Idaho is a land of pristine wilderness, beautiful wildlife, quaint towns, and amazing adventures. The stunning natural backdrop makes Idaho the perfect place for outdoor recreation, and kayaking is no exception. Beginners and experienced paddlers alike can appreciate the vast variety of kayaking opportunities in Idaho’s many rivers and lakes.
Whether you stay close to the city or out in the country at a picturesque vacation property, you won’t be far from some of the state’s most popular kayaking options.
Check out this list of the 6 best places to kayak in Idaho to inspire your next epic vacation.
1. Lake Coeur d’Alene

- Northern Idaho near the city of Coeur d’Alene
- Mellow kayaking great for beginners
If it’s your first time kayaking or it’s been a while, you can’t go wrong with an outing to Lake Coeur d’Alene. Home to some of the state’s most stunning scenery, this lake boasts 125 miles of tree-lined shores and 32,000 acres of rich blue water to explore. This is one of the biggest lakes in Northern Idaho, and it’s known for remote beaches and private coves, making it a kayaker’s dream.
Kayakers of all levels can enjoy the wide bays of Lake Coeur d’Alene, whether it’s a quick cruise from Tubbs Hill near downtown or a day-long adventure. Bald eagles, ospreys, and swans are commonly seen on shore and soaring above this majestic lake, while trout, crappies, and salmon are some of the fish you may catch if you drop in a line from the end of your kayak.
Lake Coeur d’Alene is pretty mellow and easily accessible from spring through autumn. Keep in mind that summer kayaking here can get quite toasty, especially in the afternoons, so make sure to wear sunscreen or bring a kayak shade. This is a popular enough destination that there are kayak rentals and lessons for beginners, too.
2. Payette Lake

- Northeast Idaho near McCall
- Best for beginners who want great scenery
Payette Lake is a relatively unknown destination for those from outside of Idaho. The quiet mountain town of McCall is one of the best local secrets that we’re here to share about. Outside of fantastic vacation rental homes to stay the night or two, the surrounding nature is also incredible.
While there are a few lakes and rivers in the area to choose from as day trip destinations, our favorite spot for beginners is Payette Lake, specifically the upper area where there are less boats and people, making for calmer waters. Since the water is typically so calm here, it can also be a great spot to try paddle boarding.
An alternative around McCall is Kelley’s Whitewater Park. The rapids and water levels here are actually controlled so it’s the best kayak spot for those looking to get experience with whitewater rafting or kayaking in a safer environment. You can try out a variety of classes ideal for a number of skill levels.
3. Hells Gate State Park
- North Central Idaho near Lewiston
- Family-friendly kayaking on the Snake River
Another popular option for beginner kayakers in Idaho is Hells Gate State Park, home to the Snake River which flows downstream to Hells Canyon, North America’s deepest canyon. This public recreation area is situated just south of Lewiston, so you can enjoy the small town charm before heading to the park for a day of picture-perfect paddling. The whole family can get in on the fun as the river flows smoothly through the rocky landscape and rolling hills.
The state park sits at the tail end of the Canyon, offering more predictable conditions for fun and relaxing kayaking, plus great views of the North American Pelicans that call this area home. You may also spot Rocky Mountain elk, black bears, mule deer, mountain lions, and bald eagles along the shore as you cruise the river. If you want to stop and fish, there are plenty of shady spots to do so, and you may even reel in a signature steelhead or two.
Hells Gate State Park is more than just a place to kayak. Before or after you paddle, you can check out the Lewis & Clark Discovery Center, situated on the banks of the Snake River and filled with historical displays and intriguing artifacts. You may also want to combine your kayak outing with a picnic along the quiet and grassy shores.
4. Hells Canyon

- Snake River flowing along Western Idaho border with Oregon
- Whitewater kayaking for experienced paddlers
Upstream from Hells Gate State Park is the advanced whitewater route for experienced kayakers who want to see Hells Canyon from the wild side. The national recreation area is home to a multi-day whitewater journey along an iconic stretch of the 1,000-mile Snake River, where Class 3, 4, and 5 rapids kick the adventure up a notch. You won’t want to miss the jaw-dropping natural scenery of the nation’s deepest canyon and Idaho’s longest river.
While your arms and core will certainly get a workout on this exhilarating kayaking trip, you may be treated to some awesome wildlife spotting, too. The Snake River boasts some of the biggest rapids across the Pacific Northwest, plus over 350 species from whitetail deer to mountain lions and black bears. These are a few of the big draws that bring in outdoor enthusiasts from across the globe.
When planning a kayaking trip to Hells Canyon, keep in mind there are year-round tours but the best time for whitewater recreation is the summer. You can take your pick of private trips or commercial charters to make your kayaking dreams come true. After all, not all kayakers can say they’ve made it down the deepest gorge in North America.
5. Boise Whitewater Park

- Northwest of downtown Boise along namesake river
- Variety of rapids for beginners and experienced kayakers
Idaho’s capital city is a great place to visit for art, culture, history, and fine dining, but it’s also a top pick for kayak enthusiasts who appreciate the abundance of rapids to explore. Boise Whitewater Park opened in 2012 as a place for paddlers to train and improve their skills on man-made runs. From gentle rapids to big surf waves, there’s something for everyone at this park, which is perfect for practice before taking on a kayak challenge out in the wild.
The park is built on the Boise River, with manufactured rapids taking things up a notch from calm water kayaking. The rapids are carefully monitored so you can test out whitewater kayaking before setting out on a multi-day adventure. Once you master these challenges, you can head upstream or downstream to explore more of the Boise River.
A pro tip for your visit to Boise Whitewater Park? Check out the wave cam and wave schedule online to pick the perfect time for your visit. Feel free to bring family and friends along to watch from the plaza viewing spots.
6. Centennial Waterfront Park to Shoshone Falls

Southern Idaho boasts amazing scenery and outdoor recreation, and one of the top kayaking routes takes you from Centennial Park in Twin Falls to the incredible Shoshone Falls. Nicknamed “the Niagara of the West”, the waterfall is one of America’s largest, spanning 900 feet wide and 212 feet tall. It’s an 8-mile round trip, so you can spend the day kayaking and taking in the great outdoors.
Many Idaho locals and visitors alike appreciate this unique vantage point from the Snake River, with vast wilderness surroundings and a sense of adventure thanks to base jumpers flying from the nearby bridge. The canyon leading up to the waterfall is truly breathtaking, and once you get to the waterfalls, you will have the chance to check out the overlook, often complete with rainbows stretching across the sky.
You can take your time on this kayaking journey by pausing at the halfway point of Pillar Falls. A much smaller waterfall, it’s a great warm-up to what’s to come and an awesome spot to sit in the shade and have a snack. You will want to bring a waterproof camera along for this kayak ride so you can capture the natural beauty behind the lens.
Where Will You Go Kayaking in Idaho?
These are five of the top kayaking adventures in Idaho, and no matter which you choose, you can look forward to a great day of physical activity and fresh-air fun. Embrace the great outdoors and experience the Gem State in all its glory with a kayaking trip, which is fun whether you go solo or with family and friends.
Book your next Idaho stay and start planning where and when you will hit the water!