The RMS Board will host its annual in-person meeting in Boise, Idaho, from Oct. 3-7, 2024. In conjunction with this meeting, the Northwest Chapter invites members and friends to join the board on the Payette River on Saturday, Oct. 5, and for a river professionals dinner that evening. For those traveling from out of town, camping may be available on site. Whether you're a board member or RMS staff member joining for the whole weekend, or you plan to join for the river trip and dinner, please register at the link below. 

Register by Sep. 23

Northwest Chapter Trip on the Payette River

Saturday Oct. 5, 2024

Trip Leaders: Lelia Mellen: Lelia_Mellen(at)nps.gov 406-224-3509 & Shannon Bassista: sbassista(at)blm.gov 208-509-2728

Floating the Main Payette River- Launch from Banks Boat Ramp to Beehive Bend Boat Ramp.

Day Trip Logistics:

Launch Location: Banks Boat Ramp on the Payette

Launch Time: 10 am on Sat., Oct. 5, 2024

Take-out Location: Beehive Access on the Payette

Approximate Take-out Time: 2-3 pm

Directions: From Boise take State Highway 55 north past Horseshoe Bend. The Highway follows the Payette River (you will pass the take out at Beehive Bend). When you arrive in Banks, pass the Banks store and Bear Valley Outfitters and take a left and drive over the bridge to Banks Boat Ramp. The town of Banks is located on Highway 55 and the intersection of the Banks Lowman Road.

You do not need to arrange your own shuttle. We will be in touch with everyone to arrange shuttles. If you want to drive to the Banks or Beehive access, that works. Just let us know so we can plan the shuttle.

Notes about the river (rapids, difficulty, how many float miles, etc.):

This should be about a 3 ½ hour float, depending on water levels. We will stop for lunch.

Smaller boats (< 14 ft are recommended at this time of year with low water levels). We’ll be in touch with everyone about water levels closer to the date.

The Payette is a 7.3 mile Class III river (from RMS’ National Rivers Project).

From BLM Boaters Guide link (Reference page P02 for Main Payette Float) BLM_ID_PayetteRiver.pdf