Get ready to float the river, Boise. The official season opening was just announced
After several weeks of high flows, the Boise River is finally in the optimal range to kick off a beloved Treasure Valley tradition: the Boise River float season.
Officials with Float the Boise, a partnership between the city of Boise, Ada County Parks and Waterways and Boise Fire Department, announced Wednesday that float season would open officially the following day, Thursday, June 29. In a news release, officials said river flows have dropped to about 1,200 cubic feet per second (cfs), which is “within the typical range” for floating.
Float rentals and shuttle services will begin at Barber Park on Thursday. It costs $7 to park at Barber, and parking at the take-out point at Ann Morrison Park is free. Officials noted parking will be closed at Ann Morrison Park on July 4 for the city’s fireworks display.
Ada County Parks and Waterways Director Scott Koberg said in the news release that officials are excited to open the float season ahead of Fourth of July weekend.
“It never quite feels like summertime in the Treasure Valley until the float season begins,” Koberg said.
Just two weeks ago, the river was flowing at about 2,500 cubic feet per second — meaning nearly 19,000 gallons of water were passing a fixed point every second. Thanks to late-season snow and heavy rain, the river was flowing at twice its normal rate in late April, prompting the Boise Fire Department to warn of dangerous conditions.
Despite that, the float season is opening earlier than it has in recent years. However, Koberg told the Statesman in an email that the average opening date over the last 20 years is June 26.
Koberg said float season has opened as early as June 12 two times in the last two decades, in 2008 and 2015, and the latest season opening followed 2017’s historic snow year. That season didn’t begin until July 29.
Officials reminded floaters to keep safety in mind when they’re on the river. Children 14 and younger are required by law to wear life jackets on the water. More safety information is available online at floattheboise.org.
