Half-day of fun.
Whitewater Rafting Trips.

Looking For a Half-day Adventure?

Make a splash and book your trip today!

Select a date and time on the calendar below or Call 208.793.2272 for more info.

Please be advised that Bear Valley Rafting Co. will do everything possible to accommodate all reservations but we will not guarantee a reservation until the reservation is confirmed by one of our staff via the telephone. We require 48 hours notice prior to your departure time for online reservations. Please telephone us if necessary. All reservations require a 50% deposit and any trips canceled within one week of the trip become non-refundable. All trips go out daily rain, snow or shine

Quickly find available trips on our calendar using the colors below:

Half-Day Main Payette (ages 4+)

Full-Day Cabarton - North Fork Payette (ages 4+)

Half-Day Staircase - South Fork Payette (ages 12+)

Full-Day Canyon - South Fork Payette (ages 12+)

Bear Valley Half-Day Rafting Trips

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Half-Day
Main Payette

Moderate - Class II & III

Kids 4+

Whether you are a first-time floater or just want to relax and enjoy the beautiful scenery on Idaho’s most popular whitewater run, this trip is for you. Sandy beaches and great swimming holes on the main fork of the Payette River highlight this excursion, but you’ll also get a taste of rafting that famous Idaho whitewater.

Learn More About Our Half-Day Trips

$56 adults
$39 kids 4-12 years old
$53.00 age 65+ (new senior pricing)

Half-Day
Staircase-South Fork Payette

Advanced - Class III & IV

Must be 12+

This trip combines exciting whitewater rafting and beautiful scenery along the south fork of the Payette River. You will tear down the barrel of the famous Staircase, a quarter-mile-long class IV rapid guaranteed to take your breath away. This trip requires some serious coordinated paddling as you plunge through rapids like Bronco Billy and Slalom. An adrenaline thrill you won’t soon forget!

Learn More About Our Half-Day Trips

$68

Book Your trip Now

Call 208.793.2272 for more info.

We offer whitewater rafting trips to accommodate everyone from the total novice to the seasoned veteran.

They say it's a Splash!

"Bear valley river co was an amazing experience all around! We changed party size, and which tour we took, and they were so accommodating it was fantastic. Matt our guide for the day was the absolute best! He gave us a great briefing before the serious rapids and kept us safe and having an absolute blast the entire time! I cannot recommend bear valley and especially Matt any more! A must do if you are looking to cool off on a warm summer day or even if you are looking for an exciting out on the river! 10/10!"
-- Derack
"Bear Valley is awesome! While driving to McCall for the first time, I spotted some rafters on the river and decided to organize for a small group. I was the least experienced so I chose the class II and III half day ride. Even though it was very cold in the morning when we arrived, it warmed up quickly and we had an amazing time! Kordo was such a fun guide and ensured we all had a positive experience. I would absolutely recommend the half day main payette trip for all ages!"
-- Samantha R.
"We went on our first ever rafting trip today. We did the half day main, and it was awesome! Emily was amazing! She made our first rafting trip fun, exciting, and so memorable. We will definitely come back!"
-- Cassandra S.

Bear Valley River Co.

We are a small town company with an unbelievable staff, that love to come each day to the Center of the Universe for the WHITE WATER!! We pride ourselves in having the most experienced guides on the Payette River, they are licensed through the Idaho Guides and License Board, First-Aid/CPR certified, and most have taken upon themselves to be Swiftwater Certified through Sierra Rescue/Rescue 3 International. The staff goes through an extensive training program every Spring regardless if they have been here 2 years or 15 years to practice their skills. Our guides will show you their passion for the rivers through their humor but more than anything their experience and safety.

Come join us for a Payette River adventure you'll never forget.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long are trips?

Half Day trips are approximately 8 miles in length and you should plan on about 3 hours. Full Day trips are between 12-14 miles in length and leave Banks at 9:15am for Canyon and 9:30 for Cabarton and returning to Banks at about 4pm.

What should I wear?

Closed-toe shoes that will not fall off your feet. Board shorts or swim suit; water-wicking, no cotton!
Hat/sunglasses

What should we bring with us?

Leave all valuables that can not get wet. Plenty of sunscreen, water bottles and plenty of water, towel for after your trip, and a change of clothes. You should wear whatever you feel comfortable getting wet in, swimsuits, shorts, rash guards, etc. also bring shoes or sandals that can get wet and stay attached to your feet. Signed Waiver.

How many people can fit into the rafts?

6-8 for the Main Payette and Cabarton trips. 6 for the Staircase and Canyon trips.

What days are you open and hours?

ear Valley runs trips 7 days per week May-September. Reservation and office hours are 7am-10pm daily.

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 the obtain this license. Although not required most Bear Valley guides 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 and have years and years of whitewater experience.

Should I tip my guide? And how much?

Gratuity is greatly appreciated, as with any other service job 10-20% of your trips cost is customary.

Is there any extra gear needed or provided?

Bear Valley provides all needed gear for our trips. Paddles, PFD (lifejacket), and Helmets are the basics. On cooler day's 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. PFD's must be a whitewater certified jacket and be at least TYPE III our provided PFD's are TYPE V. No lake or water ski jackets will be accepted.

Do you take photos?

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

Do I need reservations?

We do require reservations. With that said we try our hardest to accommodate late reservations and walkins. Call our office anytime and we will help get you the best trip for your group.

Half-day of fun.Whitewater Rafting Trips.