The City of Boise has made it easy to float the Boise River, the run begins upriver at Barber Park. The take-out is six miles downstream at Ann Morrison Park. The City runs a Shuttle bus on Boise Avenue to and from each park, it is usually pretty cheap.

The river is usually too high and fast to float early in the spring and summer, but by mid June it is warm and slow enough to enjoy. Alcohol is no longer permitted on the river because every weekend was becoming a regular party. Some faamilies and locals were tired of the littering, loud music, large "party rafts", crude language and behavior, and city officials insisted it was a matter of safety. These days the two-to-three hour float (depending on pitstops) is generally pretty calm and quiet, and the city has set up a series of port-a-potties along the way for your convenience.

There are several places where floaters tend to congregate along the way. About mid-way between Barber Park and Parkcenter there is an island that usually serves as the first smoke or lunch break. (note: Pack anything that you want to stay dry in a dry-bag—this includes sandwiches, matches, money, and don't forget about your phones!) Near the Parkcenter bridge there is a cement platform for river-jumpers, and a rope swing that officers tend cut down every few weeks. Both are fun and relatively safe. There are also a few "rapid" runs. They're nothing like real rapids, but you will probably get wet. The eastern part of the river is a little more shaded, and the trees that line the river banks can be dangerous to rafts and tubes. Watch out, and don't grab a branch, because the tow will suck you down, let go, and you will surface. I've seen many people stranded in the branches.

Additional notes to floaters: Don't forget your keys! If you drive up and park at Barber Park, don't forget to put your keys somewhere safe! Officers do tend to watch the river for drinking and/or public urination. Watch out.

This is a file from the Wikimedia Commons.