WHEN IS THE BOISE RIVER OPEN FOR FLOATING SEASON?
Floating the Boise River is one of my favorite things about living here in the Treasure Valley and every year about this time, I start getting excited about when they’re going to open things up for us floaters.
Normally, things open up right around the end of June but we’ve had it as early as the June 12th before.
This Friday, the Ada County Parks and Waterways along with Boise Fire Crews will clear the river of debris and anything that may cause floaters danger.
The other thing that HAS to happen is the flow of the Boise River needs to slow down to approximately 1,250 cubic feet per second. Right now we’re at about 1,500 CFS. That’s not really safe for rafts and tubes so it’s a bit of a waiting game.
NOTE: The air pumps usually accessible to anyone were not available last year in part because of the pandemic. They will NOT be available again this year. Wait, what??? Yeah. It’s an inconvenience but that’s what the Ada County Parks and Waterways is telling us. Their specific quote was…
“We observed that it tended to facilitate the flow of people and utilization of the park without those air stations. At this point we don't intend to have the air stations up and running.”
So does that mean we’re never getting them back? I hope not. Charge a little bit if you want to but it’s a major inconvenience pumping your own raft or tube and then having to haul that pump down the river with you on your trip.
For those of you not familiar with the Boise River float, it begins at Barber Park where you have the option to rent tubes or rafts or you can use your own. The float itself takes approximately two hours and you’ll end up at Ann Morrison Park so make arrangements with your vehicles or use their bussing system which is pretty good and it’s only a few bucks a person. and they do allow you to transfer your rafts or tubes on the bus. There’s a section in the back prepped and ready for your gear.
I’ll keep you posted on the exact date of when the river will be open and if you’re looking for any extra information you can click into Raft and Tube Rental Information or call 208-577-4588.