Payette - Lower Main from Beehive to the fish ladder in Horseshoe Bend

NOTICE: MEETING PLACE HAS CHANGED: rather than meet at Winco, and since there are so few of us, we have decided to meet at the fish ladder in Horseshoe Bend. A map is attached below. Traveling north from Eagle, as you are entering Horseshoe Bend, and as you are approaching the bridge, you will take a right onto Pioneer Road. Follow it back to a gravel road that leads down to the river. See the map in photos below. Click on the map to open it so you can see it better.

This section of the Payette is a class II - III run. We will float from the Beehive boat ramp to the fish ladder (the gutter) in Horseshoe Bend. Attendees must possess both whitewater skills and proper whitewater boats. Inflatable kayaks must be self-bailing. Canoes please have flotation bags. Skirts on hard shell kayaks. Helmets are recommended. Expect medium to large waves and holes. Expect strong eddy lines and hydraulics. Please be honest about your skill level. If you don’t know what a proper whitewater boat is, or what whitewater skills are, wait on this one and enjoy developing your skill and confidence on the many gentler floats nearby.
Please watch this video of the climax rapid on YouTube. It was taken on river right (west side). You'll notice the kayaker's avoid the hole in the middle of the rapid.
Climax Rapid: https://youtu.be/HNJ32rEo92g
Meet at the fish ladder (the gutter) in Horseshoe Bend. Looking forward to a great day! Bring lunch.
Be sure to text a message to: 208-570-2848 if you are unable to attend, even if it is last minute, so we are not waiting for you at the meet up site.
Suggested Gear Checklist 2024

• Helmet (a very good idea for the climax, class three, rapid)
• Paddle, Lifejacket (mandatory) with Whistle
• Kayak, SUP, Canoe
• Sponge to soak water from your boat.
• Water Shoes (Shoes that can get wet, of course, but that will also stay on your feet if you get sucked into mud, protect your feet if you're walking on submerged sharp rocks, and keep out sand.)
• Dry clothes in a dry bag (optional: especially on a hot day)
• Lunch + water

* Hat, Jacket, Sunscreen, Gloves, Bug Spray

• 2025 Invasive Species Sticker (search and purchase online)