Idaho Activities
Whitewater Rafting

With more than 16,000 miles of rivers and streams to its credit, it's no wonder that Idaho is considered a top destination for whitewater rafting. Approximately 31,000 whitewater river miles stretch across the state, ranging from the gentler riffles and small waves of a Class II river to the exhilarating rapids of a Class V.

Photo courtesy ROW Adventures, Coeur d'Alene, ID.

Idaho's mountainous terrain and vast stretches of undeveloped forestland provide the ideal setting for river exploration. The Snake River (near Idaho Falls) and Salmon River, (in the center of the state), are among Idaho's most popular rivers for organized tours of class III-IV rivers. The Payette, near Boise in the south western part of the state, ranges the gamut, from docile class I rapids suitable for young children and first-timers to the rollicking turbulence of a class V+. The Payette's Staircase Rapids, which is class III-IV, is a popular destination for both experienced rafters and organized river rafting tours.

For those who do prefer to ROW Adventuresraft with a group, Idaho has no shortage of white water tour companies. Some companies focus a specific geographic area or set of rivers, while other larger companies advertise tours in several states. Most offer set tours ranging from two hours to a full day of rafting; a few will customize a tour on an individual basis. Longer tours generally include stops for lunch and short breaks. Multi-day trips often include camping facilities with catered meals with return transportation in a company vehicle. The preferred time of year to raft depends upon the river, but summer is often an excellent time to raft, when Idaho's warm mountain weather is at its best.

Alphabetical Listing of Idaho Guides and Outfitters

Rafting Guides & Outfitters Listed by River:

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