Voices of the North Fork of the Payette River 

Photo credit: John Webster

Idaho Rivers United wouldn’t be here without the North Fork of the Payette River

What started as a quick conversation in an eddy on the North Fork in the late 80s, laid the groundwork for what would become “Friends of the Payette” in 1990. This grassroots organization rallied the paddling community to defend the beloved North Fork from a hydropower proposal and grew into what is now Idaho Rivers United. 

As we embark on our 35th year defending the rivers and fisheries of Idaho, we want to take the time to reflect on one of Idaho’s iconic whitewater rivers and hear from you, our supporters, what makes this river so special to you. Whether your experience with the North Fork is based on appreciating the incredible scenery it provides as you drive along Highway 55 with friends and family or if you can see your line through your favorite rapid when you close your eyes, we want to hear your story. 

In addition to sharing why you personally love the North Fork, we also want to hear what you may be concerned about or would like to see changed in the future. From the meandering headwaters north of McCall, to the fun and welcoming Cabarton section, or the powerful lower canyon, the North Fork has seen a steady increase in use and interest over the past several years. We firmly believe that the more people who appreciate and form connections with our rivers, the better. But with increased use, we want to ensure that special places like the North Fork are maintained and cared for for future generations. 

Let us know why you love the North Fork and how you envision it in the future.

Within the Voices of the North Fork campaign, we are going to gather your feedback and work with the many different entities that manage the North Fork to ensure that this true Idaho gem is managed appropriately and protected for future generations. 

Voices of the North Fork of the Payette River

“The North Fork of the Payette is an incredibly unique whitewater run.  It contains continuous whitewater and easy access that is difficult to find anywhere else in the United States.  It also contains a beautiful roadless stretch that is good for novice river runners and commercial rafting and kayaking.  This river with the unique and rare combination of access and whitewater should be protected.”

- Marty Rood, Payette Powder Guides, ID

“I have been paddling and adventuring around the North Fork of the Payette for 30 years. But that’s merely a blip in time compared to how long it’s been here for others. The North Fork is bigger than any of us. It’s a home for many living beings, and to everyone or everything else it’s also a crucial resource providing food, water, opportunity and so much more. Us kayakers just got lucky that it’s also an unmatched playground we can enjoy. This river has empowered many of us in countless ways, from realizing unexpected and untapped paddling capabilities, to inspiring simple ideas that change our day-to-day life. There is nothing like the North Fork of the Payette anywhere in the world. We owe it our thanks and more importantly, the protection it deserves.”

- Jesse Murphy, Boise, ID

“The North Fork of the Payette is special to me because of all the great memories it holds, it really represents what our [paddling] community can achieve with the right energy and passion.  Having it designated as Wild & Scenic will set a precedent for other rivers that might not be perfectly natural but are still loved the way they are.”

- Joe Morley, ID