Boise, ID

A hot day in Boise always brings to mind one thing for me: a trip down the Boise River. So when the weather got too hot to handle this past week, it was time to head to Ann Morrison Park with my friend and a raft for a “cooling off period” so to speak.
While one might suggest starting at Barber Park ($5 to park), the launch point for Boise River floaters, I prefer to save a little cash by grabbing three bucks and taking the shuttle bus that runs between Morrison and Barber. I generally wear a swim suit and a pair of water shoes or tennis shoes to keep my feet protected from the river rocks. I wear sunscreen, and as many a rafting trip has taught me, leave my sunglasses behind, because they slip right off into the water. The two shuttles are hard to miss; they’re large and white–appropriately christened The Moby Dick and The White Whale, taking rafters back and forth between the two parks. The shuttles arrive every hour on the hour (1-8pm Week days, 1-9pm Weekends), to crowds of people, waiting to begin their adventures. I generally try to get to Ann Morrison Park about 20 minutes early to make sure I have all my supplies together before the bus arrives and to avoid missing the typically full shuttle.

Upon arrival at Barber Park, I head over to the air stations to fill up my raft. Barber Park has rentals for those who don’t have a raft themselves. Remember to bring your cash or credit card and your ID though! These rentals tend to be expensive, and frankly one could probably buy their own raft or tube for the same price! They do however have life jackets and extra paddles if you forgot yours. The law states that children under the age of 14 are required to wear these life preservers while rafting, and it’s not unusual to see adults wearing them for safety also. To many the Boise River looks tame, but it can be swift and deep in spots and if you’re not careful you could find yourself overboard.

Once aired up it was time to brave the chilly waters. We laid our raft in the water and loaded in. Depending on your comfort level, the Boise River can be as treacherous or relaxed a ride as you want it to be. People of all ages raft it, young and old (though I myself start getting nervous when I see children under the age of six enter a boat). For the most part it’s easy going. The rapids are small at their most treacherous, and though it’s a slight upgrade from your average water park lazy river, its nothing to be alarmed by, mostly just cold splashes as you hit a bumpy stretch of water. One must keep on the look out for low hanging branches! Many an abandoned deflated raft can be viewed tangled among these unfriendly wooded arms. Likewise look out for shallow water that can give an unpleasant bump to one’s bottom if not paying close attention.

The river is a nice place to relax and enjoy nature. On our way down we saw a mother duck with her tiny babies swimming along side us. We also had a chance to chat with fellow floaters we bumped into by accident (a common but friendly occurrence). As usual, when we neared the bridges that span the Boise River it was time to get drenched by the local teenagers that hang out waiting to splash innocent dry floaters with surprise cannonballs into the water. There are rest stops on the river and places to stop and enjoy a beach for a while along the six mile stretch. Then it’s back to Ann Morrison to disembark, dry off and deflate, or return rentals. This is a great activity for anyone to beat the heat.

To get to Barber Park take East Warm Springs road southeast until you arrive at South Eckert road. Take a right at Eckert road and drive until you reach the entrance to Barber Park, or avoid the cost of parking at Barber and drive to Ann Morrison. To get to Ann Morrison, drive southwest on South Americana Boulevard until you reach the entrance to Ann Morrison park which should be on your left just over the Boise River. Take a left at the first fork at the entrance to the park to find the lot nearest to where the buses park.