Splash into the final weekend of the official float season! You’ve still got time to take advantage of rental equipment and shuttle bus services to Float the Boise from Barber Park to Ann Morrison Park this summer. The final day these services will be offered for the season is Monday, September 1st (Labor Day). Don’t miss your last chance to soak up some summer sun on the Boise River.
Here’s the weekend schedule to help plan your float trip:
Friday, August 29
- Fee parking at Barber Park ($7 per vehicle) open from 9:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
- Raft and tube rentals at Barber Park open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Shuttle bus service ($4 per person) offered from noon to 7:30 p.m.*
Special Notice: There is no parking in Ann Morrison Park all day on Friday, August 29 due to the Spirit of Boise Balloon Classic Nite Glow Spectacular event. Please plan to walk or bike into the park to utilize shuttle services, or park at Barber Park and take the shuttle back after your float.
Saturday, August 30 through Monday, September 1 (Labor Day)
- Fee parking at Barber Park ($7 per vehicle) open from 9:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
- Raft and tube rentals at Barber Park open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Shuttle bus service ($4 per person) offered from noon to 9 p.m.*
*The shuttle bus departs Ann Morrison Park approximately every 30 minutes.
All floater services are closed for the season on Tuesday, September 2.
Float the Boise partner agencies estimate more than 150,000 people have floated the popular six-mile stretch of the Boise River from Barber Park to Ann Morrison Park since the official float season opened on June 20. Despite it being the coolest float season in 15 years, visitation numbers are consistent with much hotter seasons. Use of the shuttle buses that run between the two parks remains popular, with nearly 47,000 people choosing to ride the shuttles throughout the 2025 season so far. Although most visitors use their own equipment to float the river, more than 11,000 rafts, 1,000 kayaks, and 10,500 tubes have been rented at Barber Park this season.
“Flows are great for a late-summer float, and with a forecast of sunshine and 90 degrees it’s shaping up to be a perfect holiday weekend to close out the season,” said Ada County Parks & Waterways Director Scott Koberg. “First time floaters should be sure to check out the Floater FAQ page and watch the short video of the 6 mile stretch between Barber Park and Ann Morrison Park to learn all you need to know before you go.”
River flows are about 800 cubic feet per second (cfs), and visitors should expect a two-to-three-hour float throughout the Labor Day weekend. Although water levels are lower this late in the season, hazards remain along this wild and scenic stretch of river. Floating is always at your own risk. Use the Float the Boise “Guided Tour” to prepare for your float and understand what to expect.
Calls for service along the Boise River remain low this season, with 29 logged by Boise Fire since opening day of the 2025 Float the Boise season. This is a decrease from 41 calls for service logged during the 2024 float season. Before the official launch of the Float the Boise partnership and website resources in 2023, Boise Fire responded to 137 calls for service over the course of the 2022 float season on the Boise River. Meanwhile, the floattheboise.org website has logged more than 105,000 views since June 2025. It provides a one-stop shop for official float information from Float the Boise partner agencies.
“Holiday weekends are some of the best times to enjoy the Boise River, and thanks to great teamwork with our partner agencies, safety remains our focus,” said Boise Fire Division Chief Mike Walker. “Wear a life jacket, avoid tying tubes or rafts together, and keep an eye out for hazards so you can make the most of your experience. We hope everyone has a safe, fun, and memorable weekend on the water.”
As a reminder, life jackets are recommended for everyone on the water, but all children ages 14 and under are required to wear one according to Idaho state law.
“Floating the Boise River is an incredible summertime tradition in the City of Boise, and based on this year’s numbers, it clearly remains a popular activity for residents and visitors,” said Boise Parks and Recreation Director Doug Holloway. “We are grateful for the Float the Boise Partner agencies continuing to work together to promote a safe and fun experience for everyone.”
For additional parking information and recommendations for your float down the Boise River, click here.
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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.
