Season Update as Float the Boise Partnership Plans for Labor Day Weekend on the River

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Season Update as Float the Boise Partnership Plans for Labor Day Weekend on the River

August 28, 2024

There's one more weekend to take advantage of rental equipment and shuttle bus services to Float the Boise from Barber Park to Ann Morrison Park. The final day these services will be offered for the season is on Monday, September 2 (Labor Day). With holiday weekend temperatures predicted in the 90s, it's the perfect opportunity to soak up some sun on the river in Boise.

Here's the weekend schedule to help you plan your float trip:

Friday, August 30

• Fee parking at Barber Park ($7 per vehicle) open from 10 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
• Raft and tube rentals at Barber Park open from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Shuttle bus service ($4 per person) offered from noon to 7:30 p.m.*

There is no parking in Ann Morrison Park all day on Friday, August 30 due to the Spirit of Boise Balloon Classic Nite Glow event. Please plan to walk or bike into the park to utilize shuttle services.

Saturday, August 31, Sunday, September 1 and Monday, September 2 (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 15 minutes.

All floater services are closed for the season on Tuesday, September 3.

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 season opened on June 27. While not record setting, this float season's visitation numbers have been on par with 2023. Use of the shuttle buses that run between the two parks remains popular, with nearly 45,000 people choosing to ride the shuttles throughout the 2024 season so far. Although most visitors use their float own equipment to float the Boise River, more than 10,500 rafts, 1,000 kayaks, and 11,500 tubes have been rented at Barber Park this season.

"This has been a typically busy but smooth season on the Boise River," shared Ada County Parks & Waterways Director Scott Koberg. "Aside from the cooler weather last weekend (August 23-25), we've seen consistently hot temperatures and floater friendly flows all season long. Conditions are looking great for the final four days so it should be another fun and festive holiday weekend on the Boise River. Many thanks to all park staff and our Float the Boise partnership for the hard work that goes on behind the scenes throughout the summer."

River flows have dropped below 800 cubic feet per second, and visitors should expect a two-to-three-hour float throughout the weekend. Although water levels are lower this late in the season, hazards remain along this wild and scenic stretch of river. Use the Float the Boise "Guided Tour" to prepare for your float and understand what to expect. It's also a good idea to review safety information before you hit the water.

Calls for service along the Boise River remain low, with 39 logged by Boise Fire since opening day of the 2024 Float the Boise season.This is a slight increase from 29 calls for service during the 2023 float season. Before the official launch of the Float the Boise partnership and website resources last year, Boise Fire responded to 137 calls for service over the course of the 2022 float season on the Boise River.

"We appreciate the coordination between all our partner agencies this year to share safety messaging and manage river flows; all of it helped contribute to improved safety on the Boise River," said Boise Fire Chief Mark Niemeyer. "As we head into the final weekend, please remember to wear a life jacket, avoid tying tubes or rafts together, and steer clear of hazards like low-hanging branches and bridge pillars. Above all, have a great time on the water."

As a reminder, life jackets are recommended for everyone, but all children ages 14 and under are required to wear one according to Idaho state law.

"Residents and visitors alike continue to float the river and carry on one of Boise's most time-honored summer traditions," said Boise Parks and Recreation Director Doug Holloway. "Thank you for continuing to respect the neighbors and businesses around Ann Morrison Park and Barber Park by parking in designated parking areas during your float. We also appreciate everyone's continued efforts to keep the river and its banks free of trash during their float trip."

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.

Contact: Parks and Recreation Media Relations

(208) 608-7600 | [email protected]

© 2024 City of Boise. All rights reserved.

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