U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) scientists conducted field data collection efforts during the week of September 25 – 29, 2017, using a combination of conventional surveying technologies, for a large stretch of the Kootenai River near Bonners Ferry, Idaho. The work was initiated as an effort to validate commercially acquired topobathymetric light detection and ranging (lidar) data. The goal was to compare the airborne lidar data to topographic and bathymetric data collected through more traditional means (e.g. waded Real-Time Kinematic Global Navigation Satellite System (RTK-GNSS) surveys). The validated topobathymetric lidar data will be used for hydrologic modeling, assessment and restoration of aquatic habitat, sediment transport modeling, and to assess inland bathymetry mapping capabilities for inclusion in the USGS National Geospatial Program (NGP) 3D Elevation Program (3DEP).