South Bates River Access
(aka “Nickerson Bridge” / “Teton Creek”)
The section from here all the way to Bates Bridge is wide, calm, and has slower moving water than the section from Bates-Rainey. This is a popular paddleboarding stretch, and it’s perfect for beginners, novice paddlers, or families with children who want to paddle for less than 2 hours.
You’re too far south for that classic view of the Tetons, but are instead treated to wide open views of the Big Hole Mountains and the Snake River Range, and keep your eyes peeled for birds of prey, moose, muskrats, and otters!
Distance to:
Bates: 3.5 miles (2 hours)
Rainey: 8 miles (4 hours)
Packsaddle 11.5 miles (6-7 hours)
Harrops Bridge: 17 miles (ALL DAY)
Directions:
From the intersection in Driggs, travel west on Bates Road for 4.4 miles. You’ll cross over the river and pass Bates Bridge River Access, which will be on your right. After crossing the river, bear left onto S 5000 W and travel south for 2.1 miles. Your next turn will be a left on to South Bates Road (keep your eyes peeled—it’s easy to pass), and you’ll then travel for 1.8 miles until the road makes a turn to the left and you see the river access and parking.
*Note that Google Maps / GPS will send you on a shorter route from town, but this road can be rougher, dirt, potholed, and it’s only two minutes longer to take the way mentioned above.
Boat Ramp: Yes
Restrooms: Yes
Parking Lot: Small
Crowd Factor: Moderate-Heavy (Weekends and mornings tend to be the busiest)
