Jul 16, 2026
A couple of us hopped on the South Fork Payette Staircase run for the approximately 75 minute float from the put-in down to the take-out in Banks where we paused before continuing on the Main. After we ran the Main we came back for a second lap. This is a great flow where you can run either the main line or the right sneak at the top of Staircase. The line down the right of Slalom is clean and visible from a boat scout at the top.
Dec 11, 2025
Free Banks is not longer free, it is imprisoned behind metal highway guardrails and unable to provide the community with it's services.
Last year the Idaho DOT installed a stoplight in Banks and for some reason this project included the demise of Free Banks. one star :(
Apr 1, 2024
Jul 2, 2020
Omar Jepperson, James Girton, Leanna Girton, Web Peirce, Cyn Taylor, and Tom O'Keefe on a run down Staircase.
Mar 14, 2017
Idaho Power now has a gauge at the put in for Staircase that is more accurate than the one on here, which just subtracts the North Fork from the Main.
Jun 29, 2014
Photos from the road.
Aug 18, 2013
This was my 3rd run on Staircase I got surfed a second at Carnage Corner but I was fine.
Jun 22, 2013
Lower Staircase rapid, 2900 cfs. Great level! Photo WasatchBill
Jan 8, 2006
January run of the Payette South Fork Staircase Run. Rapids include Bronco Billy, Staircase, and Slalom. Three weeks earlier the run was choked with ice.
Jun 8, 2004
papa smirf getting caught on tape Visiting Britts Hole.
Sep 5, 2003
This is the entrance to Staircase during low water. High water produces a very different level of difficulty than seen here, but this gives you insight into what is making the water churn at higher levels. Whale rock is on the far left of the picture.
Jul 15, 1989
Squirt competition, Payette Rodeo
Jan 1, 1900
Pentax 43 WR stitched panorama