Rivers and creeks, everywhere.

When the spring sun converts powder snow into pure rushing water, it’s time to jump into kayaks and rafts for a wild ride through Class 3 and 4 rapids on the nationally renowned Salmon River and the utilitarian day-trip wonder, the Payette River. Both rivers are conveniently close by, no matter where you are staying in Central Idaho, and they promise a full day’s worth of fun and excitement.

Sign up with an outfitter, and you can take your family on a week-long wilderness whitewater trip on the famed Middle Fork of the Salmon or the fabled River of No Return, the Salmon River in the most remote mile-deep canyon imaginable. No cell service for 200 miles in any direction. No interruptions from pesky clients. No unexpected calls from the teen-agers. Yep, you are totally off the grid, and by the end of the trip, you’re grateful.

To go whitewater boating, launch your raft or kayak in a place that suits you best. Helpful guidebooks are available such as River of No Return and The Middle Fork by Cort Conley, and Paddling the Payette by Steve Stuebner. If you don’t have your own equipment, you can rent whitewater kayaks locally or consider hiring an outfitter to take your family or business group on a memorable day trip on the Payette or Salmon river. Guided day trips on the Salmon take off from Riggins. Day trips on the Payette take off from Horseshoe Bend, Banks, Garden Valley and Tamarack, depending on which outfitter you plan to go with. Be sure to ask if they provide instruction on how to cream your boss in a water fight. Tip: Bring a double-barrel water gun.

To check on Salmon River float-boat and jet boat outfitters, visit the Riggins Chamber of Commerce web site for a detailed listing: www.rigginsidaho.com

Payette River outfitters:

Between McCall and Cascade, three sections of the Payette River beckon for a canoeing adventure, and the upper forks or Lake Cascade are ideal for lake kayaking. Little Payette Lake and Upper Payette Lake near McCall offer a secluded setting for canoeing or lake kayaking. Canoes and lake kayaks are available for rent locally. You can float easy sections of the Payette called “The Meanders,” which begins at North Beach on the northern end of Payette Lake, or float from McCall to the upper end of Lake Cascade, or cruise along the winding section of the Payette between the city of Cascade and Cabarton Bridge. All of these trips are great for couples, friends and family. See the guidebook Paddling the Payette (www.stevestuebner.com) for details on flatwater canoeing and lake kayaking adventures.

Canoe, kayak and lake kayak rentals:

  • Backwoods Adventures, North Beach Payette Lake, 208-469-9067
  • Gravity Sports, McCall, 208-634-8530
  • CYA Sports, Cascade, 208-382-4386
  • Tamarack Waterfront, www.tamarackidaho.com, 1-800-TAM-RESORT
  • West Mountain Gear and Grind, 208-382-8191.