Payette, N. Fork, Idaho, US

4. Smiths Ferry to Banks

Jacob's Ladder

Jacob's Ladder
Photo of Stephen Strange by Bittu Ali taken 06/15/02 @ 1600

Gauge Information

River Description

This section of the North Fork of the Payette is the 16 miles above Banks and is considered big-water Class V. The entire run is parallel to Highway 55. It is usually refered to in three segments: the Top 5, Middle 5, and Lower 5. The Lower 5 is the most frequently paddled. The Lower 5 rapids are more straightforward than those upstream and the run makes a great afterwork Class-V fix or those looking for a warmup to the upper stretches. From top to bottom the river drops 1700 feet. In 1987 Bob McDougal did three runs in a day to kayak a vertical mile.

The standard put-in for the top of the run is just South of Mile Marker 95.

Classic AW Journal article on the North Fork, circa 1991.

Parts of the Bottom 5 were first paddled in 1975.

The distances in the rapid summary are approximations. If you have more detailed info, leave it in the comments section or please email the regional streamkeeper.