River runs

Idaho river runs

Live streamflow, whitewater class, and length for every paddleable section in Idaho with a named USGS gauge. Built for kayakers, rafters, and canoeists.

Runs in Idaho
213
Class range
I–V
Across the U.S.
331
Updated
May 30
Open the Idaho paddle layer on the map Whitewater + paddle runs filtered to Idaho.
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May
30
2026
River runs
Idaho is a paradise for whitewater and kayaking enthusiasts, with its stunning rivers offering a range of experiences for all skill levels. One popular destination is the Payette River, known for its thrilling Class III and IV rapids. The South Fork of the Payette River, with its famous Staircase rapid, is a must-do for experienced paddlers looking for an adrenaline rush. For those seeking a more laid-back adventure, the Main Payette River offers beautiful scenery and fun Class II and III rapids suitable for beginners. Recommended streamflow levels for the Payette River range from 3,000 to 5,000 cubic feet per second for an optimal paddling experience.

Another top spot for whitewater enthusiasts is the Salmon River, also known as the "River of No Return." This iconic river offers a variety of sections for different skill levels, with the Middle Fork of the Salmon River being a favorite among paddlers for its remote wilderness and challenging Class IV rapids. The Lower Salmon River provides a more relaxed experience with Class II and III rapids, making it ideal for families and beginners. Recommended streamflow levels for the Salmon River range from 3,500 to 6,000 cubic feet per second for the best paddling conditions. Remember to always check current streamflow levels, wear appropriate safety gear, and paddle with a group for a safe and enjoyable whitewater adventure in Idaho.
Full directory

Idaho river runs

Every paddleable section in Idaho keyed to a named USGS gauge. Sortable, quickly filterable. Tap any one for current discharge and the gauge it reports off.

213 entries
River run Streamflow Class
Headwaters To Confluence With East Fork Salmon River 418 cfs III-IV
Headwaters To Confluence With Three Cabins Creek 418 cfs II-IV
Three Cabins Creek To Confluence With East Fork Salmon River 51 cfs III
The Northern Boundary Of The Wallowa Whitman National Forest To The Confluence With The Grande Ronde River 45,500 cfs IV-III
Payette Nf Boundary On Lake Creek (Just West Marshall Lake) To To And Including Chinook Campground 1,640 cfs III-IV
Chinook Campground To Ponderosa Campground 1,640 cfs III-IV
West Fork Big Wood River To Confluence With Big Wood River 193 cfs III-IV
Headwaters To Confluence With North Fork Big Wood River 418 cfs III-V
Below Private Land In Section 2 To Nf Boundary 660 cfs III-IV
Headwaters To Nf Boundary 660 cfs ·
Headwaters To Point Where Creek Turns Ne, Near Trail Creek Summit 325 cfs IV-V
Kane Lake To Confluence With Summit Creek 325 cfs III-IV
Arrowhead Lake To Wildhorse Campground 325 cfs IV
Confluence With South Fork East Fork Salmon To Confluence With Unnamed Creek In Section 6 418 cfs IV
Unnamed Creek To Sawtooth Nf Boundary 51 cfs IV-V
Headwaters To Sawtooth Nf Boundary 51 cfs III-IV
Pine Flats Creek To Long Gulch 2,500 cfs III-IV
Confluence With Bell Creek To Boiling Springs Cabin 629 cfs IV-IV
Boiling Springs Cabin To Confluence With Fool Creek 85 cfs III-IV
Boise Nf Boundary To Confluence With Payette River 2,470 cfs III-IV
Confluence Bear Valley Creek To Fcronr Wilderness Boundary 85 cfs III-IV
Fcronr Wilderness Boundary To Confluence With North Fork Elk Creek 85 cfs III-IV
Headwaters To Confluence With Elk Creek 85 cfs III-IV
Elk Creek To Fir Creek Campground 85 cfs III
Fir Creek Campground To Boise Nf Boundary 4,990 cfs III
Long Gulch To Boise Nf Boundary 629 cfs III
Deadwood Reservoir To Confluence With Warm Springs Creek 85 cfs III
Warm Springs Creek To Confluence With Pine Creek 2,500 cfs III-IV
Pine Creek To Confluence With South Fork Payette River 2,500 cfs IV-V
Wolf Creek To Confluence With Pine Flats Creek 2,500 cfs II-III
Cataldo Mission To Coeur D'Alene Lake 1,430 cfs IV
Confluence North Fork Coeur D'Alene River To Cataldo Mission 1,140 cfs III+-IV
Kootenai River 30,800 cfs III-IV
Source, Sec. 19, T39n, R13e To Road #581 Near Moose Ck, Sec. 16, T39n, R11i 1,090 cfs III-IV
Road 581, Sec. 19, T39n, R13e To Mouth, Sec. 18, T39n, R10e 1,090 cfs II-IV
Dworshak Reservoir, Sec. 34, T41n, R6e To Forest Road #250, Sec. 6, T40n, R11e 7,940 cfs III-IV
Dworshak Reservoir, Sec. 19, T41n, R5e To Forest Boundary, Sec. 33, T42n, R6e 7,940 cfs III-IV
Proposed Hoodoo Wilderness Boundary, Sec. 28, T10n, R26w To Mouth, Clearwater Nf 1,090 cfs III-V
Hungery Creek, Sec. 24, T35n, R8e To Lochsa River, Sec. 33, T35n, R9e 8,160 cfs IV-III
Headwaters, Sec. 3, T35n, R7e To Fish Creek, Sec. 24, T35n, R8e 8,160 cfs III-IV
Sawtooth Wilderness Boundary To Confluence With Johnson Creek 2,500 cfs III-IV
Johnson Creek To Confluence With Hunter Creek 2,500 cfs II-IV
Headwaters To Confluence With West Fork Big Lost River 325 cfs II-III
Headwaters To Confluence With Pole Creek 4,990 cfs III-IV
Inlet To Marsh On Spring Creek To Outlet Of Marsh On Spring Creek 894 cfs II-IV
Mainstem West Of Palisades Reservoir Including North Fork And Deadman Creek To Palisades Reservoir 13,100 cfs II-III
Mainstem And Lower 2 Miles Of North, South And Siddoway Forks To One Mile Above Trailhead 13,100 cfs IV-V
One Mile Above Trailhead To Trailhead 13,100 cfs III-V
Confluence Of North Fork Palisades Creek And Corral Canyon To Palisades Campground 13,100 cfs III-IV
Riverside Campground To Confluence With Warm River 1,100 cfs II
Pinehaven Subdivision To Riverside Campground 606 cfs III-IV
Northern Boundary Of Harriman Park To Pinehaven Subdivision 606 cfs IV
Box Canyon Summer Homes To Northern Boundary Of Harriman Park 606 cfs ·
Island Park Dam To Box Canyon Summer Homes 606 cfs III-IV
Confluence With Bear Creek To Confluence With Hanson Creek 1,710 cfs III-IV
Boise Nf Boundary (1 Mile East Of Banks) To Boise Nf Boundary (1 Mile South Of Banks) 2,470 cfs II-III
Tie Canyon To Targhee Nf Boundary 13,100 cfs III-IV
Headwaters To Lady Face Falls 561 cfs III-IV
Headwaters To Confluence With Little Beaver Creek 561 cfs III-IV
Headwaters To Confluence With Salmon River 850 cfs III-IV
Headwaters To Confluence With Little Boulder Creek 51 cfs ·
Headwaters To Wilderness Boundary 561 cfs ·
Lady Face Falls To Inlet Stanley Lake 561 cfs III-IV
Outlet Stanley Lake To Confluence With Valley Creek 561 cfs II-IV
Headwaters To Western Boundary Line Of Section 17 561 cfs III-IV
Confluence With Rabbit Creek To Confluence With Middle Fork Boise River 2,650 cfs III-IV
Boise Nf Boundary To Confluence With Willow Creek 2,650 cfs III-IV
Confluence With Granite Creek To Confluence With Pine Creek 2,650 cfs III-IV
Headwaters To Confluence With Alta Creek 1,710 cfs ·
Alta Creek To Confluence With Feather River 1,710 cfs III-V
Confluence Of Star Hope And Muldoon Creeks To Confluence With East Fork 1,140 cfs III
Headwaters To Confluence With West Fork Of East Fork Big Lost River 1,140 cfs III-IV
Palisades Dam To Confluence With Pine Creek 13,100 cfs IV-III
Pine Creek To Riley Diversion 13,400 cfs IV-V
Buffalo River Springs To Confluence With Elk Creek 606 cfs III-IV
Headwaters To Confluence With South Fork Payette River 561 cfs II-IV
Headwaters To Confluence With Yankee Fork 850 cfs III-IV
Confluence Of East And West Forks To Nf Boundary 660 cfs III-IV
Western Boundary Line Of Section 17 To Confluence With Valley Creek 561 cfs III-IV
Headwaters To Western Boundary Line Of Section 34 561 cfs III-IV
Western Boundary Line Of Section 34 To Redfish Lake 561 cfs ·
Headwaters To Inlet Redfish Lake 561 cfs III-IV
Anderson Ranch Dam To Confluence With Mennecke Creek 1,980 cfs III-IV
Headwaters To Deadwood Reservoir 85 cfs III-IV
Headwaters To Confluence With West Fork 660 cfs III-IV
Nf Boundary At 4th Of July Creek To Confluence With North Fork 6,180 cfs II-III
Elk Creek To Slackwater Of Ponds Power Dam 606 cfs III-V
Headwaters Of North And South Fork And Mainstem To Targhee Nf Boundary 1,350 cfs II-IV
Source To Upper Palisades Lake 13,100 cfs IV-V
Yellowstone Np To Targhee Nf Boundary 1,350 cfs III-IV
Yellowstone Np Boundary To Confluence With Warm River 617 cfs III-IV
Headwaters To Confluence With Trail Creek 561 cfs III
Trail Creek To Sawtooth Nf Boundary 561 cfs III-IV
Outlet Redfish Lake To Confluence With Salmon River 561 cfs III-IV
Headwaters To Sawtooth Wilderness Boundary 561 cfs III-IV
Headwaters To Confluence With West Fork Big Wood River 418 cfs III-IV
Wade Creek To Nf Boundary 247 cfs IV
Wilderness Boundary To Confluence With Middle Fork Salmon River 4,990 cfs III-IV
Headwaters To 1 Mile Downstream Of Soldier Lake 4,990 cfs III-V
Sawtooth Wilderness Boundary To Confluence With Salmon River 561 cfs III-V
Headwaters To Inlet Pettit Lake 561 cfs III-IV
Outlet Pettit Lake To Confluence With Alturas Lake Creek 561 cfs III-IV
Salt River Trailhead To Nf Boundary 894 cfs III-IV
Unnamed Lake North Of Edwards Lake (And East/West Forks) To Targhee Nf Boundary 19 cfs ·
Warm River Springs To Confluence With Henrys Fork 1,100 cfs III-IV
Ponderosa Campground To Confluence With South Fork Salmon River 1,640 cfs II-III
Headwaters To Confluence With Corral Creek 194 cfs III-IV
Headwaters To Confluence With Button Creek 194 cfs III-IV
Headwaters To Confluence With Little Wood River 325 cfs III
Smith Creek To Confluence With Main Salmon 1,640 cfs III-IV
Headwaters (Boise Nf) To Confluence With Smith Creek (Smith Creek Landing Strip) (Payette Nf) 1,640 cfs III-IV
Headwaters To Confluence With Wildhorse Creek 325 cfs ·
Headwaters To Section 7 243 cfs III-IV
Headwaters To Elk Meadow Trailhead 561 cfs III-IV
Elk Meadows Trailhead To Confluence With Valley Creek 561 cfs III
Confluence Of Loon And Pioneer Creeks To Phillips Creek Transfer Camp 4,990 cfs III-V
Phillips Creek Transfer Camp To Confluence With Middle Fork Salmon River 4,990 cfs III-IV
Headwaters To Confluence With Loon Creek 4,990 cfs III-IV
Headwaters To Confluence With Alturas Lake Creek 561 cfs III-IV
Headwaters To Inlet Alteras Lake 561 cfs III
Outlet Alteras Lake To Confluence With Salmon River 561 cfs III-IV
Headwaters, East And North Fork Of The Yaak River To Yaak Falls, Sec. 4, T33n, R33w 29,700 cfs ·
Wilderness Boundary To Fs Road 319 12,300 cfs II-III
Selway Bitterroot Wilderness Boundary, Sec. 35, T33n, R9e To Headwaters, Sec. 33, T33n, R10e 12,300 cfs III-IV
Headwaters (Sec 5, T32n, R10e) To Selway Bitterroot Wilderness Boundary 12,300 cfs ·
Fs Road 319 To Selway River Road (Fs 223) 12,300 cfs III-IV
Salmon River, Sec. 22, T28n, R1e To North And South Forks Of White Bird Creek 33,200 cfs ·
Salmon River, Sec. 36, T27n, R1e To Gospel Hump Wilderness Boundary, Sec. 31, T27n, R4e 33,200 cfs II-IV
Wilderness Boundary To Headwaters 33,200 cfs III+
Selway River, Sec. 16, T31n, R13e To Headwaters 6,180 cfs III-IV
East Fork Bull River, Headwaters, Sec. 13, T27n, R32w To Cabinet Mountains Wilderness Boundary, Sec. 3, T27n, R32w 44,600 cfs III-IV
Cabinet Mtns Wilderness Boundary, Sec. 3, T27n, R32w To Bull River, Sec. 12, T27n, R33w 44,600 cfs III
Crooked Creek, Sec. 10, T25n, R7e To Gospel Hump Wilderness Boundary 42 cfs III+-IV
West Fork Yaak River 2,080 cfs ·
Gospel Hump Wilderness Boundary To Headwaters Near Hump Lake 42 cfs III-IV
Salmon River, Sec. 23, T26n, R10e To North Boundary Frank Church Wilderness, Road #468 42 cfs III-IV
Road No. 468, To Headwaters, Sec. 3, T28n, R12e 42 cfs III-IV
Middle Fork Bull River, Sec. 9, T28n, R33w To Proposed Addition To Cabinet Mtns Wilderness, Sec. 12, T28n, R33w 44,600 cfs III-IV
Boundary Proposed Addition Cabinet Mtns Wilderness, Sec. To Cabinet Gorge Reservoir 44,600 cfs IV
Headwaters To Wade Creek 247 cfs III-IV
Coeur D"Alene River, Sec. 8, T49n, R2e To Honey Mountain, Sec. 32, T53n, R1w 1,140 cfs III-IV
Cedar Creek, Sec. 6, T41n, R6e To Adair Creek 7,940 cfs III+-IV
Hgh Creek Lake To Nf Boundary 727 cfs III-IV
Bear Valley Lake To Trailhead 247 cfs II-III
Trailhead To Confluence With Hayden Creek 247 cfs III-IV
Hammer Creek To Confluence With Middle Fork Salmon River 4,990 cfs III-IV
Headwaters To Hammer Creek 12 cfs III-IV
Adair Creek To Fish Lake, Sec. 4, T43n, R4e 7,940 cfs III-IV
Southern Boundary Of State Land To Mouth 727 cfs III-IV
Source To Mouth 727 cfs III-IV
Long Canyon Pass, Sec. 30, T63n, R2w To Forest Boundary, Road #417, Sec. 25, T63n, R2w 486 cfs III-IV
Forest Boundary, Sec. 34, T59n, R2w To Harrison Lake, Sec. 31, T62n, R2w 2,230 cfs III-IV
Sec. 28, T30n, R13e To Boundary Selway Bitterroot Wilderness 6,180 cfs III-IV
South Fork Clearwater River, Sec. 30, T29n, R5e To Headwaters 42 cfs III-IV
Clearwater River To Red And American Rivers Near Elk City 18 cfs III+
Selway River, Sec. 11, T31n, R9e To Road Crossing, Sec. 14, T31n, R9e 12,300 cfs IV-V
Road Crossing, Sec. 14, T31n, R9e To Headwaters 12,300 cfs III-IV
Selway River, Sec. 10, T32n, R12e To Headwaters All Forks 6,180 cfs III-IV
Selway River, Sec. 22, T32n, R11e To Headwaters 12,300 cfs IV-V
Idaho State Line To Confluence With Beaver Creek 727 cfs III-III
Headwaters To 1 Mile Downstream Of Cut Throat Lake 4,990 cfs IV
Sawtooth Nra To Confluence With Wolf Creek 960 cfs III-IV
Just West Of Crystal Lake To Trailhead 537 cfs III-IV
Antelope Creek J19 53 cfs III-IV
Joseph Creek 25,800 cfs III-IV
Dry Creek 384 cfs III
Cow Creek 114 cfs II-III
Little North Fork Clearwater River 1,040 cfs III-IV
Summit Creek 70 cfs III-IV
West Fork Morgan Creek 114 cfs III-IV
Canyon Creek 537 cfs IV-V
Lolo Creek 1,680 cfs III
Pole Creek 53 cfs III-IV
Vineyard Creek 10 cfs III-IV
Pahsimeroi River 384 cfs V-IV+
Noon Creek 53 cfs II-III
Squaw Creek 37 cfs III-IV
Petes Creek 53 cfs IV
South Fork Payette 285 cfs III-IV
East Fork Salmon River 18 cfs III-IV
Lake Creek 632 cfs III-V
Mahogany Creek 384 cfs III-IV
Clearwater River 18 cfs III-IV
French Creek 632 cfs III-IV
Teton River 213 cfs III
Bayhorse Creek 37 cfs III-III
East Fork Big Lost River 66 cfs III-IV
Pleasant Valley Creek 53 cfs II-IV
Thompson Creek 18 cfs III-IV
Piute Creek 53 cfs III-IV
Herd Creek 66 cfs III-IV
Yatahoney Creek 53 cfs IV-V
Jump Creek 170 cfs III-IV
Little Owyhee River 53 cfs III-IV
South Fork Snake River 12,700 cfs II-IV
Bitch Creek 739 cfs III
Juniper Creek 53 cfs III+
Corral Creek 53 cfs III
Boulder Creek 7,500 cfs III-IV
Cabin Creek 53 cfs III-IV
Bald Mountain Canyon Creek 53 cfs III-IV
Lund Creek 2,100 cfs IV-IV
Nickel Creek 53 cfs III
Little Lost Lake Creek 1,040 cfs III-IV
Big Lost River 66 cfs III/IV-V
Rock Creek 7,500 cfs III-IV
Dukes Creek 53 cfs II-IV
North Fork Boulder Creek 7,500 cfs IV-V
Lost Lake Creek 1,040 cfs IV-V
Current Creek 53 cfs III-IV
Snake River 8,770 cfs III-IV
Salmon River 18 cfs III-IV
Deep Creek 53 cfs III-IV
River runs FAQ

About Idaho river runs

What does whitewater class mean?

The international whitewater scale (Class I–VI) rates a river's difficulty. I is moving water with riffles. II is straightforward rapids with clear channels. III requires complex maneuvers in fast water. IV is intense, powerful but predictable rapids requiring decisive boat handling. V is extremely long, obstructed, or violent rapids with significant hazard. VI is considered impossible to run.

Where does the Idaho streamflow data come from?

USGS streamgauges. Each Idaho paddle run is keyed to a specific gauge that paddlers and outfitters have agreed represents flow on that section. Gauges report every 15 minutes; we re-pull throughout the day.

What's a runnable level?

Run-specific. A creek that's classic at 200 cfs might be too low at 100 and dangerously flooded at 1,000. Always cross-reference with a guidebook or a Idaho paddling club for the run's accepted gauge ranges before launching.

Can I get an alert when a run hits prime flow?

Yes. Save any paddle run as a favorite in the Snoflo iOS app, set a flow window (e.g. "alert me between 800 and 1,500 cfs"), and you'll get a push the moment it crosses into range. Free with a Snoflo account.

Is this a substitute for local guidebooks and trip leaders?

No. Snoflo is informational. Always carry appropriate skills, gear, and a sober assessment of the day's flow. For high-consequence runs (Class IV+), paddle with people who know the run and never solo. American Whitewater is the authoritative source for U.S. river information.

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