class III-IV runs near Boise, Idaho

[puma2fish]

I just got back from the Payettes last night. Did the Canyon and the run w/ Staircase and Slalom on the South Fork. We also did some IV/V creeking on the Middle Fork. If I had a choice and the time the Canyon is the run to do. The longer rapids are of the III variety and for the most part, the IV's are one drop holes(Blackadar, Lone Pine, Little Falls and Suprise). The North Fork looked amazing if that is your bag... To add to the consensus, the Bliss wave is really worth the trip and then there is the Malad river right there that is a short, but fun IV creek. We did a longer Bliss run with beginners and then the Malad twice in one afternoon.
My 2 cents...

[Ken C]

I was up their two weeks ago working a drift boat through the henry's fork after some fish. Has anyone run the two falls on the henrys fork?

[dvanhouten]

Which falls on the Henry's Fork--Upper & Lower Mesa? Lower Mesa has been run a ton--check out Nurpu and Valhalla from TGR. Both right and left lines have been run. Big NO on Upper Mesa--114 foot waterfall to shallow landing your bag??????? There is a class III run that takes out at the lip of Upper Mesa that has three V- rapids and very scenic (moose, bears ect).

Doug

[Ken C]

The boats will be on the car for the next trip. Thanks for the info. Huge fish and a fun fall. What a great spot!!

Ken

[dvanhouten]

I re-read my post. It is a class III run above Upper Mesa if you walk all the bigger drops. All are fairly easy to portage. Let me know if you need additional beta about the run or how to get to the lip of the waterfall.

Doug

[uncle sticky]

Originally Posted by fin

both are great runs, I had numerous arguements about which is harder
I feel that if you can make the moves in staircase rapid and slalom than you can run the canyon.

have fun

That sounds like encouragement. I've run the staircase section a few times. Many flips, no swims, so I'm thinking canyon.

And yes, CRC does spoil ya'll. I learned to paddle reading that thing. Grants' book is good, but CRC really is the cadillac of guide books.