Payette, S. Fork,

Swirly Canyon (Danskin Station to Alder Creek Bridge)

Gauge Information

River Description

WHEN TO RUN: This section can be run during most of the spring/summer/fall. Levels can be on the high side during spring run-off (May/June) and lower as September drags on.

HOW TO GET THERE: From Boise drive North on State Hwy 55 about 32 miles to Banks. Turn right onto the Banks-Lowman Hwy and follow this for about 18 miles to Danskin Station. There is a rest area and put-in/take-out area and parking. This is a fee parking area - $3.00/day or $20.00 season pass for the Payette system. Season passes can be purchased at the USDA Forest Service/Bureau of Land Management Interagency Visitor Center in Boise, Boise National Forest District Offices (Emmett, Lowman, and Garden Valley), Alpenglow Sports (Bogus Basin Rd.), Ponderosa Sports (between Horseshoe Bend and Gardina), Banks Cafe and Store; Garden Valley Store, Boise Army Navy Store, Cascade Outfitters, Cascade Raft Company (about 1.5 miles south of Beehive Bend), Idaho River Sports, and REI. Day passes can be purchased at the river access sites.

SHUTTLE: Leave a vehicle at the Alder Creek Bridge. The turn off for this is just before you get to the airstrip on the right side of the Banks-Lowman Hwy, about 10 miles from Banks.

THE FLOAT: This is a beautiful section of the Payette's South Fork. Usually less traffic than the 'Main'. The section is named for it's strong eddies and wave dynamics. After about 1 mile the river makes a sharp right hand turn into the canyon. Class II and III rapids continue for about 2 miles. As you exit the canyon the remains of an old dam provides a nice play wave, UPW. Lots of hot-springs in the area - Enjoy!

WHAT ELSE IS IN THE AREA: LOTS!
-The Payette South Fork (Canyon and Staircase runs)
-Payette North Fork (Cabarton's class III and Smiths Ferry-Banks class V sections)
-Payette Upper Main and Lower Main.
-Payette Middle Fork runs - Here and Here.
-Also the Gutter for 'park-n-play'.