Payette River train serves whitewater rafters, paddlers
RIVER RUNNING -- Rafters and paddlers soon will be riding the rails to a popular floating and whitewater stretch of Idaho's North Fork Payette River.
On Saturday, May 31, the Idaho Northern and Pacific Railroad, also known as the Thunder Mountain Line, will debut the Payette River Flyer with runs between Smiths Ferry and Cascade on Saturdays and Sundays this summer.
Riders are able to bring their own rafts and kayaks onboard or opt for a guided raft trip provided by Bear Valley Rafting Company.
The train ride is not only convenient, it's also scenic. Park in one spot and let the railroad do the 17-mile shuttle to the top of the seven-mile river run.
The train travels along the North Fork of the Payette River, also known as the North Fork Carbarton, and features Class II-III rapids. The following rapids are part of the float:
- Trestle Rapids-Class III
- Smoothie Rapids-Class II-III
- Wet Spot Rapids-Class III
- Francois Rapids-Class III
- Howard's Plunge Rapids-Class III
The Smiths Ferry loading location is across the river from the Cougar Mountain Lodge on Highway 55, with free parking available on-site. The Smiths Ferry site will be the only location where rafts and kayaks can be loaded.
The Cascade loading site is behind the Ashley Inn, 500 N. Main St. Parking is free.
Rail enthusiasts can stay off the water and enjoy a scenic roundtrip train ride from either loading sites.
The Payette River Flyer will run May 31 - Aug. 31, with Smiths Ferry departures at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. each day, and Cascade departures at 12:30 p.m. Tickets can be purchased online at http://www.payetteriverflyer.com or by calling the ticket office at (208) 331-1184. One-way tickets for river drop-off are $20 for all age groups, while round-trip train rides start at $25/person. All guided raft trips will be provided by Bear Valley Rafting Company and start at $60/person. One-way trips are approximately 45 minutes to one hour in length, with the round trip train ride taking three hours. Food will be available for purchase on the train.