and the full-day Cabarton North Fork Payette raft trip, we welcome participants of all experience levels, from beginner to expert. On our more adventurous Class III/IV trips, the half-day Staircase South Fork Payette raft trip and the Full-day Canyon South Fork Payette raft trip, we highly recommend participants have at least some previous rafting experience.

Not at all. Highway 55 takes you directly from the Boise area toward Banks and the Payette River, about a 55 minute drive from downtown Boise. Once you leave the Treasure Valley, the road becomes more winding as it follows the river through the foothills and mountains. Give yourself plenty of time, enjoy the scenery, and avoid rushing the drive.

On our family-friendly Class II/III trips, the half-day Main Payette raft trip and the full-day Cabarton North Fork Payette raft trip, we welcome kids as young as 4 years old. On our more adventurous Class III/IV trips, the half-day Staircase South Fork Payette raft trip and the full-day Canyon South Fork Payette raft trip, we require all participants be at least 12 years old.

The closest whitewater rafting to Boise is on the Payette River near Banks, Idaho, which is about 55 minutes north on Highway 55. Bear Valley Rafting and a handful of other outfitters run guided trips there, making whitewater rafting an easy half-day or full-day trip from anywhere in the Treasure Valley.

On our family friendly whitewater rafting trips, kids as young as 4 can enjoy the whitewater experience. We generally recommend they have spent time in the water and enjoy getting splashed and trying new things. For our more adventurous trips, kids need to be at least 12 and 100lbs in order to fit into an adult-sized life jacket. They’ll need to be able to help paddle, so we recommend they are ready to be fully invested in their whitewater experience and prepared to end up in the water, as participants do fall in from time to time.

At Bear Valley Rafting, half-day Payette River trips start around $67 per adult, while full-day trips start around $119 per adult. Full-day trips include a riverside lunch prepared by your guide, so you get a full day on the river without having to worry about packing your own lunch.

The price of your Bear Valley trip includes your experienced guide, raft, paddle, personal flotation device and helmet. Depending on the season and weather conditions, Bear Valley may also provide additional cold-water gear such as wetsuits, splash tops and neoprene booties.

Bear Valley Rafting Co. is located off Highway 55 in Banks, Idaho just South of the intersection with the Banks-Loman Road. Parking is available for rafters and visitors to the Coffee + Convenience shop.

We don’t have specific weight restrictions as our personal flotation device options will accommodate people of any size. On our family-friendly Class II/III trips, the half-day Main Payette raft trip and the full-day Cabarton North Fork Payette raft trip, we can accommodate people of most physical abilities. Be aware that the river banks are rocky and uneven, so we recommend some level of comfort navigating such terrain. On our more adventurous Class III/IV trips, the half-day Staircase South Fork Payette raft trip and the full-day Canyon South Fork Payette raft trip, we do require participants be in good physical health and physical shape, as there is more technical paddling and terrain navigation required.

Bring everything you’ll want for before and after your trip, including a towel, dry clothes, sunscreen and anything else you may need for the rest of your day. You’ll want to leave anything that can’t get wet or could easily be lost behind when you head onto the river. Bear Valley recommends secure footwear that can get wet and quick-drying clothing rather than cotton.

Bear Valley runs trips 7 days per week May-September. You can  email us anytime or call us during our office hours at 7am-10pm daily.

Don’t compare the ticket price alone. Look at what’s included, how long you’ll actually be on the river, whether lunch or additional equipment is provided and what kind of experience your group is looking for. At Bear Valley, you’re not just paying for a seat in a raft. You’re getting an experienced guide, the necessary river equipment and a full day or half-day adventure on the Payette.

We’re typically open May 1st through the week past Labor Day in September. We run our Class II/III trips, the half-day Main Payette raft trip and the full-day Cabarton North Fork Payette raft trip, all summer long and are generally able to run our Class III/IV trips, the half-day Staircase South Payette raft trip and the full-day Canyon South Fork Payette raft trip, through the end of August as long as water levels remain high enough. 

Your adventure starts at Bear Valley Rafting in Banks, where you’ll check in, get ready and meet your guide. Your guide will provide the necessary safety equipment, including a personal flotation device, helmet and paddle, and walk your group through the basics before you head to the river.

Once you’re on the water, you’ll spend about three hours rafting approximately eight miles of the Main Payette. Some sections are calm and scenic, while others bring the splashy Class II and III rapids that make the Payette so much fun. Your guide will tell you when and how to paddle and steer the raft through the rapids. You don’t need to know how to navigate whitewater before you arrive.

After your trip, you’ll return to the Bear Valley area, where you can change into dry clothes. Bear Valley has riverside changing rooms available for guests.

Class III whitewater typically features large, splashy waves and some maneuvering around rocks to make sure the raft runs down the correct line. Class IV is considerably more technical, requiring careful navigation of multiple obstacles (rocks, river bends, hydraulic features), to find the perfect spot for the safest, best splash.

8-9 for our half-day Main Payette rafting trips and full-day Cabarton North Fork Payette rafting trips. 6 for our half-day Staircase South Fork Payette rafting trips and full-day Canyon South Fork Payette trips. 

Tips aren’t required, but they are always appreciated. Raft guides work hard to make your trip safe, fun and memorable, and tipping is a common way to show your appreciation for a job well done. If your guide made your day on the river especially memorable, a tip is a great way to let them know.

Absolutely!! We take photos of all of our trips through some of the more exciting rapids. After you return, you can view and purchase photos at our site or also online.

We do! We offer group rates on whitewater rafting trips for groups as small as 12 people. Whether you’re interested in a whitewater rafting trip for a family reunion or a corporate retreat or team building rafting trip, we’d love to get you scheduled. Give our office a call or email us to learn more.

Absolutely! When it’s safe and appropriate, your guide will give you the option to hop in and swim.

For all trips, parking and check-in are located at Bear Valley Rafting at 7864 ID-55 in Banks. Follow the signs and staff instructions when you arrive. We have outdoor cubbies for items like clothing and towels, but we recommend leaving valuables such as wallets and phones locked in your vehicle. Our office staff will happily keep your car keys secure in the office while you’re on the river.

If you finish your first trip and decide you’re ready for something bigger, the Payette has plenty of options. Bear Valley’s Staircase and Canyon trips on the South Fork are Class III and IV adventures and require participants to be at least 12 years old. These trips involve more technical whitewater and require stronger, more coordinated paddling.

For a first rafting experience, though, the Main Payette is a great place to start. You get a genuine Idaho whitewater experience, plenty of excitement and beautiful scenery without needing prior rafting experience.

Half-day whitewater rafting trips are approximately 8 miles in length and take about 3 hours from the time you arrive to the time you leave. Approximately, 1.5-2 hours of your time will be spent on the river. Full-day whitewater rafting trips are between 12-14 miles in length and take 6-7 hours from the time you arrive to the time you leave. Approximately 4 hours will be spent on the river, not including a stop for lunch.

Bear Valley Rafting offers special pricing on its beginner-friendly runs, with rates starting at $49 for kids ages 4–12 and $60 for seniors ages 65 and older. Age requirements and pricing vary by river section. The Main Payette is the most family-friendly option and welcomes younger rafters, while the more challenging South Fork trips have a minimum age of 12.

Plan to arrive with enough time to park, check in and get ready before your scheduled departure. We recommend arriving at least 30 minutes before your trip so you’re not rushing when it’s time to head to the river.

Bring sunscreen, water, a towel and a complete change of clothes for afterward. You might want to bring snacks or drinks to enjoy before or after your trip, or you can purchase them from our cafe. We don’t have the ability to store personal items on the rafts unless they’re medically necessary, so please leave valuables and anything you don’t want getting wet at home. Don’t forget to bring your signed waiver!

Bear Valley Rafting provides the essentials, including a helmet, personal flotation device and paddle. On cooler days we also provide additional gear such as wetsuits, splash tops and neoprene booties to help keep you comfortable on the water. If you want to bring your phone on the water, consider a waterproof case or dry bag with a secure closure.

Wear a swimsuit with quick-drying clothes over the top. You’ll also want secure footwear that can get wet, such as old sneakers, water shoes or sandals with a back strap. Skip the flip-flops. The river likes to eat them.

What you wear can vary depending on when you visit. Summer trips are typically warm and sunny, but the Payette River itself stays cold, so quick-drying layers are your best friend. For early and late-season trips, when air temperatures can be cooler, you may want an extra layer for before and after your trip. Bear Valley can also provide wetsuits, splash tops and neoprene booties when conditions call for additional protection from the cold.

You’ll want to bring a towel and a complete change of dry clothes to leave in the car for afterward. And while sunscreen is a must, remember that anything you bring onto the raft has the potential to get wet, so leave valuables and anything you don’t want to lose at home.

Wear clothes you’re comfortable getting wet in. A swimsuit, board shorts, rash guard or other quick-drying, water-friendly clothing works well. Avoid cotton, which stays wet and can leave you feeling cold.

You’ll also need footwear that can get wet and will stay securely on your feet. Water shoes, secure sandals or similar footwear work well. Don’t wear flip-flops or anything that could easily come off in the river. A hat and sunglasses can also be helpful, but make sure they’re secure.

Yes! We have river-side changing rooms that you can use to change into something warm and dry at the end of your rafting adventure.

Cell service can be inconsistent once you get farther into the mountains. It’s a good idea to have your directions pulled up before you leave Boise and know your destination address before starting the drive.

Bear Valley provides all needed gear for our trips. Paddles, PFDs (lifejackets), and helmets are the basics. On cooler days or for Spring trips, we provide full wetsuits, splash tops, and neoprene booties. If you choose to bring your own gear, it will have to be checked over by our staff. PFDs must be whitewater certified jackets and be at least TYPE III (our provided PFDs are TYPE V). No lake or water ski jackets will be accepted.

No. Your rafting trip may begin at a different location along the Payette River depending on which run you’ve booked. Start by checking in at Bear Valley Rafting’s location in Banks. From there, our team will take care of the transportation and trip logistics.

We recommend having some swimming experience but it’s not required. On our more adventurous trips, there will be times where you will need to swim back to the boat, but all participants are required to wear a Personal Floatation Device (PFD) to help you float.

If you’re traveling with a larger group, arriving together is always helpful when possible. If your group is bringing multiple vehicles, give us a call ahead of time if you have questions about parking or arrival logistics.

Participants are more than welcome to bring snacks/drinks to enjoy prior to or after your trip, but we don’t have the ability to store items on the rafts, unless they’re medically necessary.

On our half day trips, the Main Payette raft trips and the Staircase South Fork Payette raft trips, we offer refreshments after the trip. Additional refreshments are available for purchase prior to your trip. On our full day stretches, the Cabarton North Fork Payette raft trips and the Canyon South Fork Payette raft trips, lunch is provided, as well as snacks on the shuttle ride back. We’re able to accommodate most dietary restrictions through modification of our provided full day lunch options. 

If booking online or over the phone, we welcome all forms of card payments. When booking in person, you can pay with cash, card, or check.

All necessary gear (PFDs, wetsuits, river booties) is included in your trip cost. As an additional service, we do have photographers who take action shots from the river banks, which are available for purchase online after your trip. We also recommend bringing cash along to tip your guides at the end of your trip.

Gratuities are greatly appreciated. As with any other service jobs, 10-20% of your trip cost is customary.

Great question! As our river system is dam controlled, this will change depending on the stretch and month. The South Fork of the Payette, where the full-day Canyon raft trip and the half-day Staircase raft trip are located, is fed from the bottom of the Deadwood reservoir, so it tends to be on the cooler side. The North Fork of the Payette, where the full-day Cabarton raft trip is located, is fed from the top of the Cascade Reservoir, so it tends to be a fair bit warmer. The half-day Main Payette raft trip  is a combination of these two forks so it’s somewhere in between. The water is always warmer in later summer months, whereas snow melt in the spring brings the overall water temp down a bit.

There are lots of camping options available near Garden Valley or off of Highway 55, as well as hotel options in Boise, Eagle, and Garden City. If you’re looking to head North, camping and hotels in Cascade and camping and hotels in McCall are also available. 

In June, we typically experience cooler temps and higher water. This is the best time to go if you’re looking for the extra high-water thrill! It’s also our slowest time of the year in terms of crowds, which is great if you’re looking for a less busy rafting experience. In July, we see hotter temps, moderate river flows, and larger crowds, as we enter the true summer rush. We see the same temps and crowds carry through into August, with lower river flows and warmer water temps. Whatever month you book your whitewater rafting trip in, it’s sure to be a great day on the river!

We have both 6-7 and 8-9 person rafts. On our family friendly Class II/III trips, the half-day Main Payette raft trip and the full-day Cabarton North Fork Payette raft trip, we use both sizes of rafts. On our more adventurous class III/IV trips, the half-day Staircase South Fork Payette raft trip and the full-day Canyon South Fork Payette raft trip, we only use our 6-7 person rafts. If your group is larger than the capacity of one boat, we’ll spilt you into as many boats as needed! Note: The total person count does not include your raft guide.

Half Day trips are approximately 8 miles in length. Your group should plan on about 3 hours for this adventure.