Idaho whitewater, Payette River - Middle Fork Hardscrabble Campground to Lightning Creek Bridge section whitewater kayaking, rafting, and paddling information.   CLASS II(III)     4.5 miles   The Hardscrabble Campground to Lightning Creek Bridge section of Payette River - Middle Fork is 4.5 miles long and it is classified as a class II(III) section by American Whitewater. The rivers for whitewater rafting and kayaking here in Idaho are often tougher than in other states, so don't forget that rivers here are less forgiving. The beautiful scenery of Idaho and the water flowing gracefully down Payette River - Middle Fork are in     themselves reasons enough to come here to paddle. A good workout and spending some quality time in nature have people coming from far and near. The wild scenery of the Salmon River Mountains is great. No matter if you're whitewater rafting or kayaking this area has a large number of paddling spots. You might have to settle for a hotel a bit away from the river if you want to stay the night, but do book a room before you come because it is a very popular destination. There's camping available near Payette River - Middle Fork. The put-in location is a reasonable drive from Boise City-Nampa, if you're not familiar with the area there's a road map further down   the page. On this section you do get some distance, suitable for an afternoon trip. The Hardscrabble Campground to Lightning Creek Bridge section is one of many paddling sections in this river system. Briefly about the general area: Packer Spring is always fun to check out, and going for a hike on the Bear Wallow Trail is always a splendid adventure. Yeah, come up here to the Salmon River Mountains for a splendid time. Near Payette River - Middle Fork you hit upon Powderhouse Gulch which is a fine site to take a look at. A good site like Boise National Forest near Payette River - Middle Fork is too great to leave out, and nearby you come across the One Spoon Way which is a splendid hiking trail. Payette River - Middle Fork, Hardscrabble Campground to Lightning Creek Bridge road map Printable road map with the put-in and take-out locations clearly marked.     Map Detailed Map Stats Stats for this river stretch Weather Local weather forecast These outdoors activities are available near Payette River - Middle Fork.   Whitewater Near Payette River - Middle Fork: Payette River - Middle Fork, -blank- County, 2 miles away       Class II(III) - 4.5 miles long (Hardscrabble Campground to Lightning Creek Bridge) Payette River - Middle Fork, Valley County, 6 miles away       Class IV - 3 miles long (West Fork Bridge to upstream of Trail Creek) Whitewater Outfitter - Idaho Whitewater Unlimited, Boise County, 7 miles away       Whitewater outfitter Payette River - South Fork, Boise County, 8 miles away       Class IV - 4.5 miles long (Deer Creek turnout to Banks) Payette River - South Fork, Boise County, 10 miles away       Class III+ - 8 miles long (Danskin Station to Alder Creek Bridge) Payette River - North Fork, Valley/ Boise County, 13 miles away       Class V - 16 miles long (Smiths Ferry to Banks) Payette River - North Fork, Valley County, 13 miles away       Class II-III - 10 miles long (Cabarton Bridge to Smiths Ferry) Payette River, Boise County, 15 miles away       Class III - 7 miles long (Banks to Beehive Bend) Deadwood River, Boise County, 19 miles away       Class III-IV - 10 miles long (End of Road to South Fork Payette River) Deadwood River, Boise County, 19 miles away       Class IV-V - 14 miles long (Deadwood Reservoir to End of Road)   Ski Areas Near Payette River - Middle Fork: Bogus Basin, Idaho , 26 miles away, 1800 foot drop, 7 lifts, 52 runs Tamarack, Idaho , 27 miles away, 2800 foot drop, 8 lifts, 42 runs Brundage Mountain, Idaho , 42 miles away, 1800 foot drop, 5 lifts, 46 runs Soldier Mountain, Idaho , 83 miles away, 1425 foot drop, 3 lifts, 36 runs   Hotels Near Payette River - Middle Fork: Ashley Inn, Cascade , 17 miles away Courtyard Boise Downtown, Boise , 36 miles away Hyatt Place Boise/Downtown, Boise , 36 miles away SpringHill Suites Boise ParkCenter, Boise , 36 miles away Super 8 McCall, McCall , 36 miles away   Campgrounds Near Payette River - Middle Fork: One Spoon Campground, Boise County, 1 miles away Tie Creek Campground, Boise County, 1 miles away Hardscrabble Campground, Boise County, 2 miles away   Trails Near Payette River - Middle Fork: One Spoon Way, Washington , 1 miles away Bear Wallow Trail, Valley , 4 miles away Air Line Trail, Boise , 5 miles away Sixmile Trail, Valley , 5 miles away Lightning Creek Trail, Boise , 5 miles away   Public Lands Near Payette River - Middle Fork: Boise National Forest, Idaho , 8 miles away Cascade State Park, Idaho , 18 miles away Lucky Peak State Park, Idaho , 32 miles away   Golf Courses Near Payette River - Middle Fork: Terrace Lakes Golf Course, Garden Valley , 6 miles away Cascade Golf Course, Cascade , 10 miles away   Lakes Near Payette River - Middle Fork Horsethief Reservoir, Valley , 14 miles away Mud Lake, Boise , 16 miles away Lake Cascade, Valley , 18 miles away