Cabarton Whitewater Rafting
The Cabarton Run is 9.6 miles of the Payette River which runs along Highway 55 between Cascade and Boise. This stretch of the river has two class 4 rapids and several class 3. The majority of the river consists of class 1 and 2 levels.
Class I is fast-moving water with small waves.
Class II involves wide, clear channels that are easy to maneuver.
Class III has moderate, irregular waves that can be difficult to avoid.
Class IV is for advanced rafters.
Class V involves violent rapids that are long and obstructed.
The highest level is class VI.
Notes:
If you are an inexperienced whitewater rafter, you should NOT attempt this run without an experienced guide. Hire a rafting company to take you down. It will limit your risk and allow you to enjoy the trip more.
Make sure you listen to, and follow, instructions from your raft guides.
Enjoy the ride in every way.
Challenges:
You will need to paddle. There are options in some cases for limited mobility individuals to still enjoy this adventure. Talk to a rafting company about what they can do for you.
The trip takes a few hours and you will be sitting on the raft’s side with your feet inside the raft while you paddle. It is not a very normal position to be in. If you have back issues you will want to make sure this is addressed by the rafting company before you proceed.
This trip provided lunch for the groups. If you have dietary restrictions, make sure you tell the rafting company in advance.
Equipment:
Water
Snack (optional)
Sunscreen (recommended)
Bug Repellent (optional – not many bugs out over the water)
Hat (recommended)
Water shoes or sandals
Swimsuit or clothing you don’t mind getting wet in
The following assumes you are using a rafting company.
The Cabarton run begins by driving to Smith’s Ferry (44.302473655821345, -116.08701436004523) to catch your shuttle bus to the launch. You will park in the large flat area near the river, south of Cougar Mountain Lodge and the bridge that crosses the river. The bus ride is about 15-20 minutes since it is about 10 miles via I-55.
The launch is also next to a bridge. Feel free to jump off this one if you feel so inclined. Make sure you know what is below you if you jump off a bridge. The water is usually clear and it isn’t too high. If you are concerned you can ask your rafting guide about safety before making the jump.
Once all the river guides have arrived and the boats and gear are unloaded, the guides will call everyone together to go over the safety rules. Pay attention! The instructions are brief, but important should anything happen on the river. After the safety rules are shared, the groups are split up with their guides. You grab a life jacket and paddle. Once you have your life jacket on you will have it inspected by your guide to ensure it is worn, and working, properly.
Now, you’re all set to put your boat in the water and start your adventure. Keep an eye out for eagles, ospreys, elk, deer, and bears. Enjoy the abundant dragonflies and occasional butterflies on this exciting and beautiful trip downriver.
The first half of the trip is pretty calm with a few class 3 rapids. If you have kids (probably at least age 8), make sure they get a chance to “ride the bull.” They will love it. In the calm parts, you can jump into the water. If you don’t feel like getting that wet yet, at the end of the trip there is a long stretch of calm shallow (thigh-high) water that you can float into the take-out.
At the halfway mark everyone will stop at a designated spot for lunch. This is a great time to visit and talk about the adventure with others. Take a moment to enjoy the wildflowers and the scenery. Make sure you are keeping hydrated.
Back in the boats, the adventure continues. Several more class 3 rapids and several class 1 and 2 stretches, let the laughs, giggles, and screams erupt as you go through some fun rapids. The best is yet to come.
Passing under the Rainbow Bridge is the indication you are approaching the final and best rapid of the trip. Howard’s Plunge is breathtaking as your raft is guided to the central convergence of water as it topples over the edge of this several-foot drop. It is like the drop off on a rollercoaster but without all the belts and harnesses keeping you in your seat. You let out an involuntary yell of pure adrenaline as you stare down the gulley of water as your raft plunges down and through the erupting waves.
Moments later you emerge onto a calm and peaceful stretch of water as if the moments just before were only imagined. You would almost think they were a dream except you are now drenched with water, your heart racing and your breathing quick from the thrill you just experienced. With a celebratory “paddle high 5” you laugh and celebrate the successful completion of your adventure.
Now you can jump into the water and float the rest of the way downriver to the Smith’s Ferry bridge. As you drift along you can’t help but smile as the images of your adventure replay themselves in your mind. This is a wonderful time to lean back and think about how blessed you are to have experienced such an adventure. Take some time to take deep breaths and reflect on the beauty, tranquility, and glory of the natural world that surrounds you. Be inspired.
As you slowly climb out of the water at the take-out, you can be grateful for all you just experienced and accomplished.
