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Photo credit: Cascade Raft & Kayak, the Concessionaire for this Outing
Join OUTdoors Idaho and Big Gal Backpackers for an LGBTQ+ Beginner Rafting Trip along the stunning Payette River, led by Cascade Raft and Kayak! This adventure offers class II-III white water rapids, perfect for all skill levels. Some sections of this trip offer gentle currents and picturesque surroundings that help you unwind amidst nature's beauty. These calm sections are complemented by moderate rapids, offering the perfect balance of relaxation and excitement. Expert guides will ensure the best white water rafting for folks and a stress-free rafting experience. It'll also be a great opportunity to build queer community in a safe and accepting space during pride month, AND to learn about the Idaho Sierra Club's campaigns for wildlife, public lands, clean energy, outdoor access, and climate justice.
Who is this Outing for?
OUTdoors Idaho outings are explicitly queer-only spaces, and while we will NOT be policing anyone's identity, we ask that folks who attend these outings identify in some way with the LGBTQIA+ community (including questioning folks, closeted folks, asexual folks, etc. etc.!). We have created this as a queer-only space with the intention of creating a shared identity group in Idaho’s outdoors, where folks who don’t feel safe/comfortable in other social/hiking groups can join, feel connected, and build queer community in a non-heteronormative, non-cisnormative place. We ask that allies do NOT attend this outing to honor the queer-only space, so participants who want a queer-only space can feel more confident that they’re safe being themselves. However, we also host regular outings for BOTH allies and the queer community.
To read more about our reasoning behind this policy, check out this blog post!
What to expect:
11:15am - OPTIONAL: Meet in Boise (location TBD) to consolidate cars and self-assign into carpools. Drive approximately 1 hour from Boise to full group meetup spot
12:30 - Meet at the Cascade Raft River Center (7050 Highway 55, Horseshoe Bend, ID 83629) for check in, a group lunch, and a trip overview
1:30-4pm - Take shuttle to Banks, Idaho, the put-in point for the Main Payette. After a short safety briefing, you'll hit the river and start downstream toward rapids like Go Left, Bennet's Rock, Mike's Hole, Mixmaster, and AMF. Between the rapids there's time to swim, float, relax and enjoy the scenery. Time on the water varies with the river levels, but in the main part of summer the float is 2 to 2.5 hours in the raft.
4pm - The take-out point is back at the Cascade Raft River Center where you can change clothes, view action photos from the trip, browse the gift shop, or grab snacks and beverages from the Rio Cafe.
4:30pm - Trip concludes, drive back to Boise
More about difficulty, skill level, and safety:
This is a beginner-friendly rafting trip fit for people of varying experience levels, including if you've never rafted before! Basic physical abilities required include grabbing onto handles, holding a paddle and to help paddle in the water, and sitting in a bumpy and always-moving raft for hours. (While the guide will rely on the assistance of most participants, those who are unable to paddle, such as younger children, are welcome to ride along or participate to the best of their ability.)
There is a combination of splashy rapids and relaxing floating, with the trip ranging between class II-III rapids. We will have professional guides, with appropriate state and federal raft guide certifications.
Other considerations:
Kids 5+ are welcome! All minors must be accompanied by a guardian, and their guardian must fill out a medical form for their child (only for the first Outing - this form will be kept on-file for future Outings). Kids must already be comfortable with water to participate.
No dogs or other pets on this outing (we love your furry friends, but please leave them home).
Please fill out a separate registration form for each person, so we can have a signed waiver on file for each person. This includes a separate RSVP for each child in a family.
We expect everyone joining this event to act respectfully and help create a safe and inclusive space for folks from marginalized identity groups. All participants must read, sign, and adhere to our Code of Conduct and Participant Agreement.
Level: Easy
Cost: Free! (Contributions are appreciated to help offset costs)
Signup Instructions: Please RSVP by June 22 so we have an accurate headcount for food.
Recommended Items: Water-appropriate attire that can get wet, like a swimsuit, nylon shorts, a t-shirt, and river sandals or water-friendly tennis shoes. It's best to avoid wearing cotton clothing, except during the hot summer months. If you encounter colder water or cooler weather conditions, worry not, as we provide wetsuits and other insulating gear at no additional cost. For your convenience, our river center is equipped with changing rooms featuring lockers and restrooms, so don't forget to bring a change of clothes for after the adventure. sunscreen, water, a hat, and a towel. If you wear glasses or sunglasses, it's wise to have a secure strap for them. Not to worry, as our gift shop offers Chums glasses retainers and waterproof phone cases for purchase, ensuring your belongings stay safe and dry. Please be mindful that everything you bring with you is likely to get wet, so plan accordingly.
Additional Directions: The hike leaders will be in the parking area displaying a Sierra Club banner.
Cancellation Policy: Activity is held rain or shine. Leaders will check weather conditions the morning of the event. If the weather is considered unsafe (i.e. thunderstorms, wildfires), we will cancel the trip and communicate promptly with all participants.Cancelling within 24 hours or not showing up to the event makes it hard for another participant to take your spot, and wastes money for your food/supplies cost (which as a nonprofit, isn't sustainable). If you no-show or cancel within 24 hours two times, you will not be allowed to sign up for trips for the following three months. Thanks for understanding.