Float the Boise River

Shuttles and rentals in Barber Park are expected to remain on schedule throughout the weekend, but please be aware of the current Heat Advisory and Air Quality Advisory in effect for Boise and Ada County due to triple-digit temperatures and wildfire smoke. Float the Boise partners continue to remind anyone planning to spend time outdoors to check the real-time air monitoring map maintained by the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality: https://airqualitymobile.deq.idaho.gov/

Floating the Boise River is always at your own risk. Please be safe and know your limits. The six-mile float trip from Barber Park to Ann Morrison Park can take up to three hours at current low flows. Visit floattheboise.org for more information on current conditions.

You've still got time to float the Boise River before rental and shuttle services end on Labor Day! Visit floattheboise.org to plan your six-mile float trip from Barber Park to Ann Morrison Park.

We continue to recommend that floaters check air quality reports from the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality before they hit the water. Here is a link to the real-time air monitoring map: https://airquality.deq.idaho.gov/home/map

July 31, 2026 Weekend Update:

Thinking about floating the Boise River this weekend? Shuttles and gear rentals in Barber Park coordinated by vendor Boise River Raft & Tube are expected to continue as scheduled. Please plan ahead and check the AQI before you float via the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality. A map is available here: https://airquality.deq.idaho.gov/home/map

Always be safe and take extra precautions if you plan to hit the water when wildfire smoke is present in the Treasure Valley. The Boise River continues to flow around 650 cubic feet per second, which is a low flow for this point in the season. Plan for two to three hours on the water depending on your raft or tube and if you will be making any stops along the six-mile route from Barber Park to Ann Morrison Park. Thank you for wearing a life jacket and packing out all trash to keep our river clean. As always, visit floattheboise.org for more information to plan a safe and fun trip down the Boise River.

Photo: Smoky skies over Downtown Boise

⚠️ Air Quality Advisory ⚠️

Wildfire smoke continues to degrade air quality in Boise and surrounding areas. Please be safe and know your limits if you plan to float the river this week. Everyone is encouraged to check air quality before hitting the water, and plan ahead for a two-to-three-hour float based on current low flows (approx. 660 cubic feet per second). You can check real-time air monitoring reports online from Idaho Department of Environmental Quality: https://airquality.deq.idaho.gov/home/map

Meanwhile, gear rentals in Barber Park remain available from Boise River Raft & Tube and shuttles are running on schedule. For more information on floater services, please visit floattheboise.org. As a reminder, floating the Boise River is always an “at your own risk” activity.

Photo: A view of the Capitol Boulevard Bridge and smoky skies over the Boise River on Tuesday, July 28

Monday, July 27 — 5:15 p.m. Update:
The downed tree has been cleared and floaters are welcome to enter the river now. Thank you to the emergency crews who mitigated this hazard safely and efficiently! As always, the Boise River is a wild, scenic river with hazards that can change any time. Always use caution when recreating on or near the river.

Monday, July 27 — 4 p.m. Update & Photo Added:
Emergency response crews are directing floaters around the downed tree while working to remove it from the north side of the Boise River Greenbelt. Floating near this work is risky and should be avoided at this time.

Original Post:
Emergency crews are currently responding to a large tree that has fallen across the Boise River near Julia Davis Park. The tree is obstructing the waterway, making it unsafe and impassable for anyone attempting to float the river at this time.

Boise Fire Department and Boise Community Forestry crews are on scene actively working to remove the downed tree and clear the obstruction.

For public safety, people are strongly urged to postpone starting their float and stay out of the area while crews work to clear the tree.

Please be safe and know your limits with wildfire smoke in the Boise area. Always check conditions before you hit the water, and be prepared with lots of water to drink during your two to three hour float trip should you plan to head out. When in doubt, wait and float another day! Shuttle service and rentals in Barber Park continue through Labor Day.

Floating the Boise River is always an at your own risk activity.

The Idaho Department of Environmental Quality has issued a RED/UNHEALTHY air quality forecast for Sunday, July 26, 2026, through Monday, July 27, 2026, due a significant increase in wildfire smoke impacts. No outdoor burning in Ada or Canyon counties.

A huge thank you to everyone who helped with the cleanup after last night's storm! Thanks to the hard work of the crews, it's business as usual at Barber Park. If you're heading out this weekend, be prepared parking is expected to fill up quickly, so plan ahead and arrive early. We can't wait to see everyone enjoying the river!

IRONMAN 70.3 Boise returns to the City of Trees this Saturday, and the course utilizes the Boise River Greenbelt. Floaters should be aware when they approach the take-out and use caution as athletes are expected to be in the area between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Please watch out for runners, volunteers, and race staff as you exit the river and cross the Greenbelt. For more information on this special event, visit: https://www.ironman.com/races/im703-boise/course

Have you noticed "rock snot" in the Boise River? The Idaho Department of Environmental Quality has an update on the non-toxic algae.

Thinking about floating the Boise River today? Please check the air quality before you go.

An Air Quality Advisory is currently in effect for the Boise area due to wildfire smoke. While a float may sound like a great way to cool off, spending several hours outdoors can increase your exposure to unhealthy air.

Before you head to the river:
-Stay hydrated and take breaks if you begin to feel unwell.
-If you have health conditions or are traveling with young children, consider postponing your float until air quality improves.
-If you experience coughing, shortness of breath, dizziness, or chest discomfort, get off the river and move indoors.

Stay safe and visit www.floattheboise.org