Float the Boise River

05/27/2026

According to water managers at the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, Boise River flows are increasing to 2,000 cubic feet per second (cfs) today, May 27. Please continue to use caution and stay off the river as flows fluctuate. The Boise Fire Department still needs to mitigate downed trees, limbs and other hazards along the six-mile float stretch from Barber Park to Ann Morrison Park. If you are looking for ways to stay cool in the coming says, Boise park splash pads and interactive fountains are on for the season and outdoor municipal pools open at 1 p.m. today.

As always, safety is this partnership's top priority on the Boise River. Floating is always an "at your own risk" activity. Learn more at floattheboise.org and stay safe, Boise!

05/26/2026

The Boise River is running high, fast and cold. Please use caution and wait for an official float season announcement from Float the Boise partners.

The Boise Fire Dive Team completed the first swift water rescue of the season along the Boise River on Memorial Day. A person fell off a paddleboard near the Baybrook Court Bridge and was hanging onto a tree. Crews were able to safely reach her and help her to shore. Meanwhile, first responders were also able to safely locate another person from the same party on the banks of the river. Fortunately, no one was hurt, but the incident is a good reminder that the Boise River is running high, fast, and cold and conditions are not yet suitable for the start of the official float season.

05/21/2026

Memorial Day is fast approaching and Float the Boise partner agencies are reminding residents and visitors that the official float season is not yet open on the Boise River. Fluctuating river flows and dynamic conditions commonly occur in late-Spring due to ongoing snowmelt in the mountains, water management efforts and irrigation demands. Additionally, the Boise Fire Department cannot yet begin to complete necessary hazard mitigation work to clear trees and debris to address safety concerns along the designated novice floater segment between Barber Park and Ann Morrison Park. Please remember, the Boise River is always a “float-at-your-own-risk” activity.

Alternatives this weekend include visiting Lucky Peak or the swimming ponds at Esther Simplot Park. Always remember, no life guards are on duty and life jackets should be worn when recreating in the water. Meanwhile, Boise park splash pads and interactive fountains will be turned on for this weekend (and are free!) and Boise outdoor municipal pools open Wednesday, May 27.

Float the Boise is managed through a partnership between Ada County Parks & Waterways, Boise Parks and Recreation and the Boise Fire Department.

05/08/2026

May 8, 2026 Update: Please wait to float!🛟

It's important to remember the Boise River is always a “float-at-your-own-risk” activity, and it is never deemed completely safe to float. Your safety is your responsibility. As summer approaches and the weather warms up, river conditions and float season updates will be communicated by the official Float the Boise partnership (a collaboration between Ada County Parks & Waterways, Boise Fire Department, and Boise Parks and Recreation). The Float the Boise partnership officially opens the raft and tube season from Barber Park to Ann Morrison when Boise River flows drop and outdoor temperatures are appropriate. Additionally, the official season starts once Boise Fire has completed tree and hazard mitigation efforts along the river. Those factors and conditions typically align in mid to late June.

While we understand people may be tempted to float the river early because of water levels, please know that emergency officials and Float the Boise partner agencies do not recommend floating or rafting on the river at this time, especially inexperienced rafters and tubers. Conditions can change quickly, and the water is fast-moving and cold. Boise Fire also does not yet have the approval needed to complete mitigation on the river. Please visit floattheboise.org for official updates, safety information and to review our Frequently Asked Questions and answer page.

04/15/2026

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is beginning flood risk management operations this week along the Boise River. Flows are expected to increase to a target of 1,000 cubic feet per second (cfs) on the Boise River on Wednesday, April 15 and to a target of 1,500 cfs on Thursday, April 16. The water is moving fast and is very cold. As a reminder, the official float season doesn’t typically start until late June following assessment and clean-up operations led by the Boise Fire Department and Float the Boise partners. River conditions are posted on the Float the Boise website here: https://www.floattheboise.org/pages/current-conditions

Thank you for your patience and stay tuned for updates as summer approaches!

09/02/2025

Thanks for a great 2025 summer season on the Boise River. Please bookmark the official Float the Boise website for information in the off season: floattheboise.org

See you in 2026!

09/01/2025

Today is the last day of the official float season! Celebrate Labor Day with a final float down the Boise River. Raft and tube rentals are open at Barber Park until 6 p.m., and the shuttle buses will run from noon to 9 p.m., departing Ann Morrison Park every 30 minutes.

Thank you for a fun and safe float season so far. Have fun, be safe, float the Boise.

08/31/2025

REMINDER: Labor Day (September 1) is the final day for shuttle bus and rental equipment services for the official Float the Boise season. Here's a look at hours and availability on the holiday if you plan to float:

🚗 Fee parking ($7) at Barber Park: 9:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
🚙 Parking at Ann Morrison Park is free
💧Raft & tube rentals at Barber Park open: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. (weather permitting)
🚌 Shuttle service ($4) from Ann Morrison Park: Noon to 9 p.m.

Shuttles depart Ann Morrison Park approximately every 30 minutes. Visit floattheboise.org for additional information to plan a safe, fun float!

08/30/2025

Celebrate the long weekend with a float down the Boise River! Shuttle bus service and rentals in Barber Park continue through Labor Day (September 1). Visit floattheboise.org to plan your fun, safe float down this scenic six-mile stretch!

Please remember to always wear a life jacket, don't tie tubes or rafts together, and be sure to pack plenty of sunscreen and water to stay cool and hydrated during your trip.

08/29/2025

Help clean up the Boise River after the official float season ends! Join Idaho Rivers United at 10 a.m. on Sunday, September 14 to volunteer and keep our river pristine.

Click here for details and to sign-up: https://www.idahorivers.org/end-of-season-float-party