Smith's Ferry to Banks
Idaho – US
- Class
- V to V+
- Length
- 16 Mile(s)
- Gradient
- 110 FPM
- Typical season
- May to October
Current Flow
1,540 CFS
Gauge height: 6.93 FT
Reading from Jul 10, 2026 11:00 PM
● 0.00/hr (12h) ● 0.00/hr (24h)
Get out there
- Primary gauge
- NF PAYETTE RIVER NR BANKS ID Gauge detail & alternatives Live gauge ↗
Recommended levels
| Minimum | 750 |
| Average | 1,500 |
| Maximum | 3,000 |
Recommended use
- Kayaking
- Rafting
- Canoeing
- SUP
- Packrafting
- Fishing
Struck-through craft are not recommended for this run.
Flow history — last 6 days
No gauge history recorded in the last 6 days.
Photos
No photos added for this run yet.
Description
Welcome to big boy/girl kayaking. This is it! This section of the north fork is famous for it's whitewater and ability to either hand you a wonderful time or one of the worst times of your life. The rapids begin just below the putin and end just above the take out. If you like long continuous technical whitewater then this run is for you. Many Boise boaters break this into 3 sections:
- Upper ~ 5 miles
- Middle ~ 5 miles
- Lower ~ 5 miles
The lowest section is closest to Boise and is generally considered the easiest so it sees the most action. The whole canyon has been successfully run though, even at high water. Be warned though that many boaters have dislocated shoulders and taken brutal swims here due to the force of the water and big water characteristics on a smaller river channel.
If this is your first time down it's recommended you go with a local and follow the correct lines until you get your feet under you.
Rapids
No rapids added yet.
Access
No river access points added yet.
Camps
No river camps added yet.
Permit
No permit is required, or permit info hasn't been added yet.
Fishing
No fish species have been associated with this run yet.
External Links & Resources
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Community Run Notes
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