The whole trip takes about 2-3 hours. The Greenbelt follows the beautiful Boise River corridor for more than 30 miles, and the Boise foothills are home to miles of hiking and biking trails. If you do bring your own raft though, you can air them up at stations at Barber Park. Many people choose to bring alcoholic beverages on the river, its just not always recommended. Many people prefer to park at Ann Morrison Park to then take the shuttle to Barber Park. Holloway said the citys parking enforcement staff and Boise Police Department officers will be patrolling the area outside the park. It fluctuates throughout the year between 3 feet to 7 feet, depending on the water flow and the area of the river. Police say the person who jumped has still not been identified. The popular Boise Greenbelt also hugs the rivers banks, making it easy to put in and take out on your own terms or even meet up with non-floating friends for a riverside picnic or to fish for rainbow trout. Barber Park used to offer an air fill station, but thats no longer the case. Theres not much street parking outside of Barber Park either and parking in surrounding neighborhoods is not permitted. Parking at Ann Morrison Park is free, unlike Barber Park. If you want a quality one though, they can get spendy so if you are only going to float the Boise River once or twice, the rentals are probably a better investment. Just make sure you do your research and are safe before your next Boise River float. Don't Have an Account? Life vests and paddles are also available to rent. 825. Many streets near Barber Park are designated as residential parking districts. Updated: 10:06 PM MDT September 5, 2022. At the end of the float, you will drive back to Barber Park to pick up the second vehicle. Right after the golf course, a takeout next to a burnt-orange bridge (often filled with cannon-balling teenagers) marks your first opportunity to stop and use the restroom, located a few hundred feet from the riverbank. You have a high chance of seeing wildlife along the way. Boise River float season will begin Monday, June 27, the first triple digit temperature day of this year. Its 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. You put in at Barber Park and take out at Ann Morrison Park in Boise, Idaho. There are a number of rules when floating the Boise River, and its so important to follow them. If you feel cold, simply pull over and get out of the water. During this time you'll witness countless families and groups enjoying the river's refreshing waters. In addition, each spring the Boise Fire Department sends out a dive team to remove potential hazards like submerged branches, which can deflate vessels or even snag floaters. For more information on floating the Boise River, including the rental and shuttle schedule, click here. Know your limits, come prepared with the right equipment, and have a safe and fun float! During a Feb. 28, 2023, press conference at the Governor's Ceremonial Office at the Statehouse, Gov. Rentals cost anywhere from $25 for three hours (for a tube) to $60 for three hours (for a six-person raft). The float itself takes around 1.5 hours to complete. It all depends on ADA county. Credit card and matching photo id required for all rentals. You can also purchase a tube or raft at many local stores, anywhere from REI and Target to even Walgreens sometimes. The season usually begins in late June and closes late August. Children 14 or younger onboard any type of boat must also wear an approved life jacket when its underway 19 long or less. When in doubt, look for teenagers. The landscape is constantly changing so be prepared for new obstacles. Parking at Ann Morrison is free and available in several locations. But, this year the City of Boise is asking prospective floaters to park at Ann Morrison Park and take the shuttle to the beginning of the six-mile stretch, instead of the other way around. There will be signs directing you to exit, and if its a busy day you will see everyone else getting out too. Once youre pumped up, put your raft in the river, hop on and enjoy. The short answer is: no. Use your feet to push you away from rocks and other obstacles, and let your life jacket work for you. Example video title will go here for this video. Especially if you are floating in a tube. If you do decide to bring a few beers, be sure theyre not in glass containers. Wear appropriate clothing and shoes the water is usually in the 50s, temperature wise, even on hot days. First responders intervened in about 115 incidents on the river this summer, according to a Boise Fire Department spokeswoman. Operating Hours . Yep! Whether fishing, floating, surfing, kayaking, or sitting quietly and contemplating the rushing water is what fulfills you, find a piece of the river and make it yours. Floating the Boise River is a fun summer activity for people of (mostly) all ages and abilities. Pack towels and dry clothes to stash in your car. Parks and Waterways announcement also means starting Monday. If you plan ahead, you can buy your own tube online to float the Boise river for the price of renting a tube just once or twice. It doesnt take much to have a great float down the Boise River, but there are a few essentials to make your trip the best it can possibly be. Boise River Raft & Tube is open at Barber Park during the float season in Boise. 1509. One-car shuttle: Park at Ann Morrison and ride the parks shuttle service to Barber Park. Where are they going? PLEASE READ OUR DISCLAIMER FOR MORE INFO. 7341. 9/7/2021. Raft in position, can secured, you slide through the drop in the river. Raft and tube rental at Barber Park is available Monday through Thursday from noon to 5 p.m.; Fridays from noon to 6 p.m.; and Saturdays, Sundays and holidays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. How to Float the Boise River. When those water levels are high, there are a lot more hazards out there, he said. per group (up to 2) Boise River Guided Rafting, Swimming and Wildlife Tour. Theres a shuttle that runs between the two parks and offers rides to all floaters during the season. Real-time updates and all local stories you want right in the palm of your hand. Please arrive early or plan to park in Ann Morrison Park and take a shuttle. All you need is a tube or raft, a cooler with some drinks and snacks, and a life jacket. -Wear protective footwear and proper clothing to lower the chances of possible injury. We do not accept reservations. The sun is hot; the river is cool and calm. However, further down the river is a whitewater park, which you can enjoy with a surfboard. Make sure you know how to swim, and that everyone in your party is prepared to get wet. There will be signs directing you to exit, and if its a busy day you will see everyone else getting out too.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'dearboise_com-large-mobile-banner-1','ezslot_1',116,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-dearboise_com-large-mobile-banner-1-0');9 Things to do in Boise, Idaho (for a first-time visitor)Once at Ann Morrison Park, you can find the shuttle and head back to Barber Park.Floating the Boise River is a fun and unique Boise activity and easy for anyone to do. Below youll find everything you need to know to have a safe and enjoyable time at the river. This typically happens around mid-June or early July. Floating the Boise River from Barber Park Every year over 125,000 people enjoy a leisurely float down the Boise River, floaters put in at Barber Park and take out at Ann Morrison Park. If you plan on bringing your own tube or raft, be prepared to bring your own inflation equipment. Airports, EVs, roads, buses, more: $1.7 billion in infrastructure dollars pour into Idaho. The number is up significantly from past years. Once on dry land, deflate your tube and pack it back to your car. Troy Oppie is a reporter and local host of 'All Things Considered' for Boise State Public Radio News. For Ada County, it costs $125,000 for temporary staffing, an additional $2,500 for uniforms and supplies, $6,000 in janitorial services and $5,000 in park repair. The water may appear calm, but it can be dangerous. St. Luke's Health System in Boise is seeking a Flex Registered Nurse (RN) to join our Urologic Oncology team. Its also worth noting that reservations for rentals cannot be made in advance; the tubes and boats are rented on a first-come, first-served basis. Originally published in Jun 2020, updated Jun 2021. Jumping off bridges isnt illegal unless posted and those signs usually denote where the water is too shallow for a safe jump. This . Given how easy it is to float the river, your hardest decision may be deciding what time to go. That way you can change into them once you get out of the river. 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. And remember: while this six-mile stretch of the Boise River is undoubtedly popular, the river runs for 102 miles before emptying into the Snake River. This story was originally published June 24, 2022, 6:40 PM. The main Boise River float is from Barber Park to Ann Morrison Park. 2 photos. Just be aware that if you bring your own tube they do not have the air pumps you can use any more, so you will need to bring your own. Instead, consider visiting one of the top breweries Boise has once you get off the river. 3. Thank you! The parking lot at Barber Park can fill up quickly on busy weekends. When you exit the river at Ann Morrison, bring your gear to the clearly-marked return area near Ann Morrison bridge.If you bring your own raft, dont forget to bring a pump. The hotter it gets, the more people youll find on the river. Boise River use saw about a 22% increase from 2021. You blink your eyes open to the clear blue sky as you hear the river getting louder ahead. By Jordan Rodriguez Get first-in-line Boise area listing updates, save favorites & much more. -Do not float while under the influence of alcohol. What to bring: raft/tube, ore, pump, patch kit, water bag, water bottle, canned drinks, sunglasses, hatWhat to leave: glass bottles, phone (unless waterproofed or you have a waterproof bag), anything you dont want to get wet. You close your eyes and tune into the rivers rushing sounds smooth, steady, soothing. PublishedSeptember 1, 2022 at 8:40 AM MDT. Updated June 24, 2022 6:46 PM. They typically congregate around the best jump spots. You blink your eyes open to the clear blue sky as you hear the river getting louder ahead. Once river flows decrease and stabilize in the spring, an effort is made by the Boise Fire Department to identify and mitigate obvious hazards to tubers and boaters. Everyone should wear life jackets, but its mandatory for kids 14 and under. The float takes approximately 2-3 hours (about 6 miles). approximately 2-3 hours The float takes approximately 2-3 hours (about 6 miles). Its such a fun experience, but you need to know a few safety tips before you head out. Best Hotels & Resorts in Idaho: 15 Amazing Places to Stay, This Enchanting And Historic Town In Idaho Is The Perfect Day Trip Destination, The Breakfast Dishes At This Hot-Rod-Themed Spot In Idaho Will Accelerate Your Taste Buds, This Rustic Restaurant In Idaho Serves Up Heaping Helpings Of Country Cooking, 5 Lazy Rivers in Idaho That Are Perfect for Tubing on a Summers Day, The Best Tubing River In The Country Is Right Here In Idaho And Its A Blast, With A Swimming Beach And A Waterslide, Eagle Island State Park In Idaho Is A Great Summer Hangout. The beloved river officially opened for its 2020 float season earlier this month, but be aware. The flow in the Boise River is decreasing to about 1,550 cubic feet per second by the weekend, the level considered safe for floating the river by Ada County officials. Ada County Parks & Waterways is also seeing an increase in people using the Boise River. Barber Park floater amenities, equipment rentals, and shuttle service are only available when river and weather conditions are appropriate . Floating season runs mid-June through Labor Day, seven days a week. Fifty feet of distance is the required separation, for jumpers to stay away from floaters, Roberts said. There are public bathrooms at both Barber Park and Ann Morrison Park, so be sure to use them before getting into the water. If you plan to float the river over the weekend, then its best to arrive early in the day to find parking. Because the river is not very deep, it means bringing your kids (with life vests of course) is a great way to get them outside and on the water. It all depends on ADA county. Vehicles parked in unauthorized areas could be ticketed or towed. By using this site, you agree to the use of cookies. There are so many fun things to do in Boise in the winter as well as the summer. the Barber Park fee parking kiosk, equipment rentals, shuttle service, and snack shack will all be up and running. Do not float the river if you do not know how to swim, or dont feel confident in swift water. Everyone should wear life jackets, but its mandatory for kids 14 and under. (208) 570-6780 | bpdmedialine@cityofboise.org. Can I Float the Boise River All Year Round?