Things to Do at Boise River Greenbelt

Complete Guide to Boise River Greenbelt in Boise

About Boise River Greenbelt

Stretching 25 miles along the Boise River through the heart of Idaho's capital, the Boise River Greenbelt offers paved pathways connecting 850 acres of parks where families bike past cottonwood groves and anglers cast lines into waters that sparkle with reflected mountain peaks. Bike rentals from Boise GreenBike stations cost $8 per day with payment accepted via app or credit card, while popular fishing spots near Barber Park require an Idaho fishing license ($25.50 for non-residents) and produce rainbow trout averaging 12-16 inches during peak season from April through October. The greenbelt's Quinn's Pond section features a constructed wetland where great blue herons wade through cattails while red-winged blackbirds call from swaying reed beds, creating a peaceful soundtrack enhanced by distant mountain views and the gentle murmur of flowing water. Visit during early morning hours (6:30-8:30 AM) when mist rises from the river and wildlife activity peaks, though bring layers as temperatures can vary significantly between shaded riverside sections and sunny open meadows along this treasured urban corridor.

What to See & Do

Julia Davis Park Section

The most popular stretch that passes by the Idaho Botanical Garden, Boise Art Museum, and Zoo Boise - you'll likely encounter more families and tourists here, but for good reason

Downtown River Walk

Where the urban landscape meets the water - great for people-watching and grabbing coffee at one of the nearby cafes before continuing your journey

Barber Park Area

The eastern terminus where you can rent tubes and kayaks, or just enjoy the more natural, less developed feel as the city starts to fade away

Quinn's Pond

A popular swimming and fishing spot that tends to get busy on summer weekends, but offers a nice break from the main path with its small beach area

Boise River Wildlife

Keep an eye out for great blue herons, osprey, and if you're lucky, river otters - the wildlife viewing is surprisingly good for being so close to downtown

Practical Information

Opening Hours

Open 24/7 year-round, though it's most enjoyable during daylight hours for safety and wildlife viewing

Tickets & Pricing

Completely free to access - no permits or fees required for walking, jogging, or cycling

Best Time to Visit

Late spring through early fall offers the best weather, though winter walks can be surprisingly pleasant on clear days. Early morning or late afternoon tend to be less crowded

Suggested Duration

Anywhere from 1 hour for a short section to a full day if you're tackling significant portions - most people spend 2-3 hours exploring

Getting There

The Greenbelt has dozens of access points throughout Boise, which means you'll likely find parking within a few blocks of your hotel. Most popular spots are Julia Davis Park downtown, Barber Park on the east side, and various neighborhood parks along the route. Easy enough. Downtown visitors can walk to multiple access points without breaking a sweat. Street parking works at most trailheads, and several parks offer dedicated lots-though they fill up fast on weekends. The path connects to public transit at various points. Most people just drive or walk to an access point anyway.

Things to Do Nearby

Idaho Botanical Garden
Beautiful themed gardens right along the Greenbelt - you can easily combine a garden visit with your walk

Boise Art Museum
Contemporary art museum in Julia Davis Park that's worth a stop if you're exploring that section of the path

Zoo Boise
Small but well-designed zoo that's particularly good if you're traveling with kids - also located in Julia Davis Park

Discovery Center of Idaho
Hands-on science museum that's another Julia Davis Park neighbor, making this area a natural cluster for families

Camel's Back Park
While not directly on the Greenbelt, it's a short detour that offers hiking trails and some of the best city views in Boise

Tips & Advice

Bring water, especially in summer - there are drinking fountains along the way, but they're not as frequent as you might hope

The path can get crowded on weekends and nice evenings, so consider timing your visit accordingly if you prefer a quieter experience

Cyclists are supposed to announce themselves when passing, but not everyone does - stay aware of your surroundings

Download a Greenbelt map or use a trail app, as some sections can be confusing where the path splits or connects to neighborhood streets