Payette River
North Fork Payette - Smith's Ferry to Banks River Guide
This legendary 16-mile section is one of the most challenging Class V runs in North America. The river drops 1,700 feet at an average gradient of 110 feet per mile with nearly continuous expert-level rapids. Only for highly skilled kayakers and rafters, this run is easily viewed from Highway 55.
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Common Questions
What paddlers most often want to know about North Fork Payette - Smith's Ferry to Banks.
How difficult is the North Fork Payette from Smith's Ferry to Banks?
The Smith's Ferry to Banks section of the North Fork Payette is one of the most challenging Class V runs in North America — a 16-mile stretch that drops 1,700 feet at an average of 110 feet per mile with nearly continuous expert-level rapids. Only highly skilled kayakers and rafters with Class V experience should attempt this run.
What class of rapids does the North Fork Payette Smith's Ferry to Banks section have?
The North Fork Payette Smith's Ferry to Banks section is a sustained Class V run, featuring a nearly unbroken chain of powerful, technical rapids. There are few rest pools and little margin for error throughout the entire 16-mile canyon.
Do I need a permit to run the North Fork Payette Smith's Ferry to Banks section?
No permit is required for the North Fork Payette Smith's Ferry to Banks run. However, the extreme difficulty means only expert-level paddlers should consider attempting it.
What are the ideal flow levels for the North Fork Payette expert section?
The North Fork Payette Smith's Ferry section runs between 1,500 and 6,000 CFS. Most expert paddlers prefer flows of 2,000–4,000 CFS; at higher flows the river becomes extraordinarily powerful and the consequences of swimming are severe.
Can you see the North Fork Payette Smith's Ferry run from the road?
Yes — much of the North Fork Payette Smith's Ferry to Banks run is visible from Highway 55, making it a spectacular viewing destination even for non-paddlers. The roadside vantage points offer front-row views of some of the most powerful Class V whitewater in the country.