3,100 miles. That’s the amount of navigable whitewater in Idaho. It’s more than any other state in the Lower 48 (second to Alaska) and a little known fact to most of us who live here. Here’s another one: Idaho is home to 891 miles of federally protected Wild and Scenic Rivers, which is more than any other state (even Alaska).

But Idaho’s navigable whitewater miles are more than just a fun fact. They are a challenging and rewarding outdoor experience, a way of life, an economic driver, and a cultural anchor.

SPONSORED BY IDAHO SHAKESPEARE FEST Family Nights at Idaho Shakespeare Fest Idaho Shakespeare Festival is one of the best family-friendly activities in Boise. Kids under 6 get in free on Family Nights as lap children, and there are steeply discounted youth tickets for reserved seats. Kids age 6 and up are welcome any night, and there’s even an incredibly affordable student subscription for students of any age. Pro tip: Peter and the Starcatcher is a can’t-miss. It's funny, magical, and a hit for kids and grown-ups. Tickets are on sale now! Plan your family night out!

“The 3100” is a new feature-length documentary and six-part docuseries produced by Visit Idaho that explores these 3,100 miles. The project is a mix of stunning visuals and real stories of river guides and locals whose lives intertwine with these powerful and transformative waterways. The film and the YouTube series feature the Selway, Bruneau, Salmon, Snake, Payette, Lochsa and St. Joe Rivers.

“Idaho is the whitewater destination,” said Andrea Rayburn, Tourism Specialist and lead Content and Creative Strategist at Visit Idaho. “We're ready to show you these amazing whitewater rivers and this wonderful community that exists.”

The documentary dives deep into the people and places shaped by these rivers, while the episodes provide a glimpse into the unique features and experiences of each of the seven rivers.

Here’s what you can look forward to:

The 3100: The Documentary

You have the opportunity to be amongst the first to view this incredible documentary. The 3100 will premiere on May 14, 2025 at 6:30pm at the Egyptian Theatre in Boise. This free screening is your one shot to see the film—for now. Seats are limited, and tickets must be reserved online in advance. No tickets will be available at the door.

The 3100 documentary captures seven Idaho rivers: the Selway River in North-Central Idaho, the Bruneau River in Southwest Idaho, the Salmon River in Central and Eastern Idaho, the Snake River which crosses the state’s southern half, the Payette River in Southwest Idaho, and the Lochsa and St. Joe rivers in North-Central Idaho.

All of the featured whitewater has one thing in common (besides being in Idaho): every river has a commercial guide service.

“We wanted people to know that these experiences aren’t something you have to spend thousands of dollars on gear to go and do,” said Andrea. “There are guides who are so capable and so excited to share these places.”

SPONSORED BY HOPS 'N HOMES Plant the seeds for your future home ​Hops 'N Homes next class is on May 15 and you need to be there. This free class helps first-time buyers navigate the entire homebuying process, from house hunting to loans to inspections. Homebuying can be stressful, but Hops 'N Homes happens in a chill setting with free drinks, so you can relax and take in the info. Join the next class on Thursday, May 15 at Barbarian Brewing (21+). RSVP here

One of the most moving segments in the film features the Saqánpa Hells Canyon Jet Boat Tour, led by Nimiipuu (Nez Perce) guides. Andre Womack, Tourism Specialist and lead Content Development Strategist at Visit Idaho, described the trip as “life changing.”

The 4-hour jet boat trip takes you up the Snake River to experience the places their ancestors call home. Passengers learn the importance of “simíinekem” (sim-me-neck-em), where the waters of the Clearwater and the Snake Rivers meet, and the teachings of why these waters are sacred. Passengers also have the opportunity to visit the ancient messages left by ancestors in the petroglyphs along the rocks of Buffalo Eddy.

One of the most powerful moments in the documentary comes from J.R. Spencer, a tribal storyteller, who shares that “there are just some things you can’t learn in a book—you need to go into the world and experience them.” As Andrea explained, hearing these stories in the native language, told by the original stewards of the land, was “unbelievable.”

“They also use music and storytelling on the tour,” said Andre. “You’re standing there on the bank of the river thinking, wow—this is incredible. What an experience. I would’ve traveled halfway around the world for something like this, and yet it’s just a five-hour drive north of Boise.”

One of the most intriguing elements of the documentary is showcasing rivers that don’t get talked about as often. Most of us know about rafting on the Payette or the Salmon, but do you know about the Bruneau River? A tributary of the Snake River, the Bruneau flows below hundred foot deep canyon walls and spire-like hoodoos in the maze that is the Owyhee Canyonlands. It’s one of the most remote areas in the state, possibly even the country. Where else can you raft for six days and not see another person the entire time? What’s more, the whitewater season is only 6 weeks because the water levels have to be perfect to raft through the narrow canyon walls.

Andre expressed that you cannot fully understand the magnitude of the Bruneau River canyon until you experience it—through the film or in real life—and dive into the beauty and solitude of the landscape down there.

Another lesser known river featured in the film is the Selway River, which flows through portions of north-central Idaho within the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness. This is another one of the most remote and pristine rivers in the country. The Selway was one of eight rivers that were the first to be designated under the 1968 Wild and Scenic Rivers Act. (Idaho actually has two of the original eight Wild and Scenic Rivers: the Middle Fork of the Clearwater River and the Middle Fork of the Salmon River. The Selway is a tributary of the Clearwater.)

“I'd never heard of the Selway River until we started this project. Then come to find out, it's one of the most sought after whitewater trips in North America,” said Andre.

The 3100 documentary is being submitted to US and international film festivals throughout 2025 and 2026. But until then, May 14th at The Egyptian Theatre is your one chance to see it. Get your ticket(s) here.

The 3100: The Docuseries

The 3100 docuseries will be available beginning May 21, 2025 on Visit Idaho’s YouTube channel. Episodes will drop every Wednesday through June 25.

If you can’t wait until then, sign up for Visit Idaho’s monthly newsletter, and you’ll receive a private email link to view the episodes before they’re made public.

Andrea shared that while the documentary weaves together a collection of real life stories, the docuseries episodes are more in depth with day to day experiences. “I think it's so interesting to see all the levels at which the rivers impact people's lives,” she said.

Here’s a preview of what you can expect with the docuseries.

Episode 1: The Selway River

Deep in the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness, the Selway River is one of the original Wild and Scenic Rivers. Strict access limits and a short season make it one of Idaho’s most exclusive multi-day adventures. Towering pines, crystal-clear rapids, and complete solitude await.

Episode 2: The Bruneau River

Cutting through a dramatic desert canyon, the Bruneau offers a rare whitewater experience in one of Idaho’s most remote landscapes. Steep basalt walls, tight technical rapids, and limited season access make this a hidden gem for seasoned paddlers.

Episode 3: The Salmon River

Known as the River of No Return, the Salmon is a wild, free-flowing ride through rugged landscapes and deep history. This episode follows the spirit of the Main Salmon, where adventure, heritage, and raw beauty converge.

Episode 4: The Snake River

In Hells Canyon—the deepest gorge in North America—the Snake River delivers powerful whitewater and powerful stories. From jet boat thrills to the teachings of the Niimiipuu, this river reveals the layers of Idaho’s past and present.

Episode 5: The Lochsa River and St. Joe Rivers

The Lochsa delivers relentless, technical Class IV rapids, while the St. Joe offers a more peaceful, forest-lined ride. Spring runoff turns both rivers into playgrounds for expert guides and adrenaline seekers.

Episode 6: The Payette River

Just outside Boise, the Payette offers everything from beginner floats to world-class Class V rapids. With sections like the Main, Cabarton, and North Fork, it’s where families start and river legends are made.

A little bit about the filming

Both the film and series were filmed by Fisher Creative, a production company based in Victor, Idaho known for capturing epic content in remote, iconic, and adventurous places.

The team filmed over 52 production days from April to October 2024. In total, they filmed approximately 450 hours of total footage. Across the seven rivers captured, the teams used 45 inflatable rafts, 6 inflatable kayaks, 5 hardshell kayaks, 1 cataraft, and 4 jet boats.

If you’re into camera gear, here’s a fun detail: one of the cameras used was the Sony BURANO, a full-frame cinema camera released in 2024. “The 3100” is among the first US productions and the first known in Idaho to use the BURANO camera in rugged, backcountry conditions. Fisher Creative selected the camera for its rare combination of image quality, lightweight design and built-in stabilization—features that made it ideal for filming on world-class whitewater.

The 3100 is more than a documentary; it’s a love letter to Idaho’s rivers, the people who guide them, and the cultures that have shaped them for thousands of years.

Remember: These are stories you can’t learn in a book. You have to experience them.

Start with a ticket to the premiere. Then see where the current takes you.

​Get a ticket to the May 14 premiere at The Egyptian Theatre.

​Sign up for Visit Idaho’s newsletter for early access to the docuseries.

Head to Visit Idaho’s YouTube channel to watch the series.

​

Thanks for reading!

With love from Boise,

Marissa

​

​​​

​