Payette, S. Fork, Idaho, US

2 - Deadwood River to Danskin Station (The Canyon)

Gauge Information

River Description

The canyon section of the South Fork Payette is an Idaho classic. It is a beautiful III-IV run, in a deep remote canyon. Best of all is its  long season and clean, clear water.

There is one major portage on this section, Big Falls. Though it is well marked with signs, several groups of private rafters have inadvertantly run it over the years, resulting in a few near death drownings. Portage river left. Its not an easy portage so rafters should travel lightly.

The put in is at the confluence with the Deadwood River. Take out either at Danskin Station, or at the informal spot a few miles up stream known as Kayak Corner (not suitable for rafts) - to find it just watch for cars with racks on the roofs. Though there is a wooden ramp at Danskin, it is steep and involves carrying the boat up the bank about 100 vertical feet, another reason to load rafts lightly for this trip.

The most difficult whitewater on the run is in the section below Big Falls, scouting can be difficult. Below Big Falls, Near where the river meets the road, is another much smaller waterfall, Little Falls. Be sure to scout it from the road on your way up. At certain flows it can become hazardous.