Summer is here and Float the Boise partner agencies Ada County Parks & Waterways, Boise Parks and Recreation and Boise Fire are excited to announce the official 2024 float season on the Boise River will start on Thursday, June 27.
Float the Boise partners have been in regular contact with water managers at the Bureau of Reclamation and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, who have been closely monitoring conditions on the Boise River. River flows are expected to drop below 1,500 cubic feet per second (cfs) early next week, which is within the typical range for the official float season. This anticipated decrease in river flows will allow for Boise Fire to conduct additional mitigation of hazards next week along the popular six-mile stretch of river from Barber Park to Ann Morrison Park. It’s important to note that even after this work is completed, the Boise River remains a wild, scenic place and floaters should always take safety seriously. Conditions vary and can change quickly.
“Safety for floaters and our first responders is our main priority. The Boise Fire Dive team continues to work with our partners to identify and mitigate life-threatening hazards on the river, as the increase and decrease of flows move debris around,” said Boise Fire Chief Mark Niemeyer. “Since the Boise River is a wild river, not all hazards can or will be mitigated and recreationists should always be aware of the river environment and its dangers.”
Pending final assessments, the opening day announcement means the first day that float season rentals and other services will be offered at Barber Park is Thursday, June 27. Ada County Parks & Waterways manages Barber Park, where the put-in is located. Services include raft and tube rentals and shuttle services between Ann Morrison Park and Barber Park. Parking is available at Barber Park for a fee ($7) and parking at Ann Morrison Park is available for free on a first come, first served basis. Details on pricing, hours and more can be found on Ada County’s website. For additional parking recommendations and information, visit the "Floater FAQ” section of the Float the Boise website.
Please remember that the Boise River is a natural body of water, and conditions can change quickly. There are still steps – like hazard mitigation and decreased flows – that need to happen before the official float season starts. Emergency responders continue to urge untrained floaters to stay off the river as flows remain high over the coming days.
While the Float the Boise partnership is encouraged about June 27 being opening day, additional announcements may be made leading up to Thursday, June 27 should conditions or river flows change. Please visit www.floattheboise.org for the latest information and to plan your first float trip of the season!
Be Safe. Have Fun. Float the Boise.
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Float the Boise is managed through a partnership between Ada County Parks & Waterways, Boise Parks and Recreation and the Boise Fire Department. For more information and to view current river conditions, an interactive map and answers to frequently asked questions, visit www.floattheboise.org.