[Updated for the 2026 Boise River float season.]

Floating the Boise River is one of the most popular things to do in Boise during the summer. The river runs directly through the city, making it super easy to float and spend an afternoon. It’s the perfect activity for a date night or bachelorette party, or just a day out with friends!

The river floating season typically starts sometime after Memorial Day or in mid-June and ends around Labor Day, towards the end of August. Around 125,000 people float the river yearly—it’s a great time!

Check here for official start dates. I also like to check the Float the Boise River Facebook page for real-time updates on river conditions and parking. If you’re like I was and are going on your first float, read on because these seven tips for floating are for you!

While we’re at it, let’s be friends on Instagram and Tiktok!

Here are all of my Boise River float Amazon essentials!

7 Tips for Floating the Boise River

When is Boise River float season?

Boise River float season typically runs from mid-June through early September, depending on river flow and water levels. The official launch point at Barber Park does not open until the water conditions are safe enough for tubing. And each year, the start and end dates can be different due to snowmelt and the river’s speed. Be sure to check the Float the Boise site to see when the river is opening for the season!

The sweet spot is usually late June through July when the weather is hot, and the water is moving at a steady pace. Early-season floats can be colder than you expect, so plan accordingly.

How to get to and from the river float?

You’ll want to put in for your float at Barber Park, about 6 miles from downtown Boise, off of Boise Avenue or Warm Springs Avenue, depending on how you come from downtown Boise.

The turnoff to Barber Park is on Eckert Road. Once you arrive, you’ll see a turn-in for drop-offs or a parking lot at the back. Parking can get really crowded—especially on weekends and after work hours, so coming earlier will be best. The cost to park for the day is $7. If you do the driving route, I recommend leaving one car at Ann Morisson Park and then taking another car to Barber Park for put-in.

There is also a bus option where you park your car at Barber Park, float the river, and then hop on the bus at Ann Morrison Park for $4. There are places to put your tubes on the bus.

(1) Bring a sturdy tube, paddleboard, or raft

Remember that the Boise River is a wild river so it’s smart always to be aware of potential risks and natural hazards like trees that have fallen, logs, and rapids.

There are three Class II rapids you’ll hit during the first half of the float, so you won’t want to bring a flimsy tube that you use in the pool. The largest drop is about 2-3 feet and is a fun and thrilling ride! Just be sure to be aware as you go over these rapids, as I’ve seen some floats flip.

I recommend getting something stronger and similar to this, this, or this for floating the river. I love the first one I mentioned because there’s a cooler in the middle! You can also get something like this for a floating cooler. You’ll find a lot of people doing it on stand-up paddle boards (I have and love this one) or blow-up kayaks, too, which is a great idea. I also like to bring a small paddle in case the river is moving fast and I want to get out of the bushes. Similar to this one. If you don’t end up buying, you can always rent at Barber Park.

(2) The river float takes about 2-3 hours

The overall float starts at Barber Park and ends on the left of the river at Ann Morrison Park. The float can be faster or slower, depending on if you’re actually paddling or just leisurely floating down. The take-out is located 6 miles downstream from Barber Park. I recommend floating at the hottest time of day because then the water will feel less cold! In the summer, we’ll sometimes go after work and float from 4 pm – 6 pm!

If you do get too cold on the river, you can pop off the river at any time and walk the rest of the way along the Boise Greenbelt. Here’s a great interactive map to show you exactly where you’ll be floating.

(3) You can take the bus, and it costs only $3 each way

The best part of floating on the river is that there’s a bus that can take you down the river both ways. Just make sure they are open and running the days you are going—you can check here. We park at Barber Park, float the river, get out at Ann Morrison Park, and then take the bus from Ann Morrison back to Barber Park. You can also park at Ann Morrison Park and ride the bus to Barber Park if you want to have your car waiting for you at the end of the float. The bus costs $4 per person each way, and you’ll find the bus comes about every 20-mins near the rental drop-off at Ann Morrison Park.

NOTE: I know a few people who have taken the bus from Ann Morrison to Barber Park, and the bus driver makes them deflate their tubes on the bus. The biggest thing here would be to bring your own pump to blow up your tube once you get to Barber Park.

(via)

(4) You can rent gear from Boise River Raft in Barber Park

You can rent rafts and tubes, kayaks and paddles, and even life jackets from Boise River Raft in Barber Park. We had two rafts and decided to rent paddles for the rafts at the park. It’s fairly inexpensive, and you can drop them off at the end of the float at Ann Morrison. If you don’t want to wait in line, I’d try and bring your own float gear and pump!

(5) Here’s what to bring on your Boise River Float:

A raft pump! This is because they got rid of the free pumps, and now you need to bring your own or pump up your rafts before you arrive. One of my biggest annoyances ever, but if you have something that’s tough to pump up, you can bring an air mattress pump or even a blower and use your car for electricity to pump up your raft tubes.
A durable tube // personal flotation device. Pool floaties don’t work! I love this one, and this one
Water
Booze: Boise doesn’t condone drinking on the river, but many people still do. Don’t bring glass! These are great for keeping beverages cold.
Snacks or picnic and plenty of water
Sunscreen – my fave brand
Secure sunglasses
River shoes to protect your feet – I use Tevas
Paddles – In case you start heading for the bushes
Floating cooler – if you want to bring your drinks
Life vest – The city says that everyone should wear life jackets, but that they are mandatory for kids 14 and under.
A dry bag for keys and phones

Here are all of my float essentials from Amazon!

(6) Use the safety checklist

Float the Boise has launched a safety checklist that I recommend you look over before floating the river. Like I mentioned above, there are a few Class II rapids to be aware of, but nothing too wild! Not to scare you, but people have died floating the river. There are branches and dangerous bushes that you can get caught in that can flip you over or pop your tube. I recommend the buddy system while floating, just in case you get stuck. Also, it’s important to beware of kids jumping off one of the bridges you pass underneath. Be careful with your drinking, as I’ve seen drunk people get in hairy situations that you don’t want to experience!

A few more safety tips to keep in mind:

Life jackets are required for children 14 and under.
Wear secure water shoes as the river bottom is rocky.
Avoid grabbing onto low-hanging branches or trees.
Do not bring glass containers.
Apply sunscreen generously and reapply during your float (trust me on this)!
Check water levels and posted restrictions before you go.

(7) Leave the river cleaner than you found it

Nothing irks me more than the time I saw a bunch of drunk kids throwing cans into the river. Please, please, please respect the river. It’s something for all of us to enjoy, and up to all of us to keep clean! Haul out what you bring in and leave it as you found it. Also, remember not to take glass containers on the river or in the parks. When in doubt, Leave No Trace.

Step-by-Step: How to Float the Boise River

Just to reiterate tip #2, here’s step-by-step how to float the river:

Head to Barber Park with your own tube or rent one onsite.
Inflate, gather your group, and launch into the river.
Float approximately 6 miles downstream.
Exit at Ann Morrison Park.
Take the shuttle back to Barber Park if that’s where you parked.

The float typically takes 2–3 hours, depending on water flow and how often you stop along the way. Weekends get busy, so arriving earlier in the day can make the whole experience smoother.

Local Tip: Best Time of Day to Go

Midday on a hot Saturday is peak float time, which means bigger crowds and longer shuttle waits. If you want a more relaxed experience, go earlier in the day or later in the afternoon. And because the float is actually quite quick, weekdays afternoon are noticeably calmer and can feel far more laid-back! I love going after work during a weekday!

Most of all, have fun floating the Boise River! It’s a great day out on in Boise and such a great afternoon activity to do in the hot summer heat! Look out for bald eagles along the river and just beware that the water is pretty cold in the earlier summer months, so be prepped to have a refreshing float.

Get my favorite float essentials here!

Want the Rest of My Boise Favorites?

Floating the Boise River is just one of the best things to do in Boise during the summer.

Inside my 75+ page Boise Travel Guide, I share my favorite restaurants, patios, hikes, seasonal events, and local spots that most visitors miss. It’s basically the weekend itinerary I send to friends when they come to town.

If you’re planning a trip or just want to explore your own city more, you can check it out here.

FAQ: Floating the Boise River

How long does it take to float the Boise River?

The float from Barber Park to Ann Morrison Park typically takes about 2 to 3 hours, depending on river flow and how often you stop along the way.

Where do you start and end the Boise River float?

Most people start at Barber Park and exit at Ann Morrison Park. A shuttle runs between the two locations during float season.

Can you bring alcohol on the Boise River float?

It’s illegal to consume alcohol or have open containers of alcohol on the Boise River during the official float season. Glass containers are not allowed, and enforcement is common during peak season. That being said, many people still do bring alcohol, but we make sure it is in an insulated tumblers or in their own containers.

Is the Boise River float safe for kids?

Yes, many families float the Boise River each summer. Life jackets are required for children 14 and under, and it’s important to monitor water levels and river conditions before heading out.

When does the Boise River float season start?

Float season usually begins in mid-June and runs through early September, depending on river conditions and official safety approvals.

Do you need a life jacket to float the Boise River?

Life jackets are required for children 14 and under.

How much does it cost to float the Boise River?

Floating the Boise River is free if you bring your own tube. If you rent a tube at Barber Park, expect rental fees that vary by season and equipment type. Shuttle services also have a small fee.