Cache Bridge
(aka “Packsaddle”)
The Cache Bridge river access (also known as “Packsaddle”) is the takeout spot for our 8-mile Teton River paddleboard rentals.
It has a very small parking area that can fill up early on busy summer weekends. On most, days, however, there’s enough room to park, and this this is the preferred takeout for boaters who have started from either Bates Bridge or Rainey.
The section of river between Rainey and Cache Bridge is narrow, shallow, and not very busy. It offers four peak views looking up at Grand Teton, and after passing some pilings at Rightaway Road (also known as Horseshoe Bridge, which is technically a takeout, but access is rough), the river splits into two different channels:
Go right and get the best views of the mountains; go left for deeper water. Toward the end of summer, when river levels are low, going right isn’t even an option.
The section is also popular choice for quick, end-of-the-day float, since it’s the shortest stretch between two main access points (Rainey to here is only 3.7 miles), and there’s a pretty good chance you’ll encounter a moose come crashing out of the willows at sunset.
This is also the put-in for 6.5-mile float that leads north to Harrops Bridge. Not many people paddle this section (so it’s a great place to escape the crowds), and the landscape changes from ranch land to bluffs as you head north out of Teton Valley. It’s VERY IMPORTANT that you take out at Harrop’s Bridge, since the section downstream into Teton Canyon is for EXPERT BOATERS ONLY.
Distance To:
South Bates: 17 miles (ALL DAY)
Bates: 8 miles (3-4 hours)
Rainey: 3.7 miles (1.5-2 hours)
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Harrops Bridge: 6.3 miles (3.5-4 hours)
Directions
From the stoplight in Driggs, travel 4 miles north on Highway 33 before making a left onto W 4000 N (follow the signs for Packsaddle Lake). Follow this road west for 5 miles until you cross the Teton River; the parking lot will be on your left.
To shuttle a vehicle up to Rainey or Bates Bridge, turn left out of the parking lot and travel a few hundred yards before making a left on to N 5750 W. Bear right at the fork with Old Rightaway Road, and then turn left onto N 6000 W. It’s a 7 minute shuttle from Packsaddle to Rainey, and a 12 minute shuttle from Packsaddle to Bates.
Boat Ramp: Yes
Restrooms: Yes
Parking Lot: Small
Crowd Factor: Light-Moderate
