The River at The Heart of Teton Valley

The Teton River has long maintained its status as the quiet underdog to the bustling Snake River. Stretching from the western foothills of the Teton Mountain Range all the way to Rexburg, Idaho, the Teton winds over 80 miles, producing essential fish and wildlife habitat for hundreds of species. The Teton is an excellent spot for a quiet paddle or a day of fly fishing, and has gained momentum in recent years as a focal point for watershed discussion, environmental advocacy, and recreation.

Users can expect a gently paced float (though not without risks) through farm fields and quiet neighborhoods with the occasional moose sighting. Every trip out on the Teton is unique as the river's banks change and erode, either due to time or recreation. While deep in some places, historically problematic sediment has built up along the river bottom in others, which requires help from one local conservation organization.

“Our stream and our streambank work is kind of ongoing” says Will Stubblefield, Senior Director of Programs at Friends of the Teton River (FTR), the chief conservation organization protecting the Teton River and its watershed. FTR was originally founded in the early 2000’s to combat the collapse of the Yellowstone Cutthroat Trout fish population, one of fourteen documented fish species still present in the Teton River. Since then, it has grown into a 9-person strong, nationally recognized conservation organization whose purpose is to “protect and conserve the river, with clean water, healthy streams and a thriving wild fishery in the Teton River watershed” says Will. 

Thousands of users frequent the Teton River from May through September, navigating through restored streambanks, tall grasses, and monitored fish populations. Only a small number of guide services exist to service the Teton River, making it an almost entirely do-it-yourself experience. Many recreators use the time on the river to chat, fish, and take in the miles of views of the Teton mountains. Multiple shuttle points along the river dictate how long a user’s journey may be, as recreators make their way via canoe, SUP’s, kayaks, fishing boats, and inner tubes. 

Popular shuttle points include Bates Bridge, the site of one of FTR’s restoration projects that was finalized this spring. “People don’t always know that we have been in there, because if we have done the work well, then over time, it turns out to look just like a natural streambank. For the first ten to fifteen minutes of your float, these are all stream banks that have been restored with native willows and bioengineering techniques”, says Will. The necessary measures to keep the river and its tributaries healthy are continuous, often accompanied by environmental factors starting all the way in the alpine environment. 

“The one thing I think is so special about the Teton River is that if you stand in the middle of the Teton Valley, you can look around you and know the source of that water. Our water is coming directly from the mountains that are surrounding our valley and it’s coming up and down the stream and bubbling up through springs,” says Will. This observation is thought-provoking and leaves us with a sense of wonder; how fortunate we are to have such an exceptional ecosystem at our fingertips. 

Recreation on the Teton River is usually good from May through September, though weather patterns are ever changing. Every trip out on the Teton River is unique, as the river banks change and erode, though it’s an exceptional experience every time.

Get Out on the Teton River

There are plenty of ways to enjoy the Teton, whether you’ve got years of experience and all of your own gear, or are just visiting and need to rent some for the day.

Wai Mauna Paddleboard Rentals in Driggs offers both paddleboard and kayak rentals, as well as shuttle services, making it a piece of cake to spend an afternoon or a whole day on the river. paddleboarddriggs.com | 208-797-0810

Teton River Supply offers a diversity of options for your river-going adventure. From rafts and paddleboards to kayaks and canoes, they’ve got whichever craft fits the bill. tetonriversupply.com | 208-534-8784

Basin Shuttle is an easy way to make sure that your vehicle is waiting for you when you’re done with your float. Driftboat, raft, kayak, or anything else — it’s the ideal way to spend more time on the water, less with the hassle of moving cars. basinshuttle.com | 208-201-4836

Three Rivers Ranch Outfitters in downtown Driggs is a must-stop if trying out fly-fishing is on your adventure to-do list. Rent (or buy) rods, reels, waders, and anything else you need to land an iconic mountain trout. trroutfitters.com | 208-354-1200