The Teton River is one of the more phenomenal natural resources in eastern Idaho. It’s a virtual playground and a great source of pride for local residents. But the reputation of this Rocky Mountain jewel, most notably in recent years, has grown to extend well beyond the borders of Idaho.
An exceedingly high number of visitors who visit this region, especially those with Teton Valley as their destination, take advantage of the unlimited recreational pleasures afforded by this 64- mile tributary of the famed Henry’s Fork River. It surely is becoming a major highlight for visitors who gravitate to the valley of the Tetons each and every summer.
Once known primarily among fishermen, in particular fly fisherman, this popular waterway now plays host to water sports enthusiasts of all ages as they flock to the Teton River with kayaks, paddle boards, canoes, inner tubes and rafts. To provide a much-needed service, particularly to out-of-towners, local vendors have sprouted up, making the process of both renting flotation devices and offering shuttles to and from the river hassle free.
The summer weather in Teton Valley is ideal for enjoying playtime on the river with average daytime temps hovering in the low 80’s.
Guests staying at Teton Springs Lodge & Spa, or in one of the deluxe mountain log homes that dot this magnificent landscape in the all-season Teton Springs Resort Community, can literally watch the headwaters of the Teton River flow from the resort’s clear bubbling waters.
There are many fun small to medium creeks to fish while you’re in the area. Bigger creeks like Darby Creek and Teton Creek flow from the west side of the Teton Mountains while Trail Creek generously seeps from the Caribou-Targhee National Forest which lies adjacent to Teton Springs Resort. They all converge to form the wondrous Teton River which snakes through the west side of Teton Valley, with the looming Grand Teton Mountains flanking the east side.
It would be challenging to find another river in the entire country with a more spectacular backdrop.
Guests at Teton Springs Lodge & Spa, in all seasons, will often begin or end their day with a visit to the Stillwater Spa & Salon, located on the ground floor of the hotel. This lovely 5,000-foot facility provides services focusing on total relaxation and rejuvenation, including a complete menu of massage treatments and facials as well as hair and nail services.
Another draw for Teton Springs guests is the Bronze Buffalo Sporting Club, featuring what many consider to be the best golf course in the entire region, the Headwaters Club. A round of golf on this 18-hole championship Golf Course, showcasing views of the surrounding Big Hole and Teton Mountains, is truly an extraordinary golf experience. The Bronze Buffalo Sporting Club also includes a 9-hole Par 3 course, complete practice facility, Pro Shop and Fitness Center featuring full-service equipment for cardiovascular workouts and strength training.
The Lodge suites and elegant cabins are all within easy striking distance of the area’s best hiking and mountain biking trails and the hotel can arrange for rental bikes to be delivered right to your door. But despite the myriad of activities available in this Yellowstone-Teton region on any given day, fly fishing this region’s world-famous rivers is often what draws people to Teton Springs. This hotel is literally perched in the heart of America’s best fly-fishing water and you really can’t compare Teton River fly fishing to any other angling experience in North America, especially when you factor in the incredible wildlife viewing that’s part of any Teton River outing.
This river supports a rich diversity of bird habitat including predatory raptors, upland game birds, songbirds, cranes and more. In addition, expect to spot deer munching grass on the river banks and fishing can often be delayed while you wait for a moose and her young cross the river. Binoculars and cameras are a must for any excursion on the Teton! But anglers beware – Teton River Fly Fishing can be habit forming and once you toss your fly into this Blue-Ribbon trout stream you too may soon be calling the spud state home.