## How to Portage Rafts on the South Fork Payette River
The South Fork Payette River is a popular rafting destination in Idaho, known for its beautiful scenery, whitewater rapids, and abundant wildlife. However, there are a few sections of the river that require rafters to portage their rafts around obstacles.
Portaging is the process of carrying your raft and gear around an obstacle, such as a dam, waterfall, or stretch of rapids that is too dangerous to raft through. It can be a challenging and time-consuming process, but it is essential for safety.
### Before You Start
Before you start portaging, there are a few things you need to do to prepare:
Unload your raft. Remove all of your gear and passengers from the raft.
Secure your gear. Pack all of your gear into dry bags or other waterproof containers.
Deflate your raft. This will make it easier to carry.
Find a safe place to portage. Look for a place where you can get out of the river and onto the bank without having to cross any dangerous rapids.
### Portaging Your Raft
Once you have prepared your raft and gear, you are ready to start portaging.
1. Carry your raft. Two people can usually carry a raft by lifting it by the handles on the sides. If you are portaging a large raft, you may need to use a dolly or other wheeled device to help you transport it.
2. Carry your gear. Divide your gear among your group members and carry it in dry bags or backpacks.
3. Stay safe. Be aware of your surroundings and watch for hazards such as slippery rocks, uneven terrain, and other rafters.
### Tips for Portaging
Here are a few tips to help you portage your raft safely and efficiently:
Work together. Portaging is a team effort. Everyone in your group should help to carry the raft and gear.
Take your time. Portaging can be tiring, so don’t try to rush it. Take your time and rest when you need to.
Be aware of your surroundings. Pay attention to the terrain and watch for hazards.
Stay safe. Always wear a life jacket and helmet when you are portaging.
### Common Portages on the South Fork Payette River
There are three common portages on the South Fork Payette River:
Anderson Ranch Dam. This dam is located about 10 miles from the put-in at Smiths Ferry. It is a mandatory portage for all rafters.
Big Falls. This waterfall is located about 15 miles from the put-in at Smiths Ferry. It is a Class IV rapid that is too dangerous to raft through.
Little Falls. This waterfall is located about 20 miles from the put-in at Smiths Ferry. It is a Class III rapid that can be rafted, but it is often easier to portage around it.
### Conclusion
Portaging can be a challenging but necessary part of rafting on the South Fork Payette River. By following these tips, you can portage your raft safely and efficiently so that you can enjoy the rest of your trip.