Idaho Whitewater Association Hosts Annual Dutch Oven Cook-Off

Boaters gather for a classic riverside cooking competition before the start of rafting season.

Apr. 2, 2026 at 11:03pm

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A bold, colorful silkscreen illustration featuring a dutch oven pot repeated in a grid pattern, capturing the celebratory spirit of the Idaho Whitewater Association's annual cooking competition.The annual dutch oven cook-off hosted by the Idaho Whitewater Association celebrates the community's shared passion for riverside cooking and whitewater adventure.Garden City Today

The Idaho Whitewater Association, a non-profit organization dedicated to river conservation and advocacy, has been hosting an annual dutch oven cook-off for over 20 years. This year's event brought together eight different chefs who competed to create the best dish cooked in cast iron dutch ovens over hot coals, a classic method for preparing meals on the river. The cook-off is just one of many events the IWA organizes to bring the boating community together before and during the rafting season.

Why it matters

The Idaho Whitewater Association plays a vital role in protecting the state's rivers and promoting outdoor recreation. Events like the dutch oven cook-off help foster a sense of community among boaters and raise awareness for the organization's conservation efforts.

The details

At the cook-off, chefs competed to create dishes like chicken cobbler, carrot cake, and chicken chili with cornbread. The winner, Amber Dawn, took home $100 for her first-place chicken chili with cornbread. The IWA also hosts other events to support the boating community, including a spring equipment sale, Memorial Day Madness on the Lochsa River, and Float Your Boat, which provides opportunities for boaters to lead trips down the river.

  • The IWA has hosted the dutch oven cook-off for over 20 years.
  • This year's cook-off took place in early April 2026.
  • The IWA's spring equipment sale is scheduled for May 2, 2026.
  • Memorial Day Madness on the Lochsa River is an annual event held over Memorial Day weekend.

The players

Idaho Whitewater Association

A non-profit organization dedicated to river conservation and advocacy in Idaho, founded in the 1980s to fight a potential dam project on the North Fork of the Payette River.

J.T. Moore

A member of the Idaho Whitewater Association and former guide on the Lochsa River, who competed in the dutch oven cook-off with a chicken cobbler dish.

Chris Riggs

A representative of the Idaho Whitewater Association who spoke about the organization's spring equipment sale event.

Amber Dawn

The winner of the dutch oven cook-off, who took home $100 for her first-place chicken chili with cornbread.

Kenny and Brooke Rogers

Competitors in the dutch oven cook-off who placed second with their carrot cake dish.

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What they’re saying

“I don't know yet, it is the first time we have made it. So we are going to throw caution to the wind and see how we do.”

— J.T. Moore, Member, Idaho Whitewater Association

“We will take it, we register it, we sell it, and we take care of the hassle for you. We write you a check, in the end— we keep a percentage in order to support this organization and support our rivers.”

— Chris Riggs, Representative, Idaho Whitewater Association

“The Lochsa is one of the funnest paddle rafting rivers in the United States. It is about 30 miles of Class III and Class IV continuous water when it is running high, and it is just outstanding.”

— J.T. Moore, Member, Idaho Whitewater Association

“I think it is awesome, we have been members for many years. As far as river advocacy and conservation, it is just an awesome group of people. I would encourage anyone to come out to an event and have some fun.”

— J.T. Moore, Member, Idaho Whitewater Association

What’s next

The Idaho Whitewater Association's next major event is the Memorial Day Madness celebration on the Lochsa River, where the organization rents out a pavilion and campground loop for boaters to gather over the holiday weekend.

The takeaway

The Idaho Whitewater Association's annual dutch oven cook-off exemplifies the organization's commitment to fostering a vibrant community of boaters and outdoor enthusiasts while also advocating for the protection of Idaho's rivers and natural resources.