Payette
3. Main Payette - Gutter and Bladder Wave
| Difficulty | II+ |
| Length | 0.064 mi |
| Avg Gradient | n/a |
| Gauge | Payette River Nr Horseshoe Bend Id |
| Flow Rate as of 26 minutes | 4120 cfslow runnable |
| Reach Info Last Updated | March 28, 2023 |
River Description
Lat / Longitude data approximate.
The 'Gutter' is about 1/2 hour from Boise near Horseshoe Bend. There are 4 drops. Usually only one or two at the bottom are sticky. You may also be interested in the Upper Main or Lower Main (includes Climax Wave) on the Payette.
This recreation site is associated with the Horseshoe Bend Hydroelectric Project (FERC P-5376).
WHEN TO RUN: Spring through Fall. Even a Winter's day can be fun given enough water. Big-water Springs bring on the 'Bladder Wave'.
HOW TO GET THERE: Drive north from Boise on State Hwy 55 for about 22 miles. At Highway 55 mile 62.9 right on Pioneer Road just prior to crossing the first bridge over the Payette and actually entering Horseshoe Bend. Follow this road for 0.7 mile. Just after the pavement ends there is an access road that peels off in sight of the diversion dam to your left. This is a 'park-n-play' feature.
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 Middle Fork runs, as well as the Payette Upper Main and Lower Ma
...River Features
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Trip Reports
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Chris Gorman
Jun 15, 2006
Any move was possible on Bladder Wave
The Bladder wave had not been in for a couple years but the spring runnoff in 2006 brought it back to life.
Gary Wilson
May 2, 2006
In early May Jackson Kayak came to Boise and paddled with the locals at the Gutter. Emily and Dane held a clinic with some of the local kids. Idaho Legend Rob Lesser is in the upper right corner in his new All Star...
Gary Wilson
Aug 20, 2005
In addition to kayaks, the gutter is great for boogie boarding as well. Bring both!
Gary Wilson
May 31, 2004
The 'Gutter' is a series of 3 waves. Usually one or two of the bottom 3 waves are good and sticky. It is also a great place to come and work on eddies and currents.
Gutter and Bladder Wave Photos - Justin Logan
Jan 1, 1900
A 3 person trick sequence. CHECK IT OUT!!!
