Teton river
Lower Canyon
| Difficulty | III+(IV) |
| Length | 6.1 mi |
| Avg Gradient | n/a |
| Reach Info Last Updated | May 15, 2024 |
River Description
Below the Felt Dam and Powerhouse is one class IV rapid that can be portaged near the mouth of Badger Creek, followed by a delightful series of five big water class III rapids reminiscent of the New River Gorge in West Virginia. The scenery and fishing in this reach are outstanding, and the run transports paddlers into a canyon that was briefly inundated beneath the reservoir of the ill-fated Teton Dam. Paddlers can still see the effects of the reservoir failure in hillside slumps which reportedly created the 5 big rapids and pools that define the canyon, but the canyon otherwise offers unbroken solitude and natural scenery.
Some paddlers enter this reach via the Class IV+ Bitch Creek, with flows in from river right. You can also hike down the access road to the Felt Hydro Project from the parking area on the rim and launch, and some rafters lower their rafts down from the canyon rim downstream in what looks like a harrowing ordeal.
River Features
Felt Powerhouse Put In
Hike in from the rim, and put in below the powerhouse.
Spring Hollow Take Out
Note the old boat ramp high and dry where the reservoir shore once was located.
Trip Reports
Log in to add a reportChris and Curtis and I paddled the Lower Teton as a paddle-out after Bitch Creek. The Teton was a blast, with big wave trains and pretty scenery.