How to Float the Boise River - dreamworkandtravel (2023)

How to Float the Boise River

Picture this: You’re kicked back in a raft, feet up with a can in your hand. The sun is hot; the river is cool and calm. You close your eyes and tune into the river’s rushing sounds – smooth, steady, soothing. You blink your eyes open to the clear blue sky as you hear the river getting louder ahead.

Readjusting, you grab your paddle and get ready, like an Old West cowboy saddling up, ready to ride. Raft in position, can secured, you slide through the drop in the river. A woosh of clean, clear water spills into your lap. Refreshed, you settle back into your only duties for the two-hour raft ride: chill, sip, paddle, repeat.

That’s floating the Boise River.

Floating the river is a summer tradition here in Boise. The season usually begins in late June and closes late August. Exact dates depend on water flow and level, and are announced in early summer each year.

The main Boise River float is from Barber Park to Ann Morrison Park. The trip is about 6 miles and takes 2-3 hours. All in all, it’s pretty chill. There are three small drops in the river and several curves that require light navigation.

Float Prep

It doesn’t take much to have a great float down the Boise River, but there are a few essentials to make your trip the best it can possibly be.

Get a good raft or tube

First things first: You need a good raft or tube and a paddle. You can bring your own, purchase one at a store like Fred Meyer or Albertsons, or rent one at Barber Park.

To rent a raft, visit Boise River Raft & Float in Barber Park. They offer three-hour rentals for tubes and rafts on a first-come, first-served basis. You can rent one-person tubes, four-person rafts, six-person rafts and two-person inflatable kayaks. All raft rentals come with life jackets and paddles.

Once you’ve secured your rental, hop in the river right there at Barber Park and enjoy the float. When you exit the river at Ann Morrison, bring your gear to the clearly-marked return area near Ann Morrison bridge.

If you bring your own raft, don’t forget to bring a pump. You might just need it.

Gather your gear

The general rule of thumb for floating is if you don’t want it to get wet, don’t bring it. Especially if you are floating in a tube. Make sure to pack out whatever you bring and don’t forget to put on sunscreen!

What to bring: raft/tube, ore, pump, patch kit, water bag, water bottle, canned drinks, sunglasses, hat

What to leave: glass bottles, phone (unless waterproofed or you have a waterproof bag), anything you don’t want to get wet

Getting to the river

To float the river, you need a vehicle at Ann Morrison (where you exit the river) and a ride to Barber Park (where you start your float). Parking at Ann Morrison is free and available in several locations. Parking at Barber Park has a seasonal fee and is limited. There’s not much street parking outside of Barber Park either and parking in surrounding neighborhoods is not permitted. There are two ways to get to Barber Park: a one-car shuttle or a two-car shuttle.

One-car shuttle: Park at Ann Morrison and ride the park’s shuttle service to Barber Park. It’s $3 per person and departs from Ann Morrison every hour on the hour, Monday-Thursday, 1-8 p.m. and Friday 1-9 p.m. On Saturdays, Sundays and holidays, the shuttle departs approximately every 20 minutes from 12-9 p.m.

Two-car shuttle: Park one car at Ann Morrison and pile into another car, drive to Barber Park and park there. At the end of the float, you will drive back to Barber Park to pick up the second vehicle.

Get pumped up

Do not forget the holy grail of floating gear: a portable pump. There are no pumps available at Barber Park, so you absolutely must bring your own. Once you’re pumped up, put your raft in the river, hop on and enjoy.

The Float

It’s a leisurely 2-3 hour float down the Boise River. Most of the river is wide and tree-lined, with depth varying from very shallow to several feet deep. You have a high chance of seeing wildlife along the way. Some navigating is required around corners so you don’t get caught up in the trees or brush.

On the float, you’ll pass by several sandy beaches and places to stop along the shore. You will also pass some Boise landmarks, including Warm Spring Golf Course, Kristin Armstrong Municipal Park, M.K. Nature Center, Boise State University and its football stadium, Julia Davis Park, the Ann Frank Human Rights Memorial, and finally, float right into Ann Morrison Park, just a few blocks from downtown Boise.

The route also passes under six bridges: The Red Bridge, Parkcenter Bridge, Broadway Bridge, Friendship Bridge, Capitol Bridge, Ninth Street Bridge. Exit at the pull-out on the South (left-hand) side of the river, right before Ann Morrison Bridge.

Post Float

Once on dry land, deflate your tube and pack it back to your car. If your tube popped along the way, you can discard it in the “dead raft” bin located at the take-out by the bridge.

Getting off the river at Ann Morrison leaves you steps away from downtown Boise and all it has to offer. If you’ve floated up an appetite, cross over the bridge to the Northside of the river and grab a bite and a beverage at Green Acres Food Truck Park, Payette Brewing or Push & Pour coffee shop.

How to Float the Boise River

Picture this: You’re kicked back in a raft, feet up with a can in your hand. The sun is hot; the river is cool and calm. You close your eyes and tune into the river’s rushing sounds – smooth, steady, soothing. You blink your eyes open to the clear blue sky as you hear the river getting louder ahead.

Readjusting, you grab your paddle and get ready, like an Old West cowboy saddling up, ready to ride. Raft in position, can secured, you slide through the drop in the river. A woosh of clean, clear water spills into your lap. Refreshed, you settle back into your only duties for the two-hour raft ride: chill, sip, paddle, repeat.

That’s floating the Boise River.

Floating the river is a summer tradition here in Boise. The season usually begins in late June and closes late August. Exact dates depend on water flow and level, and are announced in early summer each year.

The main Boise River float is from Barber Park to Ann Morrison Park. The trip is about 6 miles and takes 2-3 hours. All in all, it’s pretty chill. There are three small drops in the river and several curves that require light navigation.

Float Prep

It doesn’t take much to have a great float down the Boise River, but there are a few essentials to make your trip the best it can possibly be.

Get a good raft or tube

First things first: You need a good raft or tube and a paddle. You can bring your own, purchase one at a store like Fred Meyer or Albertsons, or rent one at Barber Park.

To rent a raft, visit Boise River Raft & Float in Barber Park. They offer three-hour rentals for tubes and rafts on a first-come, first-served basis. You can rent one-person tubes, four-person rafts, six-person rafts and two-person inflatable kayaks. All raft rentals come with life jackets and paddles.

Once you’ve secured your rental, hop in the river right there at Barber Park and enjoy the float. When you exit the river at Ann Morrison, bring your gear to the clearly-marked return area near Ann Morrison bridge.

If you bring your own raft, don’t forget to bring a pump. You might just need it.

Gather your gear

The general rule of thumb for floating is if you don’t want it to get wet, don’t bring it. Especially if you are floating in a tube. Make sure to pack out whatever you bring and don’t forget to put on sunscreen!

What to bring: raft/tube, ore, pump, patch kit, water bag, water bottle, canned drinks, sunglasses, hat

What to leave: glass bottles, phone (unless waterproofed or you have a waterproof bag), anything you don’t want to get wet

Getting to the river

To float the river, you need a vehicle at Ann Morrison (where you exit the river) and a ride to Barber Park (where you start your float). Parking at Ann Morrison is free and available in several locations. Parking at Barber Park has a seasonal fee and is limited. There’s not much street parking outside of Barber Park either and parking in surrounding neighborhoods is not permitted. There are two ways to get to Barber Park: a one-car shuttle or a two-car shuttle.

One-car shuttle: Park at Ann Morrison and ride the park’s shuttle service to Barber Park. It’s $3 per person and departs from Ann Morrison every hour on the hour, Monday-Thursday, 1-8 p.m. and Friday 1-9 p.m. On Saturdays, Sundays and holidays, the shuttle departs approximately every 20 minutes from 12-9 p.m.

Two-car shuttle: Park one car at Ann Morrison and pile into another car, drive to Barber Park and park there. At the end of the float, you will drive back to Barber Park to pick up the second vehicle.

Get pumped up

Do not forget the holy grail of floating gear: a portable pump. There are no pumps available at Barber Park, so you absolutely must bring your own. Once you’re pumped up, put your raft in the river, hop on and enjoy.

The Float

It’s a leisurely 2-3 hour float down the Boise River. Most of the river is wide and tree-lined, with depth varying from very shallow to several feet deep. You have a high chance of seeing wildlife along the way. Some navigating is required around corners so you don’t get caught up in the trees or brush.

On the float, you’ll pass by several sandy beaches and places to stop along the shore. You will also pass some Boise landmarks, including Warm Spring Golf Course, Kristin Armstrong Municipal Park, M.K. Nature Center, Boise State University and its football stadium, Julia Davis Park, the Ann Frank Human Rights Memorial, and finally, float right into Ann Morrison Park, just a few blocks from downtown Boise.

The route also passes under six bridges: The Red Bridge, Parkcenter Bridge, Broadway Bridge, Friendship Bridge, Capitol Bridge, Ninth Street Bridge. Exit at the pull-out on the South (left-hand) side of the river, right before Ann Morrison Bridge.

Post Float

Once on dry land, deflate your tube and pack it back to your car. If your tube popped along the way, you can discard it in the “dead raft” bin located at the take-out by the bridge.

Getting off the river at Ann Morrison leaves you steps away from downtown Boise and all it has to offer. If you’ve floated up an appetite, cross over the bridge to the Northside of the river and grab a bite and a beverage at Green Acres Food Truck Park, Payette Brewing or Push & Pour coffee shop.

Kayaking, Canoeing, and Rafting in Yosemite National Park

George Sayour is an American Canoe Association–certified kayak instructor. He regularly leads workshops on paddling basics, techniques, and safety.

With so many activities available in Yosemite National Park, paddling by canoe, kayak, or raft is probably not the first thing that comes to mind. But a variety of options are available for paddling the scenic Merced River in the bottom of Yosemite Valley, offering unique views of some of the park’s most famous sights.

Even at its most active, the portion of the Merced River running through the main valley is a gentle stream, but even the most experienced paddlers will not soon forget it. For visitors bringing their own kayaks or canoes, there is are convenient put-in and take-out points, and those without equipment can rent rafts, paddles, and PFDs for a reasonable fee.

There are several options or paddling in Yosemite, depending on if you are bringing your own equipment or wish to rent inner tubes or rafts and accessories.

If You Bring Your Own Canoe, Kayak, Raft, or Innertube

On the Merced River: When bringing their own gear, you normally put in along the Merced River at Stoneman Bridge, near Half-Dome Village. The normal take-out point is about 3 miles downstream at Sentina Beach Picnic Area; no river access is available between these two points. Canoeing, kayaking, raftering and tubing on this portion of the river under certain conditions:

• The river must be declared open by park officials.
• Boating and rafting are allowed when the gage height as measured at Pohono Bridge is below 7 feet at 8 am.
• Personal floatation devices (PFDs) must be worn.
• Put-in and take-out slots are limited; check for availability.

If you are using your own equipment, you can purchase a ticket for the shuttle bus ride back to Half Dome Village at the end of the trip for $5.00.

On the South Fork: For rafting only, another section of the south fork of the Merced River is open below Swinging Bridge in Wawona. Here, PFDs must be available for every occupant of the raft, and all children under age 13 must wear one at all times.

On Tenaya Lake: Kayaking is popular on the calm Tenaya Lake. Here, too, each person on the craft must have a PFD available, and children under age 13 must wear them at all times.

If You Want to Rent a Raft

Rafting on the Merced River in Yosemite Valley requires no experience, and rafts can be rented at any of the following locations:

• Yosemite Valley Lodge Tour and Activity Desk
• Half Dome Village Tour and Activities Kiosk
• The Majestic Yosemite Hotel Concierge Desk
• Yosemite Village

The fee for renting a raft (holding as many as four people) is $27.50 per person. PFDs and paddles are also available for $5.50. Rules require that two capable paddlers be in each raft, and children under 50 lbs. are not allowed. Reservations should be made immediately upon entering the park, at the Half Dome Village Tour/Guest Recreation Kiosk. Raft reservations are in heavy demand, so try to reserve a raft at least one day in advance.

The Scenery

Whether you are floating by canoe, kayak, raft, or inner tube, the scenery you’ll enjoy along the valley floor is unprecedented. As the Merced twists and turns along the Yosemite Valley floor, paddlers are treated to views of Half Dome and Yosemite Falls. These iconic scenes seem to appear and disappear with every bend. The smooth and steady current will automatically guide your boat down the river, leaving you plenty of time to take in the sights. Under the stone bridges that span the river every so often, you’ll encounter many trout-filled eddies in the clear water. There are sandy beaches along the way to stop and take a swim or to stop for a picnic.

The take-out is downstream from a beach with a wooden bridge on river left. A short carry up the beach will take you to a picnic area where buses are waiting to shuttle rafters back to the Curry Village Recreation Area.

• Trip length: 3 Miles
• Difficulty:Class I
• Times: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Months: June to July (paddling in late May and early August depends on water level conditions)
• Gage: Must read less than 7 feet at Sentinel Bridge
• Hazards: Strainers, cold water, cold Air
• Views: Half Dome, Yosemite Falls, Yosemite Valley
• Put-In parking: Curry Village Recreation Center
• Kayak put-In: Below Stoneman Bridge
• Take-out point: Sandy Beach on River Left after the wooden bridge
• Take-out parking: Sentinel Beach Picnic Area
• Shuttle: $5.00 per person every 30 to 40 minutes until 6 p.m.
• Gear rentals: Paddles and PFDs $5.50/each
• Raft rentals fees: $27.50 per person
• Information: (209) 372-4FUN (4386) or TravelYosemite.com

Driving Directions and Shuttle Information

To get to the put-in:

1. Drive into Yosemite Park via Route 140, the El Portal Road, and continue into the valley.
2. Follow the signs for the Curry Village Recreation Center.
3. Take a right after the Chapel in the park.
4. At your first crossroad, the Stoneman Bridge will be on your left. This will be your put-in but you can’t park here.
5. Take a right and head in the opposite direction from the bridge just a short distance.
6. The Curry Village Recreation Center, where you can also rent rafts and bikes, will be on the right. You can park here. There is also a snack bar and gift shop located here in case you forgot to bring something to snack on or drink.
7. Unload your gear and carry it down to the Merced River on the left-hand side of the Stoneman Bridge.

To reach a shuttle, you’ll have to drive around the loop:

1. Take the road over the Stoneman Bridge and follow the road around and continue past El Capitan.
2. Take the El Capitan Bridge back onto the loop to start heading back.
3. Take a left at the Sentinel Beach Picnic Area, which is the takeout. You can leave your car here.

You may notice buses parked and rafting signs around the parking area. If you plan to leave a car at the put-in and take the shuttle back, be sure to have cash on you before taking off. The shuttle won’t take your canoe or kayak, but it can get you back up the river.

Source https://visitboise.com/float-the-boise-river/

Source https://visitboise.com/float-the-boise-river/#:~:text=First%20things%20first:%20You%20need%20a%20good%20raft,Boise%20River%20Raft%20&%20Float%20in%20Barber%20Park.

Source https://www.liveabout.com/kayaking-and-canoeing-in-yosemite-national-park-2555409