Lakes & Rivers in Boise, ID

The Boise River winds through the heart of the Treasure Valley, offering both a scenic backdrop and endless opportunities for outdoor recreation just minutes from downtown Boise. Lined with the iconic Boise River Greenbelt, a 25-mile paved pathway, the river is a favorite spot for cycling, running, and leisurely walks shaded by cottonwoods.

In the summer, floating the Boise River on rafts, kayaks, or tubes is a local tradition, while anglers cast for trout and smallmouth bass year-round. Wildlife enthusiasts enjoy spotting deer, herons, and bald eagles along its banks, adding to the river’s natural charm. With easy access points from downtown and nearby neighborhoods, the Boise River blends city convenience with a true mountain-town outdoor lifestyle.

Arrowrock Reservoir, set in the Boise National Forest about 25 miles east of downtown Boise, is a peaceful mountain escape that offers a wide range of outdoor recreation. Popular for boating, kayaking, and paddleboarding, the reservoir also attracts anglers seeking trout, kokanee salmon, and smallmouth bass. Its rugged shoreline and surrounding pine-covered hills create a picturesque setting for camping, picnicking, and wildlife viewing, with deer, osprey, and eagles frequently spotted in the area.

Close enough for a day trip yet far enough to feel remote, Arrowrock Reservoir combines alpine beauty with easy access from Boise.

Esther Simplot Pond, part of the Esther Simplot Park just west of downtown Boise, is a serene urban oasis that combines natural beauty with easy access to the city. The 23-acre pond is perfect for paddleboarding, kayaking, and swimming during warm months, while anglers enjoy casting for bass and trout from its shores.

Walking paths and sandy beach areas make it a family-friendly destination, and its connection to the Boise River Greenbelt provides seamless access for cyclists, runners, and pedestrians exploring the city’s outdoor network. With mountain views in the distance and downtown only minutes away, Esther Simplot Pond offers the best of Boise’s outdoor lifestyle in a relaxed, community-centered setting.

The Payette River, just 45 minutes north of Boise, is one of Idaho’s premier destinations for whitewater and outdoor recreation. Known nationally for its thrilling rapids, the Main, North, and South Forks of the river each offer something different—from family-friendly tubing and mellow Class II runs near Horseshoe Bend to adrenaline-pumping Class IV rapids in the South Fork canyon.

Beyond rafting and kayaking, the Payette is popular with anglers chasing trout and smallmouth bass, as well as hikers and hot spring seekers exploring the scenic Highway 55 corridor. With its combination of adventure, mountain scenery, and close proximity to the city, the Payette River is a quintessential part of Boise’s outdoor lifestyle.

The Snake River, about an hour west of Boise, is one of the region’s most iconic waterways and a hub for outdoor adventure. Flowing along the Idaho–Oregon border, the river offers a wide variety of recreation, from boating and paddleboarding to fishing for sturgeon, smallmouth bass, and catfish. Popular access points like Swan Falls Dam and Celebration Park combine natural beauty with cultural history—think riverside trails, raptor watching, and 12,000-year-old petroglyphs etched into basalt rock.

With its broad waters, dramatic canyon views, and year-round opportunities for both relaxation and exploration, the Snake River provides a distinctly wild counterpoint to the city lifestyle, all within a short drive of Boise.