Cabarton – North Fork Payette – Full-Day Trips
This is a great run for the whole family and groups of all experience levels! Grab your group and enjoy the abundant Idaho wildlife during the relaxing calm stretches down the Payette River, followed by some thrilling and splashy whitewater rapids. Hold onto your hat (and your group!) as you drop into your final descent at Howard’s Plunge! Lunch is provided on one of the many beautiful beaches that line the Payette River along the way.
- Age Range: 4+
- Rafting Experience: Beginner/Moderate - Class II & III rapids
- Length of trip: Full-Day
Daily Departure Time: 9:30 am
A full day on the Cabarton Run of the North Fork of Payette River
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bear Valley Rafting the same company as Cascade Raft & Kayak?
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.
Can anyone whitewater raft?
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.
What training is required of your guide staff?
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.
What happens if the weather is bad?
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.
Do I need reservations?
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.
Do I have to be part of a group, or can I go on my own?
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.
Is Payette River rafting good for beginners?
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.
How much experience do you need?
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.
Is the drive from Boise to Bear Valley Rafting difficult?
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.
What is the minimum age to go rafting?
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.
Cancellation policy
- Online reservations are available more than 24 hours prior to departure times. Please call us at 208.793.2272 if wishing to schedule less than 24 hours prior to a trip.
- All online reservations require payment in full and a minimum 50% deposit is due when booking by phone.
- Please be advised that Bear Valley Rafting Co. will do everything possible to accommodate all reservations, but we will not guarantee a reservation until a deposit has been placed.
- Please know that we require 7 days advance notice for cancellations to receive a full refund. If canceling with less than 7 days notice, 50% of your total trip cost will be non-refundable, but can be used towards a rescheduled trip or put into a gift certificate. Trip cancellations with less than 48 hours advance notice are non-refundable and non-transferable.
- If your reservation size changes, we require a final headcount 48 hours in advance of your trip. If you arrive with fewer participants than you are booked for, you will be charged for the total number booked. If you have more, we cannot guarantee we will have space, so please give us a call before heading up to ensure we have enough spots/equipment/guides (you will be charged for additional participants).