Starting November 29, Phase I will be closed for 2 weeks for maintenance.
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.
Winter 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.
Monitored sessions (experts only) at the Phase 2 adjustable wave feature have concluded for the year. Thank you for a great 2023 season!
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.
Phase 1 is currently running on the winter 2023 wave schedule.
Please remember that recreation at the Boise Whitewater Park is at your own risk.
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.