Recreation

Surf's Up Idaho Style!

McCall areas famous Payette River offers some of the most incredible rapids and scenery in the State, from scenic floating to extreme, advanced whitewater. The South Fork of the Payette River is an advanced whitewater river, while the North Fork offers a great mix of quiet scenic stretches and straight forward Class I-III rapids. The Main Payette River is considered more mellow while the North Fork is one of the finest advanced kayak runs in the world with over 20 class IV and V rapids in just 16 miles for the most experienced kayakers.

Near the McCall area, the Middle Fork of the Salmon River is rated as one of the top 10 whitewater rivers in the world. It is known for its catch and release trout fishery, invigorating hot springs and wildlife. The class III and IV rapids run through the Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness, the largest forest wilderness in the lower 48 states.

The legendary "River of No Return" is the longest free flowing river in the lower 48 states and is a choice pool and drop river with roller coaster rapids. The Main Salmon flows between Riggins and Salmon for a distance of 80 miles and is as relaxing and remote an experience as you can get.

There are a number of firms that provide group or individual rafting trips and the McCall Chamber of Commerce provides an excellent directory for them at www.mccallchamber.org/play/rafting-kayaking.