Whitewater Rafting Near Boise Idaho
Coming to Boise in the summer? Plan a whitewater rafting trip!
From the Boise River to the Payette River, rafting in Idaho is a can't miss, summer tradition.
Bear Valley Rafting is a family-owned whitewater rafting outfitter on the Payette River in Banks, Idaho. Just a straight shot up Highway 55 and less than an hour from downtown Boise, we’ve been sharing this river with guests since 1990. With decades of experience on the Payette, we know how to help first-timers and thrill-seekers alike read the water, build confidence, and have an unforgettable day on the river.
Four runs, four moods: an easy splash for kids and first-timers, a full-day float with lunch on the beach, a fast-paced Class IV thrill ride, or an all-day whitewater adventure through miles of the river’s biggest challenges. Same guides. Same river. Same passion for showing people why the Payette keeps them coming back.
Idaho earned its nickname as the Whitewater State for a reason! For Boise families, summer often means floating the Boise River — a relaxing tradition just minutes from downtown. But when you’re ready to trade the calm current for bigger waves, exciting rapids, and a true Idaho adventure, the Payette River is waiting just up Highway 55. As a family-owned outfitter in Banks, Idaho, Bear Valley Rafting knows this river inside and out, and we know how to create a trip that’s exciting, safe and fun for every level of experience.
Choose your adventure: enjoy a family-friendly trip through splashy Class II and III rapids, relax on a full-day float with a riverside lunch, or take on the challenge of Class IV whitewater with our full-day South Fork Canyon trip and half-day South Fork Staircase trip. No matter which run you choose, our experienced guides are there to make sure you have the perfect balance of adventure, confidence, and fun.
From the first splash as your raft hits the Payette to the rush of navigating legendary rapids and sharing stories over a riverside BBQ, Bear Valley Rafting delivers the kind of Idaho adventure that turns first-time rafters into lifelong river lovers.
Looking to build your skills? Our Kayak School offers instruction for beginners and experienced paddlers alike, with expert instructors ready to help you learn, improve, and enjoy even more time on the water.
Did You Know?
- While the Boise River float season officially runs from mid to late June through Labor Day, whitewater rafting season on the Payette River with Bear Valley Rafting runs May through September.
- The American Whitewater Association developed a system called the international scale of river difficulty, to rate rapids. Rapids are classified from Class I to VI. The family-friendly whitewater rafting trips that Bear Valley Rafting guide consist of Class II and III rapids. Class II rapids are defined as being straightforward and having wide, clear channels. Occasional maneuvering may be necessary but hazards are easily avoided. Class III rapids are moderate with irregular waves. Complex maneuvering in fast current and good boat control are required. Our more adventurous half-day whitewater rafting trips and full-day whitewater rafting trips include Class IV rapids which are defined as intense and powerful rapids that require precise boat control and fast maneuvering under pressure.
- Whitewater rafting is a great family reunion activity or team building retreat. We offer group whitewater rafting rates for groups of 12 or more rafters.
Still not sure if whitewater rafting is right for you?
Check out what our customers have to say about whitewater rafting with Bear Valley Rafting.
Bear Valley Rafting offers Half-day and Full-day rafting trips near Boise, Idaho.
Take on the iconic white water of the Payette River! With 4 total runs, Bear Valley Rafting keeps rafters coming back for more. Come enjoy the beautiful scenery on Idaho’s most popular whitewater run.
We offer whitewater rafting trips to accommodate everyone from the total novice to the seasoned veteran.
Call 208.793.2272
for more information
Half-Day Rafting Trips
We offer two half-day Payette River Rafting trips down either the Main or South Fork of the Payette river. Come enjoy the beautiful scenery on Idaho’s most popular whitewater run.
Full-Day Rafting Trips
We offer two full-day Payette River Rafting trips down either the Canyon-South fork or Cabarton-North fork. All of our full-day trips include lunch prepared by your guide!
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.
