Boise River Float Guide
Last updated: 2026-06-11
The classic Boise River float runs about six miles from Barber Park in southeast Boise to Ann Morrison Park downtown — roughly a two-hour drift at a typical summer flow of 1,200–1,800 cfs. The season usually runs from around Memorial Day through Labor Day, depending on flows out of Lucky Peak; in big snowpack years the official opening can slip into late June. Ada County announces the opening and posts daily status on its float page, linked below.
Logistics are simple once you know the system. Rent tubes or rafts at Barber Park, or bring your own and use the free air station. A seasonal shuttle runs floaters from the Ann Morrison take-out back to Barber Park, so you don't need two cars. Park at Barber Park (paid lot in season) to start, and exit river-left at the west end of Ann Morrison where the take-out is signed. Glass is prohibited on the river, and alcohol rules are enforced — check the current rules on the official page before you go.
The one thing locals stress to newcomers: check the flow before you float. The live River Levels widget below reads the same USGS Glenwood gage officials watch. Typical summer floats happen between 1,200 and 1,800 cfs; above roughly 3,500 cfs the river is considered unsafe for tubes and the county will close the float. Early season, the water is also genuinely cold — it comes off the bottom of Lucky Peak Reservoir — so save the first float for a hot afternoon.
River Levels
Source: USGS Water Services
What you'll find on this page
- Official float-season status and rules from Ada County.
- Barber Park — parking, rentals, air station, shuttle.
- Live USGS flow data for the river through town.
- The Ann Morrison take-out and Greenbelt access.
- Life-jacket rules and river safety resources.
Float season FAQ
- Is the Boise River open for floating right now?
- Check Ada County's Float the Boise River page for the official open/closed status, and the live River Levels widget on this page for current conditions. The season typically runs from around Memorial Day through Labor Day, but high spring flows out of Lucky Peak can delay the opening into late June some years.
- How long does the float take?
- About two hours from Barber Park to Ann Morrison Park at typical summer flows of 1,200–1,800 cfs. Early in the season, higher water moves you through faster.
- What does it cost?
- Floating is free if you bring your own tube or raft — there's a fill station at Barber Park. Tube and raft rentals and the return shuttle are paid concessions at Barber Park; current prices are posted on the concessionaire's site.
- What flow is safe for tubing?
- Typical summer floats happen at 1,200–1,800 cfs. Above roughly 3,500 cfs, conditions are considered unsafe for tubing and officials may close the float. Check the USGS gage or the widget on this page before you go.
- Do I need a life jacket?
- Strongly recommended for everyone, and the Barber Park rental includes them. Idaho law requires life jackets for children 14 and under aboard many vessels — verify current rules with Idaho Parks & Recreation before your trip.
Float the Boise River — Ada County Parks
The official float-season page: opening status, hours, rentals, shuttle schedule, and rules from Ada County Parks & Waterways.
Barber Park
The put-in. Parking, raft and tube rentals, air station, and the seasonal shuttle all start here on the east end of the float.
Boise River Raft & Tube
Concessionaire at Barber Park — current rental prices, hours, and shuttle info for the float season.
Ann Morrison Park
The take-out. Exit river left at the park's west end; the shuttle back to Barber Park picks up nearby during float season.
USGS Gage — Boise River at Glenwood
Live flow data for the Boise River through town — the same gage our River Levels widget reads. Check cfs before you float.
Boise River Greenbelt
The 29-mile paved path along the river — useful for walking back to your car or scouting the route before you float.
Boise Parks & Recreation
The city department behind Ann Morrison, the Greenbelt, and river-season announcements on the Boise side.
Idaho Parks & Rec — Boating & Life Jacket Rules
State boating rules, including life-jacket requirements for children — what applies to tubes, rafts, and paddlecraft.
Lucky Peak Dam — US Army Corps of Engineers
The Corps controls releases out of Lucky Peak that set river flows — background on why the river runs high or low.
NWS Boise Forecast
Official National Weather Service forecast for the Boise area — check for thunderstorms before an afternoon float.