Days
<1
Motors Allowed?
No
Difficulty
Easy / Class A
Distance
2.00 mi (3.22 km)
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Located just east of the Boise River Whitewater Park, the sister parks of Quinn’s Pond and Simplot Ponds bring limitless water recreation to the Boise area, from flatwater paddling to fishing, swimming and splashing. 

The southernmost and largest of the two ponds, Quinn’s Riverside Pond is 22 acres of flatwater with a sandy beach, a boat launch, and fishing docks.  A nearby boat retailer offers waterfront rentals and hosts stand-up paddleboard yoga classes and kayaking lessons during the summer months.

The recently unveiled Simplot Ponds brought with it 17 more acres of water, upgraded bathrooms, covered picnic areas, benches, playground, pathways and additional parking. Both ponds see heavy use during the summer. If you're looking for solitude, paddle to the northwest corner of the main Simplot Pond, and go under the footbridge to enjoy a peaceful secondary pond.

The ponds are deep, former gravel pits, and no lifeguards are on duty. Life jacket loaner stations in have PFDs in youth sizes. 

Logistics + Planning

Preferable season(s)

Spring
Summer
Fall

Congestion

Moderate

Parking Pass

Not Required

Pros

Spectacular flatwater in downtown Boise.

Cons

Congestion during summer. Questionable water quality.

Features

Fishing
Picnic tables
Covered picnic areas
Bird watching
Wildlife

Site characteristics: Water

Lake

Portage required

No

Location

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