Paddle Power

The mountains and forests of Idaho hold a rare, wild mystique. The rivers that traverse the Gem State’s untamed stretches are revered among whitewater lovers. They promise camaraderie and discovery for seasoned and new explorers—and adventures for seekers of all kinds.

This Wild and Scenic river ventures into Idaho’s central wilderness, a journey that departs from the modern day-to-day and puts all who travel on “river time.” Ari Kolter, guide and outfitter: “It’s critical to have places like this for our culture, our civilization: The space these rivers provide, to contemplate or just to disconnect, reconnect and get back to the basics. You stay nourished, you sleep well, you have conversations with wonderful people.”

Hells Canyon, the deepest river gorge in North America, unveils a quintessential slice of the West. (And the chance to travel by jetboat can add a layer of action to the journey.) The Nimiipuu people (Nez Perce) nurture a relationship with this landscape that goes back thousands of years, a story discovered through petroglyphs and priceless cultural heritage. Stacia Morfin, Nez Perce Tourism: “Since time immemorial our people have had connections to these beautiful rivers across the state of Idaho … We are allowing people to look at the world, the land, the water from a completely different lens.”

Considered one of the gold-standard rivers among whitewater lovers nationwide, this Sawtooth Range gem drops through pristine country, flanked by white, sandy beaches where travelers sleep under the stars. The longest undammed river in the continental United States makes an epic entry to the Frank Church–River of No Return Wilderness. Erik Weiseth, guide and outfitter: “You come here and you’re in this canyon, and it inherently provides perspective. It’s so big and so remote and so grand.”

A Snake River tributary threaded through high-walled canyons, the Bruneau reveals stunning, often surreal rock formations that tell stories that go back, way back, far into the history of the land. Gordon Grant, research hydrologist and geomorphologist: “The rivers in Idaho, there’s something special about them. The whitewater is spectacular—there’s no other word for it.”

The Class II and Class III stretches of the Payette are the perfect introduction to Idaho whitewater for a wide range of explorers. Sage Donnelly, professional kayaker: “I’ve been all over the world kayaking and to this day I’ve not found a place other than the Payette that has such a variety, from Class I to Class V. You can do anything and everything here.”

These rivers plunging through lush forest provide a playground for an exceptionally diverse crew of whitewater adventurers. Spring runoff on the Lochsa creates some of the biggest whitewater in the country and is a revered training ground for guides. The St. Joe, gentle by comparison, is a place to bond with crewmates and learn the ways of wild rivers. Rian Garn, river guide: “The passion I have for the river is what makes sharing it with others even more special.”