| BOISE PARKS AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT
BOISE FIRE DEPARTMENT ADA COUNTY PARKS & WATERWAYS NEWS RELEASE |
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
June 18, 2026
ADA COUNTY AND CITY OF BOISE OFFICIALS ANNOUNCE START DATE FOR THE 2026 FLOAT THE BOISE SEASON
Boise, Idaho – The first day of Summer is just a few days away and so is the start of the 2026 Boise River float season! Ada County Parks & Waterways, Boise Parks and Recreation and Boise Fire are excited to announce the official float season on the Boise River begins Saturday, June 20, 2026. Final preparations are wrapping up now in anticipation of opening weekend.
Float the Boise partners have been working closely with water managers at the Bureau of Reclamation and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to monitor river conditions throughout the spring. River flows and conditions are now suitable for the start of the season, and the Boise Fire Dive Team plans to complete necessary hazard mitigation along the popular six-mile stretch of river from Ada County’s Barber Park to the City of Boise’s Ann Morrison Park by Friday, June 19.
It’s important to note that even after this work is completed, the Boise River remains a wild, scenic river with natural hazards. Conditions can change quickly, and recreation on the Boise River is always an “at your own risk” activity. Please make safety a priority when you hit the water.
“We know how much the community loves and appreciates the Boise River,” said Boise Fire Assistant Chief Brad Bolen. “That’s why we’re grateful to our partners for their work managing water flows that consider environmental impacts, training, safety, and mitigation efforts. The Boise River is a natural, wild waterway, and while we work hard to remove as many known hazards as possible, it can never be completely risk-free. We encourage everyone to wear a life jacket, stay aware of their surroundings, and make smart decisions while on the water.”
With the official opening of the season starting this Saturday, June 20, float services including raft, kayak, and tube rentals will be available throughout the weekend at Barber Park and coordinated by the on-site vendor, Boise River Raft and Tube. Shuttle service between Ann Morrison Park and Barber Park will also begin regular operations on Saturday. Information on rentals, shuttle service, hours, and pricing is posted on floattheboise.org.
Parking is available at Barber Park for $7 per vehicle, and parking near the take-out at Ann Morrison Park is free. Visitors should plan ahead, as Barber Park parking can fill quickly on weekends and busy weekday afternoons. Please be courteous to nearby neighborhoods and only park in designated areas.
All posted parking rules and signage will be enforced by Boise Police. Additional parking recommendations and visitor information can be found in the Floater FAQ section of the Float the Boise website.
“With the first day of summer right around the corner, weather and river flows have finally settled into a predictable pattern suitable for the official Boise River Float Season to begin,” said Scott Koberg, Director of Ada County Parks & Waterways. Adding, “As we continue to experience huge year over year increases in visitation, we appreciate the hard work of all agency partners and staff that help make this summer pastime possible. The official season ends on Labor Day, so you have 80 days to make all your Boise River float dreams come true.”
Please remember that Idaho law requires children ages 14 and younger to wear a life jacket while on the water. Emergency responders strongly recommend that all floaters wear a life jacket regardless of age or experience level. A free life jacket loaner station is available at Barber Park, and life jackets may also be rented on site. Please return loaner life jackets to the designated station near the take-out at Ann Morrison Park so others can benefit from this important community resource.
“Float the Boise helps define who we are as a community. This popular annual event continues to be an enjoyable and rewarding experience because of the collaboration and partnerships we foster and appreciate so much,” said the Ada County Board of Commissioners.
Water shoes are strongly encouraged, as flip-flops can easily be lost and contribute to litter in the river. Several shallow sections along the route may require floaters to briefly stand or walk their vessel through the water. Floaters should never tie rafts or tubes together. Instead, maintain a hand hold if traveling in a group and bring a paddle to help navigate around bridge abutments and other in-river obstacles.
“Floating the Boise River is a beloved Boise tradition and one of the most unique ways to experience our community’s natural beauty,” added Boise Parks and Recreation Director Sara Arkle. “We encourage everyone to recreate responsibly, pack out what they pack in, and help keep our river, parks, and green spaces clean throughout the season.”
Before heading to the river this summer, be sure to visit floattheboise.org to review safety videos, river conditions, interactive maps, and trip-planning resources.
Be Safe. Have Fun. Float the Boise.
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