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
Jul 11
Open the Idaho paddle layer on the map Whitewater + paddle runs filtered to Idaho.
Open the map →
July
11
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 125 cfs III-IV
Headwaters To Confluence With Three Cabins Creek 125 cfs II-IV
Three Cabins Creek To Confluence With East Fork Salmon River 11 cfs III
The Northern Boundary Of The Wallowa Whitman National Forest To The Confluence With The Grande Ronde River 18,000 cfs IV-III
Payette Nf Boundary On Lake Creek (Just West Marshall Lake) To To And Including Chinook Campground 284 cfs III-IV
Chinook Campground To Ponderosa Campground 284 cfs III-IV
West Fork Big Wood River To Confluence With Big Wood River 73 cfs III-IV
Headwaters To Confluence With North Fork Big Wood River 125 cfs III-V
Below Private Land In Section 2 To Nf Boundary 438 cfs III-IV
Headwaters To Nf Boundary 438 cfs ·
Headwaters To Point Where Creek Turns Ne, Near Trail Creek Summit 112 cfs IV-V
Kane Lake To Confluence With Summit Creek 112 cfs III-IV
Arrowhead Lake To Wildhorse Campground 112 cfs IV
Confluence With South Fork East Fork Salmon To Confluence With Unnamed Creek In Section 6 125 cfs IV
Unnamed Creek To Sawtooth Nf Boundary 11 cfs IV-V
Headwaters To Sawtooth Nf Boundary 11 cfs III-IV
Pine Flats Creek To Long Gulch 738 cfs III-IV
Confluence With Bell Creek To Boiling Springs Cabin 187 cfs IV-IV
Boiling Springs Cabin To Confluence With Fool Creek 303 cfs III-IV
Boise Nf Boundary To Confluence With Payette River 1,540 cfs III-IV
Confluence Bear Valley Creek To Fcronr Wilderness Boundary 303 cfs III-IV
Fcronr Wilderness Boundary To Confluence With North Fork Elk Creek 303 cfs III-IV
Headwaters To Confluence With Elk Creek 303 cfs III-IV
Elk Creek To Fir Creek Campground 303 cfs III
Fir Creek Campground To Boise Nf Boundary 1,250 cfs III
Long Gulch To Boise Nf Boundary 187 cfs III
Deadwood Reservoir To Confluence With Warm Springs Creek 303 cfs III
Warm Springs Creek To Confluence With Pine Creek 738 cfs III-IV
Pine Creek To Confluence With South Fork Payette River 738 cfs IV-V
Wolf Creek To Confluence With Pine Flats Creek 738 cfs II-III
Cataldo Mission To Coeur D'Alene Lake 542 cfs IV
Confluence North Fork Coeur D'Alene River To Cataldo Mission 499 cfs III+-IV
Kootenai River 10,300 cfs III-IV
Source, Sec. 19, T39n, R13e To Road #581 Near Moose Ck, Sec. 16, T39n, R11i 204 cfs III-IV
Road 581, Sec. 19, T39n, R13e To Mouth, Sec. 18, T39n, R10e 204 cfs II-IV
Dworshak Reservoir, Sec. 34, T41n, R6e To Forest Road #250, Sec. 6, T40n, R11e 1,790 cfs III-IV
Dworshak Reservoir, Sec. 19, T41n, R5e To Forest Boundary, Sec. 33, T42n, R6e 1,790 cfs III-IV
Proposed Hoodoo Wilderness Boundary, Sec. 28, T10n, R26w To Mouth, Clearwater Nf 204 cfs III-V
Hungery Creek, Sec. 24, T35n, R8e To Lochsa River, Sec. 33, T35n, R9e 1,780 cfs IV-III
Headwaters, Sec. 3, T35n, R7e To Fish Creek, Sec. 24, T35n, R8e 1,780 cfs III-IV
Sawtooth Wilderness Boundary To Confluence With Johnson Creek 738 cfs III-IV
Johnson Creek To Confluence With Hunter Creek 738 cfs II-IV
Headwaters To Confluence With West Fork Big Lost River 112 cfs II-III
Headwaters To Confluence With Pole Creek 1,250 cfs III-IV
Inlet To Marsh On Spring Creek To Outlet Of Marsh On Spring Creek 1,290 cfs II-IV
Mainstem West Of Palisades Reservoir Including North Fork And Deadman Creek To Palisades Reservoir 14,000 cfs II-III
Mainstem And Lower 2 Miles Of North, South And Siddoway Forks To One Mile Above Trailhead 14,000 cfs IV-V
One Mile Above Trailhead To Trailhead 14,000 cfs III-V
Confluence Of North Fork Palisades Creek And Corral Canyon To Palisades Campground 14,000 cfs III-IV
Riverside Campground To Confluence With Warm River 471 cfs II
Pinehaven Subdivision To Riverside Campground 1,390 cfs III-IV
Northern Boundary Of Harriman Park To Pinehaven Subdivision 1,390 cfs IV
Box Canyon Summer Homes To Northern Boundary Of Harriman Park 1,390 cfs ·
Island Park Dam To Box Canyon Summer Homes 1,390 cfs III-IV
Confluence With Bear Creek To Confluence With Hanson Creek 183 cfs III-IV
Boise Nf Boundary (1 Mile East Of Banks) To Boise Nf Boundary (1 Mile South Of Banks) 1,540 cfs II-III
Tie Canyon To Targhee Nf Boundary 14,000 cfs III-IV
Headwaters To Lady Face Falls 184 cfs III-IV
Headwaters To Confluence With Little Beaver Creek 184 cfs III-IV
Headwaters To Confluence With Salmon River 160 cfs III-IV
Headwaters To Confluence With Little Boulder Creek 11 cfs ·
Headwaters To Wilderness Boundary 184 cfs ·
Lady Face Falls To Inlet Stanley Lake 184 cfs III-IV
Outlet Stanley Lake To Confluence With Valley Creek 184 cfs II-IV
Headwaters To Western Boundary Line Of Section 17 184 cfs III-IV
Confluence With Rabbit Creek To Confluence With Middle Fork Boise River 633 cfs III-IV
Boise Nf Boundary To Confluence With Willow Creek 633 cfs III-IV
Confluence With Granite Creek To Confluence With Pine Creek 633 cfs III-IV
Headwaters To Confluence With Alta Creek 327 cfs ·
Alta Creek To Confluence With Feather River 327 cfs III-V
Confluence Of Star Hope And Muldoon Creeks To Confluence With East Fork 332 cfs III
Headwaters To Confluence With West Fork Of East Fork Big Lost River 332 cfs III-IV
Palisades Dam To Confluence With Pine Creek 14,000 cfs IV-III
Pine Creek To Riley Diversion 14,100 cfs IV-V
Buffalo River Springs To Confluence With Elk Creek 1,390 cfs III-IV
Headwaters To Confluence With South Fork Payette River 184 cfs II-IV
Headwaters To Confluence With Yankee Fork 160 cfs III-IV
Confluence Of East And West Forks To Nf Boundary 438 cfs III-IV
Western Boundary Line Of Section 17 To Confluence With Valley Creek 184 cfs III-IV
Headwaters To Western Boundary Line Of Section 34 184 cfs III-IV
Western Boundary Line Of Section 34 To Redfish Lake 184 cfs ·
Headwaters To Inlet Redfish Lake 184 cfs III-IV
Anderson Ranch Dam To Confluence With Mennecke Creek 1,590 cfs III-IV
Headwaters To Deadwood Reservoir 303 cfs III-IV
Headwaters To Confluence With West Fork 438 cfs III-IV
Nf Boundary At 4th Of July Creek To Confluence With North Fork 2,580 cfs II-III
Elk Creek To Slackwater Of Ponds Power Dam 1,390 cfs III-V
Headwaters Of North And South Fork And Mainstem To Targhee Nf Boundary 691 cfs II-IV
Source To Upper Palisades Lake 14,000 cfs IV-V
Yellowstone Np To Targhee Nf Boundary 691 cfs III-IV
Yellowstone Np Boundary To Confluence With Warm River 219 cfs III-IV
Headwaters To Confluence With Trail Creek 184 cfs III
Trail Creek To Sawtooth Nf Boundary 184 cfs III-IV
Outlet Redfish Lake To Confluence With Salmon River 184 cfs III-IV
Headwaters To Sawtooth Wilderness Boundary 184 cfs III-IV
Headwaters To Confluence With West Fork Big Wood River 125 cfs III-IV
Wade Creek To Nf Boundary 181 cfs IV
Wilderness Boundary To Confluence With Middle Fork Salmon River 1,250 cfs III-IV
Headwaters To 1 Mile Downstream Of Soldier Lake 1,250 cfs III-V
Sawtooth Wilderness Boundary To Confluence With Salmon River 184 cfs III-V
Headwaters To Inlet Pettit Lake 184 cfs III-IV
Outlet Pettit Lake To Confluence With Alturas Lake Creek 184 cfs III-IV
Salt River Trailhead To Nf Boundary 1,290 cfs III-IV
Unnamed Lake North Of Edwards Lake (And East/West Forks) To Targhee Nf Boundary 190 cfs ·
Warm River Springs To Confluence With Henrys Fork 471 cfs III-IV
Ponderosa Campground To Confluence With South Fork Salmon River 284 cfs II-III
Headwaters To Confluence With Corral Creek 43 cfs III-IV
Headwaters To Confluence With Button Creek 43 cfs III-IV
Headwaters To Confluence With Little Wood River 112 cfs III
Smith Creek To Confluence With Main Salmon 284 cfs III-IV
Headwaters (Boise Nf) To Confluence With Smith Creek (Smith Creek Landing Strip) (Payette Nf) 284 cfs III-IV
Headwaters To Confluence With Wildhorse Creek 112 cfs ·
Headwaters To Section 7 61 cfs III-IV
Headwaters To Elk Meadow Trailhead 184 cfs III-IV
Elk Meadows Trailhead To Confluence With Valley Creek 184 cfs III
Confluence Of Loon And Pioneer Creeks To Phillips Creek Transfer Camp 1,250 cfs III-V
Phillips Creek Transfer Camp To Confluence With Middle Fork Salmon River 1,250 cfs III-IV
Headwaters To Confluence With Loon Creek 1,250 cfs III-IV
Headwaters To Confluence With Alturas Lake Creek 184 cfs III-IV
Headwaters To Inlet Alteras Lake 184 cfs III
Outlet Alteras Lake To Confluence With Salmon River 184 cfs III-IV
Headwaters, East And North Fork Of The Yaak River To Yaak Falls, Sec. 4, T33n, R33w 10,100 cfs ·
Wilderness Boundary To Fs Road 319 2,620 cfs II-III
Selway Bitterroot Wilderness Boundary, Sec. 35, T33n, R9e To Headwaters, Sec. 33, T33n, R10e 2,620 cfs III-IV
Headwaters (Sec 5, T32n, R10e) To Selway Bitterroot Wilderness Boundary 2,620 cfs ·
Fs Road 319 To Selway River Road (Fs 223) 2,620 cfs III-IV
Salmon River, Sec. 22, T28n, R1e To North And South Forks Of White Bird Creek 8,800 cfs ·
Salmon River, Sec. 36, T27n, R1e To Gospel Hump Wilderness Boundary, Sec. 31, T27n, R4e 8,800 cfs II-IV
Wilderness Boundary To Headwaters 8,800 cfs III+
Selway River, Sec. 16, T31n, R13e To Headwaters 2,580 cfs III-IV
East Fork Bull River, Headwaters, Sec. 13, T27n, R32w To Cabinet Mountains Wilderness Boundary, Sec. 3, T27n, R32w 27,300 cfs III-IV
Cabinet Mtns Wilderness Boundary, Sec. 3, T27n, R32w To Bull River, Sec. 12, T27n, R33w 27,300 cfs III
Crooked Creek, Sec. 10, T25n, R7e To Gospel Hump Wilderness Boundary 42 cfs III+-IV
West Fork Yaak River 229 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 27,300 cfs III-IV
Boundary Proposed Addition Cabinet Mtns Wilderness, Sec. To Cabinet Gorge Reservoir 27,300 cfs IV
Headwaters To Wade Creek 181 cfs III-IV
Coeur D"Alene River, Sec. 8, T49n, R2e To Honey Mountain, Sec. 32, T53n, R1w 499 cfs III-IV
Cedar Creek, Sec. 6, T41n, R6e To Adair Creek 1,790 cfs III+-IV
Hgh Creek Lake To Nf Boundary 919 cfs III-IV
Bear Valley Lake To Trailhead 181 cfs II-III
Trailhead To Confluence With Hayden Creek 181 cfs III-IV
Hammer Creek To Confluence With Middle Fork Salmon River 1,250 cfs III-IV
Headwaters To Hammer Creek 12 cfs III-IV
Adair Creek To Fish Lake, Sec. 4, T43n, R4e 1,790 cfs III-IV
Southern Boundary Of State Land To Mouth 919 cfs III-IV
Source To Mouth 919 cfs III-IV
Long Canyon Pass, Sec. 30, T63n, R2w To Forest Boundary, Road #417, Sec. 25, T63n, R2w 52 cfs III-IV
Forest Boundary, Sec. 34, T59n, R2w To Harrison Lake, Sec. 31, T62n, R2w 248 cfs III-IV
Sec. 28, T30n, R13e To Boundary Selway Bitterroot Wilderness 2,580 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 2,620 cfs IV-V
Road Crossing, Sec. 14, T31n, R9e To Headwaters 2,620 cfs III-IV
Selway River, Sec. 10, T32n, R12e To Headwaters All Forks 2,580 cfs III-IV
Selway River, Sec. 22, T32n, R11e To Headwaters 2,620 cfs IV-V
Idaho State Line To Confluence With Beaver Creek 919 cfs III-III
Headwaters To 1 Mile Downstream Of Cut Throat Lake 1,250 cfs IV
Sawtooth Nra To Confluence With Wolf Creek 934 cfs III-IV
Just West Of Crystal Lake To Trailhead 619 cfs III-IV
Antelope Creek J19 13 cfs III-IV
Joseph Creek 18,700 cfs III-IV
Dry Creek 490 cfs III
Cow Creek 91 cfs II-III
Little North Fork Clearwater River 1,280 cfs III-IV
Summit Creek 73 cfs III-IV
West Fork Morgan Creek 91 cfs III-IV
Canyon Creek 619 cfs IV-V
Lolo Creek 2,170 cfs III
Pole Creek 13 cfs III-IV
Vineyard Creek 7 cfs III-IV
Pahsimeroi River 490 cfs V-IV+
Noon Creek 13 cfs II-III
Squaw Creek 19 cfs III-IV
Petes Creek 13 cfs IV
South Fork Payette 213 cfs III-IV
East Fork Salmon River 12 cfs III-IV
Lake Creek 375 cfs III-V
Mahogany Creek 490 cfs III-IV
Clearwater River 18 cfs III-IV
French Creek 375 cfs III-IV
Teton River 329 cfs III
Bayhorse Creek 19 cfs III-III
East Fork Big Lost River 182 cfs III-IV
Pleasant Valley Creek 13 cfs II-IV
Thompson Creek 12 cfs III-IV
Piute Creek 13 cfs III-IV
Herd Creek 182 cfs III-IV
Yatahoney Creek 13 cfs IV-V
Jump Creek 118 cfs III-IV
Little Owyhee River 13 cfs III-IV
South Fork Snake River 13,200 cfs II-IV
Bitch Creek 739 cfs III
Juniper Creek 13 cfs III+
Corral Creek 13 cfs III
Boulder Creek 4,040 cfs III-IV
Cabin Creek 13 cfs III-IV
Bald Mountain Canyon Creek 13 cfs III-IV
Lund Creek 2,320 cfs IV-IV
Nickel Creek 13 cfs III
Little Lost Lake Creek 1,280 cfs III-IV
Big Lost River 182 cfs III/IV-V
Rock Creek 4,040 cfs III-IV
Dukes Creek 13 cfs II-IV
North Fork Boulder Creek 4,040 cfs IV-V
Lost Lake Creek 1,280 cfs IV-V
Current Creek 13 cfs III-IV
Snake River 5,670 cfs III-IV
Salmon River 12 cfs III-IV
Deep Creek 13 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.

Browse other states

River runs in every state

Alabama Alaska Arizona Arkansas California Colorado Connecticut Delaware District Of Columbia Florida Georgia Hawaii Idaho Illinois Indiana Iowa Kansas Kentucky Louisiana Maine Maryland Massachusetts Michigan Minnesota Mississippi Missouri Montana Nebraska Nevada New Hampshire New Jersey New Mexico New York North Carolina North Dakota Ohio Oklahoma Oregon Pennsylvania Puerto Rico Rhode Island South Carolina South Dakota Tennessee Texas Utah Vermont Virginia Washington West Virginia Wisconsin Wyoming