Downtown Boise

A transformation is underway on the Boise River as the recreational potential of this heavily regulated urban river is being realized. While easy access to the spectacular whitewater of the Payette drainage an hour to the north is what brings many boaters to Boise, opportunities within town on the Boise River provide some options for a lunch break or evening session. Barber Park to Ann Morrison Park: This six-mile section of the river is known as a summer booze-cruise tubing float and includes The Weir, an urban park-and-play spot known for years and described in Grant Amaral's guidebook, Idaho The Whitewater State. In the summer of 2013, 135,000 people entered the river at Barber Park. For more information on this section above Ann Morrison Park, check out the map on the Float the Boise website. At super-high-flood-stage flows (4500 and above), a feature comes in at 'Bubb Dam' known as the Barber Park Wave. This is fabulous surfing and only comes in every few years. The wave is river-wide and there is usually eddy service on river left (Depending on the flow). If you get flushed downstream there are spots to take out on river left and walk on the greenbelt back up. Playboaters can put in at Barber and float about a quarter mile downstream to the wave and then hike back up on the greenbelt. When this wave is in, the banks are swamped and the river is fast, so beware of strainers and don't swim. After Ann Morrison Park, it is easy to float to the Boise Whitewater Park, but this is floated less often, so watch out for hazards at high water. Be wary of the Settlers Canal Diversion Dam, this low-head dam looks like a potential killer. It is rumored that this dam might be replaced with another wave feature. Boise Whitewater Park: The Boise Whitewater Park is located between the Fairview Avenue and Veteran's Memorial Parkway bridges on the Boise River off of N. Whitewater Park Boulevard. The Whitewater Park is bringing new life to the Boise River and the local community for those who want a quick urban kayaking fix. If you are driving by on the Interstate or in Boise visiting, it's worth a stop. This is a great beginner-friendly place for a new kayaker to learn the ropes during normal summer flows. The nearby Riverside Hotel provides lodging within walking distance of the park. The Park starts at the reconstructed Harry W. Morrison Dam with the Phase 1 wave shaper and viewing area off of the Boise Greenbelt. This park-and-play feature was opened in 2012, and is a great location for park and play, easily accessible from Esther Simplot Park, a 55 acre complex that includes Quinn's Pond for flatwater training and practice. This dam was previously the site of the Thurman Mill diversion, the structure responsible for the intermittent 36th Street Wave. There are more beginner-friendly fixed features downstream, just below the Phase 2 wave feature. Phase 2 sometimes has monitored surf sessions. To get updates on conditions at the Whitewater Park, it is best to keep an eye on their social media pages on Facebook and/or Instagram. This is where they announce Phase 1 wave schedules, Phase 2 monitored surf sessions, and other information. There is a wave schedule for Phase 1 that optimizes between playboaters and river surfers depending on the day of the week.