Just in time for the July heat! 5th edition of "Paddling the Payette" is hot off the press!

New cover for 5th edition 

Hi all, 

Here in Idaho, we are blessed with many outstanding river systems, and the Payette River is one of our true and trusty gems, just 30-45 minutes from Boise.

I've been paddling the Payette River personally since the mid-1980s. I started with whitewater rafting, kayaking and canoeing, and then things have evolved to Stand Up Paddle Boarding (SUP) as well. 

My first guidebook on the Payette River was published in 1995. I just reprinted the book in July 2023, creating the 5th edition, now hot off the press! New price is $19.95. Books will be  available at Idaho River Sports, Alpenglow Mountain Sport, Rediscovered Books, Cascade Raft, River Gear at Kelly's Whitewater Park, Amazon, other outdoor retailers and my web site. 

John Poole paddles Swirly Canyon on his SUP

The Payette River system is a special gift because it has such wonderful diversity -- including lakes, Class 2 streams, and full-on, world-class whitewater. The Payette is extremely accessible. Many roads and highways lead to your favorite paddling adventure, and no permits are required. All you need to do is gather up your boating gear and go, or call an outfitter and go. 

My book provides details on 23 day trips in the Payette River system - something for all abilities - rafting, kayaking, sit-on-top kayaks, SUPs and canoes.  

More than 20 of the day trips on the Payette River are suitable for SUPs - from tranquil easy-going floats on lakes to Class 3 whitewater.  

The South Fork "Canyon" run has non-stop action. This is Lone Pine Rapids. 
(Courtesy Cascade Raft)

Two large reservoirs, Lake Cascade and Deadwood Reservoir, provide season-long flows on the Payette River. The dams store irrigation water for farmers downstream. River flows are slowly released throughout the summer to water crops. This flow regime benefits boaters of all kinds throughout the summer. When other streams in the West dry up or are too low to float in August, the Payette is still running strong. 

Steve guiding a paddle raft through "Howard's Plunge" at the end 
of the Cabarton section, North Fork Payette River in Smith's Ferry.  

Overall, the Payette River promises to deliver lots of fun, as long as you are well-prepared for the journey. I don’t know how many times I’ve gotten up on a beautiful summer morning – no clouds in the sky – packed up the boating gear and whispered to myself, it’s going to be an all-Idaho day on the Payette – guaranteed fun. You feel the excitement on the way to the put-in, and you know it’s going to be an awesome day. 

Two women SUP on a large pond near McCall. (photo by Steve Jones) 

Enjoy!

- SS 

Three places to cool-off, camp, fish or paddle in Central Idaho, plus Stage 1 fire restrictions in effect!

Alturas Lake (courtesy Triangle C)

Hi all, 

I hope everyone is finding ways to stay cool and close to water in the midst of this major heat wave in Idaho. 

Between the smoke from wildfires causing air quality issues, combined with the heat, it's hard to get that motivated to leave the comforts of A/C. 

But in reality, the higher-elevations in Central Idaho are a great place to go, and maybe the smoke and heat will keep some people camping on the couch at home! 

This week for my outdoor tip, I'm recommending three somewhat off-beat locations for high-elevation outdoor outings near water in Central Idaho. You can go paddling, fishing or camping in these locations or just sit on the river bank or lake shore, and soak your feet in the water. Can you feel it? 

Before I share my recommendations, I've got two things to share re: trip-planning. 

1. Head's up: The Forest Service, BLM and Idaho Department of Lands have gone to Stage 1 Fire Restrictions in Southwest Idaho, Central Idaho and North-Central Idaho. Those restrictions kick in today (July 15) and tomorrow. KVTB story here. 

The fire restrictions mean that it's illegal to have a campfire unless you're camping in an official campground, where they have those large circular metal fire-containment structures. See the KTVB story for details. 

Air Now Fire and Smoke map screenshot. (Courtesy of Air Now)

2. Smoke map. I like this Air Now interactive Fire and Smoke map.  Good way to see what's going on with fire smoke not only in Idaho, but in the Pacific Northwest or beyond. If you're a skier, your login for OpenSnow.com should work for OpenSummit.com. OpenSummit has some great interactive smoke maps as well, which will give you a sense of how the smoke plumes will play out over the next 24 hours. 

Now, as to my recommendations in no particular order:

• Deadwood Reservoir (elev. 5,334') - The lengthy drive from Cascade or the Banks-to-Lowman road usually keeps the crowds down at Deadwood. You can go boating, SUP'ing, camping or fishing. The fishing is quite diverse, with the possibility of catching rainbow or cutthroat trout, Atlantic salmon, or kokanee salmon. Some of the campgrounds can be reserved via Recreation.gov.

  

  Deadwood Reservoir, courtesy Peak Visor
  

  
  
• Landmark (elev. 6,630') - East of Cascade via the Warm Lake Road, you can go camping in this area at one of several Forest Service campgrounds like Penny Springs, go fishing in Johnson Creek or maybe float a section of Johnson Creek in a SUP, kayak or canoe. Road-scout the section you're going to try to look for trees across the creek (strainers). In Landmark, you're relatively close to Yellow Pine, if you'd like to take a side trip, and close to some access points on the west side of the Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness.

  

  Johnson Creek airstrip provides quick access to Yellow Pine.
  

  
  
• Alturas or Petit Lake (elev. 7,000'), Sawtooth Valley - It looks like the official campgrounds at these lakes are reserved or close-to-full. Perhaps you can find another place to camp in the valley or stay at Smiley Creek Lodge. You can catch rainbow trout, cutthroat trout, bull trout and kokanee at Alturas Lake. More details on the IDFG fishing planner. At Petit Lake, the same species are available, plus brook trout. More details on the IDFG fishing planner. 

There you have it! Have fun out there!
- SS

New guidelines for whitewater boating during COVID-19, plus Redfish camprounds in the Sawtooth NRA open Friday

Quinn Stuebner nails the chute in Tappan Falls on the Middle Fork Salmon River

Hi all,

It's been good to see the number of new coronavirus cases declining in Idaho, allowing Gov. Little to continue re-opening the state to larger group gatherings of up to 10-50 people as of May 30. That's going to allow Idaho's river outfitters to take larger groups rafting this summer on day trips on the Payette River and also on week-long vacations on the famed Middle Fork of the Salmon River and Salmon River - River of No Return. 

Before I get into the details on that stuff, I saw a news release from the Sawtooth National Forest, announcing that more campgrounds are opening up on Friday, June 5th, including the super popular Redfish Lake campgrounds, Stanley Lake campgrounds, Grand Jean campground and more. Here's a list of what's opening tomorrow. Go to recreation.gov to reserve sites.

FYI - Here's a guidance protocol document about safe camping practices that's been approved by state health authorities. Link to US Forest Service interactive statewide map on recreation sites open/closed.    

Another nugget in the governor's May 30 order is that a ban on non-essential travel has been lifted. That's good news for people who are ready to get out of town after living in a cocoon since mid-March. 

Drew clowns around with his friend Jenny on the Boise River last summer.

Now that it's warming up, people will be flocking to do day trips on the Payette River and Boise River, just as they're flocking to popular spots in Boise like Quinn's pond, the Boise Whitewater Park and Esther Simplot Park. Friday is going to be in the mid-90s, and then the weather looks really wet and crummy this weekend, but it will be warming up again next week. 

The state's easing of restrictions is timed well to accommodate peeps who are ready to hit the water for summer recreation. But just as a reminder, as things open up more, and we see more congestion around the water, it will be incumbent on all of us to use best practices to prevent further spread of the coronavirus.

To that end, I'd recommend carrying masks and wearing them in heavily congested areas at river-launch sites and takeouts. Everyone will have their own opinions and tolerances for how much congestion they are comfortable with.

Signature pic passing under the Rainbow Bridge on the Cabarton section, North Fork Payette River

BTW, I checked in with Ada County Parks & Waterways officials, and they are planning on having a float season on the Boise River at Barber Park with equipment rental and shuttles. No opening date has been set, as yet! But watch for an announcement soon. In the meantime, people can launch their own boats at Barber Park at any time. Be aware the Boise River is running at only 600 cfs ... so it's pretty low flow, and rocks, trees and other debris in the river and on shore could present a hazard.  

Idaho Health & Welfare officials have approved the following guidelines for private groups who are going kayaking or rafting on Idaho's rivers:

• Solo boats are OK - Stand-up paddle boards, inflatable kayaks, single-person rowing a raft, etc.
• Ideally, go with small groups with immediate family or room-mates that have been living together.
• If you go with a mixed group of friends, drive separately to the put-in. Go downriver in separate boats, if possible.  
• Try to put family members in the same paddle boat; or room-mates in the same paddle boat.
• Shuttles: Do your own shuttle ideally
• Have a friend do your shuttle vs. hiring a shuttle service, if possible.
• Wear cloth face coverings while on the water (masks are not recommended in the water).
• Wipe down and disinfect high-touch surfaces before and after the trip. 
• Sanitize your vehicle before driving it; sanitize your vehicle after a shuttle driver has used it. 
• Use hand sanitizer with at least 60 percent alcohol. 
• Wash your hands before and after your trip. 

On June 3, Gov. Little's office released new COVID-19 guidelines and recommended protocols for outfitted businesses in Idaho, as they have done for a variety of businesses in recent weeks. You can click on the link to read the document in detail. In essence, the guidance recommends that outfitters put a variety of protocols in place at their place of business to ensure 6-foot social distancing, having hand-sanitizer handy for employees and guests, take steps to ensure employees are healthy, etc.

Weeping waterfall at Veil Falls, Middle Fork Impassible Canyon

By easing group sizes to up to 50 people, Idaho's outfitters that typically take large groups of 24 guests on the Middle Fork or Main Salmon rivers will be allowed to do so along with licensed guides who lead the trips.

The outfitting guidance also allows flexibility for outfitters to run paddle boats with mixed groups of people on the river.

I have a gut feeling that some people from out of state may cancel their outfitted river trips in Idaho this summer because of their own personal finances, challenges or anxiety about airline travel, anxiety about being around large groups on the river trip, or other issues.

Hence, it might be a good year for Idaho residents to do a Middle Fork, Main Salmon, Hells Canyon or Selway river trip with an outfitter at a discounted price. Usually those trips cost at least $2,000 per person. Check IOGA's Raft Idaho site to search for outfitters that run your favorite river and see if you can find an open seat. I highly recommend doing these trips ... they are a true trip-of-a-lifetime!

Fish on! Middle Fork native cutthroat trout 

Again, everyone will have their own level of comfort to be around mixed groups and crowds right now by the water. Hopefully everyone will do their part to keep our coronavirus infection rates to a minimum.

Have fun, be safe and stay healthy! 
- SS   

10 perfect paddling destinations in SW Idaho for SUPs and kayaks

SUP'ing on the Boise River near Discovery Park is a less-crowded place to paddle below Lucky Peak Dam.

Hi all,

The weather is warming up, the Boise River float season kicks off next week, and that means it's time to get your boating gear together for summer paddling adventures -- if you haven't done that already!

This week's outdoor tip is for people who are enjoying the fast-growing sport of Stand Up Paddle Boarding (SUP), as well as sit-on-top kayaks and other flat-water craft.

Quinn's Pond has been the go-to destination for SUPs in Boise, and often times, it's challenging to even find a place to park at Esther Simplot Park to get easy access to Quinn's Pond (the old Bob Rice Ford parking lot is a great alternative, however, with plenty of space).

So I thought I would dish up some alternative locations close to home for flat-water SUP'ing, canoeing or kayaking.

I spoke with the experts at Idaho River Sports and Alpenglow Mountainsport (both of whom have tons of SUP and kayak rentals available) for ideas, plus my guidebook, Paddling the Payette, has more than 15 fantastic flat-water and moderate, moving-water destinations for SUPs and kayaks. You also can buy waterproof Payette River maps on my web site.

Be sure to wear life jackets, helmets and safety gear on rocky moving water like the Boise River and Payette River. Stay away from the river banks when possible as well to avoid getting caught in debris, downed trees, etc. 

1. Boise River - Just because of its sheer popularity and convenience, thousands of people are drawn to float the Boise River ... sometimes 10,000 a day! The Boise River is expected to open next week after the Boise Fire Department does a safety sweep of the river on Friday. Watch the Ada County Parks & Waterways web site or Facebook page for information on the official opening day. All of the fun starts at Barber Park. SUP'ing the Boise River can be challenging because of the diversion drops and moving water, so you might not necessarily want to go there first. Plus, the water is VERY COLD! My step-daughter broke off the back fin of her SUP last year at a diversion drop, just saying. 

Beautiful evening by Discovery Park on Wednesday. These two paddlers were the only ones on the water. 

2. Discovery State Park - Located at the foot of Lucky Peak, Discovery Park is a great place to paddle in the Boise River below the dam. The shady park is a great place to hang out, so bring a picnic, and there is a great spot for off-leash dogs to run around. You can paddle towards Diversion Dam, and then paddle back in the eddies along the reservoir.

3. Arrowrock Reservoir - Quiet and uncrowded. Lots of places to launch by campgrounds or other dispersed sites along the west side of the reservoir by the Middle Fork Road. Could be windy in the afternoon, so be aware of that. 

4. Mores Creek arm of Lucky Peak Reservoir. Put in at Robie Creek Park. Quiet and relatively uncrowded.


Video courtesy Idaho Caller 

5. Payette River - Montour reach near Sweet. Moving water but no rapids. Multiple sand bars as the river level drops. Put-in at the Montour IDFG Wildlife Managemennt Area by the river bridge. Easy bike shuttle possible by planting a bike at the beginning of Black Canyon Reservoir. 3.5 miles. 

6. South Fork Payette River - Garden Valley reach. Slower-water section of the South Fork between Hot Springs Campground and Deer Creek launch site. Beautiful setting in Garden Valley. 6-mile trip.

7. Centennial Park to Shoshone Falls in Twin Falls. World-class paddling experience in the giant Snake River Canyon. I've written about the trip for Southern Idaho Tourism. Fabulous trip!(Video courtesy Southern Idaho Tourism)

The Meanders where it flows into Payette Lake. 

8. North Fork Meanders, North Beach, north of McCall.This is one of the sweetest places to SUP, kayak or canoe anywhere in Idaho. Stillwater experience, with deep pools and a winding river winding through forests and meadows. Watch for the resident moose! The float is up to 4.5 miles long, depending on your preference. Be sure to take Eastside Drive to North Beach and the Meanders during the week; Warren Wagon Road is closed for construction during weekdays.

Payette River below Kelly's Whitewater Park

9. Cascade to Cabarton, North Fork Payette River - Put in by the ID 55 south bridge as you pull into the town of Cascade. Flat moving water on the North Fork with no rapids. Long trip, 9 miles of meandering river through cattle pastures on your way to Cabarton Bridge. West Mountain looms off to the West. Be sure to bring a lunch.  

Courtesy Stanley chamber/Visit Idaho

10. Redfish Lake - Hey, if you're in the Sawtooths, how can you go wrong? Word for the wise: watch out for winds! Spectacular setting with the Sawtooths framing your paddle adventure the whole time. 

Need instruction? Idaho River Sports offers a wide assortment of SUP classes - they also have SUP Pilates and SUP Yoga classes. See IRS web site for details.

Steve talks about his outdoor tip of the week on Friday mornings at 7:40 a.m. on 94.9 FM The River with Ken Bass and Deb Courson Smith. Please tune in!   

Try floating the tranquil Middle Fork Payette River as a relaxing alternative to whitewater

Idyllic scene on the Middle Fork Payette River, Laurie Anderson, Cymry Reed, Joanie Faucie and Wendy in Big Red.

Hi all,

I'm sure everyone is enjoying the fabulous weather, and this weekend should be incredible with temperatures in the 80s! 

With warm weather, our whitewater rivers will be rising as the deep snowpack melts in the mountains. The white-knuckle whitewater enthusiasts will be out on the South Fork Payette River and North Fork Payette for an adrenaline-charged experience.

Last Sunday, we decided to go for a more low-key experience on the Middle Fork of the Payette River, near Crouch in Garden Valley. This is an often-overlooked river trip at this time of year, but right now, the flows are perfect for Stand-Up Paddle-Boarding (SUP), canoeing, inflatable kayaking, sit-on-top kayaks, and rafting. There are no rapids, but many bends in the river, so that is your main navigational challenge. Might be a good call for a Mother's Day float!

More of our crew, Mishel, Jim and Pam from McCall, and Mark Anderson on the SUP

It's an 8-mile reach that starts at Tie Creek Campground, about nine miles north of Crouch, and flows by a diverse array of cabins and shacks on the river bank, with forested mountains in the distance. It's a very scenic float trip, plus it's fun to check out the cabins. It takes about 3 hours to do the float. Take your time, bring a lunch and enjoy the trip. 

The river flow is increasing a bit toward 2,000 cfs. That is a sweet level!  

Plant a shuttle vehicle in Crouch at the take-out before you go, or have friends pick you up. There is a detailed description and map about this day trip in my guidebook, Paddling the Payette, a guide to 24 day trips on the Payette River. The book is available at Idaho River Sports and Alpenglow Mountainsport. 

We did lunch at Mishel's cabin on the Middle Fork.

If you've got the time, bring your camping gear and hang out in the Middle Fork area. There are numerous car-camping spots along the Middle Fork ... some are developed campgrounds with water and fire pits, etc., and some are less developed. I am not sure if the Forest Service campgrounds are open yet. You also could stay at a bed & breakfast or the Garden Valley Hotel. See the Garden Valley Chamber of Commerce for more information on lodging. 

The other thing to consider when you're in Crouch is to visit the Longhorn Restaurant & Saloon. I love their burgers. The Longhorn has 16 different beers on tap. You also could play a round of scenic golf at the Terrace Lakes Resort, or eat dinner at Terrace Lakes. The food is good and prices are reasonable. Other activities in the area include numerous hot springs, both primitive and developed.

Waving to folks at their cabins along the way

Have fun!

- SS

Paddle the Middle Fork Boise, Upper South Fork Payette or Arrowrock to stay cool

Middle Fork Boise River upstream of Arrowrock (courtesy John Keys)

Middle Fork Boise (courtesy John Keys) 

Swirley Canyon on the South Fork Payette River would be a good alternative to Cabarton this weekend. 

Upper South Fork Payette River near Grand Jean hot springs 

Hi all,

It's been piping hot this week in the Boise Valley, and if you were thinking about trying to head out of town into the mountains this weekend, you might want to head toward Idaho City, Lowman or Stanley given the uncertain nature of Idaho 55 with the Mile Marker 73 wildfire burning next to the highway.

Check the ITD 511 site for the latest conditions. As of Thursday afternoon, ID 55 was limited to one lane with a pilot car. You can only imagine what kind of traffic back-up that might look like on Friday or this weekend. If you're heading for McCall, U.S. 95 was closed as of Thursday night in the Midvale area because of the Keithly wildfire ... geez!

Cascade Raft & Kayak is hosting a live music event tomorrow at 5 p.m. with Bread and Circus at their boating headquarters, so watch their Facebook page for the latest on highway conditions as well. If they get ID 55 opened up to two lanes, you could go raft/kayak the Payette River in the afternoon and then hang out for the live music event afterward.

Given the potential traffic snafu on ID 55, I'm recommending three paddling trips that are accessible via Idaho 21 ... these trips would be doable for folks who have inflatable kayaks, rafts, SUPs, sit-on-top hardshell kayaks or whatever craft might be suitable.

1. Float the Upper Payette River from the Tenmile trailhead area to Helende Campground, upstream of Lowman. This is a Class 2 flatwater run with rocks to dodge and small rapids. This would be a 5-mile trip. This section would be challenging for experienced whitewater SUP paddlers but probably doable. Do a road scout and see what you think.

2. Drive up to Arrowrock Reservoir, find a spot to hang out by the water, put up your sun tarp, and go paddling in the reservoir. A good truck works great for driving down to the reservoir's edge, and there are some camping spots along the Middle Fork road. Take ID 21 to the Spring Shores/Middle Fork Road and drive up-canyon to Arrowrock and find your spot from there. Any flatwater craft would work on Arrowrock, plus motorboats of course.

3. Drive up the Middle Fork Road past Arrowrock to Troutdale Campground or any other spot of your choosing, and float the lower section of the Middle Fork Boise River. This is a mostly Class 2 flatwater run with rocks to dodge and small rapids. A group of people I know ran this section last week and had enough water flow (450 cfs today) to make it through in hard-shell kayaks and inflatable kayaks. Strong SUP paddlers might want to try it. 

There you have it! A couple of other suggestions:

• Swirly Canyon or the Main Payette would be good alternatives to floating Cabarton, since that super-popular section is closed because of a wildfire. But you might have to drive there via Lowman. 
• Hiking to Jenny Lake would be a good call this weekend for a cool-off location close to home. 

Have fun! 

- SS 

10 outdoorsy ideas to pursue on a beautiful November weekend in SW Idaho

Boise River Greenbelt in the fall (courtesy LifewithLolo)

Paddling to see fall colors on Payette Lake (courtesy Pete Zimowsky) 

Leslie Gulch would be a great call this weekend 

Fall biking is all the rage right now ... perfect riding conditions
Fisher-Williams Trail in the White Clouds 

Steelhead fishing is hot now! 

Hi all,

The weather looks fab for the weekend, with temperatures in the 60s and a very small chance of rain in the Boise and SW Idaho area on Saturday morning ... It's amazing to have this kind of weather in November, but it looks like this will be the last weekend of warm temps before things turn to cooler and wetter weather next week, so you might as well get out and enjoy it!

This week, I'm throwing out some outdoorsy ideas close to home to appeal to folks who like to hike, bike, run, paddle, camp or fish ...

1. Go for a sunny walk, run or bike ride on the Boise River Greenbelt. Wait for the weather to warm up in the afternoon and enjoy it! Make a point to stop by the new Esther Simplot Park near the Whitewater Park and check out the many pathways and trails in the park.  

2. Go hiking/running/biking in the Boise Foothills and enjoy the last remaining fall colors. Going to the creeks and gulches is where you'll see the colors in the shrubs and trees. I recommend Polecat Gulch, Dry Creek, Corrals, Hulls Gulch, Hulls Gulch Interpretive Trail, Military Reserve Park, Five Mile Creek, and Orchard Gulch. My book, Boise Trail Guide: 90 Hiking and Running Routes Close to Home, would be a handy reference for any of these trails.

3. Go kayaking/rafting/SUPing on the Payette River. Banks to Beehive would be the best bet. Wear a wetsuit if you're SUPing.

4. Go steelhead fishing on the Salmon, Snake or Clearwater rivers and catch a monster steelhead ... See a new blog post I wrote for VisitIdaho about this fall ritual.

5. Go fall mountain biking! I wrote about five of my favorite rides statewide in a new blog post for VisitIdaho. The blog features Around the Mountain at Bogus, Loon Lake Loop in McCall, Fisher-Williams Loop in the White Clouds, Gold Hill Switchback Special near Sandpoint, and Farragut State Park north of Coeur d'Alene.

It's all fun riding the China Ditch Trail in Reynolds Creek canyon
Pictured here are Paul Hilding, Mark Anderson, Steve Schneider and Jim Giuffre 

6. Ride the Northwest Passage Loop in the Wilson Creek area in the Owyhee Front. This is a 16.2-mile ride that takes about 4 hours to complete. Be sure to take your time, pack a lunch and enjoy the scenery. My blog post has all the details. The ride also is featured in my book, "The Owyhee Canyonlands - An Outdoor Adventure Guide."

7. Top off the tires in your road bike and go for a nice long afternoon ride. I'd recommend: a) Hill Road to points west (Eagle or Star). Loop it with Floating Feather or Beacon Light Road. b) Ride to Hilltop Summit and back; c) Cartwright Loop; d) City to Farm. All of these rides and more are detailed in my road guide, "Boise Road Cycling Guide."

Wees Bar petroglyphs (nice pic by SummitPost) 

8. Hike/run or ride to Wees Bar on the Snake River by Swan Falls. It's 12.2 miles out and back to Wees Bar, where you can see Native American petroglyphs on big boulders on the banks of the Snake River. Trailhead is across Swan Falls Dam. The route is detailed in Boise Trail Guide. 

9. Hike or ride from Mores Creek Summit to see how the Pioneer Fire may have affected your favorite backcountry ski lines on Pilot Peak or Sunset Peak. Go to Idaho City and continue on Idaho 21 to Mores Creek Summit to reach the trailhead. I'm hoping to do this myself very soon!

10. Go hiking or camping at Succor Creek or Leslie Gulch. It's a perfect time to visit these destinations in the Owyhees. Take U.S. 95 south from Marsing to a signed turnoff for Leslie Gulch. Succor Creek is best reached via Homedale. Both areas are detailed in my Owyhee Canyonlands guide.

Trail note: SWIMBA is hosting a trail-work day at the Eagle Bike Park to work on a re-route of Treasure View Traverse. See this link for details.

Have fun!
- SS