Payette River
Payette River flows through Northwest USA, linking Idaho and Oregon with cold mountain flows, whitewater rapids, and trout fisheries. Popular for rafting, kayaking, and summer camping, it draws visitors near Boise and McCall.
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Geography
| Continent | North America |
|---|---|
| Region | Northwest U.S. |
| Subregion | Pacific Northwest |
| Country | United States |
| State | IdahoOregon |
| County | Valley CountyAdams County |
| Timezone | AmericaDenver |
| Latitude | 44.9633 |
| Longitude | -116.1124 |
| Maps |
7:14 PM LOCAL TIMEPayette River originates high in the Sawtooth Mountains of Idaho and flows northwest across a variable landscape of alpine basins, forested valleys, and arid canyons before joining the Snake River near Emmett. The river is renowned for class III-IV rapids in sections such as the Long Valley and Banks Bend areas, making it a staple of regional whitewater recreation. Its cooler headwaters and tributary inputs support important wild trout populations, notably Oncorhynchus mykiss and Salmo trutta, accessible from multiple fishing access points. Along its course, the Payette passes through communities like McCall and Cascade, offering year-round recreation: skiing and snowboarding at nearby resorts, summer camping, and trail-based hiking along its tributaries and canyon rims. The river's variability — from high snowmelt flows to late-season low-water stretches — demands careful planning, but rewards with dramatic canyon scenery and versatile recreation options.
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