North Fork Payette
Valley / Gem Co. · 48 mi · Class III–V+
3,530CFS/ 6.29 ft
Above Optimal
→Stable· -30 cfs in 3h
Optimal: 800–2500 CFS · USGS #13247500
⚡Flow data is live from USGS·Rapid classifications and CFS ranges need community verification··Know this river?
48 mi
Length
Class III–V+
Difficulty
800–2500 cfs
Optimal
1,100 cfs
Avg Flow
980 cfs
Hist. Median
#13247500
USGS Gauge
Idaho Recreation Corridor

The North Fork Payette through Banks is legendary in the North American kayaking community — Class V and V+ whitewater that draws elite paddlers from around the world. Cascade Falls section rivals any whitewater in the country. The roadside gorge provides easy shuttles and difficult consequences. Not for the uninitiated.

Trip sections
Cascade section — Class V+, Cascade Falls is Class V+/VI
Banks to Horseshoe Bend — Class IV–V, most popular section
Lower NFP — Class III–IV, scenic and challenging
Outfitters
Cascade Raft & Kayak
North Fork Payette trips
Idaho Guide Service
Payette river float trips
72-Hour Flow Forecast
NOAA NWPS
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10-Year Flow Patterns
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Data Quality

River conditions are community-verified. CFS ranges, difficulty ratings, and trip sections may not reflect every flow level or seasonal change. Always check current conditions, scout unfamiliar rapids, and paddle within your skill level. If you spot an error, use the Improve This River button at the top of the page — your local knowledge is what makes this atlas accurate.