Floating the Teton River: The Complete Guide to One of Teton Valley's Best Summer Adventures
There are few better ways to spend a warm summer afternoon in Teton Valley than floating the Teton River. The water moves at a relaxed pace through open ranchlands, wetlands, and cottonwood groves, with the Teton Range filling the eastern skyline.
Along the way you might spot moose feeding along the banks, osprey diving for trout, great blue herons, sandhill cranes, bald eagles, or even an occasional river otter.
Whether you're paddling a kayak, relaxing on a paddleboard, or floating in an inflatable canoe, the Upper Teton River offers one of the most scenic and family-friendly river experiences in the Rocky Mountains.
Is the Teton River difficult?
For most visitors, the answer is no.
The popular Upper Teton River between Driggs and Tetonia is slow-moving with gentle current and very little whitewater. It's ideal for:
- First-time paddleboarders
- Families with older children
- Kayakers
- Canoes
- Inflatable kayaks
- Relaxing afternoon floats
The river is shallow in many places, but you should always wear a life jacket. Water temperatures stay cold throughout the summer, even on hot days.
Best Floating Sections
South Bates Bridge → Bates Bridge
Distance: 3.5-4 miles
Float Time: About 2 hours
Best For: First-time paddlers and families
This is the widest and calmest section of the river. The current is gentle and there are very few obstacles, making it perfect for beginners learning to paddle a SUP or kayak.
Bates Bridge → Rainey (Big Eddy)
Distance: 4-4.5 miles
Float Time: 2-3 hours
Best For: Everyone
This is the classic Teton River float and the section most locals recommend.
You'll paddle through winding channels with incredible views of the Tetons while weaving between willows and wetlands. This stretch offers some of the best opportunities to see moose standing in the river during July and August.
Rainey → Cache (Packsaddle)
Distance: About 4 miles
Float Time: 2 hours
Best For: Guests wanting fewer crowds
This stretch sees significantly fewer floaters while offering equally beautiful scenery. The river opens up a bit and feels more remote as it winds through ranch country.
South Bates → Cache
Distance: About 12 miles
Float Time: 6-8 hours
Best For: Full-day adventures
Bring lunch, plenty of water, and make a day of it. This float covers nearly the entire recreational section of the Upper Teton River.
Where to Rent Equipment
If you're visiting without your own paddleboard or kayak, several excellent local outfitters make the process incredibly easy.
The most popular option is Teton River Supply in downtown Driggs. They offer inflatable kayaks, paddleboards, coolers, life jackets, and shuttle service between river access points. They can usually have you on the water within minutes. (Teton River Supply)
Other great local options include:
- Peaked Sports (Driggs) — paddleboard and kayak rentals (Peaked Sports)
- Paddleboard Driggs (Wai Mauna) — rentals and custom shuttles (Paddleboard Driggs)
Shuttle Services
Since the river only flows one direction, you'll either need two vehicles or a shuttle.
Several local companies provide shuttle service, including:
- Teton River Supply (Teton River Supply)
- Teton River Shuttle
- Paddleboard Driggs (Wai Mauna) (Paddleboard Driggs)
Using a shuttle lets you spend more time on the water and less time driving cars back and forth.
What to Bring
A successful float is all about packing light but smart.
We recommend bringing:
- Life jacket (required and strongly encouraged)
- Plenty of drinking water
- Sunscreen
- Hat
- Sunglasses with a strap
- Waterproof phone case
- Dry bag
- Snacks or picnic lunch
- Water shoes or sandals
- Lightweight towel
- Camera or GoPro
If you're spending several hours on the river, a small soft cooler is worth bringing.
Wildlife You'll See
One of the biggest reasons people love floating the Teton River is the wildlife.
Keep your eyes open for:
- Moose
- Great blue herons
- Osprey
- Bald eagles
- Sandhill cranes
- Beavers
- River otters
- Trumpeter swans
- Cutthroat trout beneath your boat
Remember to admire wildlife from a distance and never approach animals on shore or in the water.
River Etiquette
Much of the land bordering the Teton River is private property.
Please help preserve this incredible resource by:
- Only launching and exiting at public access points.
- Never stopping on private riverbanks.
- Packing out every piece of trash.
- Giving anglers plenty of space.
- Keeping noise levels respectful.
- Leaving wildlife undisturbed.
Best Time to Float
The floating season typically runs from late June through early September.
July and August offer warm afternoons, comfortable water levels, and excellent wildlife viewing. Morning floats are usually quieter, while evening floats often provide beautiful light on the Tetons and cooler temperatures.
A Local Tip
If it's your first time on the Teton River, choose the Bates Bridge to Rainey (Big Eddy) section.
It's the perfect introduction to floating in Teton Valley. You'll enjoy incredible mountain views, gentle current, and some of the best opportunities anywhere in the valley to see a moose standing in the river.
It's one of those experiences that visitors remember long after they've returned home.
