The Boise River Brings Fun to Idaho's Capitol
Visit a Unique Urban Greenbelt in the Pacific Northwest, USA
One of the most unique and endearing features of Boise, Idaho is the Boise River, which flows through the heart of the city. The river provides recreation for residents and visitors to the area, as well habitat for a wide variety of wildlife.
The Boise Green Belt
The Boise Green Belt, a mostly paved pathway for bicyclists, walkers, and runners, stretches along the river from Garden City to Lucky Peak Reservoir. The Green Belt is currently 26 miles long, linking more than 850 acres of parks and natural areas. Miles of pathways shaded by towering cottonwood trees and foliage lie within a stone’s throw of the beautiful river.
The Green Belt passes by many interesting and entertaining places, including the Idaho Shakespeare Festival, Boise State University, the Morrison Center, and the Boise Zoo, as well as restaurants, bike rentals, and paddle boat rentals at the Julia Davis Park pond.
Thousands Float the Boise River Each Year
Thousands of people float the Boise River each year during warm weather. The best starting place is Barber Park, where rafts and tubes can be rented through Epley’s Boise River Rentals. Floaters drift six miles to Ann Morrison Park, which usually takes about one and one half hours, where they disembark on a sandy bank at the south side of the river. Shuttle buses costing $2.00 per person are available for transportation back to the starting point at Barber Park. Buses run every hour on the hour from 1:00 P.M. to 9:00 P.M. on weekends and 1:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. on weekdays (no pets allowed).
The Boise Parks and Recreation Department has established several rest areas along the floating route. Permanent rest rooms are available at Julia Davis and Ann Morrison Parks, and a porta-potty has been placed at River Quarry. Signs point the way 100 yards before each rest stop, giving floaters plenty of time to disembark.
Fishing in the City of Boise
On Capitol Boulevard, near the bridge that lies south of the State Capitol Building, passersby may see fly fishermen in rubber boots standing in the shallows of the river, or anglers casting their lines from the riverbank. According to Idaho Anglers, rainbow trout, brown trout, and whitefish can be caught in the Boise River. “Popular areas include Barber Park, the University stretch between Broadway and Capitol Boulevards, and Eagle Island.” Anglers should get an early start in summer if they want to avoid the deluge of boats and inner tubes that usually come as the days get warmer.
Visitors Enjoy Natural Beauty and Abundant Wildlife
Picnic tables and benches are maintained all along the Green Belt. One can experience the park-like atmosphere of the inner-city or find solitude in less traveled areas outside the city. Visitors to the river may enjoy viewing some of the wildlife that inhabits the area, including bald eagles, beavers, minks, squirrels, songbirds, painted turtles, wild geese, ducks, and blue herons.
A Natural Treasure in the Heart of a Capitol City
The Boise River is a unique and beautiful treasure. Visitors to the river and the Boise Green Belt will encounter friendly people, abundant wildlife, and countless recreational opportunities, all within the bounds of a thriving capitol city.
Green Belt Bridge Near the Boise Connector
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View of the Boise River From the Greenbelt
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