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Float the Boise River

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The 2023 Boise River Float Season is CLOSED

Visit www.floattheboise.org for real time updates on river conditions and the float season

Barber Park Location & Hours

Barber Park is located about 6 miles from downtown on Eckert Road between Warm Springs and Boise Avenues. Barber Park is open all year round, however, it is best known as the starting point for many Boise River rafters and tubers during the summer months. The park includes the Education and Event Center facility, covered patio for picnics, picnic tables and BBQ’s’ throughout the park, playground equipment, and numerous pathways and trails through natural wildlife habitat areas. Boise River adventure seekers will find raft and tubes for rent during the summer months. Mid-November through mid-March wintering bald eagles can be seen perched in large Cottonwood trees watching the river for fish. Deer are also spotted roaming the park in the fall and early spring. Glass containers are prohibited in the park and on the river.

Park Hours: Gates: 8 a.m. – Sunset

Parks and Waterways Administration Office Hours: Monday – Friday 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.  Closed all legal Holidays

Raft and Tube Hours 4049 S. Eckert Rd. Boise, Idaho 83716

Directions: From Interstate 84, take the Broadway exit (54), continue on Broadway north to Boise Avenue 1.7 miles. Turn east (right) on Boise Avenue and stay on Boise Avenue until it ends at Eckert Road 3.6 miles. Turn north (left) onto Eckert Road and take your first left turn from Eckert Road into the park .01 miles.   View our interactive map

Float the Boise River Guide

Floating the Boise River from Barber Park

Every year over 125,000 people enjoy a float-at-your-own-risk experience down the Boise River, floaters put in at Barber Park and take out at Ann Morrison Park.  The park has a raft and tube rental and a shuttle bus service. The float takes approximately 2-3 hours (about 6 miles). Raft and Tube Rental Information, or call 208-577-4588 (to speak with someone) or 208-577-4584 (Information line).

Current Water CFS Flows

Current Water Flow Graph

More Information

Floating Safety

I’ve Never Floated The Boise River – What Do I Do? People rent equipment at Barber Park or bring it from home already aired up. The park has a raft and tube rental and a shuttle bus service. The float takes approximately 2-3 hours (about 6 miles).

Stay Safe on the River!

Every year over 100,000 people enjoy a leisurely float down the Boise River. Please enjoy your day and keep the following guidelines in mind:

  • Make sure everybody in your party can swim.
  • Alcohol, drugs and the river don’t mix.
  • Wear a Personal Flotation Device as they are included in your raft rental and are available upon request. State Law requires that all vessels, including rafts, kayaks, and canoes be equipped with a personal flotation device for each person in the craft and children 14 years of age and younger, onboard vessels 19′ or less, must wear an approved life jacket when the vessel is underway.
  • State Code 67-7003
    • “Vessel” means every description of watercraft used or capable of being used as a means of transportation on water. “Vessel” does not mean non-motorized devices not designed or modified to be used as a means of transportation on the water, such as inflatable air mattresses, single inner tubes, and beach and water toys.
  • 26.01.30.150 (IDAPA RULE under 67-7015)
    • No person shall operate or permit to be operated any vessel on the waters of this state without carrying onboard sound producing devices as follows:
      • 01. Vessels Thirty-Nine and Four-Tenths Feet and Over. A vessel of thirty-nine and four-tenths (39.4) feet or more in length shall be provided with a whistle or horn capable of making the prescribed signals provided for by 33 U.S.C. Section 2001 et seq., and a bell. The whistle or horn shall be audible for at least one-half (1/2) nautical mile, and the bell, when struck, shall produce a clear bell-like tone of full sound characteristic.
      • 02. Vessels Under Thirty-Nine and Four-Tenths Feet. A vessel of less than thirty-nine and four-tenths (39.4) feet in length shall be provided with a whistle or horn capable of making the prescribed signals provided for and by 33 U.S.C. Section 2001 et seq. The whistle or horn shall be audible for at least one-half (1/2) nautical mile.
  • Do not take infants or small children (under 50 lbs.) on the river.
  • Use the “Buddy System”.
  • Make sure friends or family know when you’re going on and getting off the river.
  • Wear appropriate clothes and covered shoes to protect your feet.
  • If you get cold, simply get off the water.
  • Be aware of your surroundings and identify your location on the river by a landmark – allowing a Rescue unit to provide assistance faster.
  • If you fall into the water, stay calm, keep your feet point downstream, use your arms to ferry you across the water away from hazards, use your feet to push you away from rocks and other obstacles, and let your personal flotation device work for you.
  • Leave the river cleaner than you found it.
  • Do not take glass containers on the river or in the parks.

Parking

What to expect when you arrive for parking at Barber Park during the floating season Parking Kiosk Hours: 10:00 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Monday to Friday. Saturday, Sunday and Holidays 9:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Parking Fees: $7.00 Per day.

  • When returning to the park after your float please use the drop off area as you will not be allowed to re-enter the parking area without paying the fee again.
  • Kiosk gate into fee parking area is locked at 7:30 p.m.
  • Exit gate out of fee parking area available until sunset.
  • Main Entrance Gate into Barber Park is locked at sunset. Main exit gate will be accessible to retrieve your vehicle.
  • Remember to be kind to the neighbors and park in designated areas.
  • Parking illegally could result in your car being towed or ticketed.

Air Stations

**Air stations are no longer available**

Summer Employment at Barber Park

Ada County Parks and Waterways (Employed by Express Employment) Application (Word Doc)   Application (PDF) Seasonal Ground Worker – positions available, April through September.

  • Idaho driver’s license required
  • Maintain Parks grounds, bike path, and trails
  • Operate small powered equipment (trimmer, mower, blower, etc.)
  • Clean restrooms and empty garbage

Parking Booth Cashier – positions available for up to 12 weeks.

  • Provide friendly customer service
  • Operate cash registers
  • Handle cash and credit card transactions

NOTE: You will be required to work weekends and holidays. Floating season runs mid-June through Labor Day, seven days a week. Weather and/or water conditions could affect opening and closing dates.