Update
8/30/23 Update
Phase 1: Operating on normal summer schedule
8/16/23 Update
Phase 2: Thank you for your patience during recent maintenance. Monitored sessions are scheduled to return Thursday, August 17 as conditions allow. Sessions are typically offered from 9 to 11 a.m. Wednesday through Sunday each week.
Phase 1 Phase 2
Boise Whitewater Park
The Boise Parks and Recreation Department offers a state of the art in-river experience in the heart of downtown Boise. The J.A. and Kathryn Albertson Family Foundation Boise Whitewater Park is a unique facility on the Boise River that features an adjustable wave for kayakers and surfers, three additional in-river wave structures with something for all skill levels, and a plaza area with viewing spots.
Wave Webcams
Check out the current wave conditions.
Phase 1
The adjustable wave located at Phase 1 of the J.A. and Kathryn Albertson Family Foundation Boise Whitewater Park is open from sunrise to sunset, as conditions permit. This feature is located in the Boise River, adjacent to Quinn’s Pond and upstream from Phase 2, which opened in 2019. The adjustable wave is available for all modes of surfing and kayaking, and the green wave or wave/hole settings are based on a seasonal schedule, as well as irrigation demands throughout the year. Users should always check river conditions and take precautions when recreating in the river. While this feature is open to users of all skill levels, at times, river flows can lead to expert/advanced conditions.
Summer Wave Schedule
Phase 2
The second phase of the Boise Whitewater Park includes three new structures located downstream from the original adjustable wave (Phase 1). The three new in-river features create waves for all skill levels, but the current configuration of the adjustable wave at Phase 2 is an experts-only feature.
Of the new park features, the adjustable wave is the most technical and challenging and is currently designed for expert athletes. The second feature, made using in-river boulders, is for users of an intermediate level and the third in-river feature is designed for beginners. Kayakers and surfers can learn and develop their skills in the expanded park and create an experience that meets their unique abilities.
The adjustable wave feature located at Phase 2 will be available for expert-only, monitored sessions again this summer from 9 to 11 a.m. Wednesday through Sunday, conditions permitting. The first session was held Saturday, July 1. There is the potential for the addition of some evening sessions as staffing and conditions allow. Please follow the official park website and Facebook and Instagram pages for updates throughout the season.
We also recommend signing up for text/email/mobile app alerts via our Boise Whitewater Park Wave Rainout Line account, as conditions can change quickly, and sessions can be canceled with short notice. Click here for instructions on how to subscribe.
Additional information about the whitewater park and monitored sessions is available on our Frequently Asked Questions webpage.
Please keep in mind that the current Phase 2 adjustable wave feature is not a final design. Engineers with McMillen are working on design modifications to make the Phase 2 adjustable more resilient and reliable. The Boise Parks and Recreation Department’s goal is to create a more predictable experience for all users, so our team no longer has to host monitored sessions at the Phase 2 adjustable wave, which is currently an expert only wave feature due to its intensity. As details are determined and design modifications are finalized, the department plans to communicate with users later this summer about the changes to Phase 2 and what kind of experience they can expect.
Phase 1 is currently running on the summer 2023 pilot wave schedule.
Please remember that recreation at the Boise Whitewater Park is at your own risk.
Thank you for your cooperation. We look forward to seeing you on the river this summer!
Boise Whitewater Park FAQs
Contact Us
You can email the Boise Parks and Recreation Department with questions or concerns at any time. Boise Whitewater Park staff can be also reached at 208-608-7192. Follow our official Boise Whitewater Park Facebook and Instagram pages for up-to-date information on wave schedules, river flows and maintenance work.
Hours of Operation
Park is open from sunrise to sunset.
Parking
Parking is available at the Boise Whitewater Park on a first-come, first-served basis inside Esther Simplot Park. Users are also encouraged to use the parking lot of Main and Whitewater Park Blvd. to access the Boise River or Quinn’s Pond. Park visitors should consider using the Boise River Greenbelt for easy access to the Boise Whitewater Park, Esther Simplot Park and Quinn’s Pond if parking is full.
Smoking Prohibition
Smoking and vaping are prohibited in all City of Boise parks, including within 20 feet of the Boise River Greenbelt, except in designated areas within Ann Morrison and Julia Davis Parks and at city-owned golf courses.
Towing
Unauthorized vehicles will be towed at owner's risk and expense. You can contact Boise Valley Towing by calling (208) 389-9707.
Master Plan
The Master Plan is a concept drawing illustrating recreation facilities and landscape features planned for a park site. It does not necessarily represent what amenities are currently in a park.