The Payette - Montour to Black Canyon

This stretch of the Payette is suitable for all levels of experience and sturdy watercraft. Wear your personal flotation device (life jacket) whenever you are out on the water with Float Idaho.

To avoid the heat we'll meet at the South end of the Winco parking lot on State Street in Eagle at 8:30 a.m. There you have a chance to double up for the drive up to the river. If you happen to lose the caravan: from Winco we will drive up Highway 55 to the North end of Horseshoe Bend. There is a traffic light and a Chevron station on the right. (We may make a pitstop at the Chevron.) At the light we turn left (West) towards Emmett and drive about 10 miles to a sign that points out the "Montour" turn to the left. Go down that road until you cross the Payette River. On the other side of the bridge take the first right onto a gnarly little rocky dirt road and make a complete U-turn to go back in the direction you were coming. Follow the dirt road as it turns left along the river and goes back to the put-in area parking lot. When we are all gathered together some of us are going to have to take a few cars to the takeout so we have a way of getting back.

Bring mosquito repellent for sure - just for the put in where at times in the past they have been rather annoying!

Suggested Gear Checklist 2025

· 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)
• Helmet if we're doing rapids
• Air Pump for the IK