Being that the Gem State is a landlocked state, floating down the nearest lazy river in Idaho in order to cool off from the summer heat is a classic summer activity for Idahoans. Luckily, the state has an abundance of rivers perfect for passing those long summer days. It’s impossible to list all of them, but we’ve compiled the best Idaho tubing destinations for you.
- Coeur d’Alene River
Rick McCharles/Flickr Whitewater rafters are familiar with the Coeur d’Alene, but it also doubles as a great tubing river once the whitewater season is over. The scenery along the river is incredible, making this river a popular spot for summer activity! And, once you’ve floated on your own, how about a scenic boat ride? You can take a six-hour scenic boat cruise that will take you the entire length of the Coeur d’Alene Lake. Coeur d’Alene River, Idaho, USA
- The Warm Slough
Juan Pablo Gonzalez/Flickr The Warm Slough in Rexburg is the ideal lazy river in Idaho! Just as the name implies, the warm water is perfect for floating without the worry of shocking your system if (or when) you fall in. Its slow current makes for a perfect carefree and lazy float. Warm Slough, Idaho 83440, USA
- Portneuf River in Lava Hot Springs, Idaho
Jordan Hipwell/Flickr The Portneuf got international acclaim as one of the best rivers to float by USA Today, making this river an even more attractive Idaho tubing destination. The Portneuf’s quick current is full of rapids and is ideal for floaters seeking a bit of a rush! Portneuf River, Idaho 83210, USA
- The Boise River
Gary O. Grimm/Flickr The Boise River is arguably the river Idahoans think of first when it comes to floating and tubing. Flowing through the heart of downtown Boise, this river is easily accessible and perfect for bringing the whole family to. If you don’t want to spend all of your time in the water, you can also spend the day walking along the Boise River Greenbelt, which is a 25-mile paved path that takes you right along this gorgeous river. Boise River, Idaho, USA
- Middle Fork of the Salmon River
John Lillis/Flickr This river is a must for thrill-seekers. With over 300 named rapids, the Middle Fork is sure to get some adrenaline pumping while you float! If you want to venture down some of the more rough waters on this river, consider working with outdoor adventure guides and tours. Salmon River, Idaho, USA
What are some of your favorite rivers for tubing in Idaho? Have you been on any of the above rivers or do you have a favorite lazy river? Let us know in the comments!
Rick McCharles/Flickr
Whitewater rafters are familiar with the Coeur d’Alene, but it also doubles as a great tubing river once the whitewater season is over. The scenery along the river is incredible, making this river a popular spot for summer activity! And, once you’ve floated on your own, how about a scenic boat ride? You can take a six-hour scenic boat cruise that will take you the entire length of the Coeur d’Alene Lake.
Coeur d’Alene River, Idaho, USA
Juan Pablo Gonzalez/Flickr
The Warm Slough in Rexburg is the ideal lazy river in Idaho! Just as the name implies, the warm water is perfect for floating without the worry of shocking your system if (or when) you fall in. Its slow current makes for a perfect carefree and lazy float.
Warm Slough, Idaho 83440, USA
Jordan Hipwell/Flickr
The Portneuf got international acclaim as one of the best rivers to float by USA Today, making this river an even more attractive Idaho tubing destination. The Portneuf’s quick current is full of rapids and is ideal for floaters seeking a bit of a rush!
Portneuf River, Idaho 83210, USA
Gary O. Grimm/Flickr
The Boise River is arguably the river Idahoans think of first when it comes to floating and tubing. Flowing through the heart of downtown Boise, this river is easily accessible and perfect for bringing the whole family to. If you don’t want to spend all of your time in the water, you can also spend the day walking along the Boise River Greenbelt, which is a 25-mile paved path that takes you right along this gorgeous river.
Boise River, Idaho, USA
John Lillis/Flickr
This river is a must for thrill-seekers. With over 300 named rapids, the Middle Fork is sure to get some adrenaline pumping while you float! If you want to venture down some of the more rough waters on this river, consider working with outdoor adventure guides and tours.
Salmon River, Idaho, USA
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The OIYS Visitor Center
lazy rivers in Idaho May 16, 2022 Courtnie Erickson What are some of the best outdoor activities in Idaho during the summer? While the Gem State is truly a remarkable place to call home, during the summer months, the entire state turns into paradise. There are countless outdoor activities that are just waiting to be explored. While you can always enjoy tubing in Idaho down one of the incredible rivers, we suggest going for a hike. One of our favorite scenic hikes is a 2-mile one-way trail that takes you to Baker Lake. While the trail itself is gorgeous, the lake is breathtaking. This can be a bit of a challenging hike and you do have a bit of a climb ahead of you. However, this hidden lake in Idaho may become one of your favorite destinations in the Gem State. Where else can I enjoy tubing in Idaho? While the above Idaho lazy rivers certainly deserve your attention, one of our favorite places to enjoy tubing is at Mack’s Inn at Island Park. Here, you can rent rafts, kayaks, tubes, canoes, stand-up paddle boards, and more to float down the beautiful Henry’s Fork River. This float trip will take some time out of your day so make sure you are prepared for a day on the water. And, always keep your eyes open for wildlife — it isn’t uncommon to run into a moose or two in the river.
The OIYS Visitor Center
lazy rivers in Idaho
May 16, 2022
Courtnie Erickson
What are some of the best outdoor activities in Idaho during the summer? While the Gem State is truly a remarkable place to call home, during the summer months, the entire state turns into paradise. There are countless outdoor activities that are just waiting to be explored. While you can always enjoy tubing in Idaho down one of the incredible rivers, we suggest going for a hike. One of our favorite scenic hikes is a 2-mile one-way trail that takes you to Baker Lake. While the trail itself is gorgeous, the lake is breathtaking. This can be a bit of a challenging hike and you do have a bit of a climb ahead of you. However, this hidden lake in Idaho may become one of your favorite destinations in the Gem State. Where else can I enjoy tubing in Idaho? While the above Idaho lazy rivers certainly deserve your attention, one of our favorite places to enjoy tubing is at Mack’s Inn at Island Park. Here, you can rent rafts, kayaks, tubes, canoes, stand-up paddle boards, and more to float down the beautiful Henry’s Fork River. This float trip will take some time out of your day so make sure you are prepared for a day on the water. And, always keep your eyes open for wildlife — it isn’t uncommon to run into a moose or two in the river.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
While the Gem State is truly a remarkable place to call home, during the summer months, the entire state turns into paradise. There are countless outdoor activities that are just waiting to be explored. While you can always enjoy tubing in Idaho down one of the incredible rivers, we suggest going for a hike. One of our favorite scenic hikes is a 2-mile one-way trail that takes you to Baker Lake. While the trail itself is gorgeous, the lake is breathtaking. This can be a bit of a challenging hike and you do have a bit of a climb ahead of you. However, this hidden lake in Idaho may become one of your favorite destinations in the Gem State.
Where else can I enjoy tubing in Idaho?
While the above Idaho lazy rivers certainly deserve your attention, one of our favorite places to enjoy tubing is at Mack’s Inn at Island Park. Here, you can rent rafts, kayaks, tubes, canoes, stand-up paddle boards, and more to float down the beautiful Henry’s Fork River. This float trip will take some time out of your day so make sure you are prepared for a day on the water. And, always keep your eyes open for wildlife — it isn’t uncommon to run into a moose or two in the river.
