Bates Bridge River Access
(aka “Buxton River Park”)
This is the most popular put-in on the Teton River—and consequently the most crowded. Considering it’s so close to downtown Driggs, Bates Bridge is the preferred launching point for our Teton River paddleboard rentals, as well kayaks, canoes, and drift boats.
Weekends can be packed, but on weekdays the crowds are relatively spaced out and you’re often paddling with no one else around you.
The 4.5 mile stretch from here to Rainey (“Big Eddy”) is the most heavily-trafficked stretch of river—but it also provides those classic views looking all the way up to Grand Teton. Th river starts to get narrow and shallower, and it becomes braided at points with many twists and turns.
All routes eventually re-connect downstream, but the ones to the left tend to be a little bit wider, and have deeper, faster-moving water. Since you’re forced to choose between going right and left, it’s easy for groups to become separated from each other if they go different directions at the fork.
Stay within eyesight when paddling as a group, or wait for the rest of your crew to catch up to ensure you go the same way. This is also a great area for spotting moose—especially in the final half mile of the paddle before the Rainey boat ramp (“Big Eddy”).
Planning on paddling the Teton River from Bates? Check out our blog post on Teton River Etiquette to be a good steward of the river!
Distance to:
South Bates: 3.5 miles (2 hours)
<—>
Rainey: 4.5 miles (2-3 hours)
Packsaddle: 8 miles (3-4 hours)
Harrops Bridge: 14.5 miles (7-8 hours)
Directions:
From the intersection in Driggs, travel west on Bates Road for 4.4 miles until you see a large parking lot and river access on your right.
Boat Ramp: Yes
Restrooms: Yes
Parking Lot: Large
Crowd Factor: Heavy on weekends, moderate on weekdays.
