The first day of Summer is just a few days away and so is the start of the 2025 Boise River float season! Ada County Parks & Waterways, Boise Parks and Recreation and Boise Fire are excited to announce the official float season on the Boise River starts this Friday, June 20, 2025.
Float the Boise partners have been in regular contact with water managers at the Bureau of Reclamation and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers as river flows have fluctuated this spring. The Boise River is now holding steady at approximately 1,275 cubic feet per second (cfs), which is toward the upper end of the typical range for the official float season. Flows are expected to decrease further in the weeks ahead.
Additionally, Boise Fire Dive Team members have wrapped up the initial mitigation of major hazards along the popular six-mile stretch of river from Ada County’s Barber Park to Boise City’s Ann Morrison Park. It’s important to note that even after this work is completed, the Boise River remains a wild, scenic river with natural hazards – floaters should always take safety seriously. Conditions vary and can change quickly. Recreation on the Boise River is always at your own risk.
“The start of the float season is something the Boise community looks forward to every summer,” said Boise Fire Assistant Chief Brad Bolen. “We’re proud to work closely with our partners to prepare the river and remove as many known hazards as possible. It’s important to remember the Boise River is a wild natural waterway – it can never be considered completely safe. We urge everyone to wear a life jacket, stay alert, and make smart choices while out on the water.”
The opening day announcement means float season services including raft, kayak and tube rentals will be offered at Barber Park and shuttle services will operate regularly between Ann Morrison Park and Barber Park. Details on pricing, hours and more can be found on Ada County’s website.
Parking is available in Barber Park for $7 per vehicle, and parking near the take-out in Ann Morrison Park is free. Please keep in mind that available parking in Barber Park can fill up quickly, especially on weekends, so please be courteous to neighbors and only park in designated areas.
All posted signage and parking rules will be enforced by Boise Police. For additional parking recommendations and information, visit the "Floater FAQ” section of the Float the Boise website.
New this season, Ada County launched the Barber Park Floater Hub with updated parking capacity information, river temperature data, and other useful information. The tool is designed to be a resource for recreators to better plan a successful float trip.
“The Boise River is a special place and we’re fortunate to have such an amazing recreational resource in our community” said Scott Koberg, Director of Ada County Parks & Waterways. “It doesn’t quite feel like summer in the Treasure Valley until the official float season starts on the Boise River.” Adding, “With huge increases in visitation over the past five years, we appreciate the hard work of all agency partners and staff that help make this summer pastime possible.”
Please remember that according to Idaho State law, children ages 14 and under are required to wear a life jacket on the water. Emergency responders recommend that everyone who floats the Boise River wear a life jacket for their own safety. A free life jacket loaner station is available at the put-in located in Barber Park and life jackets can also be rented on site for your float. Thank you for leaving the loaner life jackets on the station adjacent to the take-out in Ann Morrison Park so others can benefit from this life-saving resource.
“Floating the Boise River is a long-standing rite of passage for individuals and families in our community,” said the Ada County Board of Commissioners. “We are fortunate to have strong partnerships with the City of Boise and Boise Fire to ensure everyone has a positive experience and access to proper safety information.”
Water shoes are highly encouraged as flip flops can be easily lost and litter the river. There are several shallow sections of the float where you may need to stand to navigate your raft or tube. Also, remember to never tie rafts or floats together. Instead, use a hand hold and bring a paddle to maneuver around bridge abutments and other in-river hazards. Check out the rest of the Float the Boise safety checklist by clicking here.
“Floating the Boise River is a tradition beloved by many, and we look forward to a safe and successful summer on the water,” added Boise Parks and Recreation Director Doug Holloway. “Thanks for doing your part to always pack out what you pack in and keep the river, its banks and our parks clean when you recreate.”
Finally, know before you go! Check out the new safety videos and guided tour on floattheboise.org to plan ahead before you hit the water.
Be Safe. Have Fun. Float the Boise.
