Escape: North Fork Cabarton Full-Day River Rafting Trip

Be prepared to get wet! Suggested apparel includes quick-drying clothing (swimwear, board shorts, rash guard, etc), footwear (water shoes, river sandals, flip flops, or an old pair of tennis shoes), and a hat for sun protection. If you wear glasses or sunglasses, be sure to have a strap to hold them on.  We sell Chums retainers in our gift shop if you need to pick some up.

We also suggest bringing a bottle of water and sunscreen as well as anything else you need to have along with you.  Keep in mind that anything you take is likely to get wet. Keep it simple is our advice.  We have waterproof phone cases and small drybags for sale in our gift shop. Anything you don't need until after your trip can be stored in your vehicle or the complimentary lockers at the River Center. If you wish to leave a towel or dry shirt in the shuttle vehicle, it will be waiting for you at the take-out. 

Wetsuits, neoprene booties, and splash gear is provided with your trip as weather and water conditions require.

• Coastguard-approved PFD
• Paddle
• Top of the line self-bailing raft
• Fun and professional guide
• Lunch on the river
• Insulation and splash gear if weather/water conditions require

Items you might want to have with you that are not included with the trip:

• water
• sunscreen
• eye glass retainer
• gratuity for your guide

Meet us at the Cascade Raft River Center (7050 Highway 55, Horseshoe Bend, ID 83629) to check in. This trip departs at 9:00 AM and this is the time we'll be jumping on the bus and heading to the launch point, so please check in at least 15 minutes prior to the departure time. If you are coming from McCall, Cascade or other points north, we would be happy to make arrangements to meet you at the Cougar Mountain Lodge--just let us know.

The shuttle is the start of your adventure! We'll head north along the spectacular whitewater of the North Fork of the Payette to the put-in point at Cabarton Bridge. After getting outfitted with a lifejacket and paddle, and a short safety briefing, you'll hit the river and start downstream. The water on the Cabarton Run is quite warm--it comes off the top of Lake Cascade--which is a lovely feature of this river section. You'll get a great splash at Trestle Rapids before we stop for lunch on a sandy river beach. Finish up the day with The Wet Spot, Francois, and Howard's Plunge! Between the rapids there's time to swim, float, relax and enjoy the scenery. Time on the water varies with the river levels, but in the main part of summer we are off the water a little after 3 PM.

The take-out point is at Cougar Mountain Lodge in Smith's Ferry and from there we'll shuttle you back at the Cascade Raft River Center where you can change clothes, view action photos from the trip, browse the gift shop, or grab snacks and beverages from the Rio Cafe.

Cascade Raft & Kayak is located at 7050 Highway 55, Horseshoe Bend, Idaho about one hour  from downtown Boise. Our River Center is easily visible on the west (river-side) of the highway half way between mile markers 70 and 71. The River Center is a tan building with a blue roof where the highway widens to 4 lanes. It is approximately 5 miles north of the town of Horseshoe Bend and approximately 8 miles south of the town of Banks.

Driving time from Boise: about 1 hour
Driving time from McCall: about 1.5 hours

Full payment is required to reserve your spaces.  For cancellations made ten or more days before your trip, receive a full refund.  For cancellations made three to nine days before your trip, receive a 50% refund or 100% Cascade credit.  Cancellations made within 48 hours of the trip are non-refundable. This policy is applicable to each member of your party. Please call for our group reservations policy.