The Boise River Greenbelt

Perhaps my favorite and most familiar activity yet out of this blog series, the Boise Green Belt has been a huge part of our lives for the last 20 years. When Michael, Jonathan and I lived in Eagle, our home was right on the green belt - we could throw a rock in the river from our back porch. Whether we were riding our bikes, running, walking or tubing and kayaking alongside, the Green Belt is a versatile, beautiful and historic part of Boise’s history.

Since we have done just about everything there is to do on the Green Belt, this blog post is more of a story from my perspective. The Green Belt that Michael and I have fallen in love with over the last two decades. So, knowing that, let me paint a picture about how we were fortunate enough to experience it.

Just picture it - you step outside after a long day at work and take a seat on your back porch. You look out across your yard, a smooth expanse of green, flowers and waterfall bordered at the far end by a fence. Beyond the fence you can just see the black signature of a paved footpath with several feet of lush ground on either side. Trees stretch for the sky on the opposite side of the path, and their roots plunge into the banks of a rushing Boise river. Over the sounds of the water, you can hear the conversations of buoyant ducks and geese, the occasional chatter of a squirrel and the light and relaxing music you have playing in the background. As you continue to rest on your porch, neighbors pass by on the trail. You wave cheerfully and even greet some that you recognize. Some run, some bike, and some walk their dogs. But all of them, including yourself, are enjoying the amenities of the Boise River Greenbelt.

Now that I have given you a glimpse into more than a decades worth of relaxing nights by the Green Belt for my family and I, let me tell you more about this amazing Treasure Valley resource. First of all, there are many Boise houses that border this twenty-two mile park. Contracted in 1964 by the city of Boise, the Greenbelt is the result of a grassroots effort to both recover the health of the Boise River, which at the time was in terrible shape, and to improve Boise communities. Both of these endeavours were quite successful. As a result of the Greenbelt, the Boise River is one of the healthiest intra-city rivers in the nation. It is now possible to fish in the heart of downtown Boise and eat the fish you caught without worrying about chemical poisoning. Riverfront property along this trail also contributes to a strong sense of community, and if you would rather not be so close to the river there are numerous Boise houses with easy access to the trail. 

The Greenbelt is massive and stretches from Lucky Peak Reservoir to Meridian, with entry and exit spots close to Boise houses in neighborhoods, downtown, and on major roadways throughout the city. This characteristic makes the Greenbelt a city-wide pride and joy. Outdoor enthusiasts can ride the route up to Lucky Peak and enjoy one of the smaller trails up the canyon. The Greenbelt provides safe, accessible, cleansing recreation for people of all ages, and with marked miles you always know how far from home you have strayed.

Practical Uses:

With so many in the nation becoming more environmentally conscious these days, people are taking to biking and walking as better alternatives to driving, and rising gas prices make us all more aware of how much we're driving as well. If you are one of these types of personalities, Boise houses on or near the Greenbelt are an excellent option. Not only would you support the institution of the Greenbelt, but you would also have access to an excellent route for alternative transportation. Walking and biking on the Greenbelt is much less stressful than on normal roads, where cars pass within feet of you. And since the Greenbelt connects so much of the city, access to your workplace is likely a given. While searching for your home, consider the Boise houses on or near the Greenbelt. It was a decision that made my family's lifestyle and overall Boise experience unforgettable, and we are so thankful that we had the opportunity to live there, so that’s why it makes the list of Boyle's Boise: 52 things to do and see. The atmosphere and convenience of this beautiful, if a bit unusual park makes it a great place for homeowners of any background. But you're in luck if your neighborhood of choice doesn't border the Greenbelt, you'll still be able to reap the benefits of our beautiful, easy-to-access city wonder.

About Me:

I have been living in Idaho for nearly my entire life, and the Treasure Valley has been my home for more than 30 years. In addition to constantly exploring the city and its activities, I am also very involved in the Treasure Valley’s philanthropy scene and have been working in the Mortgage industry as a Loan Officer for more than 35 years now. Additionally, my husband Michael had a 20+ year career in Real Estate. So, if you are new to the area and looking to lay down some roots for your family, get involved with some great causes, connect with like-minded people or just explore all that Boise has to offer – please don’t hesitate to let me know!