Floating the Boise River: a local's guide

How does the Boise River float work?

You put in at Barber Park in Southeast Boise and float about 6 miles downstream to Ann Morrison Park near downtown. The float takes 2 to 3 hours, and longer when the river is low. About 150,000 people floated the river during the 2026 season.

When is Boise River float season?

The official season starts in mid-June, once river flows and weather settle, and runs through Labor Day. Ada County and the City of Boise announce the start date each June after the Boise Fire Dive Team clears hazards along the route. In 2026, the season ran from June 20 to September 7. Near the end of summer, rentals and the shuttle may run only Friday through Sunday, as they did in late August 2026.

How much does it cost to float the Boise River?

If you bring your own tube or raft, you only pay for parking and the shuttle. 2026 prices:

• Parking at Barber Park: $7 per vehicle. Parking at Ann Morrison Park is free.

• Shuttle from Ann Morrison Park back to Barber Park: $5 per person.

• Rentals at Barber Park from Boise River Raft & Tube: tubes start at $19 and a 4-person raft is $75, plus tax and a deposit.

Check current prices before you go. They can change each season.

How do you get back after floating the Boise River?

Most people park at Barber Park, float to Ann Morrison Park, and ride the shuttle back. In 2026 it left Ann Morrison Park every 20 to 30 minutes. If you have two cars, you can also leave one at Ann Morrison Park, where parking is free, and drive back to Barber Park together.

What are the rules for floating the Boise River?

• Life jackets: Idaho law requires children 14 and under to wear one. Rescuers recommend one for everyone. Barber Park has free loaner life jackets.

• No alcohol on the river, and no glass anywhere in the park or on the water.

• Everyone in your group should know how to swim. Ada County advises against bringing infants or small children under 50 pounds.

• Don't tie tubes or rafts together.

• Wear water shoes, and bring a paddle to steer.

Floating is always at your own risk. The river has natural hazards, and conditions can change quickly.

What else can you do on the Boise River?

• The Boise Whitewater Park, next to Esther Simplot Park, has an adjustable wave for surfers and kayakers, plus waves for different skill levels.

• The Boise River Greenbelt runs along both sides of the river for walking, running, and biking.

• Lucky Peak State Park, just east of town, has a beach at Sandy Point below Lucky Peak Dam.

Can you live near the Boise River?

Yes. Several Boise neighborhoods sit close to the river and the Greenbelt:

• Near the put-in at Barber Park: the Barber Valley and Harris Ranch in Southeast Boise

• Along the river on the east side of town: the East End

• Close to Ann Morrison Park and the take-out: Downtown Boise

Some homes near the river sit in a flood zone, which can affect insurance. Check the FEMA flood map for any home you're considering, and text me if you want homes close to the river.