Cascade Kayak School

Cascade Kayak School offers Whitewater Kayaking Classes, Private Whitewater Kayak Lessons, and a Kids Kayaking Overnight Camp. The whitewater kayaking classes are for ages 13-18 and cover kayaking on Idaho’s Payette River, with equipment included. The Kids Kayaking Overnight Camp is for ages 13-18 and runs for 4 days and 3 nights in June through August; it includes kayaking equipment, kid-friendly meals and snacks, overnight accommodations, and shuttle service.

Programs

• Whitewater Kayaking Classes — Ages 13-18 · Learn to kayak on Idaho’s Payette River. Ages 13-18. All experience levels. Classes meet at the Cascade Raft River Center.
• Private Whitewater Kayak Lessons — $165–$295 · One-on-one or small group lessons. Private lesson: full day $295, half day $165. Small group lesson: full day $195 per person, half day $120 per person.
• Kids Kayaking Overnight Camp — Ages 13-18 · $650 · 4 days, 3 nights. Months of operation: June-August. Begins at 9:00 AM.

At a glance

• Ages: 13–18 years old
• Price range: $165–$650
• Facility hours: Office hours 8am-5pm daily year round; Welcome Center hours 8am-6pm daily May-September

About the provider

Cascade Raft & Kayak has provided whitewater adventures since 1985, and Cascade Kayak School has been well-known since 1991. Guides are licensed by the State of Idaho, and staff are licensed and certified. The company donates hundreds of rafting trips each year, with a focus on schools and youth organizations.

Kids Kayaking Overnight Camp cancellation policy: more than two weeks prior, payments are fully refundable; within two weeks, the deposit is non-refundable. All classes meet at the Cascade Raft River Center.

What families say

“Absolutely excellent experience all around. Great training, well organized and super fun. Cascade raft and kayak made the whole experience smooth and rewarding. Great communication, excellent guide to student ratio. Felt safe the whole time. I did the intro to white water kayaking. They made learning a hard sport fun, safe and fairly easy.” — Dawn

“Cascade Raft & Kayak is a top-notch place to get on the river. My second year taking a 2 full day kayak clinic. They have great teaching systems, instructors are very safe and aware of your competency and safety and super fun! You will learn loads of skills and grow in competence at your pace and skill level. Highly recommend! My whole experience has been A+!” — Don

“I have been attending the Gold Medal Camps for several years in a row. It's the BEST way to tune up after winter and learn new skills, no matter your level, while having fun with a great group of people and staff. The confidence they give me makes a huge change in my kayaking! Thanks, Cascade!” — Jessie

Last updated November 4, 2026.