Payette, Middle Fork, ID

Gauge Information

River Description

This is a fun, creek style float and a great warm-up for the main Payette.

WHEN TO RUN: The run is best done in the spring, while run-off provides higher flows (~800 - 1,500 cfs). Best in Late April - Early July. The Middle Fork relies totally on snow-pack and run-off.

HOW TO GET THERE: From Boise take state hwy 55 north about 32 miles to Banks. Turn left on the Banks-Lowman Hwy. Follow this for about 8 miles and turn left at the sign for Crouch. Follow this (Middle Fork Road) for about 11 miles to a bridge that crosses the Payette MF and park just past the bridge on your right side, just across from Hardscrabble Campground.

SHUTTLE: Leave a shuttle across from Tie Creek Campground or, for a slightly longer run, drive down Lightning Creek Road (a right off Middle Fork Road) about 1/2 mile and leave it near the Bridge.

THE FLOAT: There are several class II rapids and one rapid about 2 miles downriver that I portaged at 400cfs (a solid class III paddler likely could have pulled it off - but this was my first year). There are some great sliding pour-overs. I would not run this much lower than 400cfs as we bottomed out in a few places, and I think more water may have made the portage runnable. An alternative take-out is Tie Creek Campground. Watch for the occasional logs.

WHAT ELSE IS IN THE AREA: LOTS!
-The Payette South Fork (Canyon, Swirly 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 is the class IV section.
-Also the Gutter for 'park-n-play'.