Whitewater Paradise

The waves at Boise Whitewater Park can be specially configured for surfers or kayakers, depending on the day. PHOTO BY KAREN DAY

BY HEATHER HAMILTON-POST

The Gem State has 3,500 miles of runnable whitewater, which is the most in the nation. Serious rafters and kayakers rank the Middle Fork of the Salmon River, which twists through the immaculate Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness, at the top of their bucket lists. On the Payette, a favorite for Boise locals, rafters can expect another fun season.

SALMON RIVER, STANLEY, IDAHO

PHOTO BY JOHN WEBSTER

“We definitely have above average snowpack, but in general, that means better water for the season,” said Phil White, the owner/operator at Bear Valley Rafting. He expects that we’ll see another rise and then the water levels will taper off again, but he emphasized that the risk is minimal with licensed outfitters—especially on the Payette, where there are less obstacles in the water. “The best thing about the Payette is it is so close to the Treasure Valley—this is a super fun outdoor activity, and everybody who comes loves it. It’s pretty special,” White said.

ANN MORRISON PARK

PHOTO BY JOHN WEBSTER

Even Boise has whitewater. Though the Boise River flowing through town is typically more of a leisurely experience than heart-pounding adventure, this year’s historic water flow may change that. During a typical Float the Boise season, river flows are between 500 and 1,500 cubic feet per second. While it is still early in the season, the current flow is 6,150 cubic feet per second, which makes for a rushing (and unsafe to float) river. Check out floattheboise.org to stay up to date on the latest river conditions, explore the interactive map, and review the safety checklist.

For something a little different than your standard float, Boise Whitewater Park provides kayakers and surfers with waves and chop for play and practice, and with the abundance of water this year, the season is sure to be one to remember. Check out the adjustable waves for kayakers and surfers, with three in-river wave structures for adventure-seekers of all levels. Just want to watch? There’s a plaza with plenty of spots to catch a view.

Each year, around 125,000 people float the Boise River, which takes 2-3 hours and covers 6 miles.

PHOTO BY KAREN DAY

Sam Goff, a Boise science teacher and whitewater enthusiast, has been kayaking since he was 16. “I grew up on the Payette,” said Goff, who explained that it is actually a more swimmable river than the Boise, which doesn’t have a ton of rapids and can strand users. Safety, he explained, is one of the reasons Boise Whitewater Park exists. “The emphasis for the park was twofold—rebuild the diversion dam, which was making the spot dangerous for users, and make the area more friendly for recreation,” Goff said. “Now, it is much safer to be in the water, and the dam still effectively diverts water into the irrigation canal.”

PHOTO BY JOHN WEBSTER

So yes, Boise Whitewater Park is safe—but it is a lot of fun too. “The park has facilitated incredible amounts of change and brought so many people to the area—the parking lot is always full and people are excited to have a good time,” Goff said.

Whitewater season is approaching. Which river will you play in once the weather heats up and the water comes down?