2. Nozzle Section

This is a fun, creek style float and is quite different from the main Payette. It is an excellent option for developing paddlers to branch out from the Main Payette for a new experience. The water is not as pushy as the larger Payette sections and the scenery is undeniably gorgeous. WHEN TO RUN: The run is best done in the spring, while run-off provides higher flows (~800 - 1,500 cfs). Best in Late April - Early July. The Middle Fork relies totally on snow-pack and run-off, resulting crystal-clear but frigid waters. HOW TO GET THERE: From Boise take state hwy 55 north about 32 miles to Banks. Turn left on the Banks-Lowman Hwy. Follow this for about 8 miles and turn left at the sign for Crouch. Follow this (Middle Fork Road) for about 11 miles to a bridge that crosses the Payette MF and park just past the bridge on your right side, just across from Hardscrabble Campground. Or you can putin a bit further upstream, at the bottom of 'the Steeps' drops; its roadside so you can pick a spot that looks good. SHUTTLE: Leave a shuttle across from Tie Creek Campground or, for a slightly longer run, drive down Lightning Creek Road (a right off Middle Fork Road) about 1/2 mile and leave it near the Bridge. THE FLOAT: There are several class II rapids and two class III rapids about 2 miles downriver. There are some great sliding pour-overs. I would not run this much lower than 400cfs. An alternative take-out is Tie Creek Campground, or a quarter mile upstream of there at a primitive camp with a dirt boat ramp. Watch for the occasional logs. The iconic Nozzle rapid is a class 3 slide and drop (similar to Howard's Plunge on the Cabarton). You can scout it from the road on your way up, but finding the correct pull out usually takes a few tries. Enter on river left and let the torrent carry you down like a roller coaster.  There are calm pools above and below to prepare or recover. Note: upstream of this section, (between sections 1 and 2, between Rattlesnake and Hardscrabble campgrounds) are two very steep roadside sections, 'The Steeps', without a run description, called 5+ by locals, with lots of wood and strainers. WHAT ELSE IS IN THE AREA: LOTS! -Payette Middle Fork Gorge and Boiling Springs runs. -The Payette South Fork (Canyon, Swirly Canyon and Staircase runs) -Payette North Fork ( Cabarton's class III and Smiths Ferry-Banks class V sections), -Payette Upper Main and Lower Main. -Also the Gutter for 'park-n-play'.