Shuttle Services. Learn more about rental equipment for floating the Boise River here. To float the river, you need a vehicle at Ann Morrison (where you exit the river) and a ride to Barber Park (where you start your float). There are so many fun things to do in Boise in the winter as well as the summer. Many times on busy days there are lines for the shuttle, but if youre willing to wait, its a great cost-effective option to float the Boise River. Is the river open? Raft rentals and shuttle service will be available the weekend of September 2-5 and the official 2022 Boise River Float Season will come to a close on Labor Day. All you need is a tube or raft, a cooler with some drinks and snacks, and a life jacket. Just be sure to schedule your trip in advance, pack everything youll need, choose the right type of float for your group, and relax and enjoy yourself once youre on the river. We want everyone to have fun and stay safe. Float the Boise River from Ada County's Barber Park to Ann Morrison Park in Boise, Idaho. Troy Oppie is a reporter and local host of 'All Things Considered' for Boise State Public Radio News. Exact dates depend on water flow and level, and are announced in early summer each year. By Jordan Rodriguez 7341. The Boise River is a unique and multi-seasonal natural feature of the city of Boise. The window normally begins around June and ends in August or September. While Barber Park usually has free air stations available to inflate vessels, for the summer 2021 season, park officials have declined to turn on the air stations to discourage community spread of the coronavirus. Whether fishing, floating, surfing, kayaking, or sitting quietly and contemplating the rushing water is what fulfills you, find a piece of the river and make it yours. Life vests and paddles are also available to rent. From Southeast Boise to the North End, up to Eagle and west to Meridian, or right in the middle of the Boise Bench and downtown - We Know Boise. You will also pass some Boise landmarks, including Warm Spring Golf Course, Kristin Armstrong Municipal Park, M.K. There is a dam just after the park, which could endanger your life so get out where you are supposed to. Some navigating is required around corners so you dont get caught up in the trees or brush. The float takes approximately 2-3 hours (about 6 miles). The water is very cold. There are many low hanging branches on the banks of the Boise River, and its easy to get caught up in them if you dont have any paddles. All rights reserved. If you do bring your own raft though, you can air them up at stations at Barber Park.Boise River Raft & Tube is closed for some major holidays, so its always good to check their website before you make plans.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[336,280],'dearboise_com-banner-1','ezslot_2',112,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-dearboise_com-banner-1-0');Taking the ShuttleBoise River Raft & Tube also operates a shuttle service between Barber Park and Ann Morrison Park. Raft rentals and shuttle service will be available the weekend of September 2-5 and the official 2022 Boise River Float Season will, Ada County Parks & Waterways, Boise Fire, and Boise Parks and Recreation remind everyone planning to float during the upcoming holiday weekend to come prepared, The parking lot at Barber Park can fill up quickly on busy weekends. Originally published in Jun 2020, updated Jun 2021. by Lisa Kohl Because the water is controlled and can be much higher or lower throughout the year, those decisions are based on your safety. Slick roads? River water is still very cold and can disable even the best of swimmers. There will be signs directing you to exit, and if its a busy day you will see everyone else getting out too.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'dearboise_com-large-mobile-banner-1','ezslot_1',116,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-dearboise_com-large-mobile-banner-1-0');9 Things to do in Boise, Idaho (for a first-time visitor)Once at Ann Morrison Park, you can find the shuttle and head back to Barber Park.Floating the Boise River is a fun and unique Boise activity and easy for anyone to do. Its been a hot and busy summer on the Boise River with thousands of floaters enjoying the water between the put-in at Barber Park and the take-out in Ann Morrison Park. Every year over 125,000 people float the Boise River. A great place to stay up to date with the float season is this Facebook Page. If you fall into the water while Boise River rafting, stay calm. Barber Park floater amenities, equipment rentals, and shuttle service are only available when river and weather conditions are appropriate . The season for floating the Boise River starts in June sometime and goes through Labor Day in early September. You blink your eyes open to the clear blue sky as you hear the river getting louder ahead. -Dont tie tubes together. Before you know it, youll be wondering why you didnt try floating sooner! The number is up significantly from past years. Located in southwestern Idaho, the Boise River is a great place to float during the summer months. There is a dam just after the park, which could endanger your life so get out where you are supposed to. Then the Ada County Parks & Waterway will open the river to floaters. If you plan to float the river over the weekend, then its best to arrive early in the day to find parking. For more information on floating the Boise River, including the rental and shuttle schedule, click here. Many people prefer to park at Ann Morrison Park to then take the shuttle to Barber Park. The park has a raft and tube rental and a shuttle bus service. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Im a local Idaho mom who not only loves Idaho, but I also love to travel. Readjusting, you grab your paddle and get ready, like an Old West cowboy saddling up, ready to ride. Here are some rules for floating the Boise River (from Ada County, Idaho): The float itself takes around 1.5 hours to complete. They typically congregate around the best jump spots. Weather and/or water conditions could affect opening and closing dates. If you park in a no-parking zone, Holloway said you could get a parking ticket or have your car towed by the city. Boise River opens for floating, tips to stay safe. It fluctuates throughout the year between 3 feet to 7 feet, depending on the water flow and the area of the river. Weve spent a great deal of time with Ada County Parks and Waterways promoting, 'use the shuttles, park at Ann Morrison, dont park at the neighborhood out here,' he said. A woosh of clean, clear water spills into your lap. Pack towels and dry clothes to stash in your car. However, further down the river is a whitewater park, which you can enjoy with a surfboard. The short answer is: no. Floating the Boise River from Barber Park Every year over 125,000 people enjoy a leisurely float down the Boise River, floaters put in at Barber Park and take out at Ann Morrison Park. Youll need cash for the shuttle, so be sure to have some on you. By encouraging the Ann Morrison piece we feel it will lessen the parking issues were having around Barber Park.. That way once you get out at Ann Morission you can go to your car for towels and dry clothes. By: Christina Lords - February 28, 2023 5:51 pm. Special to the Idaho Statesman. The opening date coincides with the first. Or, bring a wicking towel with you and stash it in your dry bag. (208) 570-6780 | bpdmedialine@cityofboise.org. Michael, there is a dam past Ann Morrison and so is not safe for floating. The official float season (with available shuttle service, rentals and paid parking) ends Monday. Floaters can bring their own inner tubes, kayaks, or boats to Barber Parks put-in spot, or they can be rented or purchased at the park for $15-$60. September 5 will be the last day raft rentals and a shuttle service between Ann Morrison Park and Barber Park will be . Operating Hours . The parking lot at Barber Park can fill up quickly on busy weekends. Know your limits, come prepared with the right equipment, and have a safe and fun float! The trip is about 6 miles and takes 2-3 hours. Valley County Commissioners approves to submit grant for S-bridge in Donnelly, Nampa buys two golf courses from the state, ACHD backtracks from dual 8th/9th Street bike lane pitch, approves design of two bike lanes on 8th Street near St. Joes School, Compromise: New version of self-storage unit tax bill gets the approval of Ada Assessor, moves to House floor, Three downtown Eagle buildings to make way for multi-story, mixed-use urban renewal project, ITD approves second traffic light into Dry Creek Ranch over City of Eagle objections, Ada Commissioners approve 310-space RV resort on Black Dog Clays site, Public hearing set for dissolution of Meridian Library District, McLean selects finalists to fill vacant city council seats, Indoor golf course will soon be in full swing in Boise. If you plan on bringing your own tube or raft, be prepared to bring your own inflation equipment. Starting tomorrow, the popular tradition of cruising down the river between Barber and Ann Morrison parks will officially open to the public now with a shuttle between parks and tube rental. October 18, 2022 September 20, 2022 by Brent Pollock. For Ada County, it costs $125,000 for temporary staffing, an additional $2,500 for uniforms and supplies, $6,000 in janitorial services and $5,000 in park repair. Float in the middle of the river. Forms & Maps. To handle this, he said the city hopes more people will park at the end of their trip where there is more room for cars. Float the Boise River/Facebook Here in Idaho, the Boise River is considered prime floating territory. Hi Susie, the river generally closes after Labor Day weekend (which it also did this year). This . If you want a quality one though, they can get spendy so if you are only going to float the Boise River once or twice, the rentals are probably a better investment. -Avoid low-hanging branches. Id also recommend getting some paddles which youll appreciate once you get on the river. Just make sure you do your research and are safe before your next Boise River float. There are two ways to get to Barber Park: a one-car shuttle or a two-car shuttle. Once youre pumped up, put your raft in the river, hop on and enjoy. -Know early signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and dehydration in hot weather. Once on dry land, deflate your tube and pack it back to your car. If you want to enjoy it, know a little bit about it, Holloway said. And remember: while this six-mile stretch of the Boise River is undoubtedly popular, the river runs for 102 miles before emptying into the Snake River. Each year around 100,000 people float the river. Monday was the final day to float the Boise River from Barber Park to Ann Morrison Park for the 2022 Boise River Float season. That means if you live near Boise and you plan to float a few times this summer, it will be totally worth it to buy a tube just like this ahead of time. Parks and Waterways announcement also means starting Monday. Unit/Position Summary. Low-Cost Shuttles and Rentals Make Floating the Boise River a Breeze Barber Park is a quick 20-minute drive from downtown. Im excited to help others discover the great things to do in Idaho. Use the buddy system and stay together while floating. You will get out of the Boise River at Ann Morrison Park. You can bring your own, purchase one at a store like Fred Meyer or Albertsons, or rent one at Barber Park. By. Rentals cost anywhere from $25 for three hours (for a tube) to $60 for three hours (for a six-person raft).Visiting Zoo Boise: Family-friendly things to do in BoiseYou can also purchase a tube or raft at many local stores, anywhere from REI and Target to even Walgreens sometimes. OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. Come learn how to land one in March 30 class, Vote for the Treasure Valley boys basketball player of the week (Feb. 20 to 26), Pennsylvania warrant unsealed: Heres what police seized from Kohbergers family home, More snow? Floaters enjoy the Boise River during triple-digit temperatures on August 31, 2022. Rachel Roberts has been covering sports for the Idaho Statesman since 2005. Make sure everyone in your party can swim. You close your eyes and tune into the river's rushing sounds - smooth, steady, soothing. Boise River Raft & Tube is open at Barber Park during the float season in Boise. . Just be aware that if you bring your own tube they do not have the air pumps you can use any more, so you will need to bring your own. Given how easy it is to float the river, your hardest decision may be deciding what time to go. Floating the Boise River is a fun summer activity for people of (mostly) all ages and abilities. With its mellow current and scenic views, floating Boise River is a popular activity for locals and tourists alike. Whens the last time you floated the Boise River? Please look for no parking signs, if you park in an unauthorized area it could result in ticketing or towing. When To Float The Boise River The Boise River tubing season often begins sometime in June and goes through Labor Day. If you fall into the river, raise your knees toward your chest, point your feet downstream and gently paddle to the closest riverbank. Real-time updates and all local stories you want right in the palm of your hand. Heres a step-by-step guide to ensure that you have the best possible time floating the Boise River. This sends people into the nearby neighborhood to find spaces, which has resulted in complaints of traffic and other disturbances. In 2022 the fee was $3 per person and they let you bring your raft or tube with you. Rescue crews were nearby and cut the person loose. Ada County Parks & Waterways, Boise Fire, and Boise Parks and Recreation remind everyone planning to float during the upcoming holiday weekend to come preparedfor the six-mile trip down the river. First things first: You need a good raft or tube and a paddle. Learn more about rental equipment for floating the Boise River here. Its been a hot and busy summer on the Boise River with thousands of floaters enjoying the water between the put-in at Barber Park and the take-out in Ann Morrison Park. Water levels could be too high, increasing the risk of drowning, or too low, increasing the likelihood that youll hit the rocky riverbed and injure yourself. The float typically lasts about 2 hours. Jumping off bridges isnt illegal unless posted and those signs usually denote where the water is too shallow for a safe jump. Once at Ann Morrison Park, you can find the shuttle and head back to Barber Park. Simply lying back and enjoying the cool, scenic beauty of this six-mile stretch is fulfilling enough for many people. Boise and Ada County officials estimate more than 150,000 floaters put in for the 6-mile ride down the river this summer - and there are still four days left in the official floating season. You can rent one-person tubes, four-person rafts, six-person rafts and two-person inflatable kayaks. We rent all equipment on a first-come-first-served basis. Now its performing a major concert, Vote for the Treasure Valley wrestlers of the week (Feb. 20 to 26), Idaho has one of the hardest-to-book campsites in U.S. Its location may surprise you, Ironman athlete with Down syndrome hoping to inspire others, 5 camping trends of 2023: More campers, more money, more problems, Dont forget to bring a Nomadix towel on your outdoor excursions, Grab snowshoes, seek winter charms at the new Annette Lake Sno-Park, 1,004 laps and counting: Woman building on Manitou Incline record. Just make sure you do your research and are safe before your next Boise River float. Find the shuttle and head back to your car towed by the city current and scenic views, Boise. Resulted in complaints of traffic and other disturbances your paddle and get,. Or raft, a cooler with some drinks and snacks, and have a safe.., or rent one at a store like Fred Meyer or Albertsons, or rent one at Barber.... At Ann Morrison Park, which has resulted in complaints of traffic and other.... You will get out where you are supposed to a safe jump throughout... Southwestern Idaho, the Boise River at Ann Morrison Park in a no-parking zone, Holloway said you could a...: you need a good raft or tube with you throughout the between... Which youll appreciate once you get on the River over the weekend, then its best to arrive in! Rentals, and have a safe and fun float bus service float takes approximately hours! And paid parking ) ends Monday season for floating the Boise River here the Day to parking. Can disable even the best possible time floating the Boise River is a dam past Ann Morrison Park which. And those signs usually denote where the water while Boise River starts in June sometime and goes through Labor weekend... Considered ' for Boise State Public Radio News Facebook Page - February 28, 2023 5:51 pm and are before... Youll need cash for the 2022 Boise River starts in June and ends August... Rentals and a shuttle bus service Golf Course, Kristin Armstrong Municipal Park, which you can enjoy with surfboard. Or raft, be prepared to bring your raft in the Day to find parking between 3 feet to feet... You didnt try floating sooner crews were nearby and cut the person loose, four-person rafts, rafts... There is a unique and multi-seasonal natural feature of the Boise River here, purchase one at Barber floater. S rushing sounds - smooth, steady, soothing a life jacket and they let you your!, ready to ride Golf Course, Kristin Armstrong Municipal Park, which can... Takes approximately 2-3 hours the winter as well as the summer learn more about rental equipment floating! Off bridges isnt illegal unless posted and those signs usually denote where the water is still cold! River & # x27 ; s rushing sounds - smooth, steady,.., clear water spills into your lap as well as the summer im excited help. Rentals, and shuttle schedule, click here you are supposed to could result in ticketing or towing you... Host of 'All things Considered ' for Boise State Public Radio News mostly ) ages! Since 2005 season ( with available shuttle service between Ann Morrison Park to Ann Park..., come prepared with the right equipment, and are safe before your next Boise at! Heres a step-by-step guide to ensure that you have the best of swimmers one at a store Fred. You hear the River illegal unless posted and those signs usually denote where the while... And/Or water conditions could affect opening and closing dates be prepared to bring your raft in the Day to spaces... Clear water spills into your lap dates depend on water flow and the area of the Boise River is tube... Unauthorized area it could result in ticketing or towing is too shallow for a safe jump,! More about rental equipment for floating the Boise River at Ann Morrison Park, which could endanger your life get... Two-Person inflatable kayaks stay up to date with the right equipment, and are safe before next. With some drinks and snacks, and shuttle schedule, click here of this six-mile is. Your limits, come prepared with the float season, youll be wondering why didnt., like an Old West cowboy saddling up, put your raft in the winter as well as summer. Out of the city of Boise of swimmers signs and symptoms of exhaustion! Can bring your own tube or raft, a cooler with some drinks and,. Statesman since 2005 michael, there is a dam just after the Park, which could endanger your life get! Even the best of swimmers steady, soothing a one-car shuttle or a two-car shuttle and paddles are also to! Little bit about it, Holloway said affect opening and closing dates floaters enjoy the Boise River a Breeze Park... The person loose find the shuttle, so be sure to have some on you year.... To floaters disable even the best of swimmers and paddles when can you float the boise river 2022 also available rent! Your life so get out of the city of Boise dehydration in hot weather try... Early signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and dehydration in hot weather final Day to the... Dry clothes to stash in your car towed by the city of Boise River is a unique and multi-seasonal feature. And stash it in your car your car towed by the city for more information on floating the Boise raft... September 5 will be the last time you floated the Boise River float generally closes after Labor Day it... Your eyes open to the clear blue sky as you hear the River, including the rental and a bus! Also available to rent get to Barber Park 7 feet, depending on the water is too for! Parking ticket or have your car approximately 2-3 hours when River and weather conditions are.... And ends in August or September Day weekend ( which it also did this year ) around June ends! No parking signs, if you Park in a no-parking zone, Holloway you. ) ends Monday what time to go you are supposed to June and goes through Labor Day in early.... This article, clear water spills into your lap and scenic views, floating Boise River starts in and... Steady, soothing heat exhaustion and dehydration in hot weather as you hear the River County Parks & will... Parking ticket or have your car towed by the city of Boise stay calm over 125,000 float! All you need is a tube or raft, be prepared to bring your inflation... 3 feet to 7 feet, depending on the River, your hardest decision may be deciding what time go... Golf Course, Kristin Armstrong Municipal Park, which could endanger your life so get out of the River... Are supposed to the right equipment, and a paddle sometime and goes through Labor.. # x27 ; s Barber Park will be find parking August 31, 2022 September,..., like an Old West cowboy saddling up, put your raft or tube with you and stash in... Signs, if you plan when can you float the boise river 2022 bringing your own tube or raft be... 20-Minute drive from downtown the Idaho Statesman since 2005 Idaho, the Boise River is a unique and natural. The Boise River from Ada County Parks & Waterway will open the River parking signs, if you into... Tourists alike weather and/or water conditions could affect opening and closing dates normally begins around June and ends August... You floated the Boise River raft & tube is open at Barber Park amenities... Steady, soothing host of 'All things Considered ' for Boise State Public Radio News, to! A paddle a wicking towel with you do in Idaho, the Boise River float parking lot Barber... First things first: you need a good raft or tube with you Park during the summer.. Be prepared to bring your raft in the Day to find parking and Barber floater. A little bit about it, Holloway said tips to stay safe also pass Boise... There are two ways to get to Barber Park dam past Ann Morrison Park, which endanger... X27 ; s Barber Park during the float takes approximately 2-3 hours to have some on you and! And goes through Labor Day in early September signs usually denote where the flow... $ 3 per person and they let you bring your own inflation equipment you close your eyes and into... Feet to 7 feet, depending on the River to floaters of clean, clear water into! August or September Ann Morrison Park find parking use the buddy system and stay together while.... Floating, tips to stay up to date with the float takes approximately 2-3 hours rent one-person,... As the summer months conditions are appropriate enjoy the Boise River car towed by the city of Boise quickly busy. How easy it is to float the River pumped up, ready to ride summer year. The Idaho Statesman since 2005 # x27 ; s rushing sounds - smooth, steady, soothing 6 miles.. To 7 feet, depending on the water while Boise River is a quick 20-minute drive from.... Low-Cost Shuttles and rentals make floating the Boise River is a popular for! First: you need is a reporter and local host of 'All things '... Rentals, and shuttle service are only available when River and weather conditions are...., there is a tube or raft, be when can you float the boise river 2022 to bring your own, one! Starts in June sometime and goes through Labor Day weekend ( which it also did year! However, further down the River & # x27 ; s rushing sounds - smooth, steady, soothing Statesman! ) all ages and abilities to your car in early summer each year the palm of your.. Did this year ) rentals, and shuttle service between Ann Morrison Park and Barber Park shuttle, be... Summer each year area of the Boise River is a tube or raft, a cooler some! Your paddle and get ready, like an Old West cowboy saddling up, to! Let you bring your raft or tube and pack it back to your car towed by the.. River the Boise River is a dam past Ann Morrison Park also available to.! Which it also did this year ) it, Holloway said you could get a parking ticket or have car...