Ada County Parks & Waterways

The wait is over! Float the Boise is back for 2026.

Ada County Parks & Waterways, Boise Parks and Recreation and Boise Fire Department are excited to announce that the official 2026 Boise River float season begins Saturday, June 20.

After weeks of monitoring river conditions and preparing the float route, crews are wrapping up final safety and hazard mitigation efforts in anticipation of opening weekend. Rentals and shuttle service will begin regular operations on Saturday.

Before you hit the water:
🛟 Wear a life jacket (required for children 14 and under)
🚫 Never tie rafts or tubes together
🛶 Bring a paddle to help navigate obstacles
🗑️ Pack out what you pack in

Remember, the Boise River is a natural waterway with changing conditions and inherent risks. Make safety your top priority and help keep this summer tradition safe and enjoyable for everyone.

Ready to float? Visit floattheboise.org for river conditions, shuttle information, rentals, maps, and safety resources.

☀️ Be Safe. Have Fun. Float the Boise.

Ada County Parks & Waterways offices will be closed on June 19th in recognition of the Juneteenth holiday. Our Parks, Open Spaces, and Trails will remain open!

Friday, June 19, is a federal holiday recognizing Juneteenth.
What is Juneteenth? While the Emancipation Proclamation of January 1, 1863, freed all enslaved people in the Confederate states, communities in Galveston, Texas, did not receive that information until June 19, 1865, when Union troops arrived to announce the Civil War had ended and that all enslaved people were free.

Making news and making an impact. Thanks to our Parks & Waterways team!

Lucky Peak dock back in service after someone drove a truck onto it Lucky Peak Reservoir is a hub for outdoor recreation with about 100 public docks spread across the lake. Last week, the dock at Turner Gulch was damaged after someone tried to drive a truck onto it.

When something needs attention on the water, our team is ready to respond. 🛥️🛠️
After a vehicle drove onto and damaged the dock at Turner Gulch, the Ada County Parks & Waterways team responded quickly, the damaged dock was repaired and is back in service this morning.
A huge thank you to our crew, who are out on Lucky Peak during the boating season keeping the docks safe, functional, and ready for the public to enjoy. We appreciate their hard work and quick action in getting this repair completed!

Take a Hike! (Respectfully)
Tomorrow is and a great reason to check out some of Ada Counties Open Space & Trails areas:
- Oregon Trail Recreation Area – near Hwy 21 in East Boise
- Hubbard Reservoir – near Deer Flat Rd and Hwy 69 by Kuna
- Ada-Eagle Bike Park – near Floating Feather and Hwy 55 in Eagle
- Seamans Gulch Trails – off Seamans Gulch Rd in Northwest Boise
- Victory Wetlands – near Victory Rd and Five-Mile Rd

For more information, check out the Ada County Open Space & Trails web page https://adacounty.id.gov/parksandw.../open-space-and-trails/ or Ridge to Rivers interactive map https://www.ridgetorivers.org/trails/interactive-map/

Go discover some local trails!

Join us tomorrow at Seamans Gulch Trailhead!

A great resource and education opportunity hosted by one of our fellow county departments!

Preparedness Fair 2026 – Boise

Looking for simple, practical ways to better protect your home and family? Join us at the Preparedness Fair 2026 at the Idaho Firewise Garden!

📅 Saturday, May 16
🕙 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
📍 Old Penitentiary Rd., Boise

This free community event is a great opportunity to learn how to reduce your wildfire risk and become more prepared before fire season ramps up. You’ll be able to connect directly with local experts and organizations, including emergency management, fire professionals, utilities, and community partners.

✔️ Learn how to better protect your home from wildfire
✔️ Get hands-on tips you can actually use
✔️ Talk with local agencies and ask your questions
✔️ Pick up resources and educational materials

Whether you live near the foothills or anywhere in the Treasure Valley, this event will give you real, practical steps to stay safer and more prepared.

Bring your family, invite a neighbor, and come spend a few hours getting ready for the season ahead.

👉 More info: www.idahofirewise.org

🌞 ATTENTION GREENBELT USERS 🌞
Great news! The Barber Park Greenbelt Pathway project has been completed ahead of schedule, under budget, and is now open to the public just in time for this sunny weekend!
This improvement included milling and replacing 3,200 linear feet of old, cracked asphalt with a wider, safer, and smoother pathway with fresh centerline striping. We’ve also added two new concrete connections linking the Greenbelt directly to the Barber Park Playground for easier access.
Thank you for your patience during construction. We’re excited for everyone to get out and enjoy the upgraded pathway!

Boise River Greenbelt Ada County Ada County Commissioners

🌎💚 Celebrate Earth Day with us as we take a moment to enjoy the simple moments and small things in nature that make our parks feel so special!

Take a moment to appreciate your outdoor spaces and remember these tips…

🗑️ Pick Up After Yourself: Pack it in, pack it out. Dispose of trash properly and if you safely can, pick up litter along the way.
🌳 Stay on Trails: Help protect plants and wildlife by sticking to designated paths.
🦆 Respect Wildlife: Observe animals from a distance and never feed them.

Thanks for doing your part to keep our parks clean, safe, and beautiful!