BOISE, Idaho — Labor Day Weekend can bring BBQs, cornhole, and many other entertaining activities. One of those activities can even be floating the river, as the City of Boise's Parks and Recreation Department plans to wrap up services on Monday, according to a news release.
As a note, the parks department reminds floaters of a few things. Due to the Spirit of Boise, there is no parking in Ann Morrison Park on Friday. All services will remain open on Monday but will no longer be available come Tuesday, Sept. 3.
"This has been a typically busy but smooth season on the Boise River," Ada County Parks & Waterways Director Scott Koberg said. "Aside from the cooler weather last weekend (Aug. 23-25), we've seen consistently hot temperatures and floater friendly flows all season long. Conditions are looking great for the final four days so it should be another fun and festive holiday weekend on the Boise River. Many thanks to all park staff and our Float the Boise partnership for the hard work that goes on behind the scenes throughout the summer."
As the season wraps up, local agency staff members are looking at the visitation numbers for the season.
Float the Boise partner agencies estimate more than 150,000 people floated the Boise River from Barber Park to Ann Morrison since the season opened on June 27. The agencies point out that though visitation numbers are on par with 2023, they are not record-breaking.
The shuttle bus service transported roughly 45,000 people since June 27. More than 10,500 rafts, 1,000 kayaks, and 11,500 tubes have been rented at Barber Park this season, the news release said.
River flows have started to drop, and are now below 800 cubic feet per second. Floaters can expect a roughly two-to-three hour float throughout Labor Day weekend. Water levels are lower at this point in the season, so hazards may present themselves. Use caution and review safety information before getting in the water.
Boise Fire Department (BFD) also reported that calls for service along the 6-mile stretch of river "remain low", the news release said. With 39 calls logged in 2024, this year saw a 10 call increase from 2023. However, both 2023 and 2024 are low numbers compared to 2022, which saw 137 calls for service.
"We appreciate the coordination between all our partner agencies this year to share safety messaging and manage river flows; all of it helped contribute to improved safety on the Boise River," Boise Fire Chief Mark Niemeyer said. "As we head into the final weekend, please remember to wear a life jacket, avoid tying tubes or rafts together, and steer clear of hazards like low-hanging branches and bridge pillars. Above all, have a great time on the water."
Boise Parks and Recreation Director Doug Holloway said, "Residents and visitors alike continue to float the river and carry on one of Boise's most time-honored summer traditions. Thank you for continuing to respect the neighbors and businesses around Ann Morrison Park and Barber Park by parking in designated parking areas during your float. We also appreciate everyone's continued efforts to keep the river and its banks free of trash during their float trip."