Oneida Narrows is a scenic stretch of the Bear River that has become southeastern Idaho's favorite summer float, where the river carves through a dramatic canyon north of Preston. With clear water, fun gentle rapids, towering canyon walls, and a relaxed, family-friendly vibe, it draws crowds of tubers, paddlers, and swimmers on hot summer days.

The star attraction is floating the Narrows. Below Oneida Dam, the Bear River offers a mellow mix of calm pools and easygoing Class I–II rapids that's perfect for inner tubes, kayaks, canoes, paddleboards, and small rafts — an ideal lazy-river adventure for families and first-timers. Local outfitters near the Highway 36 turnoff rent tubes and run shuttles, making it easy to set up a float without your own gear. There's currently no day-use fee to enjoy the Narrows.

Just upstream, Oneida Narrows Reservoir adds even more to do: it's open to the public for swimming, boating, and fishing, with a couple of boat ramps, a day-use picnic area, and first-come public campgrounds (Maple Grove and Redpoint) for those who want to stay the night — though they fill fast on summer weekends.

To get there, drive north from Preston on Highway 34 to Highway 36, head east about 3 miles, then turn north on Oneida Narrows Road and follow it to the reservoir and river. Summer is the season, when the water is warm and the canyon is alive with floaters; weekends get busy, so go early or midweek for a calmer trip. Wear a life jacket and footwear for the rocky riverbed, watch the current and flows (which change with dam releases), and pack out everything. For an easygoing canyon float, Oneida Narrows is hard to beat.