FloatETA estimates how long this float actually takes from live discharge at USGS 13235000 (South Fork Payette River at Lowman), not a guidebook average. At a typical 1,200 cfs, a raft drifts about 4.2 mph here. Higher flow speeds you up; skinny water slows you down. Kayaks run faster than the current, tubes slower. Optional fishing adds 35 minutes per mile.
The South Fork Payette listing covers 15 river miles across 2 access-to-access stretches (Class II–III). Times in the table are typical raft hours at that reference flow. Open the live calculator for today's CFS, sunset take-out, water temperature, and rain/UV at the put-in.
See today's South Fork Payette float time
Float stretches on the South Fork Payette
| Put-in → take-out | Miles | Difficulty | Typical raft time | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kirkham / Lowman → Deadwood Campground | 6 mi | Class II–III | ~1 hr 26 min | Warm up. Staircase above Lowman is a separate Class IV run — don't put in there by mistake. |
| Danskin → Confluence (Garden Valley) | 9 mi | Class II–III | ~2 hr 9 min | Swirly Canyon miles. Payette River Pass sites. Take out before you join the Main at Banks if that's the plan. |
How we time this river
Speed scales with discharge using hydraulic geometry v ∝ Q0.34, calibrated to this gauge. That is why a 1,000 cfs afternoon is a different day than 3,000 cfs runoff. Always scout, wear a PFD, and check Idaho Fish and Game for closures. Gauge page: USGS 13235000.
Common questions
How long does it take to float Kirkham / Lowman to Deadwood Campground on the South Fork Payette?
About 1 hr 26 min in a raft at a typical 1200 cfs. Kayaks run a bit faster; tubes run slower. Stopping to fish adds about 35 minutes per mile. Warm up. Staircase above Lowman is a separate Class IV run — don't put in there by mistake.
How long does it take to float Danskin to Confluence (Garden Valley) on the South Fork Payette?
About 2 hr 9 min in a raft at a typical 1200 cfs. Kayaks run a bit faster; tubes run slower. Stopping to fish adds about 35 minutes per mile. Swirly Canyon miles. Payette River Pass sites. Take out before you join the Main at Banks if that's the plan.
What USGS gauge is used for South Fork Payette float times?
FloatETA uses USGS gauge 13235000 (South Fork Payette River at Lowman) for live discharge. Speed is scaled from a reference 1200 cfs drift of about 4.2 mph.
Is the South Fork Payette a good tube float?
Tubes lag the current (we use a 0.72× speed multiplier). This listing includes Class III or harder water — rafts and experienced paddlers, not tubes.