The Upper Owyhee passes through a deep canyon with grand scenery. The steep, turbulence of the Middle Owyhee makes it a favorite with serious boaters. The East Fork is a demanding trip but worth it for the deep gorge, bighorn lambing grounds, falcons and mountain lions. Lake Owyhee is a popular intermediate run. Payette The Payette River leaves civilization behind just an hour's drive from Boise, Idaho's largest city.
Visitors float a clean mountain river with forested banks and hawks or osprey flying overhead.
The South Fork of the Payette is an advanced whitewater run for one, two, or three days of excitement. The Main Payette river is perfect for families or beginning river rafters looking for easy rapids and and a few hours of fun outdoor time. The North Fork of the Payette is one of the finest advanced kayak runs in the world, featuring 20 named class IV-V rapids in 16 miles. They can be run only for a few months each spring from April to June. If the weather has been dry, the season may last only a few weeks.