Payette River
South Fork Payette - Grandjean to Lowman River Guide
The Grandjean section of the South Fork Payette features technical Class III+ whitewater through a beautiful alpine canyon. This wilderness run includes Canyon Creek Rapid and the challenging Bonneville Gorge with rapids like Emesis and Kicks John's Ass, offering crystal-clear snowmelt water and pristine mountain scenery.
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Weather Forecast
What's the daily forecast at the put-in for South Fork Payette - Grandjean to Lowman?
Current River Conditions
What's the current CFS for South Fork Payette - Grandjean to Lowman based on the nearest USGS gauge?
Current Water Level
3,270CFS
Updated May 15, 9:30 AM
Ideal Water Level
600–2,000CFS
Flow Trend
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Common Questions
What paddlers most often want to know about South Fork Payette - Grandjean to Lowman.
What class of rapids does the South Fork Payette Grandjean to Lowman section have?
The South Fork Payette Grandjean to Lowman section runs Class III+, featuring technical rapids including Canyon Creek Rapid and the committing Bonneville Gorge with rapids like Emesis — a step up from the Danskin section and requiring solid Class III skills.
Do I need a permit to run the South Fork Payette from Grandjean to Lowman?
No permit is required to run the South Fork Payette Grandjean to Lowman section. It is a wilderness run accessible from Forest Service roads with a put-in near Grandjean Campground.
What are the most difficult rapids on the South Fork Payette Grandjean section?
The Bonneville Gorge is the crux of the Grandjean section, containing the most demanding rapids including Emesis and a notorious drop nicknamed Kicks John's Ass — both requiring technical moves in a narrow, committed canyon stretch.
What are the ideal flow levels for the South Fork Payette Grandjean to Lowman section?
The Grandjean section runs best between 600 and 2,000 CFS. The technical nature of the rapids — especially through the Bonneville Gorge — makes flow selection important; above 1,500 CFS the gorge becomes more powerful and less forgiving.
When is the South Fork Payette Grandjean to Lowman section runnable?
The Grandjean section typically runs from late May through early July during snowmelt from the Sawtooth and Boise Mountains. The alpine nature of the watershed means flows peak later and drop faster than lower-elevation Idaho rivers.