Looking to relocate to Idaho.

[off2ID]

On our travels next month, we were considering doing some water rafting. With a 4 year old there are not many options as far as white water rafting...and for the cost we were considering buying an kayak and/or a canoe and camping along a river or two. Any suggestions?

[pimit2]

Hello off21D,

Runoff from mountain snowpacks in June will make the rivers here high and somewhat dangerous for any floater, novice or skilled. I'd be very concerned with trying to float and manage a 4-year-old at the same time.

You might consider the quiet stretch of the Boise River at Boise. The Boise River flows through the heart of Idaho’s capitol city. A popular 5-mile float from Barber Park, past Boise State University, and Julia Davis Park, concludes at Ann Morrison Park. If you wish to do this for yourself, park your car at Ann Morrison Park and take the shuttle bus to the put-in at Barber Park. Rafts and tubes are for rent at Barber Park. Guided trips are also available with a guide familiar with the area fauna and flora. These trips are not expensive. For details, call the Boise Parks Department at (208) 384-4240.

If you are considering some other river, I'd suggest a guided trip rather than spending money on a canoe or kayak or raft and taking some risk. For information, call the Idaho Outfitters and Guides Association at (208) 342-1919, or visit their website at Idaho Outfitters And Guides | Idaho Outfitters & Guides Association: Hunting, Rafting, Jet Boating, Fishing, Ranches/Lodges, Trailrides, Hunting, Biking, Climbing, Winter for details.

Have a great visit to Idaho. You will feel welcome, I am sure.


pimit2 (Bob)

[off2ID]

Thanks Pimit,
I was concerned with that. Thanks for the input about Boise though. My sister in law was telling me about a friend of hers that took their 7 yr. old and she flew out of the raft on one of their trips!!! Not a good way to take vacation.

[boisefan88]

There really aren't any rivers in Idaho I'd be taking a four year old whitewater rafting on. There's a stretch of the Snake from Hagerman to Bliss that is for the most part slack, with just a few little holes, but since the mudslide 10 years ago (or so) there is a run near the end that is fast and a little sketchy for kids that young.

I'd stick to the more gentle rivers, which the Boise River in Boise is one. You can't float the Boise until after Memorial Day, usually the first week or so of June. Be warned, however - the water is downright frigid until about July.

[ruthiebrn]

have fpund and bought place for folks in Hayden Idaho, so they can stay together in a home they can affford and my sis and i can continue if either has to pass b-4... to keep who is left in home setting- no nursing home that sucks life out from them and all family members left....who else is out there dealing with providing the last years caring for parents and giving them what they have worked all their life for - independents- freedom and to live in their own place together till god calls ......???? are do we become too---------busy to care?????????? and shove them somewhere to visit when we can find time to say hello- and good bye- see ya............i am sure there are those who see nothing WRONG with that ........convieience is there love not their parents....

[aaroncatt]

Originally Posted by off2ID

On our travels next month, we were considering doing some water rafting. With a 4 year old there are not many options as far as white water rafting...and for the cost we were considering buying an kayak and/or a canoe and camping along a river or two. Any suggestions?

Whitewater rafting in Idaho is great! With a 4 year old however, there are very few, if any, guides that will take a young one down. Most companies though, like Bear Valley Raft Company and Cascade Raft Company will do a Main Payette Day Trip with kids as young as 5. I've had the chance to volunteer guide along side these guys at Cascade Raft Company, and they are the best of the best! A lot of people float the river in town, but you actually need to be very careful on that one. There are a ton of overhanging branches that can be deadly. If you have even a novice skill set and can pay attention, you should be fine, but don't get caught off guard; getting pinned on a tree branch in a 10mph current has the force of over 2 tons pushing up against you...very serious.

I would recommend camping along 1 of 2 rivers: The North Fork of the Boise River or the Middle Fork of the Boise River. Both are just a fairly short distance from town with some dirt roads (be careful) and really nice camp grounds. Water flows are highest in the spring but with the warm weather we've been having, flows should be coming down just a bit. Again, I'd probably stay off of them with the 4 year old, but with the right supervision, there are plenty of beaches and campgrounds you will be able to play and wade in.

Another place that is very family friendly is the Redfish Lake area. Pretty touristy, but for good reason, its unbelievably beautiful. The lake is very large, fine sandy beaches and you can rent canoes and kayaks in the marina and hang out in crystal clear shallow water. There are also a couple of guide companies up there that may allow younger children to run the very mellow stretch of river from Stanley down to Basin Creek. It's all road side floating with all Class 1- flows. If Redfish is too populated, head over to Alturas, Petit or Sawtooth Lake.


Oh, and back to your original question about good Idaho cities.
Boise, Eagle, Meridian and Kuna. I'm a native Idahoan and have spent many years here doing the things that lots of Idahoans love: Hunting, fly-fishing, skiing, whitwater rafting, backpacking and camping. From Boise, you have the wilderness at your back door with a very good selection of Schools and neigborhoods to live in. Since its growing considerably faster than most parts of Idaho, employment should be looking good. There's a good mix of urban and suburban life and there is a distinct 4 season weather pattern. Summers are hot and dry and winters are fairly mild with exception to a few snowy weeks, but it generally melts off pretty quick. Head north, and summer is short with longer winters.

[Mtn. States Resident]

Originally Posted by boisefan88

There really aren't any rivers in Idaho I'd be taking a four year old whitewater rafting on. There's a stretch of the Snake from Hagerman to Bliss that is for the most part slack, with just a few little holes, but since the mudslide 10 years ago (or so) there is a run near the end that is fast and a little sketchy for kids that young.

I'd stick to the more gentle rivers, which the Boise River in Boise is one. You can't float the Boise until after Memorial Day, usually the first week or so of June. Be warned, however - the water is downright frigid until about July.

boisefan88,

I read your post again today. You offer such wisdom with your words: "There really aren't any rivers in Idaho I'd be taking a four year old whitewater rafting on," I just wanted to highlight them again prior to the 4th of July Weekend.

Everyone have fun and stay safe this weekend.

MSR

[janab]

Yes!! Very good idea since we have a lot of people on the rivers and it seems each season it takes a couple of people. If you want to do a "float" the rivers are usually lower and tamer later, but still you need to know the rivers and guides.