When you arrive at Barber Park, either by parking there or by taking the shuttle from Ann Morrison Park, you will find the rental station. The biggest change to the Boise River floating experience is the closure of the Barber Park air . River water is still very cold and can disable even the best of swimmers. You may decide to indulge after a few hours on the river. You will also pass some Boise landmarks, including Warm Spring Golf Course, Kristin Armstrong Municipal Park, M.K. The quietest times are mornings and early afternoons. The season usually begins in late June and closes late August. The first day of the 2022 floating season saw 14 rescue assists by the Boise Fire Department Dive Team in less than six hours, KTVB previously reported. It has picnic tables and a covered patio, scenic wildlife trails, a playground, and numerous barbecue stations. There are a few rapids on the Boise River. The first few miles of your float will feature scenic views of sage-speckled foothills before giving way to the Warm Springs Golf Course. Barber Park used to offer an air fill station, but thats no longer the case. Brad Little thanked Hummel Architects for donating its original Idaho Capitol drawings and paintings to the Idaho State Archives, a division of the Idaho State Historical Society. approximately 2-3 hours The float takes approximately 2-3 hours (about 6 miles). Barber Park is a quick 20-minute drive from downtown. How long does it take to float Boise River? One of the best things to do in Boise during the summer is float the Boise River! Ada County Parks and Waterwaysannounced Friday evening that the 2022 Boise River float season will begin Monday, June 27. It's technically a park but it's also a pathway that goes through the heart of the city and provides biking, walking, and running trails. While . Each year around 100,000 people float the river. Raft in position, can secured, you slide through the drop in the river. Floating the Boise River is more popular than ever and the City of Boise is hoping for some changes to accommodate demand. The trick is to find parking. Many of the calls were for people and rafts stuck at the bridge pillars or other hazards, and from people who were not wearing or using the proper equipment. Can I Float the Boise River All Year Round?Where to Start: Barber ParkRenting or Buying a Raft or TubeTaking the ShuttleBoise River Float RulesWhere to End: Ann Morrison Park. You can also purchase a tube or raft at many local stores, anywhere from REI and Target to even Walgreens sometimes. During a Feb. 28, 2023, press conference at the Governor's Ceremonial Office at the Statehouse, Gov. It makes sense to encourage the floaters to park at Ann Morrison, take the shuttles, get out of the river and go get right into your car. Learn more about rental equipment for floating the Boise River here. Summertime in Boise, Idaho means one thing: floating the Boise River! All rights reserved. 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. This includes showing students around campus, helping them make friendships and connections, and introducing them to all of the (many) available resources in the summer . Seattle, WA. Boise Fire Dive Team makes 14 rescue assists on first day of river float season On the first day of the 2022 Boise River float season, the Boise Fire Department Dive Team made 14. Raft and equipment rentals at Barber Park also . On the float, youll pass by several sandy beaches and places to stop along the shore. You can rent one-person tubes, four-person rafts, six-person rafts and two-person inflatable kayaks. October 18, 2022 September 20, 2022 by Brent Pollock. Forms & Maps. A Boise police spokeswoman said the department has not made an arrest in the case of a person jumping off the Baybrook bridge and landing on floaters below. There are many low hanging branches on the banks of the Boise River, and its easy to get caught up in them if you dont have any paddles. Two other permanent restrooms are readily accessible during the float: one in Julia Davis Park and the other in Ann Morrison. Once youve secured your rental, hop in the river right there at Barber Park and enjoy the float. 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'll receive your first newsletter soon! Pack a dry bag to keep your cell phone and other essentials safe. Boise River float season will begin Monday, June 27, the first triple digit temperature day of this year. The opening date coincides with the firstforecasted triple digit temperature daythis year. Roberts and Holloway both stressed being properly prepared when venturing onto the Boise River, with proper footwear, capable rafts and inner tubes and a plan for transportation. You close your eyes and tune into the river's rushing sounds - smooth, steady, soothing. It's been another record-breaking summer on the Boise River. The water is very cold. Some changes have been made in order to accommodate social distancing city guidelines and keep everybody as safe as possible. Sign Up to Save Favorite Listings, Save Searches & More Posted Love Idaho? Here are some rules for floating the Boise River (from Ada County, Idaho): The float itself takes around 1.5 hours to complete. Every year over 125,000 people float the Boise River. All in all, its pretty chill. Boise and Ada County officials estimate more than 150,000 floaters put in for the 6-mile ride down the river this summer - and there are still four days left in the "official" floating season . September 5 will be the last day raft rentals and a shuttle service between Ann Morrison Park and Barber Park will be . That way you can change into them once you get out of the river. They offer three-hour rentals for tubes and rafts on a first-come, first-served basis. Do not float the river if you do not know how to swim, or dont feel confident in swift water. 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. With temperatures expected in the triple digits through the end of the official float season, please remember to wear sunscreen, pack and drink plenty of water and know your limits to prevent heat stroke or other heat-related injuries. For convenience, rented equipment is returned at Ann Morrison Park. Exit at the pull-out on the South (left-hand) side of the river, right before Ann Morrison Bridge. Wed love to hear them! Hi Susie, the river generally closes after Labor Day weekend (which it also did this year). Please leave the river cleaner than you found it. 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. I would reach out to the contact on this page to make sure: https://adacounty.id.gov/parksandwaterways/float-the-boise-river/. PublishedSeptember 1, 2022 at 8:40 AM MDT. Credit card and matching photo id required for all rentals. Starting tomorrow, the popular tradition of cruising down the river between Barber and Ann Morrison parks will officially open to the public now with a shuttle between parks and tube rental. Its been another record-breaking summer on the Boise River. The park itself is beautiful, with some of the best wildlife (expect to see anything from deer to bald eagles year-round) and scenery in all of Boise. The Boise River is a unique and multi-seasonal natural feature of the city of Boise. The tubing season usually starts around mid to late June and goes through Labor Day. 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. Youll pass under many bridges during your journey downtown. 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. 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. You might just need it. While there are people who do float outside this window, you will always hear of many of them needing rescued and that is not cheap (yes, there is a good chance they will charge you for the rescue if you are outside the open window). The dive team has been working hard to clean up the river, but not all hazards can or will be mitigated and recreationists should always be aware of the river environment and its dangers. There is a dam just after the park, which could endanger your life so get out where you are supposed to. Know about the dangers of hypothermia and how to deal with it. It all depends on ADA county. -Avoid low-hanging branches. The Boise River is never "closed" but is always a float-at-your-own-risk endeavor. The Ada County Parks & Waterways needs to give an all clear on water flows. Floating season runs mid-June through Labor Day, seven days a week. The main Boise River float is from Barber Park to Ann Morrison Park. They also offer 4-person rafts at $75 and 2-person inflatable kayaks for $50. If you fall into the river, raise your knees toward your chest, point your feet downstream and gently paddle to the closest riverbank. 2019 LET'S GO BOISE - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. She attended Northwest Nazarene University and is Boise born and raised. Then the Ada County Parks & Waterway will open the river to floaters. Major irrigation diversion dams sit above and below both parks, making it impossible to start your float before Barber Park or continue beyond Ann Morrison Park. 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. Its $3 per person and departs from Ann Morrison every hour on the hour, Monday-Thursday, 1-8 p.m. and Friday 1-9 p.m. On Saturdays, Sundays and holidays, the shuttle departs approximately every 20 minutes from 12-9 p.m. Two-car shuttle: Park one car at Ann Morrison and pile into another car, drive to Barber Park and park there. The float takes approximately 2-3 hours (about 6 miles). Floating the Boise River is a fun and easy way to spend a hot summer day in Idaho! THIS ARTICLE MAY CONTAIN COMPENSATED LINKS. According to Idaho State Law, all vessels, including rafts and kayaks, need to be equipped with a personal flotation device for each person in the craft. Slick roads? They typically congregate around the best jump spots. *St. Luke's is an equal opportunity employer without regard to race, religion, color, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other . When To Float The Boise River The Boise River tubing season often begins sometime in June and goes through Labor Day. Plus, the county loses out on . . Ada County Parks & Waterways, Boise Fire, and Boise Parks and Recreation remind everyone planning to float during the upcoming holiday weekend to come preparedfor the six-mile trip down the river. Prices can range from $27 for a single tube up to $85 for a 6-person raft. New no-parking signs have gone up on the streets closest to Barber Park. -Do not float while under the influence of alcohol. Boise River opens for floating, tips to stay safe. It was a busy opening day of float season on the Boise River Monday with 100+ degree temperatures and people looking for a place to cool down. Theres not much street parking outside of Barber Park either and parking in surrounding neighborhoods is not permitted. Take a river-appropriate vessel (hint: that novelty swan floaty might not survive the trip). Special to the Idaho Statesman. There are public bathrooms at both Barber Park and Ann Morrison Park, so be sure to use them before getting into the water. (208) 570-6780 | bpdmedialine@cityofboise.org. How to Float the Boise River. They offer rafts and tubes, depending on your needs. Refreshed, you settle back into your only duties for the two-hour raft ride: chill, sip, paddle, repeat. First responders intervened in about 115 incidents on the river this summer, according to a Boise Fire Department spokeswoman. Each year around 100,000 people float the river.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[336,280],'dearboise_com-large-leaderboard-2','ezslot_6',113,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-dearboise_com-large-leaderboard-2-0');Here are some rules for floating the Boise River (from Ada County, Idaho):You cannot drink within 100 feet of the Boise River, so no alcohol (this is something people used to do on a regular basis)Make sure everyone can swimEveryone should wear a personal flotation device they are included in your raft rentalif(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'dearboise_com-leader-1','ezslot_5',114,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-dearboise_com-leader-1-0');Do not try to take out an unapproved floating vessel, like air mattresses, inner tubes, or beach toysDo not take children under 50 pounds on the riverUse a buddy systemTell your friends or family when you are expected to get off the riverif(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'dearboise_com-large-mobile-banner-2','ezslot_4',115,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-dearboise_com-large-mobile-banner-2-0');Wear shoes to protect your feetAlways know where you are on the river, so you can tell a rescue team if you had to call themDo not throw trash in the river or surrounding areasWhere to End: Ann Morrison ParkThe float itself takes around 1.5 hours to complete. The trip is about 6 miles and takes 2-3 hours. Many floaters may not have realized the river was running higher than usual this summer. Troy Oppie is a reporter and local host of 'All Things Considered' for Boise State Public Radio News. It creates potential hazards around bridges and restricts movement. To float the river, you need a vehicle at Ann Morrison (where you exit the river) and a ride to Barber Park (where you start your float). The main Boise River float is from Barber Park to Ann Morrison Park. Boise River Raft & Tube is open at Barber Park during the float season in Boise. Stay hydrated with your favorite non-alcoholic beverage (drinking alcohol on the river is illegal; you can be cited). The Boise River 2022 summer float-season is open 6/27/2022. Please dont plan a float before the season officially opens. Is the river open? You might even consider taking a Boise to Yellowstone road trip and check it off your bucket list. This story has been updated with additional information from Boise Police. Pack towels and dry clothes to stash in your car. The 2022 Boise River float season will be coming to an end after Labor Day. Make sure to pack out whatever you bring and dont forget to put on sunscreen! Updated: 10:06 PM MDT September 5, 2022. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. But his NBA dream isnt over, Support my work with a digital subscription, Trout are Idahos most popular catch. Youll need cash for the shuttle, so be sure to have some on you. Roberts said one of many close calls this summer was a floater pinned underwater against the broadway bridge by a rope tied between rafts. You have a high chance of seeing wildlife along the way. Life vests are required for children 14 and younger, but Ada County Parks and Waterways recommends that they be worn by all floaters regardless of age or swimming skill. Located in southwestern Idaho, the Boise River is a great place to float during the summer months. The landscape is constantly changing so be prepared for new obstacles. There is a dam just after the park, which could endanger your life so get out where you are supposed to. Required fields are marked *. Here are some river safety reminders from Boise Fires Dive Team: -Wear a properly fitted Personal Flotation Device (PFD) at all times when you are in or near the river. A restricted drivers license bill for undocumented residents is heading to Senate Floor, Snow ending for PM sunshine, but cold & breezy, Fish and Game teams up with local nonprofit to provide day of fishing for special needs youth, Idaho Fish and Game relocate two bull moose, Yellowstone flooding rebuild could take years, cost billions. If you do bring your own raft though, you can air them up at stations at Barber Park. Following these simple tips can ensure a safe and fun float trip. While Barber Park usually has free air stations available to inflate vessels, for the summer 2021 season, park officials have declined to turn on the air stations to discourage community spread of the coronavirus. 7341. Rachel Roberts has been covering sports for the Idaho Statesman since 2005. Floaters can bring their own inner tubes, kayaks, or boats to Barber Parks put-in spot, or they can be rented or purchased at the park for $15-$60. There are so many fun things to do in Boise in the winter as well as the summer. All items are first-come, first-served, and I have been there on a super busy day where they ran out of everything so be prepared. [New guided raft tours hit the Boise River]. While floating the Boise River may seem like a no-brainer, theres a lot of planning that must happen before the river is safe for users to enjoy. Originally published in Jun 2020, updated Jun 2021. 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