Whitewater rafting on the Payette River in Idaho can be a family activity. // (c) 2013 Idaho Tourism
Twelve years ago, my wife and I, along with a group of our friends, took a two-day whitewater rafting trip in Idaho. It was such an amazing experience that all of us still talk about it to this day.
So on a recent family vacation in Idaho, we decided to try it again. This time, however, our group included three kids under 12 __ including a 5-year-old __ so we definitely needed a more kid-friendly excursion. Luckily, some locals introduced us to Cascade Raft and Kayak, located along the Main Payette River about 45 minutes from Boise.
Cascade has been around for nearly 30 years, and they operate a wide range of rafting and kayaking trips all along the world-famous Payette. Trips can be half-day or full-day and include everything from Class II to Class IV rapids.
The trip we took was the full-day excursion on the North Fork Cabarton River. It was described as perfect for families, kids and first-timers, and it didn't disappoint. The trip covered 11 miles of Class II and III rapids. The kids loved the dips, drops and thrills along the rapids, and when it was all over the very first thing they said was, "When can we do it again?"
The cost of our trip was $85 for adults and $60 for kids 12 and under. The price includes a good-size lunch on a beach along the river.
Cascade specializes in groups, and our group of nine found the staff to be extremely accommodating and helpful.
If you have clients heading to Idaho, let them know about Cascade Raft and Kayak, they will thank you for it and they might come back and ask when they can do it again.
