It’s 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. 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.
Ada County Parks & Waterways, Boise Fire, and Boise Parks and Recreation remind everyone planning to float during the upcoming holiday weekend to come prepared for the six-mile trip down the river.
This summer, the Boise Fire Department responded to approximately 115 calls for service along the Boise River. The number is up significantly from past years. Many of the calls were for people and rafts stuck at the bridge pillars or other hazards, and from people who were not wearing or using the proper equipment.
The Boise Fire Department recommends wearing good shoes and life jackets when floating the river. Also, please use a raft that you can control and that you can paddle away from low-hanging trees and other hazards. Life jackets are required for children under age 14 and recommend for everyone. River water is still very cold and can disable even the best of swimmers. With temperatures expected in the triple digits through the end of the official float season, please remember to wear sunscreen, pack and drink plenty of water and know your limits to prevent heat stroke or other heat-related injuries. Following these simple tips can ensure a safe and fun float trip.
The parking lot at Barber Park can fill up quickly on busy weekends. Please arrive early or plan to park in Ann Morrison Park and take a shuttle. Many streets outside of Barber Park are designated as residential parking districts. Vehicles parked in unauthorized areas could be ticketed or towed.
Ada County Parks & Waterways is also seeing an increase in people using the Boise River.
- Barber Park daily visitation increased by 22% over last season, with 530 vehicles on average parked at the park
- 1,000 floaters per hour launched from Barber Park on the season’s busiest days
- 45,000 floaters rode the shuttle (815 daily average)
- There were an estimated 150,000 plus Boise River floaters this season
- This is the hottest season on record with an average high of 96° F
For more information on floating the Boise River, including the rental and shuttle schedule, click here.
