Bear Valley Rafting Co.

Full Extracted Text Corpus 185,598 chars · 30,865 words · 27 pages ▶ click to expand Everything bearvalleyrafting.com said about itself — extracted verbatim from 27 pages, 30,865 words total. No editorial layer. No inference. Law III — the text is the measurement. Meaning is the reader's. Minted: 2026-07-23T18:51:09Z ◈ Homepage — https://bearvalleyrafting.com/ Skip to main content Skip to footer Looking for a summer job? Apply now 208.793.2272 About BVR Contact us Book Your Trip! Half-Day Trips Full-Day Trips School Idaho Rafting Planning Buy Photos Rafting In Idaho. Bear Valley Rafting Style. Whitewater Rafting on the Payette River, Only a 55 Minute Drive from Boise Half-Day Trips Full-Day Trips Bear Valley Whitewater Rafting Trips Experience the fun and excitement of a Payette river rafting trip, an easy day trip from anywhere in the Treasure Valley Bear Valley Rafting is located in beautiful Banks, Idaho in the Boise National Forest, along Highway 55 between Boise, ID and McCall, ID. We’re less than an hour from downtown Boise! That makes our river rafting trips the perfect option for a thrilling day trip. Come by yourself or bring your friends, family, church group or coworkers to enjoy the thrill that navigating whitewater with a certified/swiftwater rescue trained guide can bring. Whether you’re driving in from Boise or McCall, or anywhere in between, nothing’s better on a hot summer’s day than splashing around in the refreshingly cool water of the Payette River. Half-Day and Full-Day Whitewater Rafting Trips on the Payette River 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. Starting at: $67 Per Adult Book A Half-Day Trip Learn More About Our Half-Day Trips 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! Starting at: $119 Per Adult Book A Full-Day Trip Learn More About Our Full-Day Trips They say it's a Splash! Don't just take our word for it. Take a look at what people have to say after rafting with Bear Valley Rafting. View All Testimonials 5/5 I have been in the Whitewater rafting business for 15 years. This company is professional, courteous, and full of Whitewater knowledge. If you want to have a safe and fun time on the Payette River, go rafting with Bear Valley! Ben W. 5/5 Bear Valley is a great outfit. Great guides and a fun time. We brought the family visiting from California and they are hooked on rafting now. Stephanie was a great guide with a boat with different skill levels. She was informative and fun! Bonus that it is just outside Boise! We look forward to coming back again and bringing out of town visitors also! Zach H. 5/5 Had such a fun day rafting main fork of the Payette. Our guide Savvy was awesome to our son with special needs and our two young daughters. Bear River made the experience very memorable and we hope to make this a yearly tradition. Brad B. 5/5 As part of our family reunion this week, we rafted the Payette on Tuesday and loved our experience with Bear Valley. …We had a mix of children and adults and some with previous Payette experience and others with none. … We could not have asked for a better experience. This was just our first time with Bear Valley; it won’t be our last! Holly B. 5/5 The guide was very good, the equipment was in good condition and the rafting trip was a blast! We will absolutely use Bear Valley Rafting for future trips. Kerrie L. B. 5/5 I have been in the Whitewater rafting business for 15 years. This company is professional, courteous, and full of Whitewater knowledge. If you want to have a safe and fun time on the Payette River, go rafting with Bear Valley! Ben W. 5/5 Bear Valley is a great outfit. Great guides and a fun time. We brought the family visiting from California and they are hooked on rafting now. Stephanie was a great guide with a boat with different skill levels. She was informative and fun! Bonus that it is just outside Boise! We look forward to coming back again and bringing out of town visitors also! Zach H. 5/5 Had such a fun day rafting main fork of the Payette. Our guide Savvy was awesome to our son with special needs and our two young daughters. Bear River made the experience very memorable and we hope to make this a yearly tradition. Brad B. 5/5 As part of our family reunion this week, we rafted the Payette on Tuesday and loved our experience with Bear Valley. …We had a mix of children and adults and some with previous Payette experience and others with none. … We could not have asked for a better experience. This was just our first time with Bear Valley; it won’t be our last! Holly B. 5/5 The guide was very good, the equipment was in good condition and the rafting trip was a blast! We will absolutely use Bear Valley Rafting for future trips. Kerrie L. B. 5/5 I have been in the Whitewater rafting business for 15 years. This company is professional, courteous, and full of Whitewater knowledge. If you want to have a safe and fun time on the Payette River, go rafting with Bear Valley! Ben W. 5/5 Bear Valley is a great outfit. Great guides and a fun time. We brought the family visiting from California and they are hooked on rafting now. Stephanie was a great guide with a boat with different skill levels. She was informative and fun! Bonus that it is just outside Boise! We look forward to coming back again and bringing out of town visitors also! Zach H. 5/5 Had such a fun day rafting main fork of the Payette. Our guide Savvy was awesome to our son with special needs and our two young daughters. Bear River made the experience very memorable and we hope to make this a yearly tradition. Brad B. See what it’s like to raft with Bear Valley Rafting Bring the whole family for an out-of-the-box adventure that prioritizes fun and safety. Whether you're a first-time rafter or a returning thrill-seeker, our guided whitewater rafting trips on the Payette River are the perfect mix of excitement, safety, and unforgettable moments. Our certified/swiftwater rescue trained guides are here to make sure your experience is as smooth as it is fun. From our super easy check-in experience to our thorough safety briefing to our epic rafting runs, see why so many choose Bear Valley Rafting for their Idaho river adventures. Make It a Family Adventure Fuel up before you paddle out About Bear Valley Rafting With 36 years of experience, Bear Valley Rafting knows how to make your whitewater rafting and kayaking adventures safe, fun and unforgettable. Book Your Trip Now Locally-Owned & Operated Skillfully guiding rafters down the Payette River since 1990 Safety First Licensed, experienced guides provide expert training and support Trips for All Skill Levels From true beginner to advanced, we have a rafting trip for you Iconic Idaho Scenery Enjoy epic whitewater surrounded by the stunning Boise National Forest Great Customer Experiences Our reviews say it all, we’re fun, professional, and specialists in making every trip memorable Outfitted for Adventure We provide all needed gear, including helmets, PFDs and paddles, plus lunch on full-day trips Call 208.793.2272 for more information Your Perfect Day on the Payette River Starts Here With half-day and full-day whitewater rafting trips for beginning and experienced rafters, plus kayak lessons for all skill levels, Bear Valley Rafting makes every day a good day for you and your group to be on the river. Family Whitewater Rafting in Idaho Have a family reunion or get-together coming up? Want to spice it up with a fun day on Idaho's beautiful Payette River near Boise? Bear Valley Rafting can help! Family Adventure Bear Valley Kayak School Beginner to advanced, we can help you on your journey into the amazing world of whitewater kayaking. We are offering several options: Intro to Kayaking, Semi Private Groups and One-on-One Private Lessons. Learn to Kayak Business and Team Building Have business clients in town to entertain, or you want to treat your employees to a unique team-building exercise, Bear Valley Rafting can help you plan a great day of business on the river. Lean More Let's Do this. Payette River Rafting, that is. We offer whitewater rafting trips to accommodate everyone from the total novice to the seasoned veteran. Book Your Trip Now Ready To Go River Rafting? Bear Valley Rafting is the ideal place to fulfill your true Idaho whitewater river rafting experience. t. 208.793.2272 t. 1.800.235.2327 [email protected] 7864 Idaho 55, Banks, ID 83602 BOOK A TRIP Half-Day Trips Full-Day Trips Kayak School BVR Guide School Rafting Trip Photos ABOUT BVR About Bear Valley Rafting Testimonials See For Yourself Partners Contact Us Employment QUICK LINKS Rafting in Idaho Whitewater Rafting Near Boise Idaho Whitewater Rafting Near McCall Idaho Whitewater Rafting in Cascade Idaho Frequently Asked Questions Coffee + Convenience SIGN UP FOR OUR NEWSLETTER © 2026 Bear Valley River Co. All Rights Reserved. ◈ Interior Pages — 27 pages crawled Kayak & Rafting Guide Schools | Bear Valley Rafting, Banks Idaho Skip to main content Skip to footer Looking for a summer job? Apply now 208.793.2272 About BVR Contact us Book Your Trip! Half-Day Trips Explore Our Half-Day Trips Bear Valley Rafting offer two half-day Payette River rafting trips down either the Main or Staircase (South Fork) of the Payette River: Main Payette Raft Trip Staircase South Fork Payette All Half-Day Trips Buy Your Rafting Trip Photos Book Main Payette Book One of these Half-day Trips Now Book Main Payette Trip Book Staircase Trip Full-Day Trips Explore Our Full-Day Trips Bear Valley Rafting offers two full-day Payette River rafting trips down either the Cabarton (North Fork) or the Canyon (South Fork) of the Payette River: Cabarton – North Fork Payette Canyon – South Fork Payette All Full-Day Trips Buy Your Rafting Trip Photos Book One of these Full-day Trips Now Book A Cabarton Trip Book A Canyon Trip School Kayak School Rafting Guide School Idaho Rafting Rafting in Idaho Rafting near Boise, Idaho Rafting near Cascade, Idaho Rafting near McCall, Idaho Locations: Bear Valley Rafting is central located on Highway 55 between Boise and McCall. Find out more about the locations around the valley and how easy it is to go on a Bear Valley Rafting trips Planning What's it like to raft the Payette River? Plan Your Bear Valley Rafting Trip: Explore the links below to find everything you need to know to plan your next Bear Valley whitewater rafting trip. Plan Your Whitewater Rafting Trip Family Whitewater Rafting in Idaho Family Reunion Whitewater Rafting Business & Team Building Whitewater Rafting Trips Group Whitewater Rafting Outings Coffee + Convenience Idaho Whitewater Rafting FAQs Buy Your Rafting Trip Photos Gift Certificates Buy Photos Book Your Trip! Bear Valley Rafting Schools Bear Valley Rafting puts the cool in school! Come learn a new hobby or hone your skills, at Bear Valley Rafting’s Kayak School, or get ready to be the best of the best and learn to be a rafting guide at our Guide School. Whichever one is right for you, we promise there will never be a dull moment while these schools are in session! Call 208.793.2272 for more information Kayak School Beginner to advanced, we can help you on your journey into the amazing world of whitewater kayak ing. We are offering several options: Intro to Kayaking, Semi Private Groups and One-on-One Private Lessons. Learn to Kayak Bear Valley Rafting Guide School If you love spending time on the river and the rush that comes from masterfully navigating whitewater, then Bear Valley Rafting’s River Guide school might be for you. Learn to River Guide Ready To Go River Rafting? Bear Valley Rafting is the ideal place to fulfill your true Idaho whitewater river rafting experience. t. 208.793.2272 t. 1.800.235.2327 [email protected] 7864 Idaho 55, Banks, ID 83602 Book a Trip Half-Day Trips Full-Day Trips Kayak School BVR Guide School Rafting Trip Photos About BVR About Bear Valley Rafting Testimonials See For Yourself Partners Contact Us Employment Quick Links Rafting in Idaho Whitewater Rafting Near Boise Idaho Whitewater Rafting Near McCall Idaho Whitewater Rafting in Cascade Idaho Frequently Asked Questions Coffee + Convenience Sign up for our Newsletter --> © 2026 Bear Valley River Co. All Rights Reserved. Main Payette Half-Day Rafting | Class II–III | Bear Valley Rafting Idaho Skip to main content Skip to footer Looking for a summer job? Apply now 208.793.2272 About BVR Contact us Book Your Trip! Half-Day Trips Explore Our Half-Day Trips Bear Valley Rafting offer two half-day Payette River rafting trips down either the Main or Staircase (South Fork) of the Payette River: Main Payette Raft Trip Staircase South Fork Payette All Half-Day Trips Buy Your Rafting Trip Photos Book Main Payette Book One of these Half-day Trips Now Book Main Payette Trip Book Staircase Trip Full-Day Trips Explore Our Full-Day Trips Bear Valley Rafting offers two full-day Payette River rafting trips down either the Cabarton (North Fork) or the Canyon (South Fork) of the Payette River: Cabarton – North Fork Payette Canyon – South Fork Payette All Full-Day Trips Buy Your Rafting Trip Photos Book One of these Full-day Trips Now Book A Cabarton Trip Book A Canyon Trip School Kayak School Rafting Guide School Idaho Rafting Rafting in Idaho Rafting near Boise, Idaho Rafting near Cascade, Idaho Rafting near McCall, Idaho Locations: Bear Valley Rafting is central located on Highway 55 between Boise and McCall. Find out more about the locations around the valley and how easy it is to go on a Bear Valley Rafting trips Planning What's it like to raft the Payette River? Plan Your Bear Valley Rafting Trip: Explore the links below to find everything you need to know to plan your next Bear Valley whitewater rafting trip. Plan Your Whitewater Rafting Trip Family Whitewater Rafting in Idaho Family Reunion Whitewater Rafting Business & Team Building Whitewater Rafting Trips Group Whitewater Rafting Outings Coffee + Convenience Idaho Whitewater Rafting FAQs Buy Your Rafting Trip Photos Gift Certificates Buy Photos Book Your Trip! The Main Payette – Half-day Trips Whether you are a first-time river rafter or just want to relax and enjoy the beautiful scenery on Boise’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 don’t worry, your group will also get a taste of rafting that famous Idaho whitewater. $67 Adults $49 Kids 4-12 years old $60 Age 65+ Age Range: 4+ Rafting Experience: Beginner/Moderate - Class II & III rapids Length of trip: Half-Day Daily Departure Times: May 1 – June 12; September 1 – September 7 Daily trips 9:45 am, 1:30 pm & 5:00 pm June 13 – August 31 (Peak Season) Monday – Thursday 9:45 am, 1:30 pm & 5:00 pm Friday – Sunday 9:45 am, 11:30 am, 1:30 pm, 3:00 pm & 5:00 pm Book Now! Your half-day white water rafting trip down the Main Payette River Our rafting trips are led by the most experienced whitewater rafting guides on the Payette River, who incorporate their passion for the river into every whitewater rafting trip they lead. With three weekday departures, even more on weekends, and just a short drive from Boise, whether you’re a beginner or an expert, this half-day experience is perfect for you! Find Bear Valley Rafting Get driving directions to Bear Valley Rafting Book Now! Frequently Asked Questions Do you offer group rates? 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. How much should I tip my guide? Gratuities are greatly appreciated. As with any other service jobs, 10-20% of your trip cost is customary. How can I pay for the raft trip? 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. What is your cancellation policy? We’ll provide a full refund, including your deposit, if trips are cancelled more than 7 days in advance. For trips canceled within 7 days but more than 48 hours, 50% of your total trip cost will be non-refundable, but can be used towards a rescheduled trip or rolled into a gift certificate. We are unable to provide any form of refund, credit, or rescheduling if canceling with less than 48 hours notice. Please note, you will be charged for the total number of participants booked, even if you show up with less. We also will not be able to guarantee that we can accommodate additional participants. Please finalize your group numbers well in advance to ensure there is room for everyone and you aren’t overpaying for people who don’t come. Are there any expenses beyond the trip itself that I’ll need to pay for? 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. Not finding the right answers? View All Bear Valley Rafting FAQs 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). Rafting Risks Our whitewater rafting trips are run by licensed, experienced, and professional guides. On certain trips safety kayakers join us in providing a safer trip. However, as with any outdoor activity, a certain amount of risk is involved. You will be required to sign a Participant Agreement form before you join our trips. Children under 18 must have a parent or legal guardian sign. Safety instruction are also covered before we get on the river. We are partners with the Boise National Forest and Idaho Outfitters & Guides Licensing Board. Ready To Go River Rafting? Bear Valley Rafting is the ideal place to fulfill your true Idaho whitewater river rafting experience. t. 208.793.2272 t. 1.800.235.2327 [email protected] 7864 Idaho 55, Banks, ID 83602 Book a Trip Half-Day Trips Full-Day Trips Kayak School BVR Guide School Rafting Trip Photos About BVR About Bear Valley Rafting Testimonials See For Yourself Partners Contact Us Employment Quick Links Rafting in Idaho Whitewater Rafting Near Boise Idaho Whitewater Rafting Near McCall Idaho Whitewater Rafting in Cascade Idaho Frequently Asked Questions Coffee + Convenience Sign up for our Newsletter --> © 2026 Bear Valley River Co. All Rights Reserved. Team Building Rafting Trips on the Payette River | Bear Valley Rafting Skip to main content Skip to footer Looking for a summer job? Apply now 208.793.2272 About BVR Contact us Book Your Trip! Half-Day Trips Explore Our Half-Day Trips Bear Valley Rafting offer two half-day Payette River rafting trips down either the Main or Staircase (South Fork) of the Payette River: Main Payette Raft Trip Staircase South Fork Payette All Half-Day Trips Buy Your Rafting Trip Photos Book Main Payette Book One of these Half-day Trips Now Book Main Payette Trip Book Staircase Trip Full-Day Trips Explore Our Full-Day Trips Bear Valley Rafting offers two full-day Payette River rafting trips down either the Cabarton (North Fork) or the Canyon (South Fork) of the Payette River: Cabarton – North Fork Payette Canyon – South Fork Payette All Full-Day Trips Buy Your Rafting Trip Photos Book One of these Full-day Trips Now Book A Cabarton Trip Book A Canyon Trip School Kayak School Rafting Guide School Idaho Rafting Rafting in Idaho Rafting near Boise, Idaho Rafting near Cascade, Idaho Rafting near McCall, Idaho Locations: Bear Valley Rafting is central located on Highway 55 between Boise and McCall. Find out more about the locations around the valley and how easy it is to go on a Bear Valley Rafting trips Planning What's it like to raft the Payette River? Plan Your Bear Valley Rafting Trip: Explore the links below to find everything you need to know to plan your next Bear Valley whitewater rafting trip. Plan Your Whitewater Rafting Trip Family Whitewater Rafting in Idaho Family Reunion Whitewater Rafting Business & Team Building Whitewater Rafting Trips Group Whitewater Rafting Outings Coffee + Convenience Idaho Whitewater Rafting FAQs Buy Your Rafting Trip Photos Gift Certificates Buy Photos Book Your Trip! Business and team building whitewater rafting trips Team building trips When done right, team building can really help build a stronger team at work by increasing trust, improving communication, and showing the value of working together to solve problems. Sadly, Many of us have seen examples of team building exercises gone wrong, leaving employees even more disengaged. But, if you’re lucky enough to work in Southwest Idaho, a half-day or full-day whitewater rafting trip on the beautiful Payette river could be the perfect team building experience. Call 208.793.2272 for more information and group rates Four critical factors for a great team building experience: Communication Trust building Problem-solving Decision-making Most of our trips will have between 6 and 8 people on the raft, working together with our the guide to navigate the river. Even though everyone is having fun, people still need to work together and have great communication to get the most from the experience. While on the river, you will get immediate feedback on your communication skills with your fellow rafters, and people quickly learn to adapt their communication to align with their fellow rafters. The river won’t stop flowing to give your team time to sort things out, so everyone must quickly come to trust their guide and their fellow rafters. The ever-changing rapids on the Main Payette , Cabarton , Staircase , and Canyon portions of the Payette river will test your team’s problem-solving and decision skills over the course of their trip down the Payette. Starting with our safety talk, we stress the importance of working as a team to achieve goals on the river-keeping everyone together and having a great time. During the trip, we continually work the group as a team with drills – practice that will be put to the test when we hit the rapids. Your employees will come out of this fun, experienced with increased confidence, self-reliance, and most importantly, trust. Let us whip your team into shape with a one or multi-day team building trip. We have many options at Bear Valley Rafting, and we’re happy to help you plan the perfect custom whitewater rafting trip for your team. Take your clients out for a unique Idaho experience In business, relationships matter. People like to work with people they know. Spending time with your clients outside traditional business settings can really help you and your clients build a long-term relationship. A golf trip or dinner at an upscale restaurant is nice, but why not take the opportunity to impress your clients with something different and exciting? A day on the Payette river offers your clients a very memorable experience in a classic Idaho setting. A whitewater rafting trip with your clients offers many advantages over more traditional client outings, such as: No phones or distractions, just one-on-one time with your clients Connect with your clients on a more human & casual level Make a lasting impression Forge closer ties over a shared experience Entertaining clients and building bonds with them will take work, but your effort will pay off when you show your clients that they are special to you and that you’re willing to do more than the typical dinner out. The team at Bear Valley Rafting is here to help, too. You can book your trip, or even better, contact us, and we will help you plan out the perfect rafting trip for your clients. Our team will help with arrangements, payment and scheduling, so all you need to do is focus on your clients when you arrive at our facilities in Banks, Idaho. Reward your top employees with a gift card from Bear Valley Rafting Recognizing high-performing employees goes a long way to keeping those employees fully engaged at work. While most people would appreciate a coffee gift card occasionally, why not mix things up and give the gift of an outdoor adventure? Bear Valley Rafting offers a range of gift certificates for half-day and full-day whitewater rafting trips and also kayak lessons . Buy a Bear Valley Rafting Gift Certificate Frequently Asked Questions Where are you located, and is there parking available? 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 Is BVR Coffee + Convenience open year round? No. Right now we are open during the summer only. Our hours are 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM daily during the rafting season (typically Memorial Day Weekend – Labor Day. We’re open 7 days a week to serve rafters and travelers. Is BVR Coffee + Convenience open to the public or just rafters? Everyone is welcome! Our coffee shop is open to the public as well as whitewater rafters and kayakers. Whether you’re booked on trip with Bear Valley Rafting Co. or just passing through Banks, Idaho, stop by for a coffee, snack, ice cream and more! How long are rafting trips? 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. Can I bring my own food or drinks? 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. How cold is the water? 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 Canyon Full-Day Rafting | South Fork Payette | Bear Valley Rafting Skip to main content Skip to footer Looking for a summer job? Apply now 208.793.2272 About BVR Contact us Book Your Trip! Half-Day Trips Explore Our Half-Day Trips Bear Valley Rafting offer two half-day Payette River rafting trips down either the Main or Staircase (South Fork) of the Payette River: Main Payette Raft Trip Staircase South Fork Payette All Half-Day Trips Buy Your Rafting Trip Photos Book Main Payette Book One of these Half-day Trips Now Book Main Payette Trip Book Staircase Trip Full-Day Trips Explore Our Full-Day Trips Bear Valley Rafting offers two full-day Payette River rafting trips down either the Cabarton (North Fork) or the Canyon (South Fork) of the Payette River: Cabarton – North Fork Payette Canyon – South Fork Payette All Full-Day Trips Buy Your Rafting Trip Photos Book One of these Full-day Trips Now Book A Cabarton Trip Book A Canyon Trip School Kayak School Rafting Guide School Idaho Rafting Rafting in Idaho Rafting near Boise, Idaho Rafting near Cascade, Idaho Rafting near McCall, Idaho Locations: Bear Valley Rafting is central located on Highway 55 between Boise and McCall. Find out more about the locations around the valley and how easy it is to go on a Bear Valley Rafting trips Planning What's it like to raft the Payette River? Plan Your Bear Valley Rafting Trip: Explore the links below to find everything you need to know to plan your next Bear Valley whitewater rafting trip. Plan Your Whitewater Rafting Trip Family Whitewater Rafting in Idaho Family Reunion Whitewater Rafting Business & Team Building Whitewater Rafting Trips Group Whitewater Rafting Outings Coffee + Convenience Idaho Whitewater Rafting FAQs Buy Your Rafting Trip Photos Gift Certificates Buy Photos Book Your Trip! Canyon – South Fork Payette – Full-Day Trips A perfect group rafting trip for a group that likes a challenge. Strong paddling technique, ability to keep your balance as you help your guide carry your raft around and some whitewater experience is required for this adventurous run. You will navigate the big rapids of Gateway and S-Turn before a mandatory portage at Big Falls. Watch the guides rope the boats over the falls to the deep pool below. Little Falls, Blackadar and Surprise rapids await your arrival below the falls. Don’t forget to enjoy the incredible Idaho scenery, breathtaking granite walls and beautiful ponderosas of the Boise National Forest as you stop to eat your provided lunch on one of the many picturesque beaches along the way. Enjoy the power of one of the prettiest rivers in Idaho as you work together on this epic adventure. $149 Adults Age Range: 12+ Rafting Experience: Advanced - Class III & IV rapids Length of trip: Full-Day Daily Departure Time: 9:15 am Book Now! Get the Full-Day Canyon rafting experience on the South Fork Payette Our rafting trips are led by the most experienced whitewater rafting guides on the Payette River, who incorporate their passion for the river into every whitewater rafting trip they lead. With three daily departure options and only a short drive from Boise, whether you’re a beginner or an expert, this half-day experience is perfect for you! Find Bear Valley Rafting Get driving directions to Bear Valley Rafting Book Now! Frequently Asked Questions 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. 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. 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 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. 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. 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. How do I know if my kids are ready for their first trip? 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. Where are you located, and is there parking available? 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 Are there any weight restrictions or physical requirements? 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. Not finding the right answers? View All Bear Valley Rafting FAQs 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% de Cabarton Full-Day Rafting | North Fork Payette | Bear Valley Rafting Skip to main content Skip to footer Looking for a summer job? Apply now 208.793.2272 About BVR Contact us Book Your Trip! Half-Day Trips Explore Our Half-Day Trips Bear Valley Rafting offer two half-day Payette River rafting trips down either the Main or Staircase (South Fork) of the Payette River: Main Payette Raft Trip Staircase South Fork Payette All Half-Day Trips Buy Your Rafting Trip Photos Book Main Payette Book One of these Half-day Trips Now Book Main Payette Trip Book Staircase Trip Full-Day Trips Explore Our Full-Day Trips Bear Valley Rafting offers two full-day Payette River rafting trips down either the Cabarton (North Fork) or the Canyon (South Fork) of the Payette River: Cabarton – North Fork Payette Canyon – South Fork Payette All Full-Day Trips Buy Your Rafting Trip Photos Book One of these Full-day Trips Now Book A Cabarton Trip Book A Canyon Trip School Kayak School Rafting Guide School Idaho Rafting Rafting in Idaho Rafting near Boise, Idaho Rafting near Cascade, Idaho Rafting near McCall, Idaho Locations: Bear Valley Rafting is central located on Highway 55 between Boise and McCall. Find out more about the locations around the valley and how easy it is to go on a Bear Valley Rafting trips Planning What's it like to raft the Payette River? Plan Your Bear Valley Rafting Trip: Explore the links below to find everything you need to know to plan your next Bear Valley whitewater rafting trip. Plan Your Whitewater Rafting Trip Family Whitewater Rafting in Idaho Family Reunion Whitewater Rafting Business & Team Building Whitewater Rafting Trips Group Whitewater Rafting Outings Coffee + Convenience Idaho Whitewater Rafting FAQs Buy Your Rafting Trip Photos Gift Certificates Buy Photos Book Your Trip! 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. $119 Adult $89 kids 4-12 years old $107 age 65+ Age Range: 4+ Rafting Experience: Beginner/Moderate - Class II & III rapids Length of trip: Full-Day Daily Departure Time: 9:30 am Book Now! A full day on the Cabarton Run of the North Fork of Payette River Our rafting trips are led by the most experienced whitewater rafting guides on the Payette River, who incorporate their passion for the river into every whitewater rafting trip they lead. With three daily weekday departures, more on the weekends, and only a short drive from Boise, whether you’re a beginner or an expert, this half-day experience is perfect for you! Find Bear Valley Rafting Get driving directions to Bear Valley Rafting Book Now! Frequently Asked Questions 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. 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. 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 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. 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. 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. How do I know if my kids are ready for their first trip? 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. Where are you located, and is there parking available? 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 Are there any weight restrictions or physical requirements? 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. Not finding the right answers? View All Bear Valley Rafting FAQs 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 refu Payette River Rafting | Bear Valley Rafting, Banks, Idaho Skip to main content Skip to footer Looking for a summer job? Apply now 208.793.2272 About BVR Contact us Book Your Trip! Half-Day Trips Explore Our Half-Day Trips Bear Valley Rafting offer two half-day Payette River rafting trips down either the Main or Staircase (South Fork) of the Payette River: Main Payette Raft Trip Staircase South Fork Payette All Half-Day Trips Buy Your Rafting Trip Photos Book Main Payette Book One of these Half-day Trips Now Book Main Payette Trip Book Staircase Trip Full-Day Trips Explore Our Full-Day Trips Bear Valley Rafting offers two full-day Payette River rafting trips down either the Cabarton (North Fork) or the Canyon (South Fork) of the Payette River: Cabarton – North Fork Payette Canyon – South Fork Payette All Full-Day Trips Buy Your Rafting Trip Photos Book One of these Full-day Trips Now Book A Cabarton Trip Book A Canyon Trip School Kayak School Rafting Guide School Idaho Rafting Rafting in Idaho Rafting near Boise, Idaho Rafting near Cascade, Idaho Rafting near McCall, Idaho Locations: Bear Valley Rafting is central located on Highway 55 between Boise and McCall. Find out more about the locations around the valley and how easy it is to go on a Bear Valley Rafting trips Planning What's it like to raft the Payette River? Plan Your Bear Valley Rafting Trip: Explore the links below to find everything you need to know to plan your next Bear Valley whitewater rafting trip. Plan Your Whitewater Rafting Trip Family Whitewater Rafting in Idaho Family Reunion Whitewater Rafting Business & Team Building Whitewater Rafting Trips Group Whitewater Rafting Outings Coffee + Convenience Idaho Whitewater Rafting FAQs Buy Your Rafting Trip Photos Gift Certificates Buy Photos Book Your Trip! Payette River Rafting Bear Valley Rafting: Whitewater rafting on Idaho’s legendary Payette River When you think Idaho, the Payette River is what comes to mind. Known worldwide for its pristine snow-melt waters running clear and cool through the rugged remote canyons of Southwest Idaho, the Payette River is a whitewater rafter’s dream! Not only is the whitewater some of the best in the world, the mixture of forest and desert terrain surrounding the river make this area one of the most beautiful to explore and experience by raft. While whitewater rafting can seem intimidating, the Payette River offers a variety of experiences for beginners and experts alike. For beginners, we have half-day whitewater rafting trips on the Main Payette and full-day whitewater rafting trips on the North Fork of the Payette . For more experienced rafters looking for a more exciting thrill, we have half-day whitewater rafting trips on the South Fork of the Payette and full-day whitewater rafting trips on the South Fork of the Payette . Warning: The adrenaline rush that comes as you push off the sandy river shore of the Payette and step into the raft can become addicting! You’ll go from beginner to expert in no time! The excitement you feel as the river pulls the raft into the current is truly one of a kind – there’s really nothing else like it. No motors, no engines, no rockets – just a group of friends and/or family holding paddles and taking in the pristine views of the surrounding natural beauty as you prepare for the first rush of the rapids. The first rapids bring laughter, splashing, and frantic paddling, and then an overwhelming sense of accomplishment. You did it! You took on nature and survived! The fun continues until a lunch break, right on the banks of the beautiful Payette River on our full-day whitewater rafting trips . You’ll feel like a seasoned veteran now, like there’s no rapid you can’t dominate. You’re wrong, of course, but our guides will let you enjoy your moment while ensuring that your overconfidence never puts you in any danger. After lunch, you’ll head back into the rafts and enjoy several more wild rapids. When the sun is high in the sky, the guides will find a perfect spot to cool off and splash around in the water. There might even be some cliff jumping and epic water fights between rafts. The Payette River isn’t just to be conquered aboard a whitewater raft, it’s to be enjoyed while swimming and splashing about. Another water sport that can be enjoyed on the Payette River is kayaking. Many of our guides our world-class kayakers, and we offer Intro to Kayak School, private and semi-private kayak lessons . But when all’s said and done, there’s nothing like whitewater rafting on the Payette River! Whether you’re looking for group rates on whitewater rafting , a one-of-a-kind team building activity , or fun summer activity for your family , Bear Valley Rafting is the perfect way to enjoy the beauty of the outdoors and take in the majesty of the epic Payette River. Contact us to learn more . Half-Day and Full-Day Whitewater Rafting Trips on the Payette River 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. Starting at: $67 Per Adult Book a Half-Day Trip 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! Starting at: $119 Per Adult Book a Full-day Trip Let's Do this. Payette River Rafting, that is. We offer whitewater rafting trips to accommodate everyone from the total novice to the seasoned veteran. Book Your Trip Now Ready To Go River Rafting? Bear Valley Rafting is the ideal place to fulfill your true Idaho whitewater river rafting experience. t. 208.793.2272 t. 1.800.235.2327 [email protected] 7864 Idaho 55, Banks, ID 83602 Book a Trip Half-Day Trips Full-Day Trips Kayak School BVR Guide School Rafting Trip Photos About BVR About Bear Valley Rafting Testimonials See For Yourself Partners Contact Us Employment Quick Links Rafting in Idaho Whitewater Rafting Near Boise Idaho Whitewater Rafting Near McCall Idaho Whitewater Rafting in Cascade Idaho Frequently Asked Questions Coffee + Convenience Sign up for our Newsletter --> © 2026 Bear Valley River Co. All Rights Reserved. Bear Valley Rafting in Action | Photos & Videos | Payette River Skip to main content Skip to footer Looking for a summer job? Apply now 208.793.2272 About BVR Contact us Book Your Trip! Half-Day Trips Explore Our Half-Day Trips Bear Valley Rafting offer two half-day Payette River rafting trips down either the Main or Staircase (South Fork) of the Payette River: Main Payette Raft Trip Staircase South Fork Payette All Half-Day Trips Buy Your Rafting Trip Photos Book Main Payette Book One of these Half-day Trips Now Book Main Payette Trip Book Staircase Trip Full-Day Trips Explore Our Full-Day Trips Bear Valley Rafting offers two full-day Payette River rafting trips down either the Cabarton (North Fork) or the Canyon (South Fork) of the Payette River: Cabarton – North Fork Payette Canyon – South Fork Payette All Full-Day Trips Buy Your Rafting Trip Photos Book One of these Full-day Trips Now Book A Cabarton Trip Book A Canyon Trip School Kayak School Rafting Guide School Idaho Rafting Rafting in Idaho Rafting near Boise, Idaho Rafting near Cascade, Idaho Rafting near McCall, Idaho Locations: Bear Valley Rafting is central located on Highway 55 between Boise and McCall. Find out more about the locations around the valley and how easy it is to go on a Bear Valley Rafting trips Planning What's it like to raft the Payette River? Plan Your Bear Valley Rafting Trip: Explore the links below to find everything you need to know to plan your next Bear Valley whitewater rafting trip. Plan Your Whitewater Rafting Trip Family Whitewater Rafting in Idaho Family Reunion Whitewater Rafting Business & Team Building Whitewater Rafting Trips Group Whitewater Rafting Outings Coffee + Convenience Idaho Whitewater Rafting FAQs Buy Your Rafting Trip Photos Gift Certificates Buy Photos Book Your Trip! See For Yourself Bear Valley Rafting In Action Our trips are led by the most experienced whitewater rafting guides on the Payette River; they incorporate their passion for the river into every whitewater rafting trip. Let's Do this. Payette River Rafting, that is. We offer whitewater rafting trips to accommodate everyone from the total novice to the seasoned veteran. Book Your Trip Now Ready To Go River Rafting? Bear Valley Rafting is the ideal place to fulfill your true Idaho whitewater river rafting experience. t. 208.793.2272 t. 1.800.235.2327 [email protected] 7864 Idaho 55, Banks, ID 83602 Book a Trip Half-Day Trips Full-Day Trips Kayak School BVR Guide School Rafting Trip Photos About BVR About Bear Valley Rafting Testimonials See For Yourself Partners Contact Us Employment Quick Links Rafting in Idaho Whitewater Rafting Near Boise Idaho Whitewater Rafting Near McCall Idaho Whitewater Rafting in Cascade Idaho Frequently Asked Questions Coffee + Convenience Sign up for our Newsletter --> © 2026 Bear Valley River Co. All Rights Reserved. Staircase Half-Day Rafting | South Fork Payette | Bear Valley Rafting Skip to main content Skip to footer Looking for a summer job? Apply now 208.793.2272 About BVR Contact us Book Your Trip! Half-Day Trips Explore Our Half-Day Trips Bear Valley Rafting offer two half-day Payette River rafting trips down either the Main or Staircase (South Fork) of the Payette River: Main Payette Raft Trip Staircase South Fork Payette All Half-Day Trips Buy Your Rafting Trip Photos Book Main Payette Book One of these Half-day Trips Now Book Main Payette Trip Book Staircase Trip Full-Day Trips Explore Our Full-Day Trips Bear Valley Rafting offers two full-day Payette River rafting trips down either the Cabarton (North Fork) or the Canyon (South Fork) of the Payette River: Cabarton – North Fork Payette Canyon – South Fork Payette All Full-Day Trips Buy Your Rafting Trip Photos Book One of these Full-day Trips Now Book A Cabarton Trip Book A Canyon Trip School Kayak School Rafting Guide School Idaho Rafting Rafting in Idaho Rafting near Boise, Idaho Rafting near Cascade, Idaho Rafting near McCall, Idaho Locations: Bear Valley Rafting is central located on Highway 55 between Boise and McCall. Find out more about the locations around the valley and how easy it is to go on a Bear Valley Rafting trips Planning What's it like to raft the Payette River? Plan Your Bear Valley Rafting Trip: Explore the links below to find everything you need to know to plan your next Bear Valley whitewater rafting trip. Plan Your Whitewater Rafting Trip Family Whitewater Rafting in Idaho Family Reunion Whitewater Rafting Business & Team Building Whitewater Rafting Trips Group Whitewater Rafting Outings Coffee + Convenience Idaho Whitewater Rafting FAQs Buy Your Rafting Trip Photos Gift Certificates Buy Photos Book Your Trip! Staircase – South Fork Payette – Half-day Trips 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! $89 Staircase - South Fork Payette Age Range: 12+ Rafting Experience: Advanced - Class III & IV rapids Length of trip: Half-Day Daily Departure Times: 9:45 am, 1:30 pm & 5:00 pm Book Now! A half-day white water rafting trip down the South Fork of the Payette River Our rafting trips are led by the most experienced whitewater rafting guides on the Payette River, who incorporate their passion for the river into every whitewater rafting trip they lead. With three daily departure options and only a short drive from Boise, whether you’re a beginner or an expert, this half-day experience is perfect for you! Find Bear Valley Rafting Get driving directions to Bear Valley Rafting Book Now! Frequently Asked Questions 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. 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. 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 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. 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. 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. How do I know if my kids are ready for their first trip? 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. Where are you located, and is there parking available? 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 Are there any weight restrictions or physical requirements? 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. Not finding the right answers? View All Bear Valley Rafting FAQs 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, Group Rafting Trips on the Payette River | Bear Valley Rafting Idaho Skip to main content Skip to footer Looking for a summer job? Apply now 208.793.2272 About BVR Contact us Book Your Trip! Half-Day Trips Explore Our Half-Day Trips Bear Valley Rafting offer two half-day Payette River rafting trips down either the Main or Staircase (South Fork) of the Payette River: Main Payette Raft Trip Staircase South Fork Payette All Half-Day Trips Buy Your Rafting Trip Photos Book Main Payette Book One of these Half-day Trips Now Book Main Payette Trip Book Staircase Trip Full-Day Trips Explore Our Full-Day Trips Bear Valley Rafting offers two full-day Payette River rafting trips down either the Cabarton (North Fork) or the Canyon (South Fork) of the Payette River: Cabarton – North Fork Payette Canyon – South Fork Payette All Full-Day Trips Buy Your Rafting Trip Photos Book One of these Full-day Trips Now Book A Cabarton Trip Book A Canyon Trip School Kayak School Rafting Guide School Idaho Rafting Rafting in Idaho Rafting near Boise, Idaho Rafting near Cascade, Idaho Rafting near McCall, Idaho Locations: Bear Valley Rafting is central located on Highway 55 between Boise and McCall. Find out more about the locations around the valley and how easy it is to go on a Bear Valley Rafting trips Planning What's it like to raft the Payette River? Plan Your Bear Valley Rafting Trip: Explore the links below to find everything you need to know to plan your next Bear Valley whitewater rafting trip. Plan Your Whitewater Rafting Trip Family Whitewater Rafting in Idaho Family Reunion Whitewater Rafting Business & Team Building Whitewater Rafting Trips Group Whitewater Rafting Outings Coffee + Convenience Idaho Whitewater Rafting FAQs Buy Your Rafting Trip Photos Gift Certificates Buy Photos Book Your Trip! Looking for a Fun Group Adventure? Whitewater rafting for all ages and experience levels Book A Half-Day Trip Book A Full-Day Trip Make a splash with your group by taking a whitewater rafting trip together! Bear Valley Rafting trips are perfect for teams, clients, family reunions, youth activities and more. What could be better than rafting down the exquisite whitewater of the Payette River while enjoying the majesty of the Boise National Forest? Sharing the experience with your friends! Nothing bonds a group faster than the adrenaline rush that comes from conquering rapids. So, grab your team, clients, coworkers, friends, family, Scout group, church group or whoever you can convince to come with you and let us help you plan a day of fun you’ll all remember for years to come. Book your group rafting trip with Bear Valley Rafting today! Select half-day or full-day trips, or call 208.793.2272 for more information and group rates The Main Payette – Half-day Trips $67 Adults $49 Kids 4-12 years old $60 Age 65+ Book Your Trip Now! Beginner/Moderate - Class II & III rapids • 6-8 people per raft • 4+ Whether you are a first-time river rafter or just want to relax and enjoy the beautiful scenery on Boise’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 don’t worry, your group will also get a taste of rafting that famous Idaho whitewater. Daily Departure Times: May 1 – June 12; September 1 – September 7 Daily trips 9:45 am, 1:30 pm & 5:00 pm June 13 – August 31 (Peak Season) Monday – Thursday 9:45 am, 1:30 pm & 5:00 pm Friday – Sunday 9:45 am, 11:30 am, 1:30 pm, 3:00 pm & 5:00 pm Cabarton – North Fork Payette – Full-Day Trips $119 Adult $89 kids 4-12 years old $107 age 65+ Book Your Trip Now! Beginner/Moderate - Class II & III rapids • 6-8 people per raft • 4+ 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 (almost) heart-stopping 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. Daily Departure Time: 9:30 am Staircase – South Fork Payette – Half-day Trips $89 Staircase - South Fork Payette Book Your Trip Now! Advanced - Class III & IV rapids • 6 people per raft • 12+ This trip combines exciting whitewater rafting and beautiful Idaho 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, so bring a group that’s ready to work hard together. An adrenaline thrill you won’t soon forget! Daily Departure Times: 9:45 am, 1:30 pm & 5:00 pm Canyon – South Fork Payette – Full-Day Trips $149 Adults Book Your Trip Now! Advanced - Class III & IV rapids • 6 people per raft • 12+ Strong paddling technique and experience is required for this adventurous run. You will navigate the big rapids of Gateway and S-Turn before a mandatory portage at Big Falls. Watch the guides rope the boats over the falls to the deep pool below. Little Falls, Blackadar and Surprise rapids await your arrival below the falls. Don’t forget to enjoy the incredible scenery, steep granite walls and ponderosa forest. Daily Departure Time: 9:15 am Call 208.793.2272 for more information and group rates. We offer whitewater rafting trips to accommodate everyone from the total novice to the seasoned veteran. 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 online reservations require 100% payment or a minimum 50% deposit by phone at time of booking and full refund if cancelling within 48 hours of your trip. If you have to cancel within 48 hours notice your deposit will become a gift certificate for use at another time. All trips go out daily rain, snow or shine Group Rafting Trips With Bear Valley Rafting Co. GET DIRECTIONS Corporate Team Building What better way to get your employees to work together than with a whitewater rafting trip down the rapids? Cooperation, teamwork, communication and the ability to follow instruction are all critical to successful whitewater rafting… and to business productivity. Starting with our safety talk, we stress the importance of working as a team to achieve goals on the river- keeping everyone together and having a great time. During the trip we continually work the group as a team with drills – practice that will be put to the test when we hit the rapids. Your employees will come out of this fun, experienced with increased confidence, self-reliance, and most importantly, trust. Let us whip your team into shape with a one or multi-day team building trip. Build Your Team! Customer Appreciation If you’ve ever taken one of your clients golfing and thought that was a great way to thank them for their business, just wait until you take them whitewater rafting! It’s a win/win opportunity for everyone! Imagine helping each other gear up for the whitewater rafting trip and then sitting across from each other. You work together to shoot through the rapids, paddling in sync, sharing the fun and the excitement of the experience. When the trip is over you can put your arm around their shoulder and say “Wasn’t that great? You and I work so well together, we can accomplish anything!” Taking your client rafting sends a strong message about the strength of your relationship and your ability to work together. Work Together! Call 208.793.2272 for more info. We offer whitewa Plan Your Idaho Whitewater Rafting Trip | Bear Valley Rafting Skip to main content Skip to footer Looking for a summer job? Apply now 208.793.2272 About BVR Contact us Book Your Trip! Half-Day Trips Explore Our Half-Day Trips Bear Valley Rafting offer two half-day Payette River rafting trips down either the Main or Staircase (South Fork) of the Payette River: Main Payette Raft Trip Staircase South Fork Payette All Half-Day Trips Buy Your Rafting Trip Photos Book Main Payette Book One of these Half-day Trips Now Book Main Payette Trip Book Staircase Trip Full-Day Trips Explore Our Full-Day Trips Bear Valley Rafting offers two full-day Payette River rafting trips down either the Cabarton (North Fork) or the Canyon (South Fork) of the Payette River: Cabarton – North Fork Payette Canyon – South Fork Payette All Full-Day Trips Buy Your Rafting Trip Photos Book One of these Full-day Trips Now Book A Cabarton Trip Book A Canyon Trip School Kayak School Rafting Guide School Idaho Rafting Rafting in Idaho Rafting near Boise, Idaho Rafting near Cascade, Idaho Rafting near McCall, Idaho Locations: Bear Valley Rafting is central located on Highway 55 between Boise and McCall. Find out more about the locations around the valley and how easy it is to go on a Bear Valley Rafting trips Planning What's it like to raft the Payette River? Plan Your Bear Valley Rafting Trip: Explore the links below to find everything you need to know to plan your next Bear Valley whitewater rafting trip. Plan Your Whitewater Rafting Trip Family Whitewater Rafting in Idaho Family Reunion Whitewater Rafting Business & Team Building Whitewater Rafting Trips Group Whitewater Rafting Outings Coffee + Convenience Idaho Whitewater Rafting FAQs Buy Your Rafting Trip Photos Gift Certificates Buy Photos Book Your Trip! Plan your Idaho Whitewater Rafting Trip Let's get rafting! Planning your whitewater rafting trip is easy with Bear Valley Rafting.  Whitewater rafting is easier and more fun than you think! At Bear Vallley Rafting, we handle all of the details, so you can relax and enjoy your exciting day on the river. Check out our FAQs to learn more about planning your trip or contact our office if you have any additional questions . Helpful tips when planning a trip: Although booking in advance is recommended, weekday and morning trips, especially Tuesday-Thursday can often be booked last minute. Basically, if you want to raft, call us and we'll figure out a way to get you on the river as soon as possible. What to expect the day of your whitewater rafting trip: Plan to arrive 30 minutes before your scheduled trip and check-in at our office located in our Coffee and Convenience cafe . Depending on the trip you booked, you'll spend around 2.5-3 hours (half-day trips) to 7-8 hours (full-day trips) on the river. Click! We take the pictures. You keep the memories! Stay in the moment and keep your phone protected by letting us be the photographers. With expert knowledge of the whitewater routes, and years of experience capturing the best moments, we promise, Bear Valley Rafting's pictures do not dissappoint.  Purchase a Picture Package Frequently Asked Questions Where are you located, and is there parking available? 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 Is BVR Coffee + Convenience open year round? No. Right now we are open during the summer only. Our hours are 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM daily during the rafting season (typically Memorial Day Weekend – Labor Day. We’re open 7 days a week to serve rafters and travelers. Is BVR Coffee + Convenience open to the public or just rafters? Everyone is welcome! Our coffee shop is open to the public as well as whitewater rafters and kayakers. Whether you’re booked on trip with Bear Valley Rafting Co. or just passing through Banks, Idaho, stop by for a coffee, snack, ice cream and more! 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. How long are rafting trips? 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. What’s the difference between Class III and Class IV whitewater? 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. Can we go tubing on the Payette? Unfortunately we do not offer tubing excursions or rentals, but whitewater rafting on the Payette is our favorite. What overnight accommodations are available nearby? 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. 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 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. Not finding the right answers? View All Bear Valley Rafting FAQs Your Perfect Day on the Payette River Starts Here With half-day and full-day whitewater rafting trips for beginning and experienced rafters, plus kayak lessons for all skill levels, Bear Valley Rafting makes every day a good day for you and your group to be on the river. Family Whitewater Rafting in Idaho Have a family reunion or get-together coming up? Want to spice it up with a fun day on Idaho's beautiful Payette River near Boise? Bear Valley Rafting can help! Family Adventure Group Rafting Trips If you've got a group – family, friends, neighbors, coworkers, clients, church groups, etc. – we've got a group rate. Check out how to plan the best group activity ever!  Take Your Group Rafting Business and Team Building Have business clients in town to entertain, or you want to treat your employees to a unique team-building exercise, Bear Valley Rafting can help you plan a great day of business on the river. Go Team Go... Rafting Give the gift of fun, excitement and adventure with a gift card from Bear Valley Rafting Recognizing high-performing employees goes a long way to keeping those employees fully engaged at work. While most people would appreciate a coffee gift card occasionally, why not mix things up and give the gift of an outdoor adventure? Bear Valley Rafting offers a range of gift certificates for half-day and full-day whitewater rafting trips and also kayak lessons . Buy a Bear Valley Rafting Gift Certificate Our cafe also houses our brand new check-in space. Our cafe also houses our brand new check-in space. Take advantage of the room to relax with your friends before your river adventure begins or shop our merch so everyone knows y Whitewater Rafting Guide School | Bear Valley Rafting, Payette River Skip to main content Skip to footer Looking for a summer job? Apply now 208.793.2272 About BVR Contact us Book Your Trip! Half-Day Trips Explore Our Half-Day Trips Bear Valley Rafting offer two half-day Payette River rafting trips down either the Main or Staircase (South Fork) of the Payette River: Main Payette Raft Trip Staircase South Fork Payette All Half-Day Trips Buy Your Rafting Trip Photos Book Main Payette Book One of these Half-day Trips Now Book Main Payette Trip Book Staircase Trip Full-Day Trips Explore Our Full-Day Trips Bear Valley Rafting offers two full-day Payette River rafting trips down either the Cabarton (North Fork) or the Canyon (South Fork) of the Payette River: Cabarton – North Fork Payette Canyon – South Fork Payette All Full-Day Trips Buy Your Rafting Trip Photos Book One of these Full-day Trips Now Book A Cabarton Trip Book A Canyon Trip School Kayak School Rafting Guide School Idaho Rafting Rafting in Idaho Rafting near Boise, Idaho Rafting near Cascade, Idaho Rafting near McCall, Idaho Locations: Bear Valley Rafting is central located on Highway 55 between Boise and McCall. Find out more about the locations around the valley and how easy it is to go on a Bear Valley Rafting trips Planning What's it like to raft the Payette River? Plan Your Bear Valley Rafting Trip: Explore the links below to find everything you need to know to plan your next Bear Valley whitewater rafting trip. Plan Your Whitewater Rafting Trip Family Whitewater Rafting in Idaho Family Reunion Whitewater Rafting Business & Team Building Whitewater Rafting Trips Group Whitewater Rafting Outings Coffee + Convenience Idaho Whitewater Rafting FAQs Buy Your Rafting Trip Photos Gift Certificates Buy Photos Book Your Trip! Bear Valley Rafting Guide School: Where the Payette River Becomes Your Classroom Turn Your Love for the Rapids Into a Career with Idaho Rafting Guide Training If you love spending time on the river and the rush that comes from masterfully navigating whitewater, then Bear Valley Rafting’s River Guide school might be for you. Becoming a certified whitewater guide connects you with an engaged outdoor community and provides an avenue for meaningful seasonal work. Everyone starts somewhere and we want you to start with us! Learn the skills to get paid to spend your summers on the river. Learn how you can become a river guide. Interested in Rafting Guide School? Let’s get you on the river! Please fill out the form below and we will get back to you with more details. First name Last name Email Phone number Message Submit Hands-On Training for Real-World Rapids Learn to Guide Like a Pro with Our Raft Guide Training Course Bear Valley Rafting provides a complete, seven day training experience that blends classroom instruction with extensive on-water training. You’ll graduate with the technical and interpersonal skills needed to guide safely and professionally. REGISTER NOW Bear Valley Rafting Guide School Teaches: Core Skills Paddle guiding fundamentals River reading and hydrology Scouting and line selection Crew communication and management Safety & Rescue Throw bagging Swimmer rescues Boat flips and re-flips Wrap drills Hazard recognition Introduction to Swiftwater Rescue concepts Leadership & Professionalism Risk management and decision-making Staying calm under pressure Working as part of a guide team Delivering exceptional guest experience REGISTER NOW Commercial River Guide School in Idaho: What to Expect Bear Valley Rafting’s guide training course teaches you how to move with water, hone your instincts, and guide others safely downstream no matter what through professional instruction, river mileage, and plenty of hands-on experience. When: May 10-14, 2027 Where: Banks, Idaho Tuition Cost**: $995 Early Bird Tuition Valid until March 1 or first 6 spots are filled $1,195 Standard Tuition March 1 - April 15 $1,295 Late Enrollment Tuition April 15 or later pending availability REGISTER NOW Daily Schedule: Morning briefing and classroom instruction On-water guiding and skills progression Lunch (provided) Afternoon drills and scenarios Evening camp at Hot Springs Campground* Tuition includes: Seven days of professional instruction Daily lunches Reserved group campground Training materials Use of necessary gear River shuttles Detailed skills evaluation Hiring consideration upon completion Certification: Graduation + evaluation toward commercial-readiness Students who meet standards may be invited to join the Bear Valley guide team pending available positions. Guide School runs once per year — don’t miss it. *We reserve group sites at Hot Springs Campground near Garden Valley, just 20 minutes from our headquarters. Camp with your cohort and enjoy evenings by the river. **Payment plans are available. Please contact Bear Valley Rafting Guide school for more information. Top Three Reasons to Choose Bear Valley Rafting for Your Raft Guide Training Course You get to train on one of America’s most iconic whitewater rivers: The Payette River Located at the confluence of the North Fork and South Fork of the Payette, Bear Valley Guide School offers hands-on, professional training in one of the most dynamic whitewater corridors in the U.S. You’ll spend seven full days learning from experienced guides who know the Payette River inside and out Our Idaho River Guides love what they do and work hard to develop capable, thoughtful, and safety-minded guides through our extensive Idaho rafting guide training. Idaho River Raft Guide culture is the BEST What can we say? When you combine world-class whitewater with world-class people you get a supportive team environment and culture that’s second to none. We’re excited to welcome you to the Idaho River Guide club. REGISTER NOW Are you ready to take an Idaho Rafting Guide Training Course? You belong at our Bear Valley Rafting Guide School if you are: 18+ Excited to learn and spend long days outdoors A team player Able to swim Ready to be challenged and supported Interested in seasonal guiding, outdoor leadership, or building river skills No prior rafting experience required. Sign up for a week of adventure. REGISTER NOW Let's Do this. Payette River Rafting, that is. We offer whitewater rafting trips to accommodate everyone from the total novice to the seasoned veteran. Book Your Trip Now Ready To Go River Rafting? Bear Valley Rafting is the ideal place to fulfill your true Idaho whitewater river rafting experience. t. 208.793.2272 t. 1.800.235.2327 [email protected] 7864 Idaho 55, Banks, ID 83602 Book a Trip Half-Day Trips Full-Day Trips Kayak School BVR Guide School Rafting Trip Photos About BVR About Bear Valley Rafting Testimonials See For Yourself Partners Contact Us Employment Quick Links Rafting in Idaho Whitewater Rafting Near Boise Idaho Whitewater Rafting Near McCall Idaho Whitewater Rafting in Cascade Idaho Frequently Asked Questions Coffee + Convenience Sign up for our Newsletter --> © 2026 Bear Valley River Co. All Rights Reserved. Rafting Near Boise, Idaho | Bear Valley Rafting on the Payette River Skip to main content Skip to footer Looking for a summer job? Apply now 208.793.2272 About BVR Contact us Book Your Trip! Half-Day Trips Explore Our Half-Day Trips Bear Valley Rafting offer two half-day Payette River rafting trips down either the Main or Staircase (South Fork) of the Payette River: Main Payette Raft Trip Staircase South Fork Payette All Half-Day Trips Buy Your Rafting Trip Photos Book Main Payette Book One of these Half-day Trips Now Book Main Payette Trip Book Staircase Trip Full-Day Trips Explore Our Full-Day Trips Bear Valley Rafting offers two full-day Payette River rafting trips down either the Cabarton (North Fork) or the Canyon (South Fork) of the Payette River: Cabarton – North Fork Payette Canyon – South Fork Payette All Full-Day Trips Buy Your Rafting Trip Photos Book One of these Full-day Trips Now Book A Cabarton Trip Book A Canyon Trip School Kayak School Rafting Guide School Idaho Rafting Rafting in Idaho Rafting near Boise, Idaho Rafting near Cascade, Idaho Rafting near McCall, Idaho Locations: Bear Valley Rafting is central located on Highway 55 between Boise and McCall. Find out more about the locations around the valley and how easy it is to go on a Bear Valley Rafting trips Planning What's it like to raft the Payette River? Plan Your Bear Valley Rafting Trip: Explore the links below to find everything you need to know to plan your next Bear Valley whitewater rafting trip. Plan Your Whitewater Rafting Trip Family Whitewater Rafting in Idaho Family Reunion Whitewater Rafting Business & Team Building Whitewater Rafting Trips Group Whitewater Rafting Outings Coffee + Convenience Idaho Whitewater Rafting FAQs Buy Your Rafting Trip Photos Gift Certificates Buy Photos Book Your Trip! 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. Since Idaho is known as the whitewater state, it’s not surprising that in its capital city, Boise, rafting rivers is an annual tradition! Every summer, thousands of excited Boiseans impatiently countdown to the start of float season on the Boise River. Conveniently located right in town, the Boise River hosts hours of peaceful river floats for summer enthusiasts every year. The Boise River flows from the Lucky Peak Dam, located just minutes from downtown Boise, right through the Boise State University campus and onto adjacent communities allowing countless residents and visitors alike to enjoy summer in its cool, refreshing flow. Starting at Barber Park and continuing to Ann Morrison Park, people use anything from inner tubes to river rafts to float this section of the river. It generally takes 2-3 hours and is a great introduction to the fun that can be had just under an hour away, whitewater rafting on the Payette River . From Boise to Payette, kick your river rafting up a notch with Bear Valley Rafting whitewater rafting . If you’re looking for a step up from a peaceful river float, try our family-friendly Class II and III rapids trips . When you’re ready to move on to more daring trips with Class IV rapids, try either our full-day South Fork whitewater rafting trip or our half-day South Fork whitewater rafting trip . Whatever rafting adventure you choose, trust Bear Valley Rafting’s team of experienced whitewater rafting guides to lead you safely and expertly through the entire whitewater experience. From that thrilling first push of the raft into the pristine waters of the Payette River, to the heart-racing adrenaline rush of navigating through white water rapids, to the delicious riverside BBQ, Bear Valley Rafting Company is your best choice for an epic Idaho white water rafting experience! Looking for another river adventure? Check out our Kayak School to learn the basics or brush up on your skills. Our team of instructors have the knowledge and expertise you need to learn in a fun and engaging way. Book your perfect Bear Valley Rafting trip today ! 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. Starting at: $67 Per Adult Book a Half-Day Trip 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! Starting at: $119 Per Adult Book a Full-day Trip Let's Do this. Payette River Rafting, that is. We offer whitewater rafting trips to accommodate everyone from the total novice to the seasoned veteran. Book Your Trip Now Ready To Go River Rafting? Bear Valley Rafting is the ideal place to fulfill your true Idaho whitewater river rafting experience. t. 208.793.2272 t. 1.800.235.2327 [email protected] 7864 Idaho 55, Banks, ID 83602 Book a Trip Half-Day Trips Full-Day Trips Kayak School BVR Guide School Rafting Trip Photos About BVR About Bear Valley Rafting Testimonials See For Yourself Partners Contact Us Employment Quick Links Rafting in Idaho Whitewater Rafting Near Boise Idaho Whitewater Rafting Near McCall Idaho Whitewater Rafting in Cascade Idaho Frequently Asked Questions Coffee + Convenience Sign up for our Newsletter --> © 2026 Bear Valley River Co. All Rights Reserved. Coffee & Convenience Café | Bear Valley Rafting, Banks Idaho Skip to main content Skip to footer Looking for a summer job? Apply now 208.793.2272 About BVR Contact us Book Your Trip! Half-Day Trips Explore Our Half-Day Trips Bear Valley Rafting offer two half-day Payette River rafting trips down either the Main or Staircase (South Fork) of the Payette River: Main Payette Raft Trip Staircase South Fork Payette All Half-Day Trips Buy Your Rafting Trip Photos Book Main Payette Book One of these Half-day Trips Now Book Main Payette Trip Book Staircase Trip Full-Day Trips Explore Our Full-Day Trips Bear Valley Rafting offers two full-day Payette River rafting trips down either the Cabarton (North Fork) or the Canyon (South Fork) of the Payette River: Cabarton – North Fork Payette Canyon – South Fork Payette All Full-Day Trips Buy Your Rafting Trip Photos Book One of these Full-day Trips Now Book A Cabarton Trip Book A Canyon Trip School Kayak School Rafting Guide School Idaho Rafting Rafting in Idaho Rafting near Boise, Idaho Rafting near Cascade, Idaho Rafting near McCall, Idaho Locations: Bear Valley Rafting is central located on Highway 55 between Boise and McCall. Find out more about the locations around the valley and how easy it is to go on a Bear Valley Rafting trips Planning What's it like to raft the Payette River? Plan Your Bear Valley Rafting Trip: Explore the links below to find everything you need to know to plan your next Bear Valley whitewater rafting trip. Plan Your Whitewater Rafting Trip Family Whitewater Rafting in Idaho Family Reunion Whitewater Rafting Business & Team Building Whitewater Rafting Trips Group Whitewater Rafting Outings Coffee + Convenience Idaho Whitewater Rafting FAQs Buy Your Rafting Trip Photos Gift Certificates Buy Photos Book Your Trip! Coffee and Convenience Perk up! Bear Valley Rafting just got a whole latte better! We’ve been brewing something new for awhile now, and we’re excited to finally be able to share the news. Our brand new Coffee and Convenience cafe is now open for business! Enjoy the calm before your rafting storm or reward yourself after a rigorous day on the river with an assortment of drinks and snacks. Our cafe also houses our brand new check-in space. Take advantage of the room to relax with your friends before your river adventure begins or shop our merch so everyone knows you’ve taken on the Payette and won. Whatever you need it for, Coffee and Convenience offers the space and amenities you need to make your day on or by the river even more fun! Menu Offerings Located next to the Payette River in Banks, Idaho, our Coffee + Convenience shop offers quick, easy options for rafters, travelers and outdoor adventurers. Coffee & Cold Drinks Fresh-brewed coffee (hot or iced) Espresso, lattes & cold brew Italian Sodas Iced tea, lemonade, soda & energy drinks Bottled water & sparkling beverages Cold domestic & local craft beer Canned wine & hard seltzers Snacks & Sweets Muffins & bagels Fresh fruit Granola bars & trail snacks Chips, jerky, trail mix Soft Serve Ice Cream Enjoy your food and drinks before or after your Payette River rafting trip, or while taking a break along Highway 55. Open to the public—no rafting reservation required! Bear Valley Coffee + Convenience Whether you’re pre-or post-gaming it, Bear Valley Rafting has a variety of alcoholic and non-alcoholic offerings including beer, wine, coffee, steamers, Italian sodas, and hot cocoa. Fuel up or recover from your run down the river with snacks, drinks, and ice cream. Checking in? We've moved! Checking in just got a whole lot more convenient. Located just off of Highway 55, our new check-in area has plenty of space outside for parking and inside for your group to meet up and get ready to go.  Paperwork is still the most boring part of rafting, but at least our new check-in space is cool! Bear Valley Merch Available Upstairs If you raft the Payette River but don’t buy a Bear Valley Rafting shirt, does it really count? Don’t take any chances. Make sure that everyone knows you’ve become a whitewater master with the merch that shows off where you developed your skills. Let's Do this. Payette River Rafting, that is. We offer whitewater rafting trips to accommodate everyone from the total novice to the seasoned veteran. Book Your Trip Now Ready To Go River Rafting? Bear Valley Rafting is the ideal place to fulfill your true Idaho whitewater river rafting experience. t. 208.793.2272 t. 1.800.235.2327 [email protected] 7864 Idaho 55, Banks, ID 83602 Book a Trip Half-Day Trips Full-Day Trips Kayak School BVR Guide School Rafting Trip Photos About BVR About Bear Valley Rafting Testimonials See For Yourself Partners Contact Us Employment Quick Links Rafting in Idaho Whitewater Rafting Near Boise Idaho Whitewater Rafting Near McCall Idaho Whitewater Rafting in Cascade Idaho Frequently Asked Questions Coffee + Convenience Sign up for our Newsletter --> © 2026 Bear Valley River Co. All Rights Reserved. Kayak School on the Payette River | Bear Valley Rafting, Banks Idaho Skip to main content Skip to footer Looking for a summer job? Apply now 208.793.2272 About BVR Contact us Book Your Trip! Half-Day Trips Explore Our Half-Day Trips Bear Valley Rafting offer two half-day Payette River rafting trips down either the Main or Staircase (South Fork) of the Payette River: Main Payette Raft Trip Staircase South Fork Payette All Half-Day Trips Buy Your Rafting Trip Photos Book Main Payette Book One of these Half-day Trips Now Book Main Payette Trip Book Staircase Trip Full-Day Trips Explore Our Full-Day Trips Bear Valley Rafting offers two full-day Payette River rafting trips down either the Cabarton (North Fork) or the Canyon (South Fork) of the Payette River: Cabarton – North Fork Payette Canyon – South Fork Payette All Full-Day Trips Buy Your Rafting Trip Photos Book One of these Full-day Trips Now Book A Cabarton Trip Book A Canyon Trip School Kayak School Rafting Guide School Idaho Rafting Rafting in Idaho Rafting near Boise, Idaho Rafting near Cascade, Idaho Rafting near McCall, Idaho Locations: Bear Valley Rafting is central located on Highway 55 between Boise and McCall. Find out more about the locations around the valley and how easy it is to go on a Bear Valley Rafting trips Planning What's it like to raft the Payette River? Plan Your Bear Valley Rafting Trip: Explore the links below to find everything you need to know to plan your next Bear Valley whitewater rafting trip. Plan Your Whitewater Rafting Trip Family Whitewater Rafting in Idaho Family Reunion Whitewater Rafting Business & Team Building Whitewater Rafting Trips Group Whitewater Rafting Outings Coffee + Convenience Idaho Whitewater Rafting FAQs Buy Your Rafting Trip Photos Gift Certificates Buy Photos Book Your Trip! Bear Valley - Kayak School Our lessons are based right out of the heart of the Payette River system in Banks Idaho. Banks is located at the Payette’s confluence where the South Fork and North Fork combine to create the Main Payette. The combination of the Payette’s warm summers, long water season, easy roadside access, and it's large spectrum of whitewater create arguably one of the best places in the world to learn to kayak. Call 208.793.2272 to start kayaking Classes offered at Bear Valley Kayak School: Intro to Kayaking: Our 2 day intro to kayaking course is for those of you that have never kayaked before or are just getting started and want to polish up your basic skills. This class covers the fundamentals to get you out on the water and cruising on your journey into the amazing world of whitewater kayaking. In this class we cover the different types of kayaks and equipment, river safety, reading river features and hydrology, the fundamental paddle strokes, the wet exit (getting out of your kayak in the river), edging your kayak, ferrying your kayak, eddy turns, and eddy peel outs. $295 per person (lunch included). Classes run from 9am to 4pm Dates offered*: Intro to kayak: *Give us a call at 208.793.2272 for booking the class on dates not specified. (Minimum of 3 people to do the class on a date not on the schedule) Semi Private Lessons: Do you have your own group you’d like to learn with? We offer semi-private lessons for groups of two or more people. These lessons can be customized to meet the needs and goals of your group. 2 person minimum. 1/2 day $120 per person. Full day $200 per person (lunch included). Private Lessons: One on one private instruction. Lessons are customized to your individual learning style and paddling goals. 1/2 day $165 Full day $300 (lunch included) Call 208.793.2272 to start your kayaking lessons What Kayak gear is needed and what have to borrow  What to bring: Your swim suit. The majority of our time will be spent on the water and will include an occasional swim in the river. Optional: Sunscreen. A Towel for after class and lunch break. Your own personal water container. We also have bottled water available. Nose plugs and or ear plugs Kayak gear: If you have some or all of your own whitewater certified gear, great! You’re welcome to use it. If you don’t have anything, no problem we have everything you need. Personal gear must be inspected by our crew and deemed safe and appropriate for the river and our class. PFDs must be Type III Coast Guard rated and in good condition. If we decide your gear is not safe for a whitewater setting or not right for our class, no worries. You can use our gear at no additional cost. Available gear courtesy of Bear Valley Kayak School: Kayak s Paddles PFDs Helmets Spray skirts Neoprene river shoes Neoprene tops, wet suits and Nylon splash tops. Call 208.793.2272 to join a kayaking class Meet Preston Woods Bear Valley Kayak School director Preston Woods, has been kayaking on the Payette River for 24 years and has worked as a safety kayaker and raft guide for Bear Valley for over 20 years. Kayaking is a life passion for Preston that he loves sharing with others. Preston is a level 4 ACA certified instructor. He has developed a great set of curriculums and put together an amazing team of instructors to help get you moving down the river in style. Ready To Go River Rafting? Bear Valley Rafting is the ideal place to fulfill your true Idaho whitewater river rafting experience. t. 208.793.2272 t. 1.800.235.2327 [email protected] 7864 Idaho 55, Banks, ID 83602 Book a Trip Half-Day Trips Full-Day Trips Kayak School BVR Guide School Rafting Trip Photos About BVR About Bear Valley Rafting Testimonials See For Yourself Partners Contact Us Employment Quick Links Rafting in Idaho Whitewater Rafting Near Boise Idaho Whitewater Rafting Near McCall Idaho Whitewater Rafting in Cascade Idaho Frequently Asked Questions Coffee + Convenience Sign up for our Newsletter --> © 2026 Bear Valley River Co. All Rights Reserved. Half-Day Rafting Trips on the Payette River | Bear Valley Rafting Skip to main content Skip to footer Looking for a summer job? Apply now 208.793.2272 About BVR Contact us Book Your Trip! Half-Day Trips Explore Our Half-Day Trips Bear Valley Rafting offer two half-day Payette River rafting trips down either the Main or Staircase (South Fork) of the Payette River: Main Payette Raft Trip Staircase South Fork Payette All Half-Day Trips Buy Your Rafting Trip Photos Book Main Payette Book One of these Half-day Trips Now Book Main Payette Trip Book Staircase Trip Full-Day Trips Explore Our Full-Day Trips Bear Valley Rafting offers two full-day Payette River rafting trips down either the Cabarton (North Fork) or the Canyon (South Fork) of the Payette River: Cabarton – North Fork Payette Canyon – South Fork Payette All Full-Day Trips Buy Your Rafting Trip Photos Book One of these Full-day Trips Now Book A Cabarton Trip Book A Canyon Trip School Kayak School Rafting Guide School Idaho Rafting Rafting in Idaho Rafting near Boise, Idaho Rafting near Cascade, Idaho Rafting near McCall, Idaho Locations: Bear Valley Rafting is central located on Highway 55 between Boise and McCall. Find out more about the locations around the valley and how easy it is to go on a Bear Valley Rafting trips Planning What's it like to raft the Payette River? Plan Your Bear Valley Rafting Trip: Explore the links below to find everything you need to know to plan your next Bear Valley whitewater rafting trip. Plan Your Whitewater Rafting Trip Family Whitewater Rafting in Idaho Family Reunion Whitewater Rafting Business & Team Building Whitewater Rafting Trips Group Whitewater Rafting Outings Coffee + Convenience Idaho Whitewater Rafting FAQs Buy Your Rafting Trip Photos Gift Certificates Buy Photos Book Your Trip! Half-Day Rafting Trips Half the time, all the fun! We offer two half-day Payette River Rafting trips. Choose between our beginner/moderate or advanced half-day group rafting trips - as low as $49 for kids. Bear Valley Rafting Company offers two half-day Payette River rafting trips to choose from. Our rafting trips are led by the most experienced whitewater rafting guides on the Payette River, who incorporate their passion for the river into every whitewater rafting trip they lead. With three daily departure options and only a short drive from Boise, whether you’re a beginner or an expert, we have a half-day experience that’s perfect for you! The Main Payette – Half-day Trips $67 Adults $49 Kids 4-12 years old $60 Age 65+ Book Now! Beginner/Moderate - Class II & III rapids • 6-8 people per raft • 4+ Whether you are a first-time river rafter or just want to relax and enjoy the beautiful scenery on Boise’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 don’t worry, your group will also get a taste of rafting that famous Idaho whitewater. Daily Departure Times: May 1 – June 12; September 1 – September 7 Daily trips 9:45 am, 1:30 pm & 5:00 pm June 13 – August 31 (Peak Season) Monday – Thursday 9:45 am, 1:30 pm & 5:00 pm Friday – Sunday 9:45 am, 11:30 am, 1:30 pm, 3:00 pm & 5:00 pm Learn more about The Main Payette – Half-day Trips Staircase – South Fork Payette – Half-day Trips $89 Staircase - South Fork Payette Book Now! Advanced - Class III & IV rapids • 6 people per raft • 12+ This trip combines exciting whitewater rafting and beautiful Idaho 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, so bring a group that’s ready to work hard together. An adrenaline thrill you won’t soon forget! Daily Departure Times: 9:45 am, 1:30 pm & 5:00 pm Learn more about Staircase – South Fork Payette – Half-day Trips They say it's a Splash! Don't just take our word for it. Take a look at what people have to say after rafting with Bear Valley Rafting. 5/5 We absolutely loved our Cabarton float trip with Jeremy. What an amazing day and wonderful way to spend the day with your family. Not to mention the delicious and healthy lunch they so graciously served us!! Cindy Rudd 5/5 The guide was very good, the equipment was in good condition and the rafting trip was a blast! We will absolutely use Bear Valley Rafting for future trips. Kerrie L. B. 5/5 I have been in the Whitewater rafting business for 15 years. This company is professional, courteous, and full of Whitewater knowledge. If you want to have a safe and fun time on the Payette River, go rafting with Bear Valley! Ben W. 5/5 The Bear Valley rafting trip was awesome! …We will be back for the next step up in white water. Thx Bear Valley. 5 stars … everyone should do this. I’m 55 and felt young again. So you’re never too old. Ray Maes 5/5 Bear Valley is a great outfit. Great guides and a fun time. We brought the family visiting from California and they are hooked on rafting now. Stephanie was a great guide with a boat with different skill levels. She was informative and fun! Bonus that it is just outside Boise! We look forward to coming back again and bringing out of town visitors also! Zach H. The Ultimate Family Adventure - The Main Payette River trip Our Main Payette River trip is a perfect mix of exciting rapids and unforgettable scenery. Designed for first-time rafters, families, and adventure enthusiasts, this half-day adventure combines excitement and safety, guided by our expert, certified crew. Whether you're paddling through fun Class III rapids or relaxing between waves, there’s no better place to make family memories than on the river. Make it a Family Adventure Frequently Asked Questions How long are half-day whitewater rafting trips? Half Day trips are approximately 8 miles in length. Your group should plan on about 3 hours for this adventure. How big are the rafts? 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. What should I wear? You’ll need to have footwear that will not fall off your feet and can get wet. Board shorts, swimsuits or other water-wicking clothes are also recommended. Avoid cotton! You may also want to wear a hat and/or sunglasses, but be careful. If they’re not secure, they might fall off. Do you take photos? 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. How many people can fit into the rafts? 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 . What’s the difference between Class III and Class IV whitewater? 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. 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 Nor Whitewater Rafting Near McCall, Idaho | Bear Valley Rafting Skip to main content Skip to footer Looking for a summer job? Apply now 208.793.2272 About BVR Contact us Book Your Trip! Half-Day Trips Explore Our Half-Day Trips Bear Valley Rafting offer two half-day Payette River rafting trips down either the Main or Staircase (South Fork) of the Payette River: Main Payette Raft Trip Staircase South Fork Payette All Half-Day Trips Buy Your Rafting Trip Photos Book Main Payette Book One of these Half-day Trips Now Book Main Payette Trip Book Staircase Trip Full-Day Trips Explore Our Full-Day Trips Bear Valley Rafting offers two full-day Payette River rafting trips down either the Cabarton (North Fork) or the Canyon (South Fork) of the Payette River: Cabarton – North Fork Payette Canyon – South Fork Payette All Full-Day Trips Buy Your Rafting Trip Photos Book One of these Full-day Trips Now Book A Cabarton Trip Book A Canyon Trip School Kayak School Rafting Guide School Idaho Rafting Rafting in Idaho Rafting near Boise, Idaho Rafting near Cascade, Idaho Rafting near McCall, Idaho Locations: Bear Valley Rafting is central located on Highway 55 between Boise and McCall. Find out more about the locations around the valley and how easy it is to go on a Bear Valley Rafting trips Planning What's it like to raft the Payette River? Plan Your Bear Valley Rafting Trip: Explore the links below to find everything you need to know to plan your next Bear Valley whitewater rafting trip. Plan Your Whitewater Rafting Trip Family Whitewater Rafting in Idaho Family Reunion Whitewater Rafting Business & Team Building Whitewater Rafting Trips Group Whitewater Rafting Outings Coffee + Convenience Idaho Whitewater Rafting FAQs Buy Your Rafting Trip Photos Gift Certificates Buy Photos Book Your Trip! Whitewater Rafting Near McCall Idaho A playground for outdoor enthusiasts, whitewater rafting on the Payette River is the perfect addition to your McCall, ID getaway. McCall, ID is nestled in the heart of the mountains, adjacent to Payette Lake and Brundage Mountain Ski Resort. Offering a variety of outdoor recreational activities year round, McCall is where you want to be to soak up all of the beauty and adventure that the great outdoors has to offer. At less than a 90 minute drive from McCall, Bear Valley Rafting offers a unique and exciting way to enjoy being outside! Idaho is known as the whitewater state and Bear Valley Rafting takes advantage of this distinction with a variety of whitewater rafting adventures . Choose from beginner and advanced, full-day whitewater rafting trips and half-day whitewater rafting trips that will make anyone’s Idaho whitewater rafting dreams come true . What better way to enjoy the beauty of the great Idaho outdoors than by whitewater rafting through them! Whitewater rafting is an experience for all of your senses! Witness the majestic ponderosas in the Boise National Forest. Feel the ice-cold white water splashing over you as adrenaline courses through your veins. Hear the magnificent roaring of the rapids and the delighted screams from you and your friends. Taste the excitement as you and your group embark on the adventure of a lifetime and take on the Payette River with your experienced whitewater rafting guide. Interested in more than whitewater rafting? Bear Valley Rafting also offers Intro to kayaking, semi-private and private kayaking lessons . With guides who are world-class kayakers themselves, our kayak lessons are a fun and informative way to learn a new skill or brush up on a hobby. Since Bear Valley Rafting is located right off of Highway 55 in Banks, Idaho, it’s super easy to stop on your way to or from Boise. We’re also just right off the turn to Garden Valley, so wherever your adventures are taking you, whitewater rafting with Bear Valley Rafting is a convenient addition to those plans. Plan your adventure and book a trip to add an epic Idaho whitewater rafting experience to your McCall vacation. Close to McCall, Idaho? Don't miss out on a Half-day or Full-day of rafting with Bear Valley Rafting. 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. Starting at: $67 Per Adult Book a Half-Day Trip 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! Starting at: $119 Per Adult Book a Full-day Trip Let's Do this. Payette River Rafting, that is. We offer whitewater rafting trips to accommodate everyone from the total novice to the seasoned veteran. Book Your Trip Now Ready To Go River Rafting? Bear Valley Rafting is the ideal place to fulfill your true Idaho whitewater river rafting experience. t. 208.793.2272 t. 1.800.235.2327 [email protected] 7864 Idaho 55, Banks, ID 83602 Book a Trip Half-Day Trips Full-Day Trips Kayak School BVR Guide School Rafting Trip Photos About BVR About Bear Valley Rafting Testimonials See For Yourself Partners Contact Us Employment Quick Links Rafting in Idaho Whitewater Rafting Near Boise Idaho Whitewater Rafting Near McCall Idaho Whitewater Rafting in Cascade Idaho Frequently Asked Questions Coffee + Convenience Sign up for our Newsletter --> © 2026 Bear Valley River Co. All Rights Reserved. Full-Day Rafting Trips on the Payette River | Bear Valley Rafting Skip to main content Skip to footer Looking for a summer job? Apply now 208.793.2272 About BVR Contact us Book Your Trip! Half-Day Trips Explore Our Half-Day Trips Bear Valley Rafting offer two half-day Payette River rafting trips down either the Main or Staircase (South Fork) of the Payette River: Main Payette Raft Trip Staircase South Fork Payette All Half-Day Trips Buy Your Rafting Trip Photos Book Main Payette Book One of these Half-day Trips Now Book Main Payette Trip Book Staircase Trip Full-Day Trips Explore Our Full-Day Trips Bear Valley Rafting offers two full-day Payette River rafting trips down either the Cabarton (North Fork) or the Canyon (South Fork) of the Payette River: Cabarton – North Fork Payette Canyon – South Fork Payette All Full-Day Trips Buy Your Rafting Trip Photos Book One of these Full-day Trips Now Book A Cabarton Trip Book A Canyon Trip School Kayak School Rafting Guide School Idaho Rafting Rafting in Idaho Rafting near Boise, Idaho Rafting near Cascade, Idaho Rafting near McCall, Idaho Locations: Bear Valley Rafting is central located on Highway 55 between Boise and McCall. Find out more about the locations around the valley and how easy it is to go on a Bear Valley Rafting trips Planning What's it like to raft the Payette River? Plan Your Bear Valley Rafting Trip: Explore the links below to find everything you need to know to plan your next Bear Valley whitewater rafting trip. Plan Your Whitewater Rafting Trip Family Whitewater Rafting in Idaho Family Reunion Whitewater Rafting Business & Team Building Whitewater Rafting Trips Group Whitewater Rafting Outings Coffee + Convenience Idaho Whitewater Rafting FAQs Buy Your Rafting Trip Photos Gift Certificates Buy Photos Book Your Trip! Full-Day Rafting Trips Full day, full fun. We offer two full-day Payette River Rafting trips. Choose between our beginner/moderate or advanced full-day whitewater rafting trips - as low as $89 for kids. Bear Valley Rafting Company offers two full-day Payette River whitewater rafting trips to choose from. Our rafting trips are led by the most experienced whitewater rafting guides on the Payette River, who incorporate their passion for the river into every whitewater rafting trip they lead. Whether you’re a beginner or an expert, we have a full-day experience that’s perfect for you and your group! And with our close proximity to Boise, it’s easy to have an epic day and still be home for dinner. All of our full-day whitewater rafting trips include lunch prepared by your guide! Cabarton – North Fork Payette – Full-Day Trips $119 Adult $89 kids 4-12 years old $107 age 65+ Book Now! Beginner/Moderate - Class II & III rapids • 6-8 people per raft • 4+ 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 (almost) heart-stopping 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. Daily Departure Time: 9:30 am Learn more about Cabarton – North Fork Payette – Full-Day Trips Canyon – South Fork Payette – Full-Day Trips $149 Adults Book Now! Advanced - Class III & IV rapids • 6 people per raft • 12+ Strong paddling technique and experience is required for this adventurous run. You will navigate the big rapids of Gateway and S-Turn before a mandatory portage at Big Falls. Watch the guides rope the boats over the falls to the deep pool below. Little Falls, Blackadar and Surprise rapids await your arrival below the falls. Don’t forget to enjoy the incredible scenery, steep granite walls and ponderosa forest. Daily Departure Time: 9:15 am Learn more about Canyon – South Fork Payette – Full-Day Trips They say it's a Splash! Don't just take our word for it. Take a look at what people have to say after rafting with Bear Valley Rafting. 5/5 Had such a fun day rafting main fork of the Payette. Our guide Savvy was awesome to our son with special needs and our two young daughters. Bear River made the experience very memorable and we hope to make this a yearly tradition. Brad B. 5/5 Had a fabulous time! Everyone was friendly and helpful. Enjoyed our ride more than I can say, you guys are great. … the photographer….FABULOUS! Love my pics so much, great job, thank you! Rita Everitt 5/5 Two of us had never been rafting before. What an amazing time. All of the staff was very friendly. Our guide, Jeremy was great. WHAT A WILD RIDE, LOVED IT. Would highly recommend. Randy Peterson 5/5 I have been in the Whitewater rafting business for 15 years. This company is professional, courteous, and full of Whitewater knowledge. If you want to have a safe and fun time on the Payette River, go rafting with Bear Valley! Ben W. 5/5 If you’re thinking summer fun, a trip with Bear Valley Rafting Company is a MUST this year. We’ll have fantastic water & the guides are the most knowledgeable & professional in our area. I wouldn’t float with anyone else but BVRC! Joan Holmes Frequently Asked Questions How big are the rafts? 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. Do you serve food or snacks on the trips? 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. How long are rafting trips? 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. Do you take photos? 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. What’s the difference between Class III and Class IV whitewater? 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. 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. Not finding the right answers? View All Bear Valley Rafting FAQs Cancellation policy Online reserv Rafting Reviews & Testimonials | Bear Valley Rafting Idaho Skip to main content Skip to footer Looking for a summer job? Apply now 208.793.2272 About BVR Contact us Book Your Trip! Half-Day Trips Explore Our Half-Day Trips Bear Valley Rafting offer two half-day Payette River rafting trips down either the Main or Staircase (South Fork) of the Payette River: Main Payette Raft Trip Staircase South Fork Payette All Half-Day Trips Buy Your Rafting Trip Photos Book Main Payette Book One of these Half-day Trips Now Book Main Payette Trip Book Staircase Trip Full-Day Trips Explore Our Full-Day Trips Bear Valley Rafting offers two full-day Payette River rafting trips down either the Cabarton (North Fork) or the Canyon (South Fork) of the Payette River: Cabarton – North Fork Payette Canyon – South Fork Payette All Full-Day Trips Buy Your Rafting Trip Photos Book One of these Full-day Trips Now Book A Cabarton Trip Book A Canyon Trip School Kayak School Rafting Guide School Idaho Rafting Rafting in Idaho Rafting near Boise, Idaho Rafting near Cascade, Idaho Rafting near McCall, Idaho Locations: Bear Valley Rafting is central located on Highway 55 between Boise and McCall. Find out more about the locations around the valley and how easy it is to go on a Bear Valley Rafting trips Planning What's it like to raft the Payette River? Plan Your Bear Valley Rafting Trip: Explore the links below to find everything you need to know to plan your next Bear Valley whitewater rafting trip. Plan Your Whitewater Rafting Trip Family Whitewater Rafting in Idaho Family Reunion Whitewater Rafting Business & Team Building Whitewater Rafting Trips Group Whitewater Rafting Outings Coffee + Convenience Idaho Whitewater Rafting FAQs Buy Your Rafting Trip Photos Gift Certificates Buy Photos Book Your Trip! Testimonials They say it's a splash! Bear Valley Rafting is the ultimate in summer fun! Don't just take our word for it. Take a look at some of our 5 star reviews. Bear Valley River Co gave us an incredible experience for our first whitewater rafting trip! We rafted the all day Cabarton excursion. We were a party of 5 (myself, two kids ages 10 & 12, and my parents). Just days before the trip, my mother injured herself and would not be able to assist in paddling. She called them to discuss it, and they had no reservations about her participation in the trip. We arrived, checked in and everyone we encountered was friendly, upbeat and excited, just like we were. They clearly posted their COVID-19 strategy online and adhered to it throughout. Our guide, Tommy, was great fun and knowledgeable. He was not over the top “cheesy” like some guides can be, and we had a great time. We felt we were in safe hands with him as our guide. Although the lunch was an individual sack lunch instead of their normal buffet style spread of salads, etc., it was incredible. They even took our sandwich order ahead. The sandwiches were high quality, with chips, crisp apple, and homemade cookies. It was a beautiful day, and no doubt they will receive our future business. Angela H. Two of us had never been rafting before. What an amazing time. All of the staff was very friendly. Our guide, Jeremy was great. WHAT A WILD RIDE, LOVED IT. Would highly recommend. Randy Peterson If you’re thinking summer fun, a trip with Bear Valley Rafting Company is a MUST this year. We’ll have fantastic water & the guides are the most knowledgeable & professional in our area. I wouldn’t float with anyone else but BVRC! Joan Holmes We absolutely loved our Cabarton float trip with Jeremy. What an amazing day and wonderful way to spend the day with your family. Not to mention the delicious and healthy lunch they so graciously served us!! Cindy Rudd Had a fabulous time! Everyone was friendly and helpful. Enjoyed our ride more than I can say, you guys are great. … the photographer….FABULOUS! Love my pics so much, great job, thank you! Rita Everitt The Bear Valley rafting trip was awesome! …We will be back for the next step up in white water. Thx Bear Valley. 5 stars … everyone should do this. I’m 55 and felt young again. So you’re never too old. Ray Maes My family and I had an incredible trip yesterday…the Bear Valley crew was friendly, fun and professional. … I HIGHLY recommend Bear Valley Rafting to anyone looking for a great time on the Payette River. Thanks for making the 4th of July a memorable one for our family! Andrew K. The guide was very good, the equipment was in good condition and the rafting trip was a blast! We will absolutely use Bear Valley Rafting for future trips. Kerrie L. B. As part of our family reunion this week, we rafted the Payette on Tuesday and loved our experience with Bear Valley. …We had a mix of children and adults and some with previous Payette experience and others with none. … We could not have asked for a better experience. This was just our first time with Bear Valley; it won’t be our last! Holly B. Bear Valley is a great outfit. Great guides and a fun time. We brought the family visiting from California and they are hooked on rafting now. Stephanie was a great guide with a boat with different skill levels. She was informative and fun! Bonus that it is just outside Boise! We look forward to coming back again and bringing out of town visitors also! Zach H. Had such a fun day rafting main fork of the Payette. Our guide Savvy was awesome to our son with special needs and our two young daughters. Bear River made the experience very memorable and we hope to make this a yearly tradition. Brad B. We had an amazing time rafting with Bear Valley! Ryan and TJ were the best guides, they made the trip down the Payette so much fun. Both made sure everyone was safe but having fun as well. Highly recommend this company, will definitely be back! Samantha B. I have been in the Whitewater rafting business for 15 years. This company is professional, courteous, and full of Whitewater knowledge. If you want to have a safe and fun time on the Payette River, go rafting with Bear Valley! Ben W. Let's Do this. Payette River Rafting, that is. We offer whitewater rafting trips to accommodate everyone from the total novice to the seasoned veteran. Book Your Trip Now Ready To Go River Rafting? Bear Valley Rafting is the ideal place to fulfill your true Idaho whitewater river rafting experience. t. 208.793.2272 t. 1.800.235.2327 [email protected] 7864 Idaho 55, Banks, ID 83602 Book a Trip Half-Day Trips Full-Day Trips Kayak School BVR Guide School Rafting Trip Photos About BVR About Bear Valley Rafting Testimonials See For Yourself Partners Contact Us Employment Quick Links Rafting in Idaho Whitewater Rafting Near Boise Idaho Whitewater Rafting Near McCall Idaho Whitewater Rafting in Cascade Idaho Frequently Asked Questions Coffee + Convenience Sign up for our Newsletter --> © 2026 Bear Valley River Co. All Rights Reserved. About Bear Valley Rafting | 30+ Years on the Payette River Skip to main content Skip to footer Looking for a summer job? Apply now 208.793.2272 About BVR Contact us Book Your Trip! Half-Day Trips Explore Our Half-Day Trips Bear Valley Rafting offer two half-day Payette River rafting trips down either the Main or Staircase (South Fork) of the Payette River: Main Payette Raft Trip Staircase South Fork Payette All Half-Day Trips Buy Your Rafting Trip Photos Book Main Payette Book One of these Half-day Trips Now Book Main Payette Trip Book Staircase Trip Full-Day Trips Explore Our Full-Day Trips Bear Valley Rafting offers two full-day Payette River rafting trips down either the Cabarton (North Fork) or the Canyon (South Fork) of the Payette River: Cabarton – North Fork Payette Canyon – South Fork Payette All Full-Day Trips Buy Your Rafting Trip Photos Book One of these Full-day Trips Now Book A Cabarton Trip Book A Canyon Trip School Kayak School Rafting Guide School Idaho Rafting Rafting in Idaho Rafting near Boise, Idaho Rafting near Cascade, Idaho Rafting near McCall, Idaho Locations: Bear Valley Rafting is central located on Highway 55 between Boise and McCall. Find out more about the locations around the valley and how easy it is to go on a Bear Valley Rafting trips Planning What's it like to raft the Payette River? Plan Your Bear Valley Rafting Trip: Explore the links below to find everything you need to know to plan your next Bear Valley whitewater rafting trip. Plan Your Whitewater Rafting Trip Family Whitewater Rafting in Idaho Family Reunion Whitewater Rafting Business & Team Building Whitewater Rafting Trips Group Whitewater Rafting Outings Coffee + Convenience Idaho Whitewater Rafting FAQs Buy Your Rafting Trip Photos Gift Certificates Buy Photos Book Your Trip! About Bear Valley Rafting With over three decades of experience on the Payette River, Idaho white water rafting is our life! Bear Valley River Company ( Bear Valley Rafting ) is the ideal place to fulfill your dreams of a true Idaho whitewater river rafting experience. Bear Valley Rafting is a small town raft company with an unbelievable staff, who love to come to work each day. We pride ourselves on having some of the most experienced guides on the Payette River. Bear Valley Rafting guides are licensed through the Idaho Guides and License Board, First-Aid/CPR certified, and most have taken it upon themselves to be Swiftwater Certified through Sierra Rescue / Rescue 3 International . Our staff goes through an extensive training program every spring to practice their skills, regardless of their past experience levels. Our guides will show you their passion for whitewater rafting the Payette River through the fun and enthusiasm they bring to their work, but more than anything, through their experience and safety. Located in beautiful Banks, Idaho at the confluence of the North Fork and the South Fork of the Payette River, we are only 45 minutes from Boise, Idaho! Bear Valley Rafting is licensed and bonded through the Idaho Outfitters and Guides Licensing Board and operates under a special use permit through the USDA National Forest Service. Our team is the best. I really enjoy working at Bear Valley because the guides are experts…it’s really fun to work with them. Niko – Safety Boater Phil White Owner/Operator Welcome to Bear Valley Rafting, the best whitewater rafting company in Idaho. I’m so glad you’re here! Let me tell you a little bit about my whitewater rafting journey. As soon as I had my first dose of white water, I was hooked! Soon after, I began my career at Bear Valley Rafting. I had somehow landed in the Center of the Universe, as far as white water goes, and was hired on as a safety kayaker. During that first season, I honed my skills, and by mid-season was training to also become a raft guide. The following season, I was hired on as a raft guide/safety kayaker, and the rest is history – I couldn’t stay away, and ended up returning every season. After a couple of seasons, an opportunity presented itself in management, and I soon found myself running Bear Valley Rafting. I then decided it was time to take the next step, and I now own and operate Bear Valley Rafting. Never in a million years did I think I would be running a raft company as my career path, but I count myself lucky and wouldn’t change a thing about it! I’m so excited to share my passion for rafting with you! Come join me and my team for a Payette River adventure you’ll never forget. 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. In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its Agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity (including gender expression), sexual orientation, disability, age, marital status, family/parental status, income derived from a public assistance program, political beliefs, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity, in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA (not all bases apply to all programs). Let's Do this. Payette River Rafting, that is. We offer whitewater rafting trips to accommodate everyone from the total novice to the seasoned veteran. Book Your Trip Now Ready To Go River Rafting? Bear Valley Rafting is the ideal place to fulfill your true Idaho whitewater river rafting experience. t. 208.793.2272 t. 1.800.235.2327 [email protected] 7864 Idaho 55, Banks, ID 83602 Book a Trip Half-Day Trips Full-Day Trips Kayak School BVR Guide School Rafting Trip Photos About BVR About Bear Valley Rafting Testimonials See For Yourself Partners Contact Us Employment Quick Links Rafting in Idaho Whitewater Rafting Near Boise Idaho Whitewater Rafting Near McCall Idaho Whitewater Rafting in Cascade Idaho Frequently Asked Questions Coffee + Convenience Sign up for our Newsletter --> © 2026 Bear Valley River Co. All Rights Reserved. Idaho Adventure Partners | Bear Valley Rafting, Banks Idaho Skip to main content Skip to footer Looking for a summer job? Apply now 208.793.2272 About BVR Contact us Book Your Trip! Half-Day Trips Explore Our Half-Day Trips Bear Valley Rafting offer two half-day Payette River rafting trips down either the Main or Staircase (South Fork) of the Payette River: Main Payette Raft Trip Staircase South Fork Payette All Half-Day Trips Buy Your Rafting Trip Photos Book Main Payette Book One of these Half-day Trips Now Book Main Payette Trip Book Staircase Trip Full-Day Trips Explore Our Full-Day Trips Bear Valley Rafting offers two full-day Payette River rafting trips down either the Cabarton (North Fork) or the Canyon (South Fork) of the Payette River: Cabarton – North Fork Payette Canyon – South Fork Payette All Full-Day Trips Buy Your Rafting Trip Photos Book One of these Full-day Trips Now Book A Cabarton Trip Book A Canyon Trip School Kayak School Rafting Guide School Idaho Rafting Rafting in Idaho Rafting near Boise, Idaho Rafting near Cascade, Idaho Rafting near McCall, Idaho Locations: Bear Valley Rafting is central located on Highway 55 between Boise and McCall. Find out more about the locations around the valley and how easy it is to go on a Bear Valley Rafting trips Planning What's it like to raft the Payette River? Plan Your Bear Valley Rafting Trip: Explore the links below to find everything you need to know to plan your next Bear Valley whitewater rafting trip. Plan Your Whitewater Rafting Trip Family Whitewater Rafting in Idaho Family Reunion Whitewater Rafting Business & Team Building Whitewater Rafting Trips Group Whitewater Rafting Outings Coffee + Convenience Idaho Whitewater Rafting FAQs Buy Your Rafting Trip Photos Gift Certificates Buy Photos Book Your Trip! Partners Other great adventures. Go out and explore. We have partnered with other sites to help you to continue with your adventures. Check out our list below – some might even have a discount or two. kayak.com Find more things to do and see in KAYAK Boise Travel Guide Riverpond Campground Riverpond Campground is located in beautiful Garden Valley, Idaho. There are 24 RV electrical hookups, numerous secluded tent sites, potable water, a vault toilet, river front access, a lily pond, and open grass areas. Reserver your spot now Cool Water Events & Weddings We are located in Emmett, Idaho just a short drive from Boise. We host a variety of functions such as weddings, corporate events, year-end celebrations, birthdays, quinceaneras, anniversaries and family reunions. You will love celebrating amidst the beauty and serenity of the Payette river and mountain views. Book Your Wedding or Event Today Let's Do this. Payette River Rafting, that is. We offer whitewater rafting trips to accommodate everyone from the total novice to the seasoned veteran. Book Your Trip Now Ready To Go River Rafting? Bear Valley Rafting is the ideal place to fulfill your true Idaho whitewater river rafting experience. t. 208.793.2272 t. 1.800.235.2327 [email protected] 7864 Idaho 55, Banks, ID 83602 Book a Trip Half-Day Trips Full-Day Trips Kayak School BVR Guide School Rafting Trip Photos About BVR About Bear Valley Rafting Testimonials See For Yourself Partners Contact Us Employment Quick Links Rafting in Idaho Whitewater Rafting Near Boise Idaho Whitewater Rafting Near McCall Idaho Whitewater Rafting in Cascade Idaho Frequently Asked Questions Coffee + Convenience Sign up for our Newsletter --> © 2026 Bear Valley River Co. All Rights Reserved. Whitewater Rafting in Idaho | Bear Valley Rafting on the Payette River Skip to main content Skip to footer Looking for a summer job? Apply now 208.793.2272 About BVR Contact us Book Your Trip! Half-Day Trips Explore Our Half-Day Trips Bear Valley Rafting offer two half-day Payette River rafting trips down either the Main or Staircase (South Fork) of the Payette River: Main Payette Raft Trip Staircase South Fork Payette All Half-Day Trips Buy Your Rafting Trip Photos Book Main Payette Book One of these Half-day Trips Now Book Main Payette Trip Book Staircase Trip Full-Day Trips Explore Our Full-Day Trips Bear Valley Rafting offers two full-day Payette River rafting trips down either the Cabarton (North Fork) or the Canyon (South Fork) of the Payette River: Cabarton – North Fork Payette Canyon – South Fork Payette All Full-Day Trips Buy Your Rafting Trip Photos Book One of these Full-day Trips Now Book A Cabarton Trip Book A Canyon Trip School Kayak School Rafting Guide School Idaho Rafting Rafting in Idaho Rafting near Boise, Idaho Rafting near Cascade, Idaho Rafting near McCall, Idaho Locations: Bear Valley Rafting is central located on Highway 55 between Boise and McCall. Find out more about the locations around the valley and how easy it is to go on a Bear Valley Rafting trips Planning What's it like to raft the Payette River? Plan Your Bear Valley Rafting Trip: Explore the links below to find everything you need to know to plan your next Bear Valley whitewater rafting trip. Plan Your Whitewater Rafting Trip Family Whitewater Rafting in Idaho Family Reunion Whitewater Rafting Business & Team Building Whitewater Rafting Trips Group Whitewater Rafting Outings Coffee + Convenience Idaho Whitewater Rafting FAQs Buy Your Rafting Trip Photos Gift Certificates Buy Photos Book Your Trip! Rafting in Idaho What Is the Best Whitewater Rafting River in Idaho? The license plates may say “Famous Potatoes”, but Idaho’s true claim to fame should be the world-class whitewater rafting rivers. The consistently high quality and wide variety of rivers in Idaho makes it an impossible task to declare one “the best”. But there are a lot of great options ranging from a 6-day wilderness adventure, to a quick afternoon cooling off on the river. So, with that in mind, let’s try to find the best Idaho river for  your  next whitewater trip. Before we get into all of our options though, let’s take a minute to call out the one Bear Valley Rafting calls home, the Payette River . Named after the French-Canadian fur trapper, François Payette, the Payette River is a major tributary of the Snake River, which in turn feeds into the Columbia River—the largest river in the Pacific Northwest— which in turn feeds into the Pacific Ocean. With spectacular variation in terrain, the Payette River has dramatically different boating, wildlife and vegetation zones, giving whitewater and nature enthusiasts countless opportunities for new experiences and views. The contenders Rivers criss-cross Idaho, so you will be spoiled for choice, which also makes it impractical to cover every option. Instead, let’s look at some of the more popular and accessible options. The South Fork of the Payette River The Main Payette River The Upper North Fork of the Payette River (Cabarton) Hells Canyon on the Snake River The Selway River The Middle Fork of the Salmon River The Salmon River Outside of Riggins, Idaho The Salmon River Outside of Salmon, Idaho The Lower Salmon River The Main Salmon River You may have noticed that the Salmon River shows up a lot on the list of contenders. Based on that alone, you could crown the Salmon River as the best whitewater rafting river in Idaho. But, because the Salmon offers such a wide range of whitewater rafting experiences, and there’s no way to account for all these options in one trip, we need to break up the Salmon River into the various options you will have available when planning your trip. How to determine the best river? When you start your planning, you will need to determine what factors are most important to you. How much does a typical trip cost on one of these rivers? Are you looking for a short day trip or a five or six day wilderness adventure? How available are these trips? Some trips you can decide to go one day, and be on the river the next. Others are booked out two years in advance and require a lot of planning. Finally, how accessible are these trips? If you want to bring younger kids, or have folks with mobility issues, some of these trips will simply be a no-go. So, for each river, let’s look at: Typical trip length The International scale of river difficulty The typical cost, which is largely determined by trip length How far is the launch point from Boise and McCall ? Boise is the population hub for Idaho, and McCall is a popular tourist destination. Typical age ranges offered for these trips. The South Fork of the Payette River Looking for something a bit spicier, but still super close to Boise and McCall? The South Fork of the Payette has two great options. If your time is limited, check out the Staircase Run on the Payette River , which includes 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! For a full-day trip, check out the Canyon portion of the South Fork , where you will navigate the big rapids of Gateway and S-Turn before a mandatory portage at Big Falls. Watch the guides rope the boats over the falls to the deep pool below. Little Falls, Blackadar and Surprise rapids await your arrival below the falls. Don’t forget to enjoy the incredible scenery, steep granite walls and ponderosa forest. Both options enjoy the same advantage of being so close to Boise and McCall and would make the perfect weekday escape. 16 time clock Trip Length Half Day - Full Day 16 support River Rating Class III & IV 16 currency dollar Typical Cost $ 16 m update Distance from Boise 45 minutes 16 m update Distance from McCall 1 hour & 20 minutes 16 users ww Age Range Ages 12+ The Main Payette River The Main Payette offers the perfect “quick” getaway for people in Boise, Meridian, Nampa, or Caldwell. With 3 daily departures; 9:45 am, 1:30 pm & 5:00 pm, you will have plenty of chances to relax and enjoy the beautiful scenery on Idaho’s most popular whitewater run. 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. 16 time clock Trip Length Half Day 16 support River Rating Class II & III 16 currency dollar Typical Cost $ 16 m update Distance from Boise 55 minutes 16 m update Distance from McCall 1 hour & 20 minutes 16 users ww Age Range Ages 4+ The Upper North Fork of the Payette River (Cabarton) The Cabarton run on the North Fork of the Payette River offers a full day of Class II & Class III rapids over its 10-mile journey. For folks living in the Treasure Valley, the short drive ensures you can be on the river without having to leave before dawn. A typical day trip lasts 6.5 to 7 hours , leaving you and your family plenty of time for a nice dinner to discuss the day’s adventures. With moderate Class I and Class III rapids, the Cabarton run is a very accessible whitewater rafting experience for kids to seniors. Enjoy the abundant wildlife during the relaxing calm stretches, followed by some exciting whitewater. Hold onto your hat as you wrap up your trip at Howard’s Plunge! Lunch is provided on one of the beautiful beaches along the way. 16 time clock Trip Length Full Day 16 support River Rating Class II & III 16 currency dollar Typical Cost $ 16 m update Distance from Boise 45 minutes 16 m update Distance from McCall 1 hour & 20 minutes 16 users ww Age Range Ages 5+ Hells Canyon on the Snake River Hells Canyon is North Ame Contact Bear Valley Rafting | Call or Email | Banks, Idaho Skip to main content Skip to footer Looking for a summer job? Apply now 208.793.2272 About BVR Contact us Book Your Trip! Half-Day Trips Explore Our Half-Day Trips Bear Valley Rafting offer two half-day Payette River rafting trips down either the Main or Staircase (South Fork) of the Payette River: Main Payette Raft Trip Staircase South Fork Payette All Half-Day Trips Buy Your Rafting Trip Photos Book Main Payette Book One of these Half-day Trips Now Book Main Payette Trip Book Staircase Trip Full-Day Trips Explore Our Full-Day Trips Bear Valley Rafting offers two full-day Payette River rafting trips down either the Cabarton (North Fork) or the Canyon (South Fork) of the Payette River: Cabarton – North Fork Payette Canyon – South Fork Payette All Full-Day Trips Buy Your Rafting Trip Photos Book One of these Full-day Trips Now Book A Cabarton Trip Book A Canyon Trip School Kayak School Rafting Guide School Idaho Rafting Rafting in Idaho Rafting near Boise, Idaho Rafting near Cascade, Idaho Rafting near McCall, Idaho Locations: Bear Valley Rafting is central located on Highway 55 between Boise and McCall. Find out more about the locations around the valley and how easy it is to go on a Bear Valley Rafting trips Planning What's it like to raft the Payette River? Plan Your Bear Valley Rafting Trip: Explore the links below to find everything you need to know to plan your next Bear Valley whitewater rafting trip. Plan Your Whitewater Rafting Trip Family Whitewater Rafting in Idaho Family Reunion Whitewater Rafting Business & Team Building Whitewater Rafting Trips Group Whitewater Rafting Outings Coffee + Convenience Idaho Whitewater Rafting FAQs Buy Your Rafting Trip Photos Gift Certificates Buy Photos Book Your Trip! Contact Us Murky? Let's Clear it up! Not sure which trip is right for you? Have other questions? We are here to help! Call: 208.793.2272 Toll-Free: 1.800.235.2327 Email: [email protected] Facebook: @bearvalleyrafting Instagram: @bearvalleyrafting Name Email What can we help with? Please select an option Half-Day Trip Full-Day Trip Corporate Team Building Customer Appreciation Other Comment or Message Let us know Let's Do this. Payette River Rafting, that is. We offer whitewater rafting trips to accommodate everyone from the total novice to the seasoned veteran. Book Your Trip Now Ready To Go River Rafting? Bear Valley Rafting is the ideal place to fulfill your true Idaho whitewater river rafting experience. t. 208.793.2272 t. 1.800.235.2327 [email protected] 7864 Idaho 55, Banks, ID 83602 Book a Trip Half-Day Trips Full-Day Trips Kayak School BVR Guide School Rafting Trip Photos About BVR About Bear Valley Rafting Testimonials See For Yourself Partners Contact Us Employment Quick Links Rafting in Idaho Whitewater Rafting Near Boise Idaho Whitewater Rafting Near McCall Idaho Whitewater Rafting in Cascade Idaho Frequently Asked Questions Coffee + Convenience Sign up for our Newsletter --> © 2026 Bear Valley River Co. All Rights Reserved. Jobs at Bear Valley Rafting | Payette River Guide & Seasonal Positions Skip to main content Skip to footer Looking for a summer job? Apply now 208.793.2272 About BVR Contact us Book Your Trip! Half-Day Trips Explore Our Half-Day Trips Bear Valley Rafting offer two half-day Payette River rafting trips down either the Main or Staircase (South Fork) of the Payette River: Main Payette Raft Trip Staircase South Fork Payette All Half-Day Trips Buy Your Rafting Trip Photos Book Main Payette Book One of these Half-day Trips Now Book Main Payette Trip Book Staircase Trip Full-Day Trips Explore Our Full-Day Trips Bear Valley Rafting offers two full-day Payette River rafting trips down either the Cabarton (North Fork) or the Canyon (South Fork) of the Payette River: Cabarton – North Fork Payette Canyon – South Fork Payette All Full-Day Trips Buy Your Rafting Trip Photos Book One of these Full-day Trips Now Book A Cabarton Trip Book A Canyon Trip School Kayak School Rafting Guide School Idaho Rafting Rafting in Idaho Rafting near Boise, Idaho Rafting near Cascade, Idaho Rafting near McCall, Idaho Locations: Bear Valley Rafting is central located on Highway 55 between Boise and McCall. Find out more about the locations around the valley and how easy it is to go on a Bear Valley Rafting trips Planning What's it like to raft the Payette River? Plan Your Bear Valley Rafting Trip: Explore the links below to find everything you need to know to plan your next Bear Valley whitewater rafting trip. Plan Your Whitewater Rafting Trip Family Whitewater Rafting in Idaho Family Reunion Whitewater Rafting Business & Team Building Whitewater Rafting Trips Group Whitewater Rafting Outings Coffee + Convenience Idaho Whitewater Rafting FAQs Buy Your Rafting Trip Photos Gift Certificates Buy Photos Book Your Trip! Employment Work with us! Bear Valley is a whitewater rafting company that offers half day and full day trips on the Payette River located in the whitewater hub of the universe: Banks, ID. We typically hire for some of our positions every Summer. Below are some of the positions we typically hire for: Safety Kayakers: Must be a very experienced kayaker, class V kayak experience preferred. If you are interested in a super fun working environment and think Bear Valley Rafting would fit your style please click on the yellow button below to apply today. We will begin hiring typically the first week of March Apply Now Turn Your Love for the Rapids Into a Career with Idaho Rafting Guide Training Learn to Guide Like a Pro with Our Raft Guide Training Course Becoming a certified whitewater guide connects you with an engaged outdoor community and provides an avenue for meaningful seasonal work. Register Now Ready To Go River Rafting? Bear Valley Rafting is the ideal place to fulfill your true Idaho whitewater river rafting experience. t. 208.793.2272 t. 1.800.235.2327 [email protected] 7864 Idaho 55, Banks, ID 83602 Book a Trip Half-Day Trips Full-Day Trips Kayak School BVR Guide School Rafting Trip Photos About BVR About Bear Valley Rafting Testimonials See For Yourself Partners Contact Us Employment Quick Links Rafting in Idaho Whitewater Rafting Near Boise Idaho Whitewater Rafting Near McCall Idaho Whitewater Rafting in Cascade Idaho Frequently Asked Questions Coffee + Convenience Sign up for our Newsletter --> © 2026 Bear Valley River Co. All Rights Reserved. Whitewater Rafting FAQs | Bear Valley Rafting Idaho Skip to main content Skip to footer Looking for a summer job? Apply now 208.793.2272 About BVR Contact us Book Your Trip! Half-Day Trips Explore Our Half-Day Trips Bear Valley Rafting offer two half-day Payette River rafting trips down either the Main or Staircase (South Fork) of the Payette River: Main Payette Raft Trip Staircase South Fork Payette All Half-Day Trips Buy Your Rafting Trip Photos Book Main Payette Book One of these Half-day Trips Now Book Main Payette Trip Book Staircase Trip Full-Day Trips Explore Our Full-Day Trips Bear Valley Rafting offers two full-day Payette River rafting trips down either the Cabarton (North Fork) or the Canyon (South Fork) of the Payette River: Cabarton – North Fork Payette Canyon – South Fork Payette All Full-Day Trips Buy Your Rafting Trip Photos Book One of these Full-day Trips Now Book A Cabarton Trip Book A Canyon Trip School Kayak School Rafting Guide School Idaho Rafting Rafting in Idaho Rafting near Boise, Idaho Rafting near Cascade, Idaho Rafting near McCall, Idaho Locations: Bear Valley Rafting is central located on Highway 55 between Boise and McCall. Find out more about the locations around the valley and how easy it is to go on a Bear Valley Rafting trips Planning What's it like to raft the Payette River? Plan Your Bear Valley Rafting Trip: Explore the links below to find everything you need to know to plan your next Bear Valley whitewater rafting trip. Plan Your Whitewater Rafting Trip Family Whitewater Rafting in Idaho Family Reunion Whitewater Rafting Business & Team Building Whitewater Rafting Trips Group Whitewater Rafting Outings Coffee + Convenience Idaho Whitewater Rafting FAQs Buy Your Rafting Trip Photos Gift Certificates Buy Photos Book Your Trip! Frequently Asked Questions – Bear Valley Rafting Whitewater rafting for all ages and levels We offer whitewater rafting trips to accommodate everyone from the total novice to the seasoned veteran. Book Your Trip Need answers about your rafting trip? Here is some FAQs about whitewater rafting on the Payette River with Bear Valley Rafting Search FAQs Filter FAQs Cancellation Policy (2) Coffee + Convenience (3) Full-Day Trips (6) Groups (4) Half-day trips (7) Know Before You Go (8) Payments (5) Safety (5) Trip Logistics (6) Trip Planning (13) When to Book (3) Who Can Raft (4) 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. 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. 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 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. 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. 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. How do I know if my kids are ready for their first trip? 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. Where are you located, and is there parking available? 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 Are there any weight restrictions or physical requirements? 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. What days are you open and what are your hours? 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. When does the whitewater rafting season start and end on the Payette River? 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. What’s the difference between Class III and Class IV whitewater? 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. How many people can fit into the rafts? 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 Payett Book a Trip – Bear Valley Rafting Skip to main content Skip to footer Looking for a summer job? Apply now 208.793.2272 About BVR Contact us Book Your Trip! Half-Day Trips Explore Our Half-Day Trips Bear Valley Rafting offer two half-day Payette River rafting trips down either the Main or Staircase (South Fork) of the Payette River: Main Payette Raft Trip Staircase South Fork Payette All Half-Day Trips Buy Your Rafting Trip Photos Book Main Payette Book One of these Half-day Trips Now Book Main Payette Trip Book Staircase Trip Full-Day Trips Explore Our Full-Day Trips Bear Valley Rafting offers two full-day Payette River rafting trips down either the Cabarton (North Fork) or the Canyon (South Fork) of the Payette River: Cabarton – North Fork Payette Canyon – South Fork Payette All Full-Day Trips Buy Your Rafting Trip Photos Book One of these Full-day Trips Now Book A Cabarton Trip Book A Canyon Trip School Kayak School Rafting Guide School Idaho Rafting Rafting in Idaho Rafting near Boise, Idaho Rafting near Cascade, Idaho Rafting near McCall, Idaho Locations: Bear Valley Rafting is central located on Highway 55 between Boise and McCall. Find out more about the locations around the valley and how easy it is to go on a Bear Valley Rafting trips Planning What's it like to raft the Payette River? Plan Your Bear Valley Rafting Trip: Explore the links below to find everything you need to know to plan your next Bear Valley whitewater rafting trip. Plan Your Whitewater Rafting Trip Family Whitewater Rafting in Idaho Family Reunion Whitewater Rafting Business & Team Building Whitewater Rafting Trips Group Whitewater Rafting Outings Coffee + Convenience Idaho Whitewater Rafting FAQs Buy Your Rafting Trip Photos Gift Certificates Buy Photos Book Your Trip! Book a Trip with Bear Valley Rafting Whitewater rafting for all ages and levels Make a splash and book your trip today! Select half-day or full-day trips, or call 208.793.2272 for more info. 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. Starting at: $67 per adult Half-Day Main Payette (ages 4+) Half-Day Staircase – South Fork Payette (ages 12+) Book A Half-Day Rafting Trip Learn More About Our Half-Day Trips 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! Starting at: $119 per adult Full-Day Cabarton – North Fork Payette (ages 4+) Full-Day Canyon – South Fork Payette (ages 12+) Book A Full-Day Rafting Trip Learn More About Our Full-Day Trips How can I book a whitewater rafting trip? Book half-day and full-day trips online. Have some questions? Send us an email , and we’ll be happy to help you book your trip. Want some extra help with your booking? Give us a call at 208.793.2272 or 1.800.235.2327! When are whitewater rafting trips available? Our season typically runs from late April until early September. There are many factors that will impact the start and end of our season, so be sure to confirm availability. Our full-day trips leave as early as 9:15 am, and half-day trips start shortly after at 9:45 am, with additional start times at 1:30 pm and 5:00 pm. Please note; all trips go out daily rain, snow or shine. They say it's a Splash! Don't just take our word for it. Take a look at what people have to say after rafting with Bear Valley Rafting. View All Testimonials 5/5 Had a fabulous time! Everyone was friendly and helpful. Enjoyed our ride more than I can say, you guys are great. … the photographer….FABULOUS! Love my pics so much, great job, thank you! Rita Everitt 5/5 As part of our family reunion this week, we rafted the Payette on Tuesday and loved our experience with Bear Valley. …We had a mix of children and adults and some with previous Payette experience and others with none. … We could not have asked for a better experience. This was just our first time with Bear Valley; it won’t be our last! Holly B. 5/5 We had an amazing time rafting with Bear Valley! Ryan and TJ were the best guides, they made the trip down the Payette so much fun. Both made sure everyone was safe but having fun as well. Highly recommend this company, will definitely be back! Samantha B. 5/5 Bear Valley is a great outfit. Great guides and a fun time. We brought the family visiting from California and they are hooked on rafting now. Stephanie was a great guide with a boat with different skill levels. She was informative and fun! Bonus that it is just outside Boise! We look forward to coming back again and bringing out of town visitors also! Zach H. 5/5 Had such a fun day rafting main fork of the Payette. Our guide Savvy was awesome to our son with special needs and our two young daughters. Bear River made the experience very memorable and we hope to make this a yearly tradition. Brad B. What should I know before booking a rafting trip? Online reservations are available more than 48 hours prior to departure times. Please call us at 208.793.2272 if wishing to schedule less than 48 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 either be rescheduled 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). Let's Do this. Payette River Rafting, that is. We offer whitewater rafting trips to accommodate everyone from the total novice to the seasoned veteran. Book Your Trip Now Ready To Go River Rafting? Bear Valley Rafting is the ideal place to fulfill your true Idaho whitewater river rafting experience. t. 208.793.2272 t. 1.800.235.2327 [email protected] 7864 Idaho 55, Banks, ID 83602 Book a Trip Half-Day Trips Full-Day Trips Kayak School BVR Guide School Rafting Trip Photos About BVR About Bear Valley Rafting Testimonials See For Yourself Partners Contact Us Employment Quick Links Rafting in Idaho Whitewater Rafting Near Boise Idaho Whitewater Rafting Near McCall Idaho Whitewater Rafting in Cascade Idaho Frequently Asked Questions Coffee + Convenience Sign up for our Newsletter --> © 2026 Bear Valley River Co. All Rights Reserved. Whitewater Rafting Near Cascade, Idaho | Bear Valley Rafting Skip to main content Skip to footer Looking for a summer job? Apply now 208.793.2272 About BVR Contact us Book Your Trip! Half-Day Trips Explore Our Half-Day Trips Bear Valley Rafting offer two half-day Payette River rafting trips down either the Main or Staircase (South Fork) of the Payette River: Main Payette Raft Trip Staircase South Fork Payette All Half-Day Trips Buy Your Rafting Trip Photos Book Main Payette Book One of these Half-day Trips Now Book Main Payette Trip Book Staircase Trip Full-Day Trips Explore Our Full-Day Trips Bear Valley Rafting offers two full-day Payette River rafting trips down either the Cabarton (North Fork) or the Canyon (South Fork) of the Payette River: Cabarton – North Fork Payette Canyon – South Fork Payette All Full-Day Trips Buy Your Rafting Trip Photos Book One of these Full-day Trips Now Book A Cabarton Trip Book A Canyon Trip School Kayak School Rafting Guide School Idaho Rafting Rafting in Idaho Rafting near Boise, Idaho Rafting near Cascade, Idaho Rafting near McCall, Idaho Locations: Bear Valley Rafting is central located on Highway 55 between Boise and McCall. Find out more about the locations around the valley and how easy it is to go on a Bear Valley Rafting trips Planning What's it like to raft the Payette River? Plan Your Bear Valley Rafting Trip: Explore the links below to find everything you need to know to plan your next Bear Valley whitewater rafting trip. Plan Your Whitewater Rafting Trip Family Whitewater Rafting in Idaho Family Reunion Whitewater Rafting Business & Team Building Whitewater Rafting Trips Group Whitewater Rafting Outings Coffee + Convenience Idaho Whitewater Rafting FAQs Buy Your Rafting Trip Photos Gift Certificates Buy Photos Book Your Trip! Whitewater Rafting in Cascade Idaho A must-have experience for outdoor adventurers, whitewater rafting on the Payette River is the perfect complement to any Cascade, ID vacation. Surrounded by the mountains of Southwest Idaho, on the shores of Lake Cascade, Cascade, ID is the perfect spot for your next mountain retreat! Home to Lake Cascade State park, numerous hot springs, hiking trails, campgrounds and cabins, Cascade is an outdoor enthusiast’s dream. While only 1,000 permanent residents call Cascade home, people flock to this mountain town year round to enjoy its small town charm and countless recreational opportunities. One of Cascade’s biggest draws is its close access to some of the most amazing whitewater in the world! Known as the whitewater state,  Idaho has world-class whitewater  that can be easily accessed from Cascade by raft or kayak. And what better way to enjoy the natural beauty of Cascade and the great Idaho outdoors than by whitewater rafting through them! While there are many rafting companies to choose from  Bear Valley Rafting company  is a great choice! With countless 5 star reviews, a stellar location and passionate guides who love sharing their expertise with others, Bear Valley Rafting is the place to choose for your next  full-day whitewater rafting trip  or  half-day whitewater rafting trip  and will make anyone’s Idaho rafting dreams come true!   Conveniently located in beautiful Banks, Idaho, Bear Valley Rafting is about an hour away from Cascade, halfway between Cascade and  Boise – Idaho’s capital city . Situated right off of Highway 55 by the Banks Cafe, we’re directly on the route to Boise; you can’t miss us! We’re also just right off the turn to Garden Valley, which offers more camping, hiking and river fun. Wherever you’re traveling to or from, Bear Valley Rafting is a convenient stop for one more adventure on your way. Read why  our customers love Bear Valley Rafting . Live your dreams and add a thrilling Idaho whitewater rafting experience to your Cascade adventure.  Contact us to learn more  about how you can book your next adventure! Take a short drive from Cascade for a Half-day or Full-day of Whitewater rafting. 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. Starting at: $67 Per Adult Book a Half-Day Trip 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! Starting at: $119 Per Adult Book a Full-day Trip Let's Do this. Payette River Rafting, that is. We offer whitewater rafting trips to accommodate everyone from the total novice to the seasoned veteran. Book Your Trip Now Ready To Go River Rafting? Bear Valley Rafting is the ideal place to fulfill your true Idaho whitewater river rafting experience. t. 208.793.2272 t. 1.800.235.2327 [email protected] 7864 Idaho 55, Banks, ID 83602 Book a Trip Half-Day Trips Full-Day Trips Kayak School BVR Guide School Rafting Trip Photos About BVR About Bear Valley Rafting Testimonials See For Yourself Partners Contact Us Employment Quick Links Rafting in Idaho Whitewater Rafting Near Boise Idaho Whitewater Rafting Near McCall Idaho Whitewater Rafting in Cascade Idaho Frequently Asked Questions Coffee + Convenience Sign up for our Newsletter --> © 2026 Bear Valley River Co. All Rights Reserved. Family whitewater rafting in Idaho – Bear Valley Rafting Skip to main content Skip to footer Looking for a summer job? Apply now 208.793.2272 About BVR Contact us Book Your Trip! Half-Day Trips Explore Our Half-Day Trips Bear Valley Rafting offer two half-day Payette River rafting trips down either the Main or Staircase (South Fork) of the Payette River: Main Payette Raft Trip Staircase South Fork Payette All Half-Day Trips Buy Your Rafting Trip Photos Book Main Payette Book One of these Half-day Trips Now Book Main Payette Trip Book Staircase Trip Full-Day Trips Explore Our Full-Day Trips Bear Valley Rafting offers two full-day Payette River rafting trips down either the Cabarton (North Fork) or the Canyon (South Fork) of the Payette River: Cabarton – North Fork Payette Canyon – South Fork Payette All Full-Day Trips Buy Your Rafting Trip Photos Book One of these Full-day Trips Now Book A Cabarton Trip Book A Canyon Trip School Kayak School Rafting Guide School Idaho Rafting Rafting in Idaho Rafting near Boise, Idaho Rafting near Cascade, Idaho Rafting near McCall, Idaho Locations: Bear Valley Rafting is central located on Highway 55 between Boise and McCall. Find out more about the locations around the valley and how easy it is to go on a Bear Valley Rafting trips Planning What's it like to raft the Payette River? Plan Your Bear Valley Rafting Trip: Explore the links below to find everything you need to know to plan your next Bear Valley whitewater rafting trip. Plan Your Whitewater Rafting Trip Family Whitewater Rafting in Idaho Family Reunion Whitewater Rafting Business & Team Building Whitewater Rafting Trips Group Whitewater Rafting Outings Coffee + Convenience Idaho Whitewater Rafting FAQs Buy Your Rafting Trip Photos Gift Certificates Buy Photos Book Your Trip! Family whitewater rafting in Idaho The Ultimate Family Adventure: The Main Payette River Trip Bring the Whole Family for an Experience That’s Anything but Ordinary Whether you're a first-time rafter or a returning thrill-seeker, our guided whitewater rafting trips on the Payette River are the perfect mix of excitement, safety and unforgettable mermories. Our expert guides are here to make sure your experience is as smooth as it is fun. From our super-easy check-in experience to our thorough safety briefing to our epic rafting runs, see why so many choose Bear Valley Rafting for their family Idaho river adventures. With trips for kids as young as 4, it's easy for the whole family to have a whole lot of fun! Safety Meets Family Fun Bear Valley Rafting has been taking people down the Payette River in Idaho for over 30 years. Our staff goes through an extensive training program every spring to practice their skills, regardless of their experience levels. Bear Valley Rafting guides are licensed through the Idaho Guides and License Board, First-Aid/CPR certified, and most have taken it upon themselves to be Swiftwater Certified through Sierra Rescue and Rescue 3 International . Bear Valley Rafting has half-day and full-day trips down the Payette River on Class II & III rapids, ideally suited for families with kids age 4 and up. Our rafts typically accommodate 6–8 people per raft, so plenty of room for the whole family. Select Half-Day or Full-Day Trips, or Call 208.793.2272 for More Info 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. Starting at: $67 per adult Half-Day Main Payette (ages 4+) Half-Day Staircase – South Fork Payette (ages 12+) Book A Half-Day Rafting Trip Learn More About Our Half-Day Trips 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! Starting at: $119 per adult Full-Day Cabarton – North Fork Payette (ages 4+) Full-Day Canyon – South Fork Payette (ages 12+) Book A Full-Day Rafting Trip Learn More About Our Full-Day Trips The Family Reunion Activity They'll Actually Want to Do This summer, skip the usual reunion picnic and spend a day on the river instead. Whitewater rafting is one of the few activities the whole extended family can enjoy together. Give your family the unique and unforgettable experience of a family reunion whitewater rafting trip. The best part? Our team at Bear Valley Rafting can help you put it all together. Book online or contact us between 7:00 am to 10:00 pm daily to help you plan your custom family trip. Give us a call or send us an email today! Frequently Asked Questions 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. How big are the rafts? 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. 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. What’s the difference between Class III and Class IV whitewater? 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. What should I wear? You’ll need to have footwear that will not fall off your feet and can get wet. Board shorts, swimsuits or other water-wicking clothes are also recommended. Avoid cotton! You may also want to wear a hat and/or sunglasses, but be careful. If they’re not secure, they might fall off. How many people can fit into the rafts? 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 . Do you take photos? 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. Do I need to know how to swim? 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. Are there any weight restrictions or physical requirements? 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. 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